Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldavia…..

SNEAK  PREVIEW….

May 6 to May 27, 2013

Day 1. May 7/13  Belgrade (BD)

Sightseeing tour of the city, visit to the Kalemegdan fortress, Republic Square, Knez Mihailova Street, Terazije, Parliament, Princess Ljubica Palace and St. Sava Church. Tour ends with a visit the House of Flowers, resting place of Tito, president of the former Yugoslavia. Dinner at a traditional restaurant in the Bohemian area of Skadarlija. Overnight.

Day 2. Belgrade – Novi Sad – Sremski Karlovci – Belgrade (BL)

Breakfast.  Full-day city tour of Novi Sad, which includes a visit to Petrovaradin Fortress, also known at the Gibraltar on the Danube. Visit to the baroque town of Sremski Karlovci. Sample the delicious and aromatic wines of the region. Tour continues to Monastery Krusedol on Fruška Gora slopes and lunch at an ethno house. Return to hotel in Belgrade. Overnight.

Day 3. Belgrade – Topola – Oplenac – Vrnjacka Spa (BL)

Breakfast. Tour of Topola and Oplenac, two beautiful spots in the heart of Serbia that serve as the resting place for Serbian kings of the Karadjordjevic Dynasty. The Karadjordjevic mausoleum is located in Oplenac. Beautiful vineyards abound  Topola. Continue to  Vrnjacka Spa. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Vrnjacka Spa – Monasteryy Studenica – Novi Pazar (BD)

After breakfast, continue to central Serbia and the 12th century Serbian Orthodox  Monastery Studenica,  that  encompass the two churches built of white marble.  Continue to Novi Pazar, muslim city in Serbia bordering with Kosovo.  Dinner at a  local restaurant. Overnight.

Day 5. Novi Pazar – Tirana (BD)

Breakfast and, departure to Tirana. Most of today we will be traveling through the rugged landscape to Albania with obligatory stops en route. Upon arrival in Tirana – Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight.

Day 6. Tirana (BD)

After breakfast, sightseeing of Tirana.  This unique city comprises an interesting mix of styles, architecture. Tirana combines the spirit and mentality of the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Middle East.  Dinner at the  local restaurant. Overnight.

Day 7. Tirana – Skoplje (BD)

Breakfast. We are on our way to Macedonia. Our first stop will be the beautiful lake Ohrid. Worldwide there only few lakes like it – lake Baikal and Lake Tanganyika being some. Perfect spot for lunch. Try some of  great Macedonian dishes. Continuing to the capital  – Skoplje. Dinner at a local restaurant . Overnight.

Day 8. Skopje – Niš (BD)

After breakfast  sightseeing of Skoplje the birthplace of Mother Theresa. Free time for lunch  and some browsing on your own. In the afternoon we will drive back to Serbia along the eastern borders of Kosovo to the city of Nis(Nish). Dinner at a local restaurant . Overnight.

Day 9. Niš-Sofia (BD)

After breakfast, sightseeing of Nis  and departure to Sofia. Upon arrival in Sofia will say goodbye to our Serbian hosts and meet our Bulgarian hosts. l. Check into our hotel for dinner  and overnight .

Day 10 – Sofia (BD)

Sightseeing this capital: Alexander Nevski Cathedral  built to honor of the Russian soldiers that lost their lives  liberating Bulgaria from the Turkish rule. The Boyana Church is a UNESCO listed monument, which contains more than 700 fresco paintings said to be amongst the oldest in Europe. The third largest synagogue in Europe and more free time, dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.

Day 11. Sofia – Koprivishtitsa- Plovdiv (BD)

After breakfast, countryside drive to Koprivishtitsa and Plovdiv.  Dinner in a restaurant in town, close to the hotel.  Overnight at the Dedeman Trimontium Princess Hotel.

Day 12. Plovdiv-Veliko Tarnovo   (BD)

Morning sightseeing of  Plovdiv.  Afternoon drive to the  beautiful Rose Valley and a visit  the  rose distillery.  On to  Veliko Tarnovo.  Dinner  and overnight at Rachev Bolyarski Hotel.

Day 13. Veliko Tarnovo- Varna (BD)

Morning sightseeing of Veliko Tarnovo. Afternoon drive  to seaside resort of  Varna. Dinner and overnight at the Golden Tulip Hotel.

Day 14. Varna

FREE!  Take a dip in the Black sea, explore the city…relax.  Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Golden Tulip Hotel.

Day 15. Varna – Bucharest (BD)

Depart Varna and drive to Romania. At Rousse  border crossing, we will change coaches, meet our new guide and driver and be on our way to Bucharest for free time for lunch before we start the tour of the Romanian capital, once nicknamed “Little Paris”. We will be visiting the Parliament Palace, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, the Opera House, the National Military Club and Academy and the Triumphal Arch. In the evening, enjoy a nice walk through the old city center and dinner at a local restaurant.  Accommodation at the Central  Hotel.

Day 16.  Bucharest-Sucheva (BD)

We are on the road for a picturesque drive to Suceava, once the capital of Moldavia arriving  here late in the afternoon. A walking tour will be welcome to stretch our bodies and explore this historical city. Dinner and accommodation at the Continental Hotel.

Day 17. Sucheva-Borgo Pass (BD)

Today we will visit the most beautiful monasteries of Bucovina. Many of which are included on the UNESCO heritage list. We start with Voronet Monastery, built by the greatest ruling prince of Moldavia, Stefan the Great in a record time (3 months and 3 weeks)  beautifully decorated by frescoes it is also called  ‘The Sistine Chapel of the East’.  The Church of the Annunciatio’s exterior paintings are the best preserved of all the churches of Bucovina. We will overnight at the Castle Dracula Hotel in Borgo Pass.

Day 18.  Piatra Fantanele – Sighisoara (BD)

After breakfast, depart for Sighisoara, the best-preserved medieval town in Romania. For its outstanding beauty, the citadel of Sighisoara was declared UNESCO patrimony. Visit the Clock Tower Museum, Romania’s first History Museum with its famous Torture Chamber and Medieval Weapons Gallery. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. It was he who inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional creation. Dinner will be in a restaurant located the house that Count Dracula was born in and accommodation at Rex Hotel.

Day 19. Sighisoara – Sinaia (BD)

Morning departure for Brasov, fairy-tale town founded in the 12th century by the Saxon settlers. Still preserves its beautiful medieval atmosphere created by many Middle Age buildings. Drive on to Bran to visit the castle – made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel as the residence of the vampire count. Continue to Sinaia also called the “Pearl of Carpathians”, Dinner at Cabana Vanatoreasca Restaurant, where you will taste the Romanian game meat and overnight at Rina Vista 3* Hotel.

Day 20. Sinia – Bucharest (BD)

Late morning leisurely departure to Bucharest for our last night on this wonderfully journey. Farewell dinner and overnight at the Central Hotel.

Day 21. May 27, 2013 – (B)  (Day 22 from our date of our departure)

After breakfast, transfer to the Bucharest airport for our flight home or onward to other destinations.

PLEASE NOTE :  THIS PROGRAM IS NOT COMPLETED. IT IS STILL WORK IN PROGRESS….

With more than 1000 islands to explore
Croatia’s indented coastline has become a hotbed for small sailing ships

Enjoy the crystal clear blue Adriatic
And its unspoiled islands

SAMPLE ITINERARIES: 7 day north or south island cruising

OPATIJA – KRK – RAB – ZADAR – MOLAT – (Ilovik) LOSINJ – CRES – OPATIJA

SPLIT – MAKARSKA – MLJET – DUBROVNIK – TRSTENIK – KORCULA – HVAR – (Bol) SPLIT

SPLIT – OMIS – KORCULA – LASTOVO – VELA LUKA – VIS – SOLTA – SPLIT

SPLIT – ROGOZNICA/PRIMOSTEN – KRKA WATERFALLS(Skradin or Zlarin) – KORNATI/SALI – ZADAR – VODICE – TROGIR – SPLIT

DUBROVNIK – KORCULA – HVAR – TRSTENIK – MLJET – SIPAN – DUBROVNIK (Montenegro excursion) -departure Sundays

Click on one of the links below for a more detailed itinerary:

• Croatia, Bosnia, & Montenegro
• Croatia Land + Cruise

Itinerary:

Sunday DUBROVNIK

Arrival at Dubrovnik airport where you will be transferred to the Gruz port and embark on one of our A category ships. Today overnight is planned in Dubrovnik port due to many different flight arrivals of other guests joining the cruise. The special charm of this old city are the buildings that have remained from the time of the old Dubrovnik Republic. A larger part of the monuments of history and culture belong to the fine but modest Renaissance architecture with some traces of the Gothic style.

Monday   DUBROVNIK – KORCULA

During breakfast departure for Korcula, the birthplace of MARCO POLO. Lunch on board in front of Lumbarda (part of Korcula). Arrival to Korcula in the afternoon where everyone is free to do their own sightseeing. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were being built for over two centuries. Overnight in port.

Tuesday  KORCULA – HVAR

Early in the morning we depart towards the little island Scedro where we will have enough time to relax and refresh in the clean, crystal blue sea. Departure for Hvar after lunch. Hvar is the longest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower; also the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. City of Hvar offers plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Hvar is often referred to as the sunshine island.

Wednesday   HVAR – TRSTENIK

We have to leave Hvar and continue our cruise towards the little town of Trstenik on Peljesac peninsula, where we will swim in the afternoon and spend the night. Lunch on board. TRSTENIK, a village and harbour in the central part of the southern coast of the island of Peljesac; population 106. Chief occupations include farming, viniculture (the famous Dingac wine), fishing and tourism. The coastline along the town and the neighbouring inlets is covered by groves of pine, offering fine ambience for swimming. The famous Grgic winery is situated here – have a walk and taste some of their lovely wine!

Thursday   TRSTENIK – MLJET

We continue our journey after breakfast towards the island and national park Mljet. Lunch on board. The whole afternoon is free to look at the salt lakes in National Park and enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful island. Overnight in port Polaca/Pomena. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, one can visit an old abbey and church, or just use a small boat to roam around the National park. Here you can rent bicycles and cycle around the lakes.

Friday      MLJET – SIPAN

Early in the morning we continue our trip towards the Elafiti islands. ELAFITI are a group of islands placed in the Adriatic Sea west of Dubrovnik. The biggest is Sipan, and to the group belong also Lopud and Kolocep (Kalamota). They attract many tourists with their beautiful scenery and sandy beaches.  Swimming and lunch planned at one of the smaller Elafiti islands. ŠIPAN, where our overnight is planned, is the biggest island of Elafiti, and also the most distant from Dubrovnik.

Saturday SIPAN – DUBROVNIK

Early departure for Dubrovnik with breakfast on route. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature along the way towards “the heaven on earth” – according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. Lunch on board and arrival to Dubrovnik early in the afternoon (around 2pm). You can explore Dubrovnik on your own or join our guided tour of Dubrovnik with an English speaking guide. Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. For those of you with more enthusiasm we recommend a walk on top of the 1940m long city walls! Overnight in port of Gruz.

Sunday DUBROVNIK – MONTENEGRO

After early breakfast (7am) we say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends and join an bus excursion to Montenegro. A small country attracting with its magnificent mountains rising above the Adriatic Sea, filled with natural beauty, clear lakes, fast rivers and serene beaches. Enjoy exploring Montenegro’s contrasting nature attractions, interesting history, culture, tradition, good weather and clean air. Up on return (approx at 6:30pm) transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Monday DUBROVNIK – MOSTAR

After breakfast join the escorted bus tour to Mostar, a city of contrasts, culture, color and cuisine. The city is divided by not only the Neretva River that flows through it but also by religion and culture from one bank to the other. Mostar, in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a memorable place to visit is where “east meets west” and where the journey to it is invigoratingly full of contrasts. Just a short drive up the Adriatic coast and then inwards following the breathtaking Neretva Valley will offer stunning views of the local countryside. Here the Neretva River enriches the land bringing to your senses the colors and scents from mandarin and kiwi plantations. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Tuesday DUBROVNIK

After breakfast and check out transfer to the airport or continue enjoying Croatia on your own.

Price per person in EUR:

Supplement for A+ category cabin + 150 EUR per person

Supplement for cabin on upper deck + 50 EUR per person (only on request)

Itinerary:

WEDNESDAY               ARRIVAL ZAGREB (D)

Arrive in Zagreb and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

THURSDAY                  ZAGREB WALKING TOUR (B)

City tour of Zagreb in the morning. A walk with your guide trough the historic Upper Town, where, among other sites, you will see St. Mark’s Church, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Lotrscak tower. Rest of the day at leisure.

FRIDAY                        ZAGREB – PLITVICE LAKES – SPLIT (B)

Croatia’s eldest and most beautiful national park. It consists of 16 lakes, connected through a series of waterfalls. An environment where Karl May movies  were made. The guests will hike through the park, have a boat ride over the emerald green Kozjak Lake and take the street train back to the entrance. Stay time in the park- 3 hours – walking shoes essential!  Drive to Split for a free evening.

SATURDAY                  SPLIT – MAKARSKA (B,L)

Guided tour of Split, a monumental city under UNESCO protection that belongs not only to Croatians, but also to you, as it is a part of the world heritage. Here we find an abundance of Roman architecture – of special interest is the Diocletian palace.Transfer to the ship and departure from Split harbour at 13:00 h with lunch. Sail along the Dalmatian coast down to Makarska Riviera.  We spend the afternoon swimming at one of the beautiful beaches on the Riviera. From this beach those feeling adventurous can join our river rafting excursion on the Cetina river and meet up with the ship in Makarska in the evening. Overnight in the port of Makarska where strolling along the streets, you will come across numerous churches and other architectural and cultural sites.

SUNDAY                       MAKARSKA – MLJET (B,L)

Early morning departure towards Mljet with the first stop on the Peljesac peninsula for a refreshing swim. The whole afternoon is free to look at the salt lakes in Mljet National Park and enjoy the sun and sea on this peaceful island. In the middle of the large lake, inside the National park, we will  visit an old abbey and church laying on a small islet. Overnight in port Polaca/Pomena

MONDAY                      MLJET – DUBROVNIK (B,L)

After breakfast we depart for Dubrovnik, which is the highlight of this cruise. On route will be time just for a short swim. Enjoy the beautiful sights of nature along the way towards “the heaven on earth” –according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. Arrive to Dubrovnik in the afternoon. Guided tour of Dubrovnik with an local guide. Take a walk through STRADUN – both a street and a square, a promenade inside the city walls. We recommend a walk on top of the 1,940 m long city walls! Overnight in the port of this magical town.

TUESDAY                     DUBROVNIK – SIPAN/TRSTENIK (B,L,D)

Morning is free to explore Dubrovnik. Discover the beauty of history through numerous monuments, little streets, churches… Around noontime we leave this magnificent town and continue our cruise towards the isle Sipan or a little town of Trstenik on the Peljesac penninsula, where we will swim in the afternoon and spend the night. Use the afternoon to visit a local winery and return for a party and a Captian’s dinner at the ship!

WEDNESDAY SIPAN/TRSTENIK – KORCULA (B,L)

After breakfast depart for Korcula, the birthplace of MARCO POLO. Lunch on the board in front of Lumbarda (part of Korcula). Arrive to Korčula late afternoon where we overnight in port. On this island you can find more legends, tales and monuments than anywhere else. Listen to the story of the stone walls, which were being built over two centuries ago. Guided tour with local guide.

THURSDAY                  KORCULA –HVAR (B,L)

Early in the morning departure for the Pakleni Islands for lunch and swimming. Departure for Hvar after lunch. Hvar is the longest island in the Adriatic. Here we can find the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower; also the oldest community theatre in Europe was founded here in 1612. City of Hvar offers abundanct entertainment full of restaurants, bars and cafes that are open long into the night. Guided tour with local guide.

FRIDAY                        HVAR (Bol) – SPLIT (B,L)

Our next stop will be the island of Brac. Swimming is planned at one of the most famous beaches in Dalmatia – Zlatni Rat near Bol (the Golden cape – its gravel promontory shifts from side to side as the wind and waves constantly change in shape). Bol is a typical fisherman’s town turned into a popular tourist destination.  After lunch we will start our journey back to Split where the last overnight is planned. On our way to Split there will be another swim-break in one of the many bays on island of Brac. Arrival to Split in the late afternoon. Enjoy the view of Split Riviera arriving in Split.

SATURDAY: SPLIT (B) Early breakfast after which it is time to say goodbye to the crew and all your new friends! Transfer to the Airport

Included services:

• 1x half board  + 1x bed & breakfast with accommodation in 4* Hotel in Zagreb city center (Hotel Dubrovnik, Hotel Palace or similar)
• 1x bed & breakfast with accommodation in 4* Hotel in Split (Hotel President, Art, Radisson or similar)
• Visitor’s taxes during land part
• Airport transfers (from Apt Zagreb and to Apt Split)
• all transfers as per itinerary
• Sightseeing: Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, Hvar, Korčula, Dubrovnik
• 7 night cruise with HB service on board of our  A+ ships (M/S Eos, M/S Ocean, M/S Azimut or similar)
• accommodation in air-conditioned TWIN or DBL cabins in the lower deck
• captain’s dinner on board the ship

Dates & prices in EUR, per person in double or twin room/cabin below deck:

-  Supplement for cabin on upper deck + 50 EUR per person (only on request)

-  Supplement for SGL room + 50% per person (only on request)

Obligatory supplement:

- VISITOR’S TAX & PORT FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED (to be paid on the spot) – EUR 20. – per person per week

Optional:

• Supplement for full board EUR 110.- per person/week (gross), min.10 pax required.
• Drink supplement: EUR 16.- per week  (netto) – incl. choice of 1 drink-glass of wine, 1 beer or 1 soft drink with lunch
• WATER SUPPLEMENT : EUR 20,00 per person per week – includes 1,5 l of water per person per day- to be paid on the spot
• English breakfast supplement: EUR 40.-per week (netto) – incl. 2 eggs, bacon, tomato and mushrooms, or fruit & yoghurt, or similar (regular continental breakfast included in price of the cruise includes: coffee, tea, milk, glass of juice, cereal, bread, a variety of spreads- butter, honey, jam, soft cheese; daily additions such as ham and cheese or boiled eggs, frankfurters, salami etc.)
• Wedding renewal package: EUR 100,00 (netto) per couple – includes wedding vows renewal ceremony performed by the captain, certificate, bottle of champagne, small gift
• 2 towels per week  for personal use will be provided,  anyone requiring more towels -additional towels can be rented at the ship for EUR 3,00 & beach towels EUR 5,00 per week

Payment:

• 150 EUR per person upon reservation
• rest payment one month prior to arrival

Conditions & Cancellation policy:

• The Captain reserves the right in changing the route in case of bad weather conditions
• Departures are guaranteed. Katarina line reserves the right in cancelling departures with less than 10 participants and changing ship name if need arises
• Guests have to follow ship rules (found in written form on the ship) esp. with regards to not bringing drinks on board.
• In case of bad behavior Katarina Line/captain reserves the right in asking clients to disembark

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF ISRAEL AND THE MYSTERY OF EGYPT

ASK FOR DETAILS….

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ISRAEL AND EGYPT

Day 01: Amman airport – meet and assist –Amman Hotel
Upon arrival We will be met and assisted with visa(no charge),  immigration and luggage. Transfer to Amman Hotel for dinner and overnight

Day 02: Amman Hotel – Jerash – Amman city tour – Dead Sea Hotel
Breakfast at hotel, we start with a late morning tour of Jerash , the best preserved city of Roman times. Drive to Amman for city tour.  Transfer to Dead Sea Hotel for dinner and overnight. Take advantage of the wellness of the Dead Sea water and mud.  Dinner and overnight

Day 03: Dead Sea Hotel – Madaba – Mt. Nebo – Kerak – Petra Hotel
After breakfast, we drive southward along the King’s Highway visiting Madaba with the oldest map of the Holy Land, and its Mosaic School and Mt. Nebo overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. We continue our drive through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujeb to Kerak . Arriving the famous Petra in the evening to enjoy the colors of the sunset. Dinner and overnight.

Day 04: Petra Hotel – Petra full day visit – Aqaba Hotel
Pick Up early to enjoy the breakfast with the sunrise  colors of Petra  the city carved into the Rose Red  Mountains by the Nabatean, late afternoon transfer to the Red Sea resort of Aqaba There still might be time for a swim before dinner and overnight.

Day 05: Aqaba Hotel – Wadi Rum jeep tour 2 Hours – Aqaba Hotel
After breakfast, drive to Wadi Rum to enjoy 2 hours Jeep tour then transfer to Aqaba hotel for remainder of the day. Enjoy the swim, sun and sand. Dinner and overnight.

Day 06: Aqaba Hotel – free day at leisure  Hotel .Breakfast – free day   -  Dinner and overnight

Day 07: Aqaba Hotel – free morning till check out – transfer to Amman Hotel
Breakfast – free time till checkout and drive to Amman – Dinner and overnight

Day 08: Amman Hotel – Amman airport
Breakfast and departure for airport.  Tour ends unless you are off to another adventure

COST:  $1389.00  CAD per person based on double / $310.00 add for single

Included: 

• Meet & assist at Amman International Airport upon arrival & departure.
• Jordan visa.
• (7) Nights Hotel Accommodation on HB Basis.  
•  Modern A/C Bus. 
•  Entrance fees
• Professional Licensed English Speaking Guide. 
•  Jeep Ride 2 Hours at Wadi Rum
•  Horse Ride in Petra
• Portage at Airport & Hotels
• All applicable taxes

Not included :

• Meals not mentioned above
•  Personal expenses & extras
• Tips to guides, driver, restaurant staff, horse boy in Petra, Wadi Rum jeep driver, any drinks with meals.

***Note*** Horse ride in Petra is obligatory to pay, but not to use.

OPTIONAL TOUR TO JORDAN

SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 10, 2012

SEP 26 – WENDESDAY – Depart home town
SEP 27 – Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel for welcome dinner and overnight.

SEP 28 & 29 – 2 days of Istanbul
After breakfast we will start to enjoy many sites of this magical country. Starting with the center of the old town, Sultan Ahmet Square and a visit to the Blue Mosque. Kknown as “blue” because of its magnificent interior decoration with blue Iznik tiles which are striking both for their color and the immense area over which they are displayed. Short walk will take us to the Hippodrome Square – the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life.. Next :The Egyptian Obelisk and;The Serpent Column. Lunch time (included). After lunch – Topkapi Palace and for the last stop today famous historical Grand Bazaar. Enjoy the free time in this historical shopping center.  Dinner on our own in one of many restaurants to choose from.
Day  2 of  Istanbul -  we will start  with a visit to St. Sophia Museum (Church) , for many centuries the largest church later converted into a mosque. Next is the historical Spice Market followed by a cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.. After lunch(included), drive from Europe to Asia via transcontinental Bosphorus Bridge, unique in the world connecting Asia and Europe. Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, and Camlica Hill to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Let’s try the Turkish bath.  Dinner on our own tonight

SEP. 30 – After breakfast, we are departing Istanbul. Enjoying the sceanery while driving along the European coast of Marmara Sea to Canakkale. Known for the WWI battlefields and memorials of Galipolli. Check into our hotel, enjoy some free time and a walk before dinner. Dinner and overnight.

Oct 01 – Pergamum/ Kusadasi
After breakfast, visit ancient Troy famous for the legendary Trojan Horse from the times of an equally legendary couple Helen & Paris and Homer’s Illiad. Continue to Pergamum, the city where parchment was invented. Visit the Acropolis of Pergamum, one of the largest libraries in the ancient world. Visit includes the Theater, the Altar of Zeus, and the temples of Tragion & Athena. Continue south, to the Ascelpion known as the world’s first health center, a sanctuary to the God of Medicine, Asclepios! Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Oct 02 – Ephesus
After breakfast, drive to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor which remains to be the best preserved ancient city in the world and one of the Seven Churches of apocalypse. We will walk the Marble Road, see the Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Trojan Fountain, and the Gymnasium. St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the death of Jesus Christ and she lived here until her death. Visit The House of Virgin Mary. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Oct 03 – Aphrodisias Hierapolis/Cotton Castle – Pamukkale
After breakfast drive to Aphrodisias, famous throughout the ancient world for its magnificent Temple of Aphrodite.Undoubtedly the most spectacular city of Caria; it is the home of the greatest sculpturing school of antiquity. Among the recently excavated ruins are a well-preserved Stadium with 20,000 seats. Dinner & overnight in Pamukkale.

Oct 4 – Hierapolis/Cotton Castle – Pamukkale
After breakfast, drive to Pamukkale,(COTTON CASTLE) as it seems when you approach across the valley where calcareous hot springs descending over hundred meters have created fascinating travertine in the form of white terraces and basins. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded by Eumenes II in the 2nd century BC. Dinner and overnight Pamukkale.

Oct 5 – Perge/Aspendos
Early morning departure for Antalya and morning visit the Pamphilian city of Perge. Enter the city through the famous Hellenistic Gate and visit the Agora, the Bath Complex and the Nymphaeum. Continue to Aspendos to admire the magnificent theater with its unique acoustics and Roman Aqueduct. Dinner and overnight .

Oct 6 – Antalya/ Konya/ Cappadocia
After breakfast, drive to Konya, in the days of Roman Empire, Konya was called Iconium “the city of icons”. Drive to Cappadocia for dinner & overnight. After the dinner, enjoy the performance of “Whirling Dervishes”. Dinner and overnight .

Oct 7 – Cappadocia
Before breakfast OPTIONAL “Balloon Tour”
After breakfast, start the visits with Goreme Valley museum consists of steep cliffs and many hidden churches. Continue with visiting Avanos, a small town famous for its pottery built along the banks of Kizilirmak (Hayls River). Visit traditional pottery making house where you will see your own talents in producing your own pottery. Visit Natural Citadel of Uchisar makes an excellent base from which to explore the unique Cappadocian landscape. Continue to Urgup to sample the wine produced in the region. Enjoy the panoramic view over Goreme from the Red & Rose Valleys.Dinner and overnight.

Oct 8 – Cappadocia/Ankara
Departure from Capapdocia to Ankara along the Silk Road. En-route we stop at the well preserved Agzikarahan Caravanserai – public buildings built on the caravan rotues for trade in normal times and for military use in times of emergencies. We will visit Mausoleum of Ataturk founder of the Turkish Republic, The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Dinner and overnight.
Oct 9 – Ankara / Istanbul
After breakfast, drive to Istanbul. Farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant will be enhanced by performances of, folk dancing, belly dancers, and singers.

Oct 10 – Istanbul
Departure transfer to airport for your flight home or to another adventure (B) – Click here for a description of an optional tour to Jordan.

COST: $3895.00 CAD per person in twin/double   $645.00 CAD Single Supplement

INCLUDES:  Airfare from Winnipeg and Vancouver to Istanbul /Return,                                      Accommodation in a 4* hotels throughout, Breakfast and dinner or lunch daily, A/C bus, Professional English speaking guide, Entrance fess on mentioned sites, Parking fees and hotel taxes .

NOT INCLUDED: All personal expenses, Tips(guides, driver, waiter etc.), Beverage                       Insurance -canellation/health, Airline/airport/security taxes and fees.

Things YOU see, smell, tase, feel… can never be taken away from you !                                                                      Travel the world – It will be YOURS forever !