The Occidental Tourist
A Turkish Delight
May 18 – June 1, 2006

BRIDGE BETWEEN CONTINENTS

In the southeastern corner of Europe lies the Turkish Republic—a land of beauty, abundance, great cities, quaint villages, fertile mountain valleys, and azure seas. It is the home of the Turks, a proud people with a great heritage, a deep history, and a smile for every visitor.
     Turkey is part of Europe, but it is hardly like the rest of Europe. It has a special place in world geography, history and commerce. For centuries, the fertile peninsula called Anatolia or Asia Minor, has been a land bridge linking Europe with Western Asia. In Istanbul you can actually walk across a great bridge from one continent to the other. For thousands of years people have migrated across this beautiful land, or have sailed along its shores. Many people have stopped to enjoy its natural beauty and wealth, and have left behind wonderful treasures of art and architecture.
     Turkey’s history starts in prehistoric times and includes many important events. Classical Hellenic culture and art was born on these shores and great men of philosophy, science and literature lived and worked here. Rome ruled Anatolia and the Romans built hundreds of great theatres. At Ephesus, Roman audiences listened to the sermons of St. Paul as he toured the Seven Churches of Asia. St. Paul was born in Tarsus, on Turkey’s southern shore. The Virgin Mary lived her last years here in a small cottage near Ephesus, a fact confirmed by the Vatican and Pope John II, who personally visited this site.
     Santa Claus, of all people, was born here! Yes, Saint Nick (Nicholas) actually began his fabled existence during Roman times as a bishop in a city on Turkey’s south coast. He gave his first Christmas presents to the local young people. After his death he became a saint, and the Church of Saint Nicholas, in the town of Demre, commemorates his life and work.
     Turkey has seen some amazing things over the centuries. Ancient Troy was the scene of a fabled bloody deceit. In medieval times, the Crusaders marched through Anatolia. They built romantic castles while carrying out their brutal campaigns. Constantinople was the seat of the Ottoman Empire's vast land holdings during more than 400 years of expansion. Thousands of young men lost their lives at Gallipoli during World War I as the Empire was in its own death throes.
     Cross the bridge from the Western world you have always known to a land of mystery and romance. Walk the streets of ancient classical cities. Feel the warmth of the calcium-rich, warm waters of Pamukkale, a favorite health spa of the Romans. Conclude the journey with a glorious week aboard a private yacht on the world-famous Turquoise Coast.
     For thousands of years the Orient and the Occident have come together in Turkey, and in their coupling they have created wondrous works to be enjoyed today. Join us as we experience a country where the mysteries of the East, the beauties of nature, and the pleasures of modern living are blended in fabulous ways never before experienced by The Occidental Tourist.

ITINERARY

Thursday, May 18, 2006
Depart the U.S.

Arrange your international flight to leave your home city this evening, arriving in Istanbul tomorrow morning.

Friday, May 19, 2006
Arrive in Istanbul

This morning arrive in Istanbul, Turkey. We provide one group transfer from the airport to our hotel timed to accommodate the greatest number of arriving group members. Private transfers can be arranged for those arriving at other times. The afternoon is free to relax at our wonderful hotel or go exploring on your own. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner with brief orientation and introductions all around. Overnight in Istanbul.     (Dinner included)

Saturday, May 20, 2006
Introduction to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel we take a full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. In the morning, we arrive at the Topkapi Palace for a guided tour. It is such an extensive storehouse of treasures that a full half day is required to see most sections. You may stay with the group or strike out on your own for a few hours to explore the riches of this world famous museum.
     After a break for lunch we tour Hippodrome Square (site of ancient chariot races) and Saint Sophia, two more of the many amazing sights of Istanbul. Time permitting, take a stroll through the amazing Grand Bazaar. This evening dine at a local restaurant with a performance of belly dancers.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, May 21, 2006
Istanbul Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy another full day of guided sightseeing in Istanbul. This morning tour the Dolmabahce Palace of the Sultans, visiting both the Men’s Section and the Women’s Quarters, the Meeting Rooms, the Sultan’s Bedroom, Harem, and Living Room. We also visit the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum and the Blue Mosque.     (Breakfast)

Monday, May 22, 2006
Gallipoli / The Dardanelles

After breakfast at the hotel travel to the Gallipoli Battlefield, site of one of the great Allied failures of the First World War, where an attempt to take Turkey out of the war ended with more than 500,000 casualties. You can still see the barricades and trenches from 1915, and the Lone Pine Cemetery serves as last resting place for many soldiers who lost their lives here. In nearby Eceabat visit the Ari Burnu War Memorial. Travel across the Dardanelle Straight into Asia, arriving at Canakkale. After reaching our hotel the remainder of the afternoon and evening are free.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Troy to Izmir

After breakfast at the hotel visit legendary Troy, home of the famous wooden horse and the beautiful queen Helen. We tour the ancient site and the museum. Proceed to Bergama, one of Turkey's oldest civilized settlements, inhabited from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. We will tour one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures here—the ruins of the Roman medical center of Asklepion. Arrive in Izmir this afternoon and the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Ephesus / Pamukkale

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Ephesus, the best preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean. This is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to soak in a genuine atmosphere of ancient Roman times. We tour the ruins, including the 2,000 year old marble streets and Hadrian’s Temple, and the Virgin Mary’s cottage. In the afternoon, drive through fertile valleys to arrive at the white lime cascade cliffs of Pamukkale. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the spa services at our hotel. Dinner is provided at our hotel this evening.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Turquoise Coast

After breakfast at the hotel take a half-day sightseeing tour of the archaeological site of Pamukkale. The calcium oxide-rich waters flowing down the hillsides located north of the ruins have, over the millennia, built up deposits of white limestone travertine terraces on the plateau thus fully justifying both the site’s ancient name of Hierapolis (Holy City) and its modern one of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle). Afterwards, travel to the port of Gocek, where we board our beautiful gulet yacht for a six-day cruise along the Turquoise Coast.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Friday, May 26, 2006
Bays All Day

The following sketch of a possible sailing itinerary is subject to weather and other variables. Departing from a bay near Gocek, sail along the high-forested hills of the coastline. There will be plenty of time to enjoy some secluded beaches, with swimming stops at the coves of Bedri Rahmi Bay and Gumruk. Overnight in the bay of Manastir and explore the surrounding areas.     (All Meals)

Saturday, May 27, 2006
Oludeniz / Gemiler Island

Continue along the Mediterranean coastline, cruising to Oludeniz, making a long swimming stop in a place generally considered the Gem of the Turquoise Coast. Continue sailing to Gemiler Island, which has the ruins of a sizeable Byzantine settlement where we can still see evidence of some marvelous mosaic floors. This lonely bit of craggy coastline was rumored to once have been a pirate stronghold.     (All Meals)

Sunday, May 28, 2006
Ekincik

Early morning departure to Ekincik, sailing in the labyrinth of the reed-clogged Dalya Cayi delta. The beach of Iztuzu is famous for sea turtles that swim all the way from South Africa to lay their eggs on the beach here. From Ekincik, you may want to take an optional boat trip to the ancient city of Kaunos to view Lycian rock tombs and enjoy a sulfur mud bath.     (All Meals)

Monday, May 29, 2006
Agalimani / Tersane

Today we begin the sail back to Gocek, although our gulet yacht will be stopping at different locations on the return route. Sail to Agalimani, a quiet spot for our group to go swimming and enjoy lunch. In late afternoon, arrive at the Bay of Tersane, with its Byzantine ruins and ancient shipyards, where our boat anchors for the night.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Fethiye / Yassica Islands

This morning sail on to Fethiye, once the Lycian settlement of Telmessos, now a lively port and market town with a pretty waterfront, the pretty Calis Beach, and the famous rock tomb of King Amyntas. In the afternoon, cruise onward to Yassica Islands, an archipelago of five small islets with beautiful sandy beaches and underwater ruins for snorkeling. Overnight at anchor here. Tonight we toast our crew and thank them for their services during our voyage.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Fethiye / Istanbul

This morning return to Fethiye, where we disembark the ship and board a motorcoach bound for the Dalaman Airport. We catch a late morning flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and the afternoon is free. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner to say farewell to Turkey and our fellow Occidental Tourists.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Thursday, June 1, 2006
Departure

The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Toto Tours provides one group transfer from our hotel to the airport timed to accommodate the greatest number of departing group members. Arrange your international flight to depart any convenient time today. Toto Tours has favorable hotel rates for those who wish to extend their stay in Istanbul either before or after the tour.     (Breakfast)