2017 - APT Small Ships

30 CRUISE APPEAL This Soft Expedition cruise showcases a different side of Europe and will dock in ports with a choice of active or gentle pace excursions. It will appeal to guests who: ✫ Have a passion for learning about Turkey's ancient culture, magnificent landscapes and iconic wonders ✫ Wish to explore some of Europe's most dazzling ports, and see some truly amazing archaeological sites ✫ Have an interest in historic architecture ✫ Are keen to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine ✫ Immerse yourself in the inspiring natural landscapes of Cappadocia ✫ Take in the unique travertine terraces and hot mineral springs of Pamukkale ✫ Enjoy traditional Ottoman music during an Ottoman-style dinner at the Chora Museum ✫ Experience a moving excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula ✫ Enjoy the ultimate Greek farm experience at a family operated property, including an authentic meal featuring local farm produce as well as music and dancing ✫ APT's included Freedom of Choice™ Sightseeing in Istanbul, Mykonos, Nafplio, Valletta, Cagliari, Alghero, Mahon and Port de Soller CRUISE & TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Turkey & Mediterranean Odyssey 25 Day Soft Expedition Cruise & Land Tour | MS Island Sky Turkey | Greece | Italy | Malta | Spain Day 1. Arrive Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and be transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. Stay: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. Day 2. Istanbul, Cappadocia. Cappadocia awaits your discovery as you fly from Istanbul. With its famous otherworldly landscapes and underground cities carved from soft volcanic stone, this is sure to be a highlight of your journey. Descend into the underground city of Kaymakli where you'll learn of the early troglodyte lifestyle, before transferring to your hotel carved into the landscape of fairy chimneys. Two Night Stay: Cappadocia, Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar. BD Day 3. Cappadocia, Goreme. Commence with a tour through the natural pinnacles of Goreme. Discover the chimneys, rock-hewn temples and troglodyte villages of one of the world's largest cave-dwelling complexes, which dates back to the 4th century. You will also visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where scores of refectory monasteries are considered some of the best examples of fine rock-cut churches. Continue to the town of Avanos, famous for its high quality earthenware, then stop at Pasabagi in the Red Valley for a pottery workshop in a cave. BD Day 4. Cappadocia, Izmir. Fly to the grand port city of Izmir. Wander the seafront kordon (promenade) and tour the ancient market place, first built in the 4th century BC. Then enjoy sweeping views from Kadifekale Castle. Stay: Izmir, Swissotel Grand Efes Hotel. BD Day 5. Izmir, Pamukkale. Travel through a series of lush valleys to Aphrodisias. Known as the 'City of Aphrodite', this is considered one of the region's most fascinating archaeological sites, with its hilltop acropolis that dates all the way back to the early Bronze Age. Continue to Pamukkale, where white travertine terraces formed by hot mineral springs have given it the name, 'Cotton Fortress'. Two Night Stay: Pamukkale, Doga Thermal Health & Spa or similar. BD Day 6. Pamukkale, Hierapolis. Visit the World Heritage-listed ancient 'sacred city' of Hierapolis, famed for its sacred hot springs. Afterwards, return to Pamukkale and marvel at the famous and spectacular terraces, with the water temperature a sublime 35ºC. BD Day 7. Pamukkale, Antalya. Travel to Antalya and enjoy a guided tour of the splendid Archaeological Museum. Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Signature Invitation Discover the spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia E X P E D I T I O N S O F T E X P E D I T I O N www.aptouring.com.au

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