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City Highlights ISTANBUL: Welcome and farewell dinners; guided sightseeing; visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapai Seraglio, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Covered BazaarIZNIK (NICEA): OrientationBURSA: Guided sightseeing, visit the Green Ottoman Complex, the Great Mosque, and the Silk BazaarAKHISAR (THYATHIRA): OrientationSARDES (SART): OrientationALASEHIR (PHILADELPHIA): OrientationPAMUKKALE: Guided visit of the ruins of Hieropolis and the Maryrium of Apostle Philip; orientation of Laodicea and AphrodisiasKUSADASI: OrientationPATMOS: Boat cruise; visit the Cave of the ApocalypseEPHESUS: Guided visit to the archaeological site, including the House of Mary and Basilica of John the EvangelistIZMIR (SMYRNA): Orientation including Mount PagosBERGAMA (PERGAMUM): Guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis and AsclepeionTROY: OrientationDARDANELLES:Ferry crossing over the StraitsNOTE:A multiple entry visa is required as you enter Greece on this vacation. Meals 9 buffet breakfasts (BB); 1 lunch (L); 9 three-course dinners (D), including welcome and farewell dinners in Istanbul. Hotels: ISTANBUL Grand Surmeli (SF), BURSA Kervansaray Thermal (F), PAMUKKALE Lycus River at Kahara (F), KUSADASI Grand Ondre (F), IZMIR Anemon (F), TROY AREA Akol at Canakkale (F), ISTANBUL Grand Surmeli (SF)
Day 1:
(Tue.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight. Day 2: Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey. (Wed.) After arrival at Atatürk Airport, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to begin exploring the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. It is the gateway between the Orient and Occident as well as the Islamic and Christian worlds. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director, then enjoy this evening’s welcome dinner with your traveling companions. (D) Day 3: Istanbul–Iznik–Bursa. (Thu.) Guided sightseeing in Istanbul includes visits to the BLUE MOSQUE and TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Then journey to Iznik (Nicea), site of the First and Second Councils in the early Christian church. The Nicean Creed was written at the First Council to more clearly define the Trinity. Then continue to Bursa. Guided sightseeing features a visit to the GREEN OTTOMAN COMPLEX, the GREAT MOSQUE (Ulu Camii), and the SILK BAZAAR. (BB,D) Day 4: Bursa–Akhisar–Sardes (Sart)–Alasehir–Pamukkale. (Fri.) Visit Akhisar (Thyathira), a church praised for its increasing faith but criticized for its tolerance of Jezebel, a local false prophet who mislead the local Christians (Rev. 2:18- 29). Arrive in Sardes to visit the SYNAGOGUE, which has been dated back to the 3rd century and where sacred books were kept. Also, see the GYMNASIUM located on the south side of the synagogue. The gymnasium was constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Septimius Server (193-211). Afterwards, visit Sart, the church with a reputation for being alive, but which God announced dead. (Rev. 3:1-6). Next, enjoy an orientation of Alasehir (Philadelphia), the church which received God’s highest commendation (Rev. 3:7-13). Arrive in Pamukkale, home to the spectacular hot springs, for your overnight. (BB,D) Day 5: Pamukkale—Hierapolis—Laodicea—Aphrodisias— Kusadasi. (Sat.) This morning features a guided visit to the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, an important seat of early Christianity. Visit the MARTYRIUM of Apostle Philip. Continue to the ancient city and church of Laodicea where Apostle John chastised the inhabitants for being lukewarm (Rev. 3:14-22). Next, stop in Aphrodisias, dedicated to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and once a center for the arts. Due to the influence of Christianity in the 6th-century A.D., the name was changed to Stavropolis meaning “City of the Cross.” In the 13th century it was abandoned altogether. On to your hotel in Kusadasi. (BB,D) Day 6: Kusadasi. Excursion to Patmos, Greece. (Sun.) Enjoy a BOAT CRUISE to Patmos Island and visit the CAVE OF THE APOCALYPSE, where John the Evangelist wrote the Book of Revelation during his exile (Rev. 1:9-11). Balance of the day is at leisure. (BB,L,D) Day 7: Kusadasi. Excursion to Ephesus. (Mon.) Arrive at Ephesus, one of the New Testament’s most significant cities (Rev. 2:1-7). Apostle Paul came in 53 A.D. to this ancient city and wrote his famous epistle (Acts 18:19-26; Ephesians) to its inhabitants. According to tradition, the Apostle John wrote his Gospel here. This is also the place where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Visit the ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, including the HOUSE OF MARY, and the BASILICA OF JOHN THE EVANGELIST. (BB,D) Day 8: Kusadasi–Izmir. (Tue.) Journey to Izmir (Smyrna), and enjoy an orientation tour. The city was established in 3,000 B.C., and one of the Seven Churches which John referred to as the poor, persecuted church that God announced was rich due to their faithfulness amidst their suffering (Rev. 2:8-11). Also visit MOUNT PAGOS, where Alexander the Great is regarded as the founder of the city. In 334 B.C., Alexander the Great visited Smyrna and fell asleep while hunting on Mount Pagos. In his dream, the goddess Nemesis asked him to bring the people of the Smyrna-Bayrakli there to establish a new city. Enjoy your overnight stay in Izmir. (BB,D) Day 9: Izmir–Bergama–Troy Area. (Wed.) Visit Bergama (Pergamum), the church that John both affirmed and chastised (Rev. 2:12-17). See the Red Basilica which housed the 1st-century Christian church referred to by John in Revelation. In addition, Pergamum was an active trade and commerce city in the early centuries, which allowed it to develop the first parchment to compete against the Egyptian papyrus. Visit the Greek ACROPOLIS designed to imitate the one in Athens. Also visit the ASCLEPEION, once dedicated to the Greek god of healing. Continue to TROY, the perfect place to brush up on Homer’s Trojan War, hollow wooden horse and all. Spend the night at nearby Canakkale. (BB,D) Day 10: Troy Area–Istanbul. (Thu.) By FERRY, cross the Dardanelles back to Europe and the 20th century. Return to Istanbul and continue guided sightseeing including a visit to the HAGIA SOPHIA (meaning Holy Wisdom and named by 4th-century theologians) which began as an early Christian church. Next, visit the GRAND COVERED BAZAAR with plenty of time to explore its 4,000 tiny shops. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. (BB,D) Day 11: Istanbul. (Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
ISTANBUL: Welcome and farewell dinners; guided sightseeing; visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapai Seraglio, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Covered BazaarIZNIK (NICEA): OrientationBURSA: Guided sightseeing, visit the Green Ottoman Complex, the Great Mosque, and the Silk BazaarAKHISAR (THYATHIRA): OrientationSARDES (SART): OrientationALASEHIR (PHILADELPHIA): OrientationPAMUKKALE: Guided visit of the ruins of Hieropolis and the Maryrium of Apostle Philip; orientation of Laodicea and AphrodisiasKUSADASI: OrientationPATMOS: Boat cruise; visit the Cave of the ApocalypseEPHESUS: Guided visit to the archaeological site, including the House of Mary and Basilica of John the EvangelistIZMIR (SMYRNA): Orientation including Mount PagosBERGAMA (PERGAMUM): Guided sightseeing, visit the Acropolis and AsclepeionTROY: OrientationDARDANELLES:Ferry crossing over the StraitsNOTE:A multiple entry visa is required as you enter Greece on this vacation.
CURRENT SPECIALS: Book now and take $200 off per couple on any air-inclusive European Low Season Vacations.* * Book a 2008/2009 Globus Europe Winter air-inclusive vacation on select carriers to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and August 31, 2008 for travel commencing between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one another or any offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Save up to $600 per stateroom on 2009 Globus River and Small Ship Cruises Discover an entirely new way to uncover the wonders of the world with river and small ship cruises. From a wine tasting adventure through the vineyards of France to island hopping in the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find a Globus river or small ship cruise that speaks to your heart. There’s simply no more peaceful way to sample the charming cities and awe-inspiring sights of Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands.
*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $125 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 14 and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus Discount for young travelers Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.
Pay less for your second vacation We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.
Triple room reduction On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.
Avoid the single room supplement We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!
Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel? Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!
*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. |
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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