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Treasures of Turkey Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

(29 days, Istanbul - Amsterdam, 2012)
Treasures of Turkey Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
Discover the treasures of Turkey on this 29 day tour, including the Blue Mosque, Ephesus and Cappadocia, before boarding a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ for a luxury river cruise.

Your 29 day adventure begins in the cosmopolitan Turkish capital of Istanbul where you will enjoy a day tour exploring Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world. From Istanbul you will travel to Cannakale, Izmir and Kusadasi, visiting Homer’s Troy, the legendary site of the Trojan Wars, and Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city.

You will then visit the amazing Pamukkale, known as the ‘cotton castle’ where thermal springs containing chalk created thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the hill like a frozen waterfall. Your tour continues to the city of Antalya, which was founded in 2 BC as a major Roman and Byzantine port, before continuing to Cappadocia where the rocks in the region have eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars, known as ‘fairy chimneys’. You will also visit the amazing underground cities of Cappadocia, of which there are estimated to be more than 200.

Your land tour ends back in Istanbul, where you will travel to Hungary to board your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ for your river cruise. In Budapest you will explore both sides of the city straddling the Danube, Buda and Pest, during a guided tour; whilst in Austria, your highlight will be the once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese concert at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

Your cruise will then continue into Germany through Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg and Würzburg and the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castle and vine-covered slopes. In historic Cologne you will explore the Old Town and dine at a private medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Your final destination is The Netherlands where you can explore Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, take a guided bicycle tour, or even head to Venlo to witness the once-in-a-decade 2012 Floriade horticultural festival.

  • 22% more space onboard
  • Portobello’s fine dining – one of 3 dining venues
  • Relax in our 3 viewing areas
  • Experienced Cruise Director
  • ALL meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on cruise
  • Coffee, premium teas, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
  • Beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner
  • Wonderful local entertainment
  • Airport transfers
  • Spacious full size balcony suites
  • Complimentary bicycles
  • Whisper Headset for all Guided tours
  • Exclusive private butler service on all Danube Deck cabins
  • ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Visit the stunning Greek island of Samos and the beautiful ancient monastery of Agia Triada which has a tragic past
  • Enjoy a Whirling Dervish performance of traditional Islamic dancing in a 13th century Caravan Inn in Cappadocia
  • Enjoy the sounds of the mosque calls with views over Istanbul’s Golden Horn whilst dining in Istanbul’s famous Hamdi Restaurant
  • Over a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert
  • An exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Abbey
  • Scenic Village Cultural Experience: Interact with the locals and experience daily life in a German village followed by home-grown entertainment and specialised cuisine exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • A private tour and Medieval Banquet at Marksburg Castle

Included Scenic FreeChoice

  • A traditional Turkish cooking class or a tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine past or a visit to an Ottoman Yali
  • In Budapest relax at the Thermal Bath & Spa; or explore the lime stone caves of Labyrinth; or a Liszt Classical music experience
  • In Vienna tour Schönbrunn Palace; or see the key sights of Bratislava; or the Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or to watch the horses exercise
  • Enjoy the sights of Passau; or excursion to Salzburg; or excursion to Cesky Krumlov
  • Learn about Nuremberg’s past and present; or Relive history on a WWII dedicated tour; or a self-guided bike tour
  • A walking tour of Würzburg including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
  • Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam; or a guided bicycle tour; or an excursion to Zaanse Schans and Edam; or visit Venlo to witness the 2012 Floriade spectacle

Included Scenic Free Time

  • Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Budapest, Vienna, Regensburg, Bamberg, Cologne and Amsterdam at your leisure

Included Scenic Dining

  • 74 superb meals including 28 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 2 Highlight Lunches - two course table d’hôte (HL), 18 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 6 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 20 Dinners - three to four course table d’hôte (D)

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • The Museum Hotel is breathtakingly located partly underground in ruins carved into a hilltop. Enjoy views of the Cappadocian landscape from your ‘cave’, adorned with historical artefacts

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque
  • Embark on a private boat cruise on the Bosphorus
  • Enjoy a dinner on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul
  • Take a guided tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula and battlefields and visit Lone Pine Cemetery and Anzac Cove
  • Enjoy a guided visit to the ruins of Troy and see the ‘Trojan Horse’
  • Take a guided visit to Pergamon
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Ephesus and visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological museum
  • Take a guided visit of Hierapolis and see the sunset
  • Visit Antalya’s archaeological museum
  • Take guided visits of Perge, Aspendos and Side
  • Visit the Mevlana Museum, former monastery of the Whirling Dervishes religious sect during your orientation tour of Konya
  • Tour of the Cappadocia region including the Goreme museum
  • Visit Agzikarahan Caravanserai in Anatolia
  • Take a guided tour of Ankara visiting Ataturk’s Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian civilisation
  • Enjoy a luncheon in an ancient castle in Ankara
  • Enjoy a visit to the exotic spice markets of Istanbul
  • Guided sightseeing tour of Vienna including Ringstrasse
  • Guided tour of Melk including entry to the Melk Benedictine Abbey
  • Sightseeing tour of Regensburg and see the Old Chapel
  • Guided sightseeing in Bamberg
  • In Rüdesheim visit Siegfried’s Musical Museum

Land Touring Exclusive Inclusions

  • Luxury 40 seat coach
  • Small group touring experience
  • Professional Tour Director
  • Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
  • All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included

Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. You will be met at Istanbul airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Meet up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Two Night Special Stay: Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul (FB,HD)
After breakfast, embark on an Included day tour of this amazing city. Highlights of the day include a visit to the most magnificent example of Byzantium architecture, Hagia Sophia, which boasts a massive dome, a lengthy nave, and an interior decorated with marble, precious stones and pillars from Ephesus. Topkapi is the former palace of the Ottoman sultans and now a museum with an extraordinary collection of artefacts and jewels including the Topkapi Diamond. The Blue Mosque features six graceful minarets, whose superb interior is decorated with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Have time to wander the evocative Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world with over 4,000 shops before boarding a boat for a cruise on the Bosphorus. This special day concludes with a delicious seafood dinner on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus.
Day 3: Istanbul - Canakkale (FB,L,D)
Today travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the WWI landings by allied forces including ANZAC troops on the morning of April 25, 1915. Explore the sights and gain an understanding of this unforgettable and sombre location, set amongst steep cliffs, dead-end canyons and barren ridges. The difficulty of the troops’ task can only be appreciated first hand. An Included picnic lunch is provided before time to wander the landmark sites such as ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Lone Pine and Shrapnel Gully.
Overnight Stay: Canakkale
Day 4: Canakkale - Izmir (FB,L,HD)
The Included day’s sightseeing begins with a fascinating tour of Homer’s Troy, a legendary site of the Trojan Wars and home to a replica of the infamous Trojan Horse. Continue your historic journey in Pergamon, surrounded by high mountains for lunch. Visit the magnificent Acropolis, which contains the ruins of Pergamon’s acclaimed 200,000 volume library, whose contents were gifted to Cleopatra by Mark Antony. Depart for Izmir, where this evening a spectacular dinner has been organised at one of the best seafood restaurants in the city. 
Overnight Stay: Izmir
Day 5: Izmir - Kusadasi (FB,D)
A treat awaits as you visit incomparable Ephesus, perhaps the world’s best-preserved ancient city that once housed the Temple of Artemis, completed in 550 B.C and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Around 100 AD the city had a population approaching 500,000 people, and to date only 15% has been excavated. Here among other amazing sites such as the Library, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary. 
Two Night Stay: Kusadasi
Day 6: Kusadasi (FB,L,D)
Today briefly leave Turkey behind and journey to the Greek island of Samos, located in the shimmering Aegean Sea. Your local guide will show you around Samos town before you learn about the local industries of ceramics and ouzo. Head into the fertile hills, covered with vineyards to visit one of the many beautiful ancient monasteries on the island, Agia Triada and be told about the tragic history of the priest monk who founded it. Arrive in Pythagorion, birthplace of the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras which also boasts the largest manmade marina in the Mediterranean. An Included Lunch is followed by your ferry ride back to Turkey. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 7: Kusadasi - Pamukkale (FB,L,D)
Following breakfast, travel to Aphrodisias, a city dedicated to Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Fertility. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing to remarkable Pamukkale (Hierapolis). Known as the cotton castle, frequent earthquakes in antiquity gave rise to thermal springs containing chalk. The effect leaves thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the hill much like a frozen waterfall. Tonight, watch the sunset over the white cliffs for a truly unique and memorable sight.
Overnight Stay: Pamukkale
Day 8: Pamukkale - Antalya (FB,L,HD)
Enjoy the thermal waters at the hotel before you depart for Antalya, Turkey’s principal holiday resort which is situated on a cliff over the Mediterranean and surrounded by mountains. Founded in 2 B.C., the town was historically a major Roman and Byzantine port. You’ll get a chance to visit the large archaeological museum rich in Classical, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk artefacts, which includes ‘God Gallery’ – a collection of 15 statues of classical gods from Aphrodite to Zeus. In total, the museum contains 14 exhibition halls featuring over 5,000 items. The afternoon is at leisure, and dinner tonight is at an exquisite restaurant in the centre of town.
Two Night Stay: Antalya
Day 9: Antalya (FB,HD)
The region around Antalya abounds with astonishing natural beauty and awesome historical treasures. First visit Perge, visited twice by St. Paul and the best example of a Roman city in the Pamphylian plain, with an Acropolis dating back to the Stone Age. Nearby, Aspendos is famous for its exceptionally preserved theatre built in 155 A.D.  Continue to Side, overflowing with archaeological wonders and surrounded on both sides by the deep, blue water of the Mediterranean before returning to Antalya.  Tonight an exclusive dinner has been planned at the renowned Club Arma, located near the old town.            
Day 10: Antalya - Cappadocia (FB,D)
This morning drive to Konya, a traditional caravan stop and home of the Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group. This unusual religious sect is best known for its ritual dance and haunting music. Visit the Mevlana Museum, former monastery of the Dervishes which contains the tomb of the groups 13th century spiritual leader. Enjoy some leisure time before you head off to the moon-like landscapes of Cappadocia. The rocks in the region have eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars, known as ‘fairy chimneys’. Your hotel for the next three days will amaze you and is one of the most unusual you will experience. 
Three Night Special Stay: Cappadocia
Day 11: Cappadocia (FB,D)
Beginning in primitive times, the inhabitants of this region carved out the soft rocks to form houses, churches and monasteries. Visit the main sights of this amazing location, including the surreal moon-landscape of Göreme with its rock chapels carved by early Christians in hiding. Next is the Byzantine monastic complex of Zelve which reached its zenith in the 9th and 13th centuries and the towering peak of Uchisar Castle, a sublime rock formation riddled with a network of tunnels and caves.
Day 12: Cappadocia (FB,HL,D)

Today explore the incredible underground cities of Cappadocia, of which there are estimated to be over 200. Also visit picturesque Sinassos, which is surrounded by fruit orchards and vineyards and was a Greek settlement until 1923 when a population exchange between Turkey and Greece took place. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the Old Greek House Restaurant. SCENIC ENRICH: Be entertained by a Whirling Dervish performance in a 13th century Caravan Inn, where you will be entranced by the intricate dancing and music that is as old as the building you are seated in.

Day 13: Cappadocia - Ankara (FB,HL)
This morning visit Agzikarahan, site of a well preserved Seljuk caravanserai, where for hundreds of years camel caravans traversing ancient trade routes would stop overnight. En-route to Ankara, view the famous Salt Lake of the fabled Silk Road as you drive through the Anatolian countryside. At Ankara, visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir and the mausoleum of Ataturk. A unique luncheon venue awaits in an ancient castle of this historic city. The rest of the day is at leisure. 
Overnight Stay: Ankara
Day 14: Ankara - Istanbul (FB,HD)

After breakfast cross from Asia into Europe and return to Istanbul. Choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a traditional Turkish cooking class where you’ll learn the art of making delicious plates of meze, after which you get to eat them, of course; or (2) an insightful tour of Istanbul’s glorious Byzantine past including visits to the Chora museum with its fine mosaics and frescoes and Zeyek Mosque, second only in size to Hagia Sophia as a Byzantium monument; or (3) a visit to an Ottoman Yali, the fashionable summer palaces of the wealthy built mainly in the latter half of the 17th century during the Empire’s glory days. Meet the current residents who’ll chat with you about the building’s history whilst you enjoy homemade refreshments. Tonight, a special treat awaits you as you enjoy your farewell dinner at the stunning Hamdi Restaurant, where outstanding views over the Golden Horn are accompanied by the call to prayer echoing from numerous surrounding mosques.
Overnight Stay: Istanbul

Day 15: Istanbul - Budapest (FB,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for your short Included flight to Budapest. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception with your fellow travellers. 
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising 
Day 16: Budapest (FB,L,D)

Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (2) Explore the lime stone caves under the Castle Labyrinth; or (3) Explore the history of classical music in Hungary.

Day 17: Vienna (FB,L,D)

As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the three lounge and viewing areas onboard. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

Day 18: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options to choose from: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Take a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) Witness the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions refining and perfecting their skills during their routine morning exercise program or a guided tour of the oldest Classical Dressage riding school in the world (not available all departure dates).
Day 19: Dürnstein - Melk (FB,L,D)

This morning your ship docks in the town of Dürnstein. Enjoy leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Glide through the Wachau Valley onto Melk where you will discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to a SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks.

Day 20: Linz - Passau (FB,L,D)

Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm (1) a tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg; or (3) an excursion to Cesky Krumlov.

Day 21: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape. Drop into the world’s oldest sausage kitchen.
Day 22: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) See the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre; or (2) Learn about Nuremberg’s past before meeting with local students; or (3) A self-guided bicycle tour.     
Day 23: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of Bamberg on your Included city tour. Back on-board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer.  
Day 24: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of Würzburg including the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and a wine tasting in the underground cellars; or (2) Enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to unforgettable Rothenburg.
Day 25: European Village Life (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH: Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience Village life just for a day- Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Choose from a selection of activities from everyday life like cooking onion pie, or be welcomed into private castles and family wineries. Enjoy home-grown entertainment as you are invited to dine with the locals and relish on their specialities and delicacies prepared just for you.
Day 26: Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Marksburg Castle (FB,L,HD)
Today in Rüdesheim  board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Step back in time and enjoy a private tour of the castle.
Day 27: Cologne (FB,L,D)
Set sail through breath-taking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and monuments.
Day 28: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) A bicycle tour; or (3) A visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans; or (4) A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012).
Day 29: Amsterdam (FB)

After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Your Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.

At a glance
Duration
29 Days
From
$
per person twin share
Dates

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