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Total Eclipse
Photo by William Whiddon |
March 21 – April 1, 2006 This tour has ENDED but here is what we did...
Host to thirteen civilizations and three powerful empires, Turkey is
rich in culture and a treasure trove of antiquity. Join noted astronomer
and Mars scientist, Dr. Chris McKay, NASA, as we journey from Istanbul
along the Old Silk Road. The eclipse path falls across the Homeric coastline
at the ancient archeological site of Side.
Our Astronomical Enrichment Lecturer was...
Dr. Chris McKay, Mars Project Manager,
NASA
This Tour Included...
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• Round trip airfare from the West Coast
• Flight Istanbul/Ankara & Kusadasi/Istanbul
• Four Star and Five Star accommodations throughout
• Baggage handling at hotels
• Meals as listed in the itinerary
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• Fully escorted with an English speaking guide and
driver
• Museum entry fees as listed
• Special events: Astronomical lectures, Turkish Folkloric
Evening
• Eclipse with protective glasses
• Document packet
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Itinerary...
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The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
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Day 1 March 21 —USA, ISTANBUL
Day 2 March 22 —ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul! You were transferred to your hotel located in
the heart of the old city, Sultanahmet with its Hippodrome, once the scene
of chariot races of Byzantine times. The remainder of the day was yours
free to explore. Overnight in Istanbul for three nights.
Day 3 March 23 —ISTANBUL
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Turkish Carpet
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Visited the underground Basilica Cistern, a palatial 6th century underground
reservoir supported by 336 columns. The tour continued through this exciting
city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Aya Sofia, built in
537 A.D. and the Blue Mosque. Lunch was served at Konya Restaurant
in the Topkapi Palace. After lunch a visit to the Topkapi Palace, which
was used by the Ottoman Sultans from 15th to 19th centuries and houses
an impressive collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver, and robes
worn by the sultans. B/L
Day 4 March 24 —ISTANBUL
After breakfast you visited the Dolmabahce Palace, the last executive
palace of Ottoman dynasty. This afternoon there was plenty of time to browse
the Grand Bazaar, where are more than 3000 shops indoor and 2000 outdoor
to temp you with trinkets to priceless treasures. Dinner and oriental
show was at the historic Galata Tower. B/D
Day 5 March 25 —ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA
This morning fly to Ankara and continue to Cappadocia. Upon arrival
you visited Ataturk Mausoleum and Ancient Anatolian Civilizations Museum
before continuing to Cappadocia. Afternoon trek took you through the wildly
beautiful Ihlara Valley, a region once favored by Byzantine monks. Optional
Whirling Dervish (Sema) Show was offered. Three nights at the Cappadocia
Hotel. B/D
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Cappadocia
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Day 6 March 26 —CAPPADOCIA
Marveled at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia. Experience life in an Anatolian
village, where houses are built in caves and life seems to be as it was
centuries past. You saw villagers drying fruit on their rooftops or
riding on donkeys to their fields. You took a guided tour of the
"fairy chimneys" in the Devree Valley, visiting the Goreme Museum,
which was once a Byzantine monastery.
After lunch you visited the rug looms where the villagers were dyeing
the yarns with natural dyes. You also visited the pottery area which
has been a tradition of the since the Neolithic ages and Hittites. B/L
Day 7 March 27 —CAPPADOCIA
Continued your tour of this starkly dramatic moonscape volcanic valley
filled with richly-painted monastic churches, hollowed from the soft stone.
Visiting underground City Kaynakli, Keslik and Soganli. Back to the hotel
to prepare for the eclipse with an astronomy lecture. B/L/D
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Whirling Dervish
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Day 8 March 28 —CAPPADOCIA, Konya, SIDE
Continued to Side on the Old Silk Road trade route visiting the Caravanserais
Sultan Hani from the Seljuk period.
En route you visited the shrine of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya
(Iconium); once the capital of Seljuk Turks from the 12th to 13th centuries.
Perissa Hotel for two nights. B/L
Day 9 March 29 — ECLIPSE DAY,
SIDE
There was plenty of preparation before First Contact at 11:38a.m.
with expected Totality of 3 minutes, 45 seconds. Selected your viewing and
photo site next to scattered ruins of the Hellenistic city in Side, framed
on either side by a mile of perfect sand beach. The Amphitheater looms
up after you passed the aqueducts, remains of city walls and a Nymph ion.
Cars were not allowed. Walked down the main street to the harbor passing
the Temple of Apollo and Athena, dating from the 2nd century with a feeling
of another time and place. B/L/D
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Heirapolis
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Day 10 March 30 —Pamukkale, KUSADASI
Built on the ancient Hellenistic and Roman city of Hierapolis, Pamukkale
has been famous with its thermal springs having healing purposes on the
nerves and skin diseases. Before continuing on to Kusadasi, a visit to
the natural thermal water pools was planned. Tusan Beach Hotel B/L/D
Day 11 March 31 —Ephesus, ISTANBUL
Absorbed yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus at the
Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian, Agora and fantastic Greco-Roman
theater. Felt the mystical atmosphere of the city halls and stadium where
chariot and horse races were once held. Returned to Istanbul. B/L
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The Library at Ephesus
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Day 12 April 1 —ISTANBUL, USA
You were transferred to the airport for your journey home or extended
your stay on our five day extension to Jordan.
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Turkish Tea
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Interested? Request
a Brochure
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