Join us on onboard our custom-built deluxe Emerald 'Star Ship' and experience the romance of Europe's waterways.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/488581
76 76 Day 1 Arrive Istanbul (D) Welcome to Turkey. You will be met at Ataturk International Airport by your Evergreen Tours representative and transferred ^ to your centrally located hotel. Meet up with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner tonight. Two Night Stay: And Hotel or similar Day 2 Istanbul sightseeing HD (FB,HD) A full city tour including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cisterne. There is then free time to explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, with over 4000 shops this is the largest covered market in the world. Later we transfer to the waterfront to join our afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus, one of the world's busiest and most important waterways, linking the Mediterranean with the Black Sea. Tonight enjoy a highlight dinner with traditional Turkish dancing from different regions of the country. Day 3 Istanbul to Ankara (FB,L) An early start today as we drive out through the surrounding mountains and onto the Turkish Capital, Ankara. Here we visit the mausoleum of the great Turkish leader, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Overnight Stay: Ankara Hotel Day 4 Ankara to Cappadocia (FB,D) This morning we visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, before departing across the Anatolian plain viewing the Salt Lake on the fabled Silk Road. Later we arrive in the surreal lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys reach up from rock formations and whole towns are carved out of the sandstone mountains. We reach the town of Urgup where we stay in the unique Alfi na Cave Hotel. Three Night Stay: Alfi na Cave Hotel, Cappadocia Day 5 Cappadocia (FB) Touring this unique area is an unforgettable experience. From the rocky crags of Goreme, the unique carved caves of Uchisar Castle to the surrounding extraordinary landscapes, you will be amazed. We also visit the Monastery of Zelve which was an important complex in the 9th Century. Day 6 Cappadocia (FB,D) Today we explore the incredible underground cities of Cappadocia, hundreds of deep caverns, passages and pathways carved out by Christians hiding from Muslim invaders. Tonight we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Discover More: Balloon fl ight over Cappadocia (see pages 134-137) Day 7 Cappadocia to Konya (FB,D) This morning we leave Cappadocia and re-join the Anatolian plains across to Konya, a traditional caravan stop on the old routes, and home to the Whirling Dervishes, an unusual Muslim group best known for their ritual dances and haunting music. Tonight enjoy an included dinner at your hotel. Overnight Stay: Konya Hotel Day 8 Konya to Antalya (FB) After breakfast we travel south to the seaside town of Antalya where there is time to relax and take a stroll on the beach, or you can visit the local archaeological museum which includes 'God's Gallery' – a collection of classical god statues. Tonight is free for you to enjoy the town. Two Night Stay: Antalya Hotel Day 9 Antalya surrounds (FB,D) Today we visit the largely intact Roman theatre of Aspendos dating back to 155 AD. Then to Side, an archaeological wonderland surrounded by the deep waters of the Mediterranean. Tonight enjoy the local seafood at a seaside restaurant. Day 10 Antalya to Pamukkale (FB,D) Heading north away from the coast we arrive at Pamukkale (Hierapolis) famous for its white cliffs carved by thermal springs containing chalk. There are thick white layers of limestone and travertine fl owing down the hill in step like formations. Overnight Stay: Thermal Colossae Hotel or similar Day 11 Pamukkale to Kusadasi (FB) Ephesus is the world's best preserved ancient city that once housed the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World completed in 550 B.C. Continue onto the coastal town of Kusadasi. Enjoy the lively town at leisure tonight. Two Night Stay: Grand Onder Hotel Day 12 Kusadasi (FB) Today is a chance to re-charge your batteries, enjoy the markets, do some washing or stroll on the beach. Day 13 Pergamon – Troy – Canakkale (FB,D) Heading north we visit the Acropolis which contains the ruins of Pergamon's 200,000 volume library. Then continue to the legendary site of the Trojan Wars, with a tour by a local guide and a replica of the famous Trojan Horse. Overnight Stay: Kolin Hotel Day 14 Gallipoli to Istanbul (FB,D) Crossing the straits of the Dardenelles we get a true view of the task taken on by the ANZAC's, then tour the sites of this famous WWI attempted invasion. Our local guide will take us to ANZAC Cove, then to the Australian War Memorial at Lone Pine, then the NZ Memorial at Chunuk Bair. Overnight Stay: And Hotel, Istanbul or similar Day 15 Istanbul – Budapest Embarkation HD (FB,HD) After breakfast say goodbye to new found friends and be transferred^ to the International Airport for your onward fl ight to Budapest (fl ight not included). In the afternoon a warm welcome awaits you from your crew. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a traditional Hungarian Welcome dinner. Day 16 Budapest (FB,L,D) Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fisherman's Bastion, the Matthias Church, Hero Square and the Chain Bridge. Day 17 Bratislava (FB,L,D) Enjoy a sightseeing tour of enchanting Bratislava, the capital of the Republic of Slovakia. You're Invited: The highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. Day 18 Vienna (FB,L,D) Today we explore Austria's capital including the Opera House, Burgtheatre, Town Hall and Hofburg Imperial Palace. Discover More: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss and/or Schonbrunn Palace tour (see pages 134-137) 29 Day Wonders of Turkey Cappadocia, Turkey & Splendours of Europe River Cruise