Day 1
-
(Fri.) Make your own way to join the tour in Istanbul on day
2.
Day 2
- Arrival in Istanbul, Turkey
(Sat.) After arrival at Atatürk Airport, check into your
hotel. The rest of the day is free to start soaking up the unique
atmosphere of this city built on two continents. At 6 p.m. meet
your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at
your hotel. (D)
Day 3
- Istanbul
(Sun.) Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years
ago, renamed Constantinople in the year 330 when Constantine the
Great elected it the capital of the Roman Empire, and finally
called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the
city on the Bosporus always was and still is one of the most
exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway
between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian world,
the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent
history. Start your sightseeing at Emperor Justinian's HAGIA SOPHIA
and Sultan Ahmet's BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two
competing world religions standing peacefully side by side. Next
turn to the TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Admire its exquisite collection of Chinese porcelain and the
stunning Imperial Treasury including the "Spoonmaker's Diamond."
After a lunch break tour the GRAND BAZAAR (arranged next morning if
closed today) with its 4,000 tiny shops. The rest of the afternoon
is free. For a taste of Turkish night life, join our optional
dinner outing and discover the fascination of belly dancing.
(BB)
Day 4
- Istanbul-Bursa
(Mon.) Set out today on your discovery tour of a country with
the population of Britain and more than three times its size. Cross
the Bosporus and then follow the shores of the Sea of Marmara to
the Gulf of Gemlik. Here you head inland towards the Uludag, also
called the Mount Olympus of Mysia, a 7,700-foot skiing mountain.
Bursa lies in its shade, surrounded by lovely orchards and tobacco
fields. Founded by the Greeks, and hotly contested during the
Crusades, Bursa had its heyday as the first capital of the Ottoman
Empire. In the afternoon visit the great monuments to this period:
the ornate GREEN OTTOMAN COMPLEX and the GREAT MOSQUE (Ulu Camii)
and the ancient Covered Bazaar. (BB,D)
Day 5
- Bursa-Ankara
(Tue.) Motor into the heart of the Anatolian Highland. After a
break at Eskisehir, whose meerschaum pipes are world-famous, head
for GORDION. Tour the excavations of the capital of the ancient
Kingdom of Phrygia, where Alexander the Great cut the proverbial
knot and thus opened the way to Asia. Hear about the legend of King
Midas with the golden touch as you visit the ruler's great EARTH
TUMULUS. Overnight in Ankara, capital of the Turkish Republic since
1923 and the country's second-largest city. (BB,D)
Day 6
- Ankara-Cappadocia
(Wed.) Morning visit to the MAUSOLEUM OF ATATÜRK, the
revered founder of the Republic, and the MUSEUM OF ANATOLIAN
CIVILIZATIONS with its unique collection of Hittite sun discs, stag
cult figures and reliefs, and Phrygian metalwork. In the afternoon
head through the salt steppes and swamps of central Anatolia
towards the volcanic plateau of Cappadocia. En route a visit to the
walled 13th-century Seljuk CARAVANSARY OF AGCIKARAHAN. (BB,D)
Day 7
- Cappadocia
(Thu.) Today visit the unreal moon-landscape of Göreme with
its ROCK CHAPELS carved by the early Christians and decorated with
frescoes dating from the 6th to the 10th century. Next are the
Byzantine MONASTIC COMPLEX of Zelve, the TROGLODYTE VILLAGE of
Avcilar, and the UNDERGROUND CITY of Özkonak. Before returning
to the hotel, enjoy the sweeping panorama at ancient Ortahisar.
(BB,D)
Day 8
- Cappadocia-Konya
(Fri.) West today to the land of the Whirling Dervishes. Morning
break south of the great salt lake Tuz Gölü in the
fortress-like CARAVANSARY OF SULTANHANI. Afternoon in Konya. The
Iconium of antiquity occupies a fertile island in the arid
Anatolian steppes. Man has lived here since the early Stone Age,
and the town had its moment of glory as the capital of the mighty
Seljuk Empire from 1078 to 1307. Today it thrives on agriculture
and the manufacture of fine carpets. Afternoon sightseeing features
visits to three outstanding Seljuk structures: the MEVLANA
MONASTERY of the Dervishes, now a museum; the KARATAY MEDRESE
(theological school); and the elegant INCE MINARET. (BB,D)
Day 9
- Konya-Antalya
(Sat.) Drive west to Aksehir, then south across the Taurus
Mountains into the luxuriant green forests, orchards, and olive
groves on the hills sloping down to the sparkling blue
Mediterranean Sea. You enter an area only recently discovered by
discerning European vacationers. (BB,D)
Day 10
- At Leisure in Antalya
(Sun.) A full day to enjoy this Mediterranean paradise and to
discover its antique treasures. If you wish, join an optional
excursion to the Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos.
(BB,D)
Day 11
- Antalya-Pamukkale
(Mon.) Morning drive inland across two mountain passes to
Pamukkale. The name means "Cotton Castle" and refers to the
spectacular white lime cascades formed by its hot springs. Visit
the fascinating archaeological site of HIERAPOLIS, the thermal
resort founded by a Pergamene king in 190 BC. and greatly enlarged
and embellished by the Romans. At the hotel tonight, a leisurely
bath in a pool of hot thermal water might be just the way to relax.
(BB,D)
Day 12
- Pamukkale-Izmir
(Tue.) Follow the valley of the Menderes River to Ephesus, home
of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus and later the capital of Roman
Asia Minor. When St. Paul arrived here he was so awestruck that he
asked: "Is there a greater city?" Visit one of the best-preserved
ancient AMPHITHEATERS, then drive up to the CHAPEL marking the site
where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days.
Overnight in Izmir (Smyrna), Homer's birthplace on the Aegean
coast. (BB,D)
Day 13
- Izmir-Troy Area
(Wed.) Start with visits to the ACROPOLIS OF PERGAMUM, an
ancient center of learning and the arts, and the ASCLEPION, a
shrine to the Greek god of medicine. Then enjoy vistas of the Greek
island of Lesbos as you follow the shores of the Bay of Edremit.
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 14
- Troy Area-Istanbul
(Thu.) By FERRY across the Dardanelles back to Europe and the
20th-century. Visit the World War I battlefields on the Gallipoli
Peninsula where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New
Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay
tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the ANZAC
CEMETERY. Then drive along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara
back to Istanbul. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with your
traveling companions. (BB,D)
Day 15
-
(Fri.) Leave the tour to make your way home.
Other Information -
Every Journey Tells a Story
A Globus Journey. When you travel with Globus, you get more
than the sights. You get the stories behind them that bring a
destination to life, creating unforgettable journeys.
Let Globus take you to places that expand your horizons and
encourage personal discovery. Experience a destination in a deeper,
more memorable way-the Globus way.
The Globus Difference
Globus vacations are designed to offer you flexibility and choice,
plus a pace that best fits the way you want to travel. Globus
offers MORE included features, MORE quality hotels, and MORE
experience with more than 75 years of taking travellers on
unforgettable journeys. In addition, Globus offers MORE value with
an average price less per day than our nearest competitor. The
safety of our travellers and the richness of our vacations is a
priority, and it is what has made Globus the worldwide leader in
travel and a name you can trust.
With Globus, you visit the key sights, but, more importantly, you
learn the stories behind the sights-from the Sistine Chapel, the
Colosseum and the Forum in Rome, to the Prado Museum in Madrid and
Michelangelo's David in the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, your
journey is filled with insider's information unique to your Globus
vacation. You'll also enjoy many inclusions such as cruises,
high-speed trains, and Local Guides. We offer over twice the number
of included features as our nearest competitor, without any
additional cost to you.
Globus not only brings you the experiences that others simply don't
offer, we also ensure that you end up with more free time to enjoy
your destination on your own. Most competitors require you to take
extra optional excursions to see these important sights, costing
you additional time and money. And, if you don't join their
excursion, you'll spend most of your time waiting in line. But with
Globus, these sights are already included, freeing up the remainder
of your time to enjoy independent activities.
Leave all the details to us. We provide a Tour Director,
comfortable transportation, many meals, a rich sightseeing
programme and much more!
Accurate, detailed tour descriptions -
Read our tour descriptions and you'll understand the true value
of our tours. The agenda for each day is spelled out so that you
know exactly what is included in the price. Inside visits are
spelled out in UPPERCASE. With Globus you don't have to guess.
Compare what we give you in a tour with what other companies
offer-and then compare prices. You'll see why knowledgeable
travelers consider Globus vacations the best value on the market
with even more savings in the off season.
Saving Options -
Various reductions are possible: group reduction, child reduction,
triple room reduction, multiple tour reduction
Discount for
young tour members
Share
the pleasure of a Globus tour 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 old on the
departure date, and must be accompanied by an adult.
On escorted tours we do not accept children under eight years old
because we've found that they are too young to enjoy these
vacations.
On Monograms-Independent Vacations there is no age
restriction.
New! For
Monograms-Independent Vacations the following land only discounts
apply:
- Free of charge: infants under 2 years of age sharing adult's
accommodation
- 50% discount: under 12 years of age when sharing accommodation
with two adults
- 10% discount: under 18 years of age
Note: We recommend that children under 12 years of age share
accommodation with an adult.
Triple room
reduction
On most Globus tours you receive a reduction when three people
travel together and share the same accommodation. Triple room
reductions are listed on the tour pages. A word of caution: Triple
rooms usually are not larger than twin rooms, and the third bed, if
there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room for the
night.
Avoid the
single room supplement
Single rooms are expensive and often are quite small. We do not
take reservations on a "share" basis because we have found that
strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of a
vacation. Sidestep the single room supplement by travelling with a
friend. It's less expensive and much more fun!
Pay less for
your second tour
We charge you list price for your first vacation in 2007, but
for every additional Globus vacation that you take in the same
year, you pay US$35 under list. It's fun to combine vacations to
make the perfect trip, or ask your travel agent for suggestions.
This discount does not apply if one of the vacations is a single
city stay Monograms vacation.
Consecutive vacations can be booked with or without transatlantic
flights. Any intra-European flights between vacations cannot be
reserved as part of the Globus package. Please ask your travel
agent to reserve and ticket such flights for you.
Save by
forming your own group
If you form your own group, you'll receive the following rebates
on the land arrangement of your tour. On vacations to Mexico and
vacations including a cruise of three or more nights, one person
travels free in a group of 32; while one person travels at half
price in a group of 16. On River Cruise Vacations, one person
travels free in a group of 16.
On all other tours, one person travels free in a group of 16; one
person travels at half price in a group of eight.
These rebates are applicable to land-only prices (not air-inclusive
prices). Free and half-price land arrangements are credited at the
twin rate; single room supplements have to be paid in full.
Tour conditions for group bookings may differ from those for
individual bookings.
Joining late
and leaving early
Many Globus land arrangements start and end in London. If you
have already spent time in the British capital, you may want to
skip one or more of the included London nights or even join at the
first overnight hotel on the Continent. Call your Travel Consultant
for any reductions that apply to your vacation for joining late or
leaving early. Vacations with these reductions are sold on a
land-only basis.
It's in your
interest to book early
Plan your vacation in advance, and book your tour as soon as
possible to guard against the disappointment of not finding space.
Many Globus tours sell out months before the departure date.
And remember, the moment we receive your deposit your land price is
guaranteed.
This is valuable protection against currency fluctuations and other
cost increases. So please don't wait. Contact your travel agent now
for a vacation you'll never forget!
Help Along The Way -
Professional Tour Director while touring, Cruise Director on
river cruises, Local Host services on independent vacations, and
hosts to assist you at airports and hotels.
Hotels -
Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes,
service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
Globus Hotels Set the Standard for First-class Touring
At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, you want to relax in
comfortable, clean, attractive accommodations. At our first-class,
conveniently located hotels, you'll always feel welcome and well
looked after.
We know that excellent accommodations are of paramount
importance to your enjoyment on tour. Our hotels--many of them
through long association with us--have mastered the art of handling
group check-ins and baggage speedily, preparing tasty and wholesome
meals, and balancing the need for efficiency with the desire of
each traveller to receive individual attention.
You won't be surprised with any hidden charges when you check
out of your Globus hotel. All hotel taxes and tips for restaurant
service and baggage handling are included in the price of your
tour.
Hotel
locations maximize your sightseeing time
We take extra care to select downtown locations for our
independent tours and for longer stays on escorted tours, when your
itinerary features days at leisure to explore on your own.
When your itinerary allows time only for a good night's sleep
between two busy sightseeing days, our expert contractors sometimes
sensibly opt for quiet residential areas.
And you'll be delighted with our choice of hotels in scenic
countryside locations. Wake up to the sound of cow bells, take a
morning walk in crisp mountain air, enjoy glorious panoramic views
of the majestic Alps or the Norwegian fjord country.
Superior
accommodation
Globus uses chains such as Crowne Plaza, Forte, Hilton, Holiday
Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Jolly, Queens Moat Houses, Marriott,
Mövenpick, Radisson SAS, Renaissance, Scandic, Sheraton,
Sofitel, Thistle and Westin.
The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed
separately for each tour. The vast majority of our hotels are rated
deluxe (D), superior first-class (SF), or first-class (F). In
overnight places where there is no hotel in these categories or
where our demand exceeds the supply, we choose the best available
superior tourist-class (ST) hotels.
Most hotels have amenities such as satellite TV, mini-bar, a
cocktail lounge, a restaurant, room service and concierge services.
Many also have a swimming pool, health club, shops, and dry
cleaning and laundry services.
Globus hotel ratings follow standards set by the independent
Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards. The
specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our
quality controllers.
We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the tour
pages with hotels of equivalent standard. With your Globus travel
documents you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone
numbers, and fax numbers for your tour.
Transportation -
Including private deluxe motor coach with air-conditioning and
extra leg room.
We offer many modes of transportation, from trains and motor
coaches to cruise ships and ferries. Each is selected and designed
with comfort in mind.
Coaches -
Each Globus motor coach has upholstered, reclining seats with
headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity
sound system broadcasts your Tour Director's commentary to every
seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of
vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
Limited group size for extra comfort
The length and width of modern motor coaches is standard,
prescribed by law. The difference among tour operators is in the
number of seats installed and actually sold. While it is customary
to install and sell 53 seats, Globus installs fewer seats for extra
leg room, and limits group size to a maximum of 46 tour members.
The extra space contributes enormously to your comfort. For airport
and port transfers in Britain we generally use motor coaches with
53 seats.
Smoke-free coaches
For non-smokers and
moderate smokers an otherwise perfect vacation can be spoiled if
they are forced to inhale other people's smoke on a motor coach. We
therefore do not allow smoking on the coach. There are plenty of
opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops.
Globus drivers are experienced professionals
Globus drivers take pride in driving and in their vehicles, keeping
them in great shape and spotlessly clean. Your driver will help you
on and off the motor coach with a smile and load your bags with
care. Our travellers consistently lavish the highest praise on the
person behind the wheel!
Trains, Ferries, Cruises and Gondola Rides -
Many of our itineraries include cruises, river jet boat and
mountain gondola rides, whale-watching expeditions, and journeys by
train. Experience the ultra-modern Eurostar train from Rome to
Florence and the exciting high-speed AVE train from Madrid to
Seville. In the Canadian Rockies, you might take one of the sleek,
ultra-modern BC Ferries or, if travelling by railcar in Canada or
Alaska, enjoy travel operated by VIA Rail ®. Other fascinating
Globus vacations feature cruises on the Rhine or Venetian Canals to
enhance your travel experience.
Ships and River Cruises -
Globus provides the most spacious and newest ships from Avalon
Waterways. Features include unmatched luxury, fine dining, larger
accommodations and impeccable service. Whether you're travelling
Europe, Russia or China-on a Globus river cruise, you'll always
feel well looked after.
