Our journey begins in Istanbul with three days of exploring, learning, and "feeling" the culture of this diverse and historical city. Having survived many civilizations over the millennia, this multicultual metropolos is the only city in the world which sits on two continents: Europe and Asia.

Our journey continues as we set sail aboard our own Turkish Gulet to the
Greek Islands for one week of taking in the fresh air, sunshine, and the crystal clear waters of the AegeanSea. Each island has it's own unique feel to it and we are free to explore on our own that which we find interesting.

To complete this incredible journey, we refresh and regroup as we travel north along the Turkish coast to Kusadasi where we will visit Ephesus and the nearby mountain villages. Our friend Asli invites us for a unique visit to the local farmers market, and a day of cooking classes at her family farm. "Turkish cuisine is truly an experience to remember. You will return home with a new outlook on healthy foods"

In the heart ofSultanahmet Square, this will be one view from our hotel.

Hagia Sophia  is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture."Hagia" in Greek means "Divine" and "Sophia" means "Wisdom". The church was first completed in 360AD during the reign of Constantine. It was destroyed by fire twice and was re-built in 537 by Emperor Justinian I. When the Turks conquered Istanbul in 1453, the first thing Mehmed "the Conqueror" did was to order the conversion of the church into a mosque. From then on, it served as a great mosque, with four minarets added in different periods. The mosaics on the walls were covered with plaster because they were forbidden by Islamic law. This actually helped with the preservation of the mosaics and frescoes. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the first president of the Turkish Republic, ordered the conversion of the mosque into a museum. He believed that it was a world heritage site, and it should be available to all. Therefore, in 1929, the plasters started to be removed and in the 1940's it was reopened as a museum.

The Blue Mosque - The most prominant mosque in Sultanahmet, the old city of Istanbul. Founded by Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century, it was build to compete with the splendid church Hagia Sofia directly across the park. It is known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior. It was built over the site of the ancient Byzantine Imperial Palace and included a hospital, madrasa, primary school and of course the tomb of Sultan Ahmet I.


The Grand Bazaar- Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is the largest covered market in the world. With over 3,000 shops you can roam the streets and learn about Turkish hospitality as you will have many invitations to sit and enjoy a cup of tea while sharing stories about life. After a brief introduction to this labyrenth of shopping delights, there will free time for shopping on your own. We will also make a stop at the famous Egyptian Spice Market.




Turkish Gulet - Our home away from home while we explore the wonders of the Aegean Sea and the Greek Islands. During the day there are plenty of chances to swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters or explore the natural and historical sites along the way.Features of a gulet include an interior salon/bar area and a fully equipped galley. There is a sundeck with comfortable sun beds and a canopied aft deck with cushioned seating, freezers to keep drinks cold, and a CD/cassette player. The Gulets come with facilities for outdoor and indoor dining. Also a dinghy with outboard, a ship-to-shore radio, mobile telephone and life jackets are on board. All the boats are government approved with fully qualified captains and crew members who take care of all our needs. No experience of boats is required, all you need to do is relax and have fun!

The Dodecanese Islands of Greece are the southern most chain of the many Greek Islands. Filled with Byzantine churches and medieval castles, you cannot help but feel the history these marvels hold. Coveted and occupied by many civilizations over the millennia, each island has a unique attraction for tourists. While in the Greek Islands, we will dock in a different harbor each night. While along the Turkish coast, we will anchor in a quite, secluded cove.

Inspite of being a small Greek island, Symi holds a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Homer mentioned this island in the Iliad because of its role on the Trojan War, as it was headed by the Simian King Nireas. Simi was conquered by the knights of Saint John in 1309. But after that episode, a blossoming period began due to the improvement of sponge commerce, shipping, and ship building among others.

We will visit the Greek Islands Cos, Tilos, Nisyros, Symi, and Rhodes

The ladies of the village love to show ustheir hand made carpets and crafts. We will learnthe stories of these nomadic people who call this beautiful place home.

The Aegean Journey Includes:

• US Agent Tour Assistant who handles all arrangements before, during, and after the tour
• Domestic flights in Turkey and private coach
• All airport transfers, taxes, fees
• One week on a deluxe Turkish sailboat includes all meals, captain and crew
• All accommodations sharing a double room in 4 and 5 star hotels (Single supplement $500.00)
• Turkish cuisine specialty cooking class in Kusadasi
• Day tour of Ephesus and mountain villages
• All meals (excludes beverages)
  (except 2 lunches and 2 dinners)
• Private, guided tours and entrance fees
• Professional English speaking guides

The Aegean Journey Excludes:

• International airfare
• Travel/flight insurance
• Tips to guides/drivers/hotel staff
• Beverages during meals, alcohol, bar tabs
• Personal expenses
• Optional Dinner Kumkapi Village day 2 Istanbul
• Optional tours offered day 14 Istanbul
• Entry Visa to Turkey ($20.00)