Istanbul

Experience the joys of Istanbul through some of its most memorable landmarks: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the famous Grand Bazaar, and the magnificent and ancient underground cisterns.

Operational Note: For the 2024 season, the visit to the Archaeological Museum has been replaced with a visit to the Underground Cistern.

Tag 1

After disembarking the ship in Istanbul, you will visit the true icons of the city, the must-sees that define Istanbul, beginning with the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church, turned Ottoman Mosque, turned museum, and now serves once again as a mosque and a museum.

Although the earliest two versions were destroyed, this Hagia Sophia dates from 537 A.D., and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as Istanbul’s principal mosque for nearly 500 years and became a model for the Blue Mosque.

Hinweis: Visiting St. Sophia requires managing ramps and stairs

The Hippodrome is also here, partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Next you will see the fabulous Underground Cistern, the largest and most magnificent, covered cistern in Istanbul. It is an enormous, cavernous water storage tank built under Emperor Justinian in 532 AD.

The cistern was used to satisfy the growing demands of an expanding city and supplied the Great Palace area with water during extended sieges. Its 80.000 cubic meters of water were pumped all the way from the Black Sea through an extensive system of aqueducts.

Hinweis: Visiting the Underground Cistern involves a series of steps to enter and exit

Enjoy a typical Turkish lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Grand Bazaar where you will surely enjoy browsing and bartering at the world’s largest and the oldest covered marketplace. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th Century.

Finally, you will embark on a boat for a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus, the famed strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and perhaps even more important serves as a boundary between Europe to the west and Asia to the east. Passing palaces, wooden mansions and even modern villas along the way, you will experience Istanbul from an entirely different perspective, one you’ll never forget. (Hinweis: Boat may not be exclusive to RSSC guests)

Return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

Tag 2

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.

Then, it is on to the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire. If time allows a visit to the Harem section of the Palace will also be visited.

Following lunch at a local and authentic Turkish restaurant, visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1561 and has since survived fires and earthquakes. Thousands of brightly colored Iznik tiles are the allure here. They are all original 16th-century pieces of art and cover the walls, columns, and niches, lending the interior a spectacularly serene ambiance.

End your tour with a visit to the Spice Market, a locale so energetic and bustling that it is difficult to know where to look first. Aromas waft through the air, the cacophonous sounds are constant, and it is always crowded with shoppers haggling for the best possible prices.

Afterwards, you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

Tag 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will have until 12:00 noon to check out. Your transfer to Istanbul’s international airport will be arranged according to your flight time. Should you have a late departing flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Endgültige Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details erhalten Sie vom Destination Services Team an Bord des Schiffs. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Sollten Gäste vor dem letzten Tag des Programms abreisen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

Tag 1

08:00 Uhr Disembark the ship in Istanbul

08:30 Uhr Depart on your tour of the famous sites of Istanbul

09:15 Uhr Visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Hippodrome

10:45 Uhr Visit the Underground Cistern

12:00 Uhr Mittagessen in einem Restaurant vor Ort

13:15 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

15:45 Uhr Bosphorus cruise

17:45 Uhr Return to your hotel

The evening is at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar hotel

Tag 2

AM Breakfast at your hotel

08:30 Uhr Depart for another day of famous sites

09:15 Uhr Visit the Blue Mosque

10:30 Uhr Visit the Topkapi Palace

12:45 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque

15:00 Uhr Visit the Spice Market

16:15 Uhr Return to the hotel, dinner on own

Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar hotel.

Tag 3

AM Breakfast at hotel

12:00 Uhr Check out from the hotel (or earlier according to your flight time)

Transfer to Istanbul’s international airport

Zusätzliche Übernachtungen:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out: 12:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Nach dem 3. Tag des Programms organisieren Sie Ihre Mahlzeiten mit Ausnahme des Frühstücks in Eigenregie.

Transfers:

•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. Gehen die Flugdaten nicht mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei uns ein, kann kein Transfer arrangiert werden.

•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. Die Zimmer sind bis 12:00 Uhr zu verlassen. Tageszimmer können nur direkt über das Hotel gebucht werden.

Hinweis:

Museums are closed on certain days and substitutions will apply as follows:

1. Topkapi Palace: closed on Tuesdays; Beylerbeyi Palace visit substituted.

2. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque are closed on Fridays until 14:00 Uhr. If the program falls on a Friday, the order of the sites visited will be changed to make sure all visits are possible

3. Grand Bazaar: closed on Sundays (no substitution)

Should sites be closed on a day that you are scheduled to visit, alternate sites will be visited and if possible, the original site will be seen on the other day. Our local operator will do their utmost to ensure that you see all the sites listed in this itinerary and when necessary, make appropriate substitutions. This itinerary is to be used as a sample and guests should refer to their emailed Final Cruise Documents received approximately 21 days before sailing for their actual itinerary based on these factors.

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Summers are hot and humid with temperatures averaging 25-30C (78-88F) from June to August, occasionally rising beyond 35C (104F). In spring and autumn, the days are temperate and the evenings mild.

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

In the summer, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Light coats are recommended for the autumn, as it may be chilly, especially in the early morning and after 5:00 p.m.

Clothing:

Proper attire is required when visiting mosques. Female visitors are required to cover their heads, shoulders, and arms. Shorts above knee length are not allowed in the mosques. Shoes will need to be taken off when visiting the mosques; bags will be provided for your shoes.

Währung:

Turkish Lira

Stromspannung:

220 Volts AC/50 Hz. throughout Turkey. We recommend brining a travel adaptor should you have any electric devices

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Hotel Istanbul

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

Telefon: +90 212 368 44 44

We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotel listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•Two nights at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar (Club Level Room)

• Transfers

•All entrances and touring per the itinerary

•Two local lunches with soft drinks

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann kein Abreisetransfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht enthalten:

•Gratuities for guides and driver

•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

•Meals and beverages not listed above including beverages with alcohol

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Experience the joys of Istanbul with visits to some of the most memorable landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires including The Palace of Porphyrogenitus, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, the underground cistern and Topkapi Palace to name a few. Also enjoy a sunset cruise along the legendary Bosphorus and ample time in the evenings to enjoy the culinary delights of Turkey at your leisure. Your Club Access room at the Ritz Carlton includes the service of a dedicated Concierge who can assist you in planning your evenings.

HINWEIS: Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance. The Underground Cistern and St. Sophia Museum both include many steps and/or inclines and are not suitable for wheelchair access.

TAG 1

Disembark the ship in Istanbul and meet your guide before setting out for a glorious day in the city.

Today your tour will concentrate on the Byzantine history of this unique city.

Your first visit will be to the oldest settled areas of the city located around the Golden Horn. Visit Tekfur Palace, The Palace of Porphyrogenitus. This palace served as part of the Blachernae palace complex which was often used by Byzantine emperors starting from the 12th century. As of the 16th century, the building was later named by Europeans as the Great Palace of Constantinople (Palatium Constantini), and later on as the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus. Today it has been restored and serves as a museum.

Proceed next to Pantokrator Monastery which is located on the fourth hill of Constantinople overlooking the Golden Horn. Originally serving as a large monastic complex with a hospital, it was eventually converted into a mosque following the conquest of Istanbul and today it serves as Molla Zeyrek Mosque.

Pass through one of the largest markets in the city called the “Women’s Market” in order to reach the tour coach. From here it’s a short drive to Chora Church which is the second most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul, famous for its magnificent frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.

Recently renovated, it is now open to the public as a mosque and a museum.

Lunch will be taken at a popular restaurant in the old city.

After lunch proceed to the Hippodrome which has been partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues and obelisks that were once part of the arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Your next visit will be at the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque that is now converted to both a mosque and a museum. Although the earliest two versions were destroyed, this Hagia Sophia dates from 537 A.D., and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as Istanbul’s principal mosque for nearly 500 years and became the model for the Blue Mosque.

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without viewing the famous Underground Cistern. This giant reservoir used to supply water to the city for many centuries.

Your final stop for the day will be at the Spice Market, a locale so energetic and bustling that it’s difficult to know where to look first. Aromas waft through the air, the cacophonous sounds are constant, and it’s always crowded with shoppers haggling for the best possible prices. In a word, it’s wonderful.

At the end of the tour, return to your hotel where dinner and the remainder of the day are at your leisure.

TAG 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel either in the restaurant or the Club Lounge and then meet your guide in the lobby for a tour of discovering the Ottoman highlights of Istanbul.

Being the day with a visit to the incredible Blue Mosque. This is one of the few mosques with six minarets. It was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is so aptly named.

Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the course of four hundred years. Today, it’s a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire. Time permitting, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Harem section of the Palace that has been the subject of many novels and stories.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a typical local restaurant that serves samples of both Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.

After lunch, enjoy an opportunity to browse through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and the oldest covered marketplace. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century. Brush up on your bargaining skills for this visit!

Return to your hotel for some time to freshen up and relax before departing for a leisurely sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, the famed strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and perhaps even more important serves as a boundary between Europe to the west and Asia to the east. Passing palaces, wooden mansions and even modern villas along the way, you will experience Istanbul from an entirely different perspective, one you’ll not soon forget. Along the way, enjoy local drinks and light canapés on the boat. (Hinweis: boat may not be exclusive to the group)

Zurück im Hotel steht Ihnen der Rest des Tages zur freien Verfügung. Ihr Dinner organisieren Sie in Eigenregie.

TAG 3

On this last day in Istanbul, you will discover the Asian portion of Istanbul. After breakfast and check-out (don’t forget to settle and incidentals), meet your guide and begin your tour.

Cross over from Europe to Asia via the shortest way in the world, the first bridge over the Bosphorus. On the Asian side, you will visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer palace of the Ottoman Sultans.

You will have time to stroll at the waterfront and then continue to visit Kuzguncuk, one of the oldest residential areas of the city on the Asian shores. This is the place where Turks, Armenians and Greeks lived in harmony for many years.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure and lunch and dinner are on your own.

At the end of the tour, you will return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure or should you wish, you can accompany your guide on a walking tour of the famous Pera and Galata Districts of the city (Istiklal Street).

Tag 4:

After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to the Grand Istanbul International Airport (IGA) based on your flight departure time. Should you have a later departure time, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer. Check out time at the hotel is at 12:00 Uhr.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. Die angegebenen Programmzeiten sind nur Richtwerte und dienen an dieser Stelle nur Informationszwecken. Änderungen vorbehalten.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Endgültige Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details erhalten Sie vom Destination Services Team an Bord des Schiffs. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Sollten Gäste vor dem letzten Tag des Programms abreisen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

TAG 1

08:00 Uhr Disembark the ship in Istanbul

08:30 Uhr Depart the ship for an orientation drive along the Golden Horn and Balat districts

09:45 Uhr Visit Tekfur Palace

10:45 Uhr Visit Zeyrek Mosque and Women’s Market

12:00 Uhr Visit Chora Mosque

13:15 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:30 Uhr Visit the Hippodrome and St. Sophia

15:45 Uhr Visit the Underground Cistern

16:45 Uhr Visit the Spice Market

18:15 Uhr Return to your hotel

The evening is at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Ritz Carlton or similar hotel

TAG 2

AM Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or the Club Lounge

08:30 Uhr Depart for a visit of the Blue Mosque

10:15 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace (Harem section visited if time allows)

12:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

16:30 Uhr Arrive back at the hotel to freshen up before evening activity

Perhaps grab a bite to eat from the Club Lounge

19:00 Uhr Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus

19:15 Uhr Cruise on the Bosphorus with drinks and canapes

21:30 Uhr Return to the hotel

Overnight at the Ritz Carlton or similar hotel

TAG 3

AM Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or the Club Lounge

08:30 Uhr Depart for and visit Beylerbeyi Palace

10:30 Uhr Free time at Beylerbeyi waterfront and photo stop

11:15 Uhr Visit Kuzguncuk

12:00 Uhr Orientation drive on the Asian side

13:30 Uhr Return to the hotel, lunch and dinner on own

For those who wish, optional tour to Istiklal Street (Pera & Galata Districts) accompanied by their guide

Overnight at the Ritz Carlton or similar hotel

TAG 4

AM Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or the Club Lounge

12:00 Uhr Check-out im Hotel

Transfer to the Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA) based on your flight schedule.

For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel

Operational Note

Museums are closed on certain days in Istanbul and substitutions will apply as follows:

•Topkapi Palace - closed on Tuesdays, replaced with Beylerbeyi Palace

•Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Zeyrek Mosque and Chora Mosques are closed on Fridays until 14:00 Uhr. If the program falls on a Friday, the order of the sites visited will be changed to make sure all visits are possible

•Grand Bazaar - closed on Sundays (no substitution will be made)

•All sites and museums are closed until 14:00 Uhr on the first day of the Religious Holidays; Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will remain closed throughout the Religious Holidays.

Should sites be closed on a day that you are scheduled to visit, alternate sites will be visited and if possible, the original site will be seen on the other day. Our local operator will do their utmost to ensure that you see all the sites listed in this itinerary and when necessary, make appropriate substitutions. There may be times when a replacement site is not possible. This itinerary is to be used as a sample and guests should refer to their emailed Final Cruise Documents received approximately 21 days before sailing for their actual itinerary based on these factors.

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Summers are hot and humid with temperatures averaging 25-30C (78-88F) from June to August, occasionally rising beyond 35C (104F).

Average temperatures:

April - ranges from a high of 62°F (16°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C).

May - ranges from a high of 70°F (21°C) to a low of 57°F (14°C).

October - ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 58°F (14°C).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

The program is casual throughout. Bring good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, charger, light sweater or jacket for cooler mornings or evenings, ladies - headscarf

Clothing Note: There is a strict dress code at all the mosques and churches in Istanbul. Ladies will be required to cover their heads; no shorts above knee length; tank tops and sleeveless shirts are not permitted for both males and females. Shoes will need to be taken off when visiting mosques; bags will be provided for the shoes.

Währung:

Turkish Lira

Euro and USD can be used in most tourist shops, but the exchange rate may not be favorable

Stromspannung:

220 Volts AC/50 Hz. throughout Turkey. We recommend brining a travel adaptor should you have any electric devices

Unterkunft:

RITZ-CARLTON ISTANBUL

Suzer Plaza Askerocagi Caddessi, Elmadag Cd. No:6, 34367 Sisli/Istanbul, Türkiye

Telefon: +90 212 334 44 44

We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotel listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•Three nights at the Ritz Carlton Istanbul (Partial Sea View room with club amenities)

• Transfers

•Tours and entrances per the itinerary

•Two lunches with soft drinks included

•Sunset cruise with limited local drinks and canapés

Private Club Access Includes:

•Dedicated check-in just for Club guests in the Club Lounge

•Throughout your stay the Club Lounge serves as your private retreat – open 7am-10pm

•A dedicated Concierge is at your service to ensure a seamless and memorable stay; whether you need assistance with dining reservations, arranging transportation or planning personalized experiences around Istanbul

•Delight in an array of exquisite culinary offerings presented five times a day in the Club Lounge including a selection of wines, liqueurs, beer, spirits and non-alcohol beverages during set times

•Complimentary laundry (2 items per day)

•Discount on spa services

•Additional amenities will be available in your room

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann kein Abreisetransfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht enthalten:

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

•Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry

•Meals and beverages not listed above including beverages with alcohol

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.

Hinweis: Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.

The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days. Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.

TAG 1

Upon arriving at the International Airport in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar hotel in Istanbul for check-in.

When you arrive, please proceed to exit gate #8 where you will be met by our local ground team.

The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing time for you to settle in or explore the city on your own. Mahlzeiten in eigener Regie.

TAG 2

After breakfast at the hotel and then check out, enjoy a drive through Istanbul to see some of its marquee attractions.

Stop for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.

You will also see the Hippodrome which is partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire.

After lunch in the Sultanahmet area proceed to the airport for a flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Dinner is included before you retire for the evening.

TAG 3

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area.

A scenic drive brings you to the Underground City, a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries and storage rooms. It is the deepest of the 36 underground cities in the Cappadocia region and has airshafts carved at least 300 feet into the rock. Although the city was probably never used for long stays, it served as an excellent defensive hideout during the early Christian period. There are approximately 600 doors leading into the underground city, all of them hidden in courtyards on the surface.

Continue to the nearby Village of Sinasos, a former Greek village. Explore More cave architecture awaits you in nearby Zelve, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems.

Next, drive to Çavusin Village is a small, historic settlement located in the heart of Cappadocia, which can be found nestled between the towns of Avanos and Goreme, within a valley that has gradually widened over time Turkey.

Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before driving to Avanos which lies nearby and as you will discover, is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through town. Locals still live in the rock-cut dwellings and stone houses. The village has variety of historical sites such as ruins from the Christian monks and a few churches including the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was carved into the rock in the 5th century.

By evening, you will return to the hotel for dinner and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

TAG 4

After breakfast depart for a full-day tour. The landscape you will see is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.

Venture towards Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance.

Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure.

Next visit Pashabag village, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

Enjoy lunch at a local Kosebasi restaurant followed by a visit to the nearby Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into rock cliffs since ancient times.

Following the visits, there will be shopping opportunity before you return to your hotel for some time to freshen up before a lovely dinner outing. Drive to the Red Valley; one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful natural wonders with its surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colors, and ancient cave churches. Arriving just before sunset and with champagne in hand, watch all the colors blend together to create a spectacular landscape. This is truly the best place to end the day in Cappadocia. From there, you will proceed to Uçhisar for a delicious dinner in one of it’s local restaurants.

Following this spectacular evening, return to your hotel.

TAG 5

Depending on flight time, enjoy breakfast at the hotel or a breakfast box will be provided. Check out and transfer to the airport for a return flight to Istanbul.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, transfer to the Sultanahmet area for lunch. Continue with a tour of the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a church and later became a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “Holy Wisdom”) is a museum containing phenomenal mosaics, Christian and Muslim religious art and remnants of the church that stood here until 532 A.D., when it was burned in a riot.

You will then tour the Spice Market, a locale so energetic and bustling that it’s difficult to know where to look first. Aromas waft through the air, the cacophonous sounds are constant, and it’s always crowded with shoppers haggling for the best possible prices. In a word, it’s wonderful.

Following your tour, proceed to the pier for embarkation.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direktflüge können nicht garantiert werden.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Zusätzliche Übernachtungen

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program.

• Sollten Sie Extraübernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, holen wir Sie Ihren Flugzeiten entsprechend ab und bringen Sie zum Hotel. Check-in ist um 14:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Mahlzeiten außer dem Frühstück sowie Aktivitäten organisieren Sie bis zum 2. Tag des Programms in Eigenregie.

• Wenn Sie einen frühen Flug gebucht haben, empfehlen wir, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung zu buchen, da Ihr Zimmer nicht vor 14:00 Uhr bezugsfertig sein wird.

• Wenn Sie zusätzliche Übernachtungen selbst buchen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

TAG 1

Arrive in Istanbul via your international flight and transfer to your hotel.

2:0om Check-in time is at 14:00 Uhr; early check is not guaranteed.

Meals on own today

Overnight at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar

Abholung und Transfer

• Die endgültigen Kreuzfahrtdokumente werden 21 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail gesendet. Die Telefonnummer des Betreibers vor Ort finden Sie auf der 1. Seite, sollten Sie den Betreuer für die Abholung nach Ankunft am Flughafen nicht finden. Beachten Sie, dass der Betreuer möglicherweise anderen Gästen hilft und nicht sofort sichtbar ist, wenn Sie den Gepäckabholungs- und Zollbereich verlassen.

• Halten Sie nach einer Person mit einem Schild mit dem Logo der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und möglicherweise Ihrem Namen Ausschau. Bitten Sie im Zweifel Mitarbeiter des Flughafens um Hilfe, um zum Treffpunkt für Transfers zu gelangen oder unseren Betreuer zu informieren.

• Abholung und Transfer werden für Gäste organisiert, die am ersten Tag des Landprogramms anreisen oder wenn zusätzliche Übernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft gebucht werden. Die Abholung erfolgt entsprechend den Flugdaten, die Gäste bitte mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt einsenden. Gäste, die vor Beginn der Reise in Eigenregie anreisen, erhalten keinen Transfer.

• Sollten wir Ihre Flugdaten nicht erhalten haben oder sich Ihre Flüge ändern, ohne dass das Destination Services Team an Land darüber informiert wurde, können wir keinen Transfer bereitstellen. Gäste müssen in diesem Fall auf eigene Kosten zum Hotel des Landprogramms reisen. Bitte kontaktieren Sie umgehend die Reservierungsabteilung, sollten sich vor der Abreise Flugdaten ändern.

DAY 2 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

Frühstück im Hotel

07:45 Uhr Check out and depart from your hotel

09:00 Uhr Visit the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

10:00 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace

12:00 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

13:30 Uhr Depart for the airport

14:30 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check in

16:05 Uhr Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (flight details TBA and subject to change)

17:35 Uhr Arrival in Cappadocia, collect luggage

18:00 Uhr Transfer to your hotel for check-in

19:00 Uhr Dinner at the hotel and overnight

Overnight at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 3

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr After breakfast depart for the underground city.

09:30 Uhr Visit the underground city.

11:30 Uhr Visit Sinasos Village

12:45 Uhr Visit the Çavusin Village

13:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Orientation tour to Avanos town and shopping stop

17:45 Uhr Return to the hotel for dinner

Overnight at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 4

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for a full day tour in Cappadocia

09:30 Uhr Visit Göreme Open Air Museum including Tokali Church

11:15 Uhr Visit Uçhisar Castle

11:45 Uhr Visit Pasha Bagi Village

12:30 Uhr Visit Dervent Valley

13:00 Uhr Mittagessen in einem Restaurant vor Ort

14:15 Uhr Visit Pigeon Valley

14:30 Uhr Shopping opportunity

15:45 Uhr Return to your hotel for some time at leisure

19:00 Uhr Sunset tour in Red Valley with exclusive champagne service

20:00 Uhr Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

21:45 Uhr Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 5 timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

06:30 Uhr After breakfast depart for Cappadocia airport

Depending on flight time a breakfast box may be provided

07:30 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check-in

08:40 Uhr Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)

10:10 Uhr Arrive in Istanbul, collect luggage, proceed to lunch venue

12:00 Uhr Lunch in a local restaurant

13:30 Uhr Visit the Hagia Sophia

14:30 Uhr Visit the Spice Market

15:45 Uhr Proceed to the port

16:30 Uhr Approximate arrival to the ship for embarkation

Closed days of attractions:

If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, an alternate site will be visited. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents to be received 21 days before sailing.

•Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

•Hagia Sophia is closed during prayer hours on Fridays

•Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours. Von Juni bis August ist Sommer.

Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass Sie in den Moscheen dezente Kleidung tragen. Schultern und Beine müssen bedeckt sein.

Währung:

Turkish Lira (TL).

Stromspannung:

220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey. We recommend you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Erforderliche Papiere und Visa:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and an e-Visa is required for all U.S. Citizens entering Turkey. Please check with your local embassy for any further visa requirements for your nationality.

RSSC will require guest passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, submit what you have and then provide new details once secured. Bring both passports with you for this journey for check in for flights.

Gepäck:

It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.

Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.

Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):

1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 368 44 44

Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel

Musaefendi, Balci Sk., 50400 Ürgüp/Nevsehir, Türkiye

Telefon: +90 384 341 69 20

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•1 night at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar (Club Level Room)

•3 nights at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar (Classic room)

•Breakfast or breakfast boxes depending on flight times

• Flughafentransfers

•Porterage at the airport

•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or a local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package

•Air-conditioned vehicles

•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums

•Four lunches and three dinners including soft drinks

•Exclusive Sunset Champagne service at Red Valley in Cappadocia

•Excess luggage storage in Istanbul

•Domestic flights per the itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge buchen (unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft), sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann bei Anreise kein Transfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht im Programm enthalten:

•Beverages with alcohol on the tours

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

• Persönliche Ausgaben

• Alle Mahlzeiten, die nicht oben angegeben sind

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•Hot air balloon ride (guest may speak to their guide during the program regarding this option)

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedlichen Untergrund einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand, Kies oder naturbelassene Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.

Hinweis:

Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.

The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days. Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.

TAG 1

Disembark the ship in Istanbul, meet your guide and begin a drive through Istanbul to see some of its marquee attractions.

Stop for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.

You will also see the Hippodrome which is partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire.

After lunch in the Sultanahmet area proceed to the airport for a flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Dinner is included before you retire for the evening.

TAG 2

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area. A scenic drive brings you to the Underground city. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hititte times. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the widest one is Kaymakli Underground city, which consists of 8 floors below ground, only 4 of them are open to the public today. The Underground city has a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries, and storage rooms.

Next, you will continue to Sinasos, a former Greek village, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

Following the visits, drive to Çavusin Village is a small, historic settlement located in the heart of Cappadocia, which can be found nestled between the towns of Avanos and Goreme, within a valley that has gradually widened over time Turkey. Locals still live in the rock-cut dwellings and stone houses. The village has variety of historical sites and churches such as ruins from the Christian monks and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was carved into the rock in the 5th century.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an orientation tour and visit to the town of Avanos village which is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through the town.

The day concludes back at your hotel where you will have dinner and the remainder of the evening at leisure.

TAG 3

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day tour of Cappadocia where the landscape is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.

Drive towards the town of Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance.

Then, it’s on to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches such as Tokali Church. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure. More usual rock formations await you near Derbent at the fairy chimneys at Urgup.

Next, visit Zelve-Pasabag, which was an important settlement and religious area between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit the nearby Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into rock cliffs since ancient times.

Following these visits, there will be a shopping opportunity before you return to your hotel for some time to freshen up before a lovely dinner outing. Drive to the Red Valley; one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful natural wonders with its surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colors, and ancient cave churches. Arriving just before sunset and with champagne in hand, watch all the colors blend together to create a spectacular landscape. This is truly the best place to end the day in Cappadocia. From there, you will proceed to Uçhisar for a delicious dinner in one of it’s local restaurants.

Following this spectacular evening, return to your hotel.

TAG 4

Depending on flight time, enjoy breakfast at the hotel or a breakfast box will be provided. Check out and transfer to the airport for a return flight to Istanbul.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, transfer to the Sultanahmet area for lunch. Continue with a tour of the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a church and later became a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “Holy Wisdom”) is a museum containing phenomenal mosaics, Christian and Muslim religious art and remnants of the church that stood here until 532 A.D., when it was burned in a riot.

To conclude, you will have the opportunity to browse through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the largest and the oldest covered marketplace in the world. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century.

From the Bazaar, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, dinner is on your own.

TAG 5

Following breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Istanbul International Airport for your return flight home based on the flight details provided. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direktflüge können nicht garantiert werden.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Endgültige Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details erhalten Sie vom Destination Services Team an Bord des Schiffs. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

DAY 1 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

07:45 Uhr Disembark the ship in Istanbul

09:00 Uhr Visit the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

10:00 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace

12:00 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

13:30 Uhr Depart for the airport

14:30 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check in

16:05 Uhr Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (flight details TBA and subject to change)

17:35 Uhr Arrival in Cappadocia, collect luggage

18:00 Uhr Transfer to your hotel for check-in

19:00 Uhr Dinner at the hotel and overnight

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 2

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for the underground city

09:30 Uhr Visit the underground city

10:30 Uhr Drive to and visit Sinasos Village

11:30 Uhr Drive to and Çavusin Village

13:00 Uhr Mittagessen in einem Restaurant vor Ort

14:45 Uhr Orientation tour to Avanos town and shopping stop

17:45 Uhr Return to your hotel for dinner

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 3

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Drive to and visit Uchisar

10:00 Uhr Visit Göreme Open Air Museum including Tokali Church

12:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Visit to Zelve Pasha-bag Valley

15:00 Uhr Photo Stop at Pigeon Valley

15:30 Uhr Return to your hotel

18:00 Uhr Sunset tour in the Red Valley with exclusive champagne service

19:00 Uhr Dinner in a local restaurant

20:30 Uhr Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 4 timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

09:00 Uhr After breakfast depart for Cappadocia airport

Depending on flight time a breakfast box may be provided

10:00 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check-in

11:00 Uhr Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)

12:35 Uhr Arrive in Istanbul, collect luggage, proceed to lunch venue

14:00 Uhr Lunch in a local restaurant

15:00 Uhr Visit the Hagia Sophia

16:00 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

17:00 Uhr Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Abendessen in eigener Regie

Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar

Tag 5

Frühstück im Hotel

12:00 Uhr Check out time at the hotel

If you have a late flight, you may keep your luggage in the hotel’s storage room until needed. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight time.

Zusätzliche übernachtungen:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out: 12:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Nach dem 5. Tag des Programms organisieren Sie Ihre Mahlzeiten mit Ausnahme des Frühstücks in Eigenregie.

Transfers:

•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. Gehen die Flugdaten nicht mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei uns ein, kann kein Transfer arrangiert werden.

•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. Die Zimmer sind bis 12:00 Uhr zu verlassen. Tageszimmer können nur direkt über das Hotel gebucht werden.

Closed days of attractions:

If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, an alternate site will be visited. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents to be received 21 days before sailing.

•Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

•Hagia Sophia is closed during prayer hours on Fridays

•Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours. Von Juni bis August ist Sommer.

Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass Sie in den Moscheen dezente Kleidung tragen. Schultern und Beine müssen bedeckt sein.

Währung:

Turkish Lira (TL).

Stromspannung:

220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey. We recommend you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Erforderliche Papiere und Visa:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and an e-Visa is required for all U.S. Citizens entering Turkey. Please check with your local embassy for any further visa requirements for your nationality.

RSSC will require guest passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, submit what you have and then provide new details once secured. Bring both passports with you for this journey for check in for flights.

Gepäck:

It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.

Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.

Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):

1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 368 44 44

Utopia Cave Hotel

Dua Yeri Mah. Istiklal 1 Sok. No: 6, 50400 Urgup, Nevsehir

Telefon: +90 384 341 57 47

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•1 night including breakfast at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar (Club Level Room)

•3 nights at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar (deluxe room)

• Flughafentransfers

•Porterage at the airport

•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package.

•Service of an air-conditioned vehicle

•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums

•Two lunches in Cappadocia with soft drinks

•4 lunches in Istanbul with soft drinks

•3 dinners with soft drinks

•Exclusive Sunset Champagne service at Red Valley in Cappadocia

•Domestic economy class flights per the itinerary

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann kein Abreisetransfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht im Programm enthalten:

•Beverages with alcohol on the tours

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

• Persönliche Ausgaben

• Alle Mahlzeiten, die nicht oben angegeben sind

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•Hot air balloon ride (guest may speak to their guide during the program regarding this option)

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedlichen Untergrund einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand, Kies oder naturbelassene Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Experience the joys of Istanbul through some of its most memorable landmarks: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the famous Grand Bazaar, and the magnificent and ancient underground cisterns.

Operational Note: For the 2024 season, the visit to the Archaeological Museum has been replaced with a visit to the Underground Cistern.

HINWEIS: Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Tag 1

Once you have arrived at the airport in Istanbul, gone through Customs and claimed your luggage, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city.

When you arrive, please proceed to Exit Gate #8 where you will be met by RSSC’s local ground team.

Tag 2

Today, you will visit the true icons of Istanbul, the must-sees that define the city, beginning with the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church, turned Ottoman Mosque, turned museum, and now serves once again as a mosque and a museum.

Although the earliest two versions were destroyed, this Hagia Sophia dates from 537 A.D., and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as Istanbul’s principal mosque for nearly 500 years and became a model for the Blue Mosque.

Hinweis: Visiting St. Sophia requires managing ramps and stairs

The Hippodrome is also here, partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Next you will see the fabulous Underground Cistern, the largest and most magnificent, covered cistern in Istanbul. It is an enormous, cavernous water storage tank built under Emperor Justinian in 532 AD.

The cistern was used to satisfy the growing demands of an expanding city and supplied the Great Palace area with water during extended sieges. Its 80.000 cubic meters of water were pumped all the way from the Black Sea through an extensive system of aqueducts.

Hinweis: Visiting the Underground Cistern involves a series of steps to enter and exit

Enjoy a typical Turkish lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Grand Bazaar where you will surely enjoy browsing and bartering at the world’s largest and the oldest covered marketplace. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th Century.

Finally, you will embark on a boat for a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus, the famed strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and perhaps even more important serves as a boundary between Europe to the west and Asia to the east. Passing palaces, wooden mansions, and even modern villas along the way, you will experience Istanbul from an entirely different perspective, one you’ll never forget. (Hinweis: Boat may not be exclusive to RSSC guests)

Return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

Tag 3

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.

Then, it is on to the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire. If time allows a visit to the Harem section of the Palace will also be visited.

Following lunch at a local and authentic Turkish restaurant, visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which was built in 1561 and has since survived fires and earthquakes. Thousands of brightly colored Iznik tiles are the allure here. They are all original 16th-century pieces of art and cover the walls, columns, and niches, lending the interior a spectacularly serene ambiance.

End your tour with a visit to the Spice Market, a locale so energetic and bustling that it is difficult to know where to look first. Aromas waft through the air, the cacophonous sounds are constant, and it is always crowded with shoppers haggling for the best possible prices.

Afterwards, you will drive to the pier for embarkation.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt

• Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. Die angegebenen Zeiten sind nur Richtwerte und dienen an dieser Stelle nur Informationszwecken. Änderungen vorbehalten.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Bei Ankunft in Ihrem Hotel erhalten Sie eine finale Reiseroute von unserem Betreiber vor Ort mit einem Willkommensbrief. Bitte sehen Sie sich den Brief und die finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Zusätzliche Übernachtungen

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

• Sollten Sie Extraübernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, holen wir Sie Ihren Flugzeiten entsprechend ab und bringen Sie zum Hotel. Check-in ist um 15:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Mahlzeiten außer dem Frühstück sowie Aktivitäten organisieren Sie bis zum 2. Tag des Programms in Eigenregie.

• Wenn Sie einen frühen Flug gebucht haben, empfehlen wir, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung zu buchen, da Ihr Zimmer nicht vor 15:00 Uhr bezugsfertig sein wird.

• Wenn Sie zusätzliche Übernachtungen selbst buchen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

Tag 1

Fly into Istanbul, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Check-in time is 14:00 Uhr; early check-in is not guaranteed. Evening at your leisure.

Mahlzeiten an diesem Tag sind in eigener Regie zu organisieren.

Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar hotel

Abholung und Transfer

• Die endgültigen Kreuzfahrtdokumente werden 21 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail gesendet. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you cannot locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the program representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Upon arrival, claim luggage, clear through customs, and proceed to the arrival hall of the terminal (porters and trolleys are available inside the luggage claim area)

•From this point, follow the airport’s signs to EXIT GATE NUMBER 8 and go outside the terminal building.

•Local ground staff will be waiting outside, in front of exit gate 8 with logo signs – they are not permitted inside with signs.

• Abholung und Transfer werden für Gäste organisiert, die am ersten Tag des Landprogramms anreisen oder wenn zusätzliche Übernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft gebucht werden. Die Abholung erfolgt entsprechend den Flugdaten, die Gäste bitte mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt einsenden. Gäste, die vor Beginn der Reise in Eigenregie anreisen, erhalten keinen Transfer.

• Sollten wir Ihre Flugdaten nicht erhalten haben oder sich Ihre Flüge ändern, ohne dass das Destination Services Team an Land darüber informiert wurde, können wir keinen Transfer bereitstellen. Gäste müssen in diesem Fall auf eigene Kosten zum Hotel des Landprogramms reisen. Bitte kontaktieren Sie umgehend die Reservierungsabteilung, sollten sich vor der Abreise Flugdaten ändern.

Tag 2

Frühstück im Hotel

08:30 Uhr Depart from the hotel

09:15 Uhr Visit the Hippodrome and the Hagia Sophia Mosque

10:45 Uhr Visit the Underground Cistern

12:00 Uhr Mittagessen in einem Restaurant vor Ort

13:15 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

15:45 Uhr Cruise on the Bosphorus

17:45 Uhr Return to your hotel

The evening is at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar hotel

Tag 3

Frühstück im Hotel

08:30 Uhr Orientation tour of Istanbul

09:15 Uhr Visit the Blue Mosque

10:30 Uhr Visit the Topkapi Palace

12:45 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque

15:00 Uhr Visit Spice the Market

15:45 Uhr Transfer to the ship

16:15 Uhr Arrival at the ship in time for embarkation

Hinweis:

Museums are closed on certain days and substitutions will apply as follows:

1. Topkapi Palace: closed on Tuesdays; Beylerbeyi Palace visit substituted.

2. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque are closed on Fridays until 14:00 Uhr. If the program falls on a Friday, the order of the sites visited will be changed to make sure all visits are possible

3. Grand Bazaar: closed on Sundays (no substitution)

Should sites be closed on a day that you are scheduled to visit, alternate sites will be visited and if possible, the original site will be seen on the other day. Our local operator will do their utmost to ensure that you see all the sites listed in this itinerary and when necessary, make appropriate substitutions. This itinerary is to be used as a sample and guests should refer to their emailed Final Cruise Documents received approximately 21 days before sailing for their actual itinerary based on these factors.

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Summers are hot and humid with temperatures averaging 25-30C (78-88F) from June to August, occasionally rising beyond 35C (104F). In spring and autumn, the days are temperate and the evenings mild.

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

In the summer, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Light coats are recommended for the autumn, as it may be chilly, especially in the early morning and after 5:00 p.m.

Clothing:

Proper attire is required when visiting mosques. Female visitors are required to cover their heads, shoulders, and arms. Shorts above knee length are not allowed in the mosques. Shoes will need to be taken off when visiting the mosques; bags will be provided for your shoes.

Währung:

Turkish Lira

Stromspannung:

220 Volts AC/50 Hz. throughout Turkey. We recommend brining a travel adaptor should you have any electric devices

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Hotel Istanbul

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

Telefon: +90 212 368 44 44

We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotel listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•Two nights at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar (Club Level Room)

• Transfers

•All entrances and touring per the itinerary

•Two local lunches with soft drinks

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge buchen (unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft), sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann bei Anreise kein Transfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht enthalten:

•Gratuities for guides and driver

•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

•Meals and beverages not listed above including beverages with alcohol

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.

Hinweis:

Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.

The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days. Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.

TAG 1

After disembarking the ship, you will begin on a full-day tour of Istanbul.

Begin at the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome where chariot races and celebrations in honor of the emperors once took place during the Byzantine Era. From here you will see from outside the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a church. In the 15th Century, it became a mosque. You will also see the famed Blue Mosque from outside as well.

Next you will visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, where Turkey’s sultans lived from 1453 until the middle of the 19th Century. It’s an extraordinary residence with beautiful courtyards, a harem, sacred relics and a treasury full of exquisite jewelry from the Far East, India and Europe.

Your lunch will be served in a local restaurant, near the Grand Bazaar.

After lunch, you will proceed to explore the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the largest and the oldest covered marketplace in the world. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century.

Following your exploration of Istanbul, you will drive to the airport for a flight to Nevsehir. Upon arriving, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner.

TAG 2

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a full-day tour of the Cappadocia region. The landscape here is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.

Venture toward the town of Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance. You will also visit nearby Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into the rock cliffs since ancient times.

Then, it’s on to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure. More usual rock formations await you near Derbent at the fairy chimneys at Urgup.

The town of Avanos lies ahead and, as you will discover, is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through town.

After visiting, you will return to your hotel for dinner.

TAG 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area. A scenic drive brings you to the underground city, a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries and storage rooms. It is the deepest of the 36 underground cities in the Cappadocia region and has airshafts carved at least 300 feet into the rock. Although the city was probably never used for long stays, it served as an excellent defensive hideout during the early Christian period. There are approximately 600 doors leading into the underground city, all of them hidden in courtyards on the surface.

Next you will continue to Sinasos, a former Greek village, and then nearby Zelve, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

Later in the afternoon, you will drive to the airport for a return flight and overnight in Istanbul. Dinner is on your own this evening.

TAG 4

Following breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home based on the flight details provided. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direktflüge können nicht garantiert werden.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Endgültige Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details erhalten Sie vom Destination Services Team an Bord des Schiffs. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

DAY 1 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

08:00 Uhr Disembark the ship and drive to Istanbul’s Old City

08:45 Uhr View the Hagia Sophia from outside

09:45 Uhr View the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome from outside

11:30 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace

13:15 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:30 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

16:00 Uhr Transfer to the airport

17:05 Uhr Arrive to airport, check in and flight to Nevsehir airport (flight details TBA and subject to change)

20:20 Uhr Arrive to Nevsehir and transfer to your hotel

Dinner is included at the hotel

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 2

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for a full-day tour in Cappadocia

09:15 Uhr Visit the Uchisar area

09:45 Uhr Drive for panoramic tour includes Pigeon Valley

10:45 Uhr Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum

12:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Panoramic tour including Derbent and fairy chimneys at Urgup

15:00 Uhr Visit Avanos

16:00 Uhr Shopping opportunity

18:00 Uhr Return to your hotel for dinner

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for underground city

09:45 Uhr Visit the underground city

11:00 Uhr Drive to the Sinasos area

11:45 Uhr Visit Sinasos and the Kemal Pasha village

12:30 Uhr Lunch at the Kösebasi restaurant or similar venue

13:45 Uhr Drive to Zelve and the Pasha bag area

14:15 Uhr Visit Zelve (monastery) and Pasha bag area

16:30 Uhr Transfer to the Kayseri airport

18:15 Uhr Flight back to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)

19:50 Uhr Transfer to your hotel

Abendessen in eigener Regie

Overnight at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar hotel

Tag 4

Frühstück im Hotel

12:00 Uhr Check out time at the hotel

If you have a late flight, you may keep your luggage in the hotel’s storage room until needed. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight time.

Zusätzliche übernachtungen:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out: 12:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Nach dem 4. Tag des Programms organisieren Sie Ihre Mahlzeiten mit Ausnahme des Frühstücks in Eigenregie.

Transfers:

•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. Gehen die Flugdaten nicht mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei uns ein, kann kein Transfer arrangiert werden.

•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. Die Zimmer sind bis 12:00 Uhr zu verlassen. Tageszimmer können nur direkt über das Hotel gebucht werden.

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours.

Von Juni bis August ist Sommer. Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass Sie in den Moscheen dezente Kleidung tragen. Schultern und Beine müssen bedeckt sein.

Währung:

Turkish Lira (TL). One U.S. dollar is worth approximately 2,2 TL.

Stromspannung:

220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey.

Erforderliche Papiere und Visa:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and an e-Visa is required for all U.S. citizens entering Turkey. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

Gepäck:

It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.

Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.

Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):

1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.

Hotel Accommodations:

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel

Asker Ocagi Cad. No.1 Taksim, 34435 Istanbul, Turkey

Tel.: 90 212 368 4444

Utopia Cave Hotel

Dua Yeri Mah. Istiklal 1 Sok. No: 6, 50400 Urgup, Nevsehir

Telefon: +90 384 341 57 47

* Eine Änderung der Hotels findet nur in unvorhergesehenen Fällen statt. Sollte ein Wechsel in ein vergleichbares Hotel notwendig sein, können Sie dieselbe Bewertung und denselben Standard erwarten. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in the program.

Closed days of attractions:

If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, it will be replaced in the following manner:

• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced with the Beylerbeyi Palace

• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. It will be replaced with the Spice Bazaar

Im Programm enthalten:

•1 night in Istanbul at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar (Club level room) including breakfast

•2 nights at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar (deluxe room) including breakfast

• Flughafentransfers

•Porterage at the airport

•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or a local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package

•Air-conditioned vehicles

•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums

•Two lunches and dinners in Cappadocia and one lunch in Istanbul

•Excess luggage storage in Istanbul

•Domestic flights per the itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann kein Abreisetransfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht im Programm enthalten:

Beverages with alcohol on the tours

Gratuities for guides and drivers

Persönliche Ausgaben

Any meals not listed above

Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.

Hinweis: Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.

The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days. Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.

TAG 1

Upon arriving at the International Airport in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar hotel in Istanbul for check-in.

When you arrive, please proceed to exit gate #8 where you will be met by our local ground team.

The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing time for you to settle in or explore the city on your own. Mahlzeiten in eigener Regie.

TAG 2

After breakfast at the hotel and then check out, enjoy a drive through Istanbul to see some of its marquee attractions.

Stop for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.

You will also see the Hippodrome which is partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire.

After lunch in the Sultanahmet area proceed to the airport for a flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Dinner is included before you retire for the evening.

TAG 3

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area.

A scenic drive brings you to the Underground City, a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries and storage rooms. It is the deepest of the 36 underground cities in the Cappadocia region and has airshafts carved at least 300 feet into the rock. Although the city was probably never used for long stays, it served as an excellent defensive hideout during the early Christian period. There are approximately 600 doors leading into the underground city, all of them hidden in courtyards on the surface.

Continue to the nearby Village of Sinasos, a former Greek village. Explore More cave architecture awaits you in nearby Zelve, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems.

Next, drive to Çavusin Village is a small, historic settlement located in the heart of Cappadocia, which can be found nestled between the towns of Avanos and Goreme, within a valley that has gradually widened over time Turkey.

Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before driving to Avanos which lies nearby and as you will discover, is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through town. Locals still live in the rock-cut dwellings and stone houses. The village has variety of historical sites such as ruins from the Christian monks and a few churches (including the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was carved into the rock in the 5th century).

By evening, you will return to the hotel for dinner and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

TAG 4

After breakfast depart for a full-day tour. The landscape you will see is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.

Venture towards Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance.

Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure.

Next visit Pasha Bag village, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

Enjoy lunch at a local Kosebasi restaurant followed by a visit to the nearby Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into rock cliffs since ancient times.

Following the visits, there will be shopping opportunity before you return to your hotel for some time to freshen up before a lovely dinner outing. Drive to the Red Valley; one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful natural wonders with its surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colors, and ancient cave churches. Arriving just before sunset and with champagne in hand, watch all the colors blend together to create a spectacular landscape. This is truly the best place to end the day in Cappadocia. From there, you will proceed to Uçhisar for a delicious dinner in one of it’s local restaurants.

Following this spectacular evening, return to your hotel.

TAG 5

Depending on flight time, enjoy breakfast at the hotel or a breakfast box will be provided. Check out and transfer to the airport for a return flight to Istanbul.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, transfer to the Sultanahmet area for lunch. Continue with a tour of the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a church and later became a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “Holy Wisdom”) is a museum containing phenomenal mosaics, Christian and Muslim religious art and remnants of the church that stood here until 532 A.D., when it was burned in a riot.

You will then tour the Spice Market, a locale so energetic and bustling that it’s difficult to know where to look first. Aromas waft through the air, the cacophonous sounds are constant, and it’s always crowded with shoppers haggling for the best possible prices. In a word, it’s wonderful.

Following your tour, proceed to the pier for embarkation.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direktflüge können nicht garantiert werden.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Zusätzliche Übernachtungen

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program.

• Sollten Sie Extraübernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, holen wir Sie Ihren Flugzeiten entsprechend ab und bringen Sie zum Hotel. Check-in ist um 14:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Mahlzeiten außer dem Frühstück sowie Aktivitäten organisieren Sie bis zum 2. Tag des Programms in Eigenregie.

• Wenn Sie einen frühen Flug gebucht haben, empfehlen wir, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung zu buchen, da Ihr Zimmer nicht vor 14:00 Uhr bezugsfertig sein wird.

• Wenn Sie zusätzliche Übernachtungen selbst buchen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

TAG 1

Arrive in Istanbul via your international flight and transfer to your hotel.

2:0om Check-in time is at 14:00 Uhr; early check is not guaranteed.

Meals on own today

Overnight at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar

Abholung und Transfer

• Die endgültigen Kreuzfahrtdokumente werden 21 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail gesendet. Die Telefonnummer des Betreibers vor Ort finden Sie auf der 1. Seite, sollten Sie den Betreuer für die Abholung nach Ankunft am Flughafen nicht finden. Beachten Sie, dass der Betreuer möglicherweise anderen Gästen hilft und nicht sofort sichtbar ist, wenn Sie den Gepäckabholungs- und Zollbereich verlassen.

• Halten Sie nach einer Person mit einem Schild mit dem Logo der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und möglicherweise Ihrem Namen Ausschau. Bitten Sie im Zweifel Mitarbeiter des Flughafens um Hilfe, um zum Treffpunkt für Transfers zu gelangen oder unseren Betreuer zu informieren.

• Abholung und Transfer werden für Gäste organisiert, die am ersten Tag des Landprogramms anreisen oder wenn zusätzliche Übernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft gebucht werden. Die Abholung erfolgt entsprechend den Flugdaten, die Gäste bitte mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt einsenden. Gäste, die vor Beginn der Reise in Eigenregie anreisen, erhalten keinen Transfer.

• Sollten wir Ihre Flugdaten nicht erhalten haben oder sich Ihre Flüge ändern, ohne dass das Destination Services Team an Land darüber informiert wurde, können wir keinen Transfer bereitstellen. Gäste müssen in diesem Fall auf eigene Kosten zum Hotel des Landprogramms reisen. Bitte kontaktieren Sie umgehend die Reservierungsabteilung, sollten sich vor der Abreise Flugdaten ändern.

DAY 2 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

Frühstück im Hotel

07:45 Uhr Check out and depart from your hotel

09:00 Uhr Visit the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

10:00 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace

12:00 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

13:30 Uhr Depart for the airport

14:30 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check in

16:05 Uhr Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (flight details TBA and subject to change)

17:35 Uhr Arrival in Cappadocia, collect luggage

18:00 Uhr Transfer to your hotel for check-in

19:00 Uhr Dinner at the hotel and overnight

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 3

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr After breakfast depart for the underground city.

09:30 Uhr Visit the underground city.

11:30 Uhr Visit Sinasos Village

12:45 Uhr Visit the Çavusin Village

13:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Orientation tour to Avanos town and shopping stop

17:45 Uhr Return to the hotel for dinner

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 4

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for a full day tour in Cappadocia

09:30 Uhr Visit Göreme Open Air Museum including Tokali Church

11:15 Uhr Visit Uçhisar Castle

11:45 Uhr Visit Pasha Bagi Village

12:30 Uhr Visit Dervent Valley

13:00 Uhr Mittagessen in einem Restaurant vor Ort

14:15 Uhr Visit Pigeon Valley

14:30 Uhr Shopping opportunity

15:45 Uhr Return to your hotel for some time at leisure

19:00 Uhr Sunset tour in Red Valley with exclusive champagne service

20:00 Uhr Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

21:45 Uhr Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 5 timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

06:30 Uhr After breakfast depart for Cappadocia airport

Depending on flight time a breakfast box may be provided

07:30 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check-in

08:40 Uhr Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)

10:10 Uhr Arrive in Istanbul, collect luggage, proceed to lunch venue

12:00 Uhr Lunch in a local restaurant

13:30 Uhr Visit the Hagia Sophia

14:30 Uhr Visit the Spice Market

15:45 Uhr Proceed to the port

16:30 Uhr Approximate arrival to the ship for embarkation

Closed days of attractions:

If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, an alternate site will be visited. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents to be received 21 days before sailing.

•Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

•Hagia Sophia is closed during prayer hours on Fridays

•Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours. Von Juni bis August ist Sommer.

Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass Sie in den Moscheen dezente Kleidung tragen. Schultern und Beine müssen bedeckt sein.

Währung:

Turkish Lira (TL).

Stromspannung:

220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey. We recommend you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Erforderliche Papiere und Visa:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and an e-Visa is required for all U.S. Citizens entering Turkey. Please check with your local embassy for any further visa requirements for your nationality.

RSSC will require guest passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, submit what you have and then provide new details once secured. Bring both passports with you for this journey for check in for flights.

Gepäck:

It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.

Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.

Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):

1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 368 44 44

Utopia Cave Hotel

Dua Yeri Mah. Istiklal 1 Sok. No: 6, 50400 Urgup, Nevsehir

Telefon: +90 384 341 57 47

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•1 night at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar (club level room)

•3 nights at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar (deluxe room)

•Breakfast or breakfast boxes depending on flight times

• Flughafentransfers

•Porterage at the airport

•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or a local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package

•Air-conditioned vehicles

•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums

•Two lunches and dinners in Cappadocia and one lunch in Istanbul

•Excess luggage storage in Istanbul

•Domestic flights per the itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge buchen (unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft), sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann bei Anreise kein Transfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht im Programm enthalten:

•Beverages with alcohol on the tours

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

• Persönliche Ausgaben

• Alle Mahlzeiten, die nicht oben angegeben sind

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•Hot air balloon ride (guest may speak to their guide during the program regarding this option)

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedlichen Untergrund einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand, Kies oder naturbelassene Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.

Hinweis: Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.

The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days.Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.

TAG 1

Upon arriving at the International Airport in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar hotel in Istanbul for check-in.

When you arrive, please proceed to exit gate #8 where you will be met by our local ground team.

The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure, allowing time for you to settle in or explore the city on your own. Mahlzeiten in eigener Regie.

TAG 2

Due to an early departure, you will receive a breakfast box upon check out.

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Kayseri which lies in the Cappadocia Region.

The landscape here is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.

You will then tour Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance.

Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure.

You will explore more of the region on a panoramic drive to Derbent to see its unusual Three Sisters rock chimneys.

Enjoy lunch in an authentic local restaurant before driving to Avanos which lies nearby and as you will discover, is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through town.

After visiting, you will check in to your hotel, where you will have dinner and spend the evening.

TAG 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area.

A scenic drive brings you to the Underground city, a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries and storage rooms. It is the deepest of the 36 underground cities in the Cappadocia region and has airshafts carved at least 300 feet into the rock. Although the city was probably never used for long stays, it served as an excellent defensive hideout during the early Christian period. There are approximately 600 doors leading into the underground city, all of them hidden in courtyards on the surface.

Continue to the nearby Village of Sinasos, a former Greek village. Explore More cave architecture awaits you in nearby Zelve, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems.

Enjoy lunch in an authentic local restaurant before some time for shopping.

By evening, you will return to the hotel for dinner and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

TAG 4

At check-out you will receive a breakfast box and then depart for a transfer to the airport for a return flight to Istanbul.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, enjoy a full-day tour, starting with the opulent Topkapi Palace, where Turkey’s sultans lived from 1453 until the middle of the 19th century. Then, you will see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Byzantine Hippodrome from outside.

A quick local lunch will be served in an authentic restaurant, nearby the Grand Bazaar.

After lunch, you will proceed to explore the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the largest and the oldest covered marketplace in the world. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century.

Afterwards, you will transfer to the pier and embark on your cruise.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direktflüge können nicht garantiert werden.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Zusätzliche Übernachtungen

• Sollten Sie Extraübernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, holen wir Sie Ihren Flugzeiten entsprechend ab und bringen Sie zum Hotel. Check-in ist um 14:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Mahlzeiten außer dem Frühstück sowie Aktivitäten organisieren Sie bis zum 2. Tag des Programms in Eigenregie.

• Wenn Sie einen frühen Flug gebucht haben, empfehlen wir, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung zu buchen, da Ihr Zimmer nicht vor 14:00 Uhr bezugsfertig sein wird.

• Wenn Sie zusätzliche Übernachtungen selbst buchen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

TAG 1

Arrive in Istanbul via your international flight and transfer to the hotel.

Check-in time is at 14:00 Uhr; early check is not guaranteed.

Overnight at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar

Abendessen in eigener Regie

Abholung und Transfer

• Die endgültigen Kreuzfahrtdokumente werden 21 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail gesendet. Die Telefonnummer des Betreibers vor Ort finden Sie auf der 1. Seite, sollten Sie den Betreuer für die Abholung nach Ankunft am Flughafen nicht finden. Beachten Sie, dass der Betreuer möglicherweise anderen Gästen hilft und nicht sofort sichtbar ist, wenn Sie den Gepäckabholungs- und Zollbereich verlassen.

• Halten Sie nach einer Person mit einem Schild mit dem Logo der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und möglicherweise Ihrem Namen Ausschau. Bitten Sie im Zweifel Mitarbeiter des Flughafens um Hilfe, um zum Treffpunkt für Transfers zu gelangen oder unseren Betreuer zu informieren.

• Abholung und Transfer werden für Gäste organisiert, die am ersten Tag des Landprogramms anreisen oder wenn zusätzliche Übernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft gebucht werden. Die Abholung erfolgt entsprechend den Flugdaten, die Gäste bitte mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt einsenden. Gäste, die vor Beginn der Reise in Eigenregie anreisen, erhalten keinen Transfer.

• Sollten wir Ihre Flugdaten nicht erhalten haben oder sich Ihre Flüge ändern, ohne dass das Destination Services Team an Land darüber informiert wurde, können wir keinen Transfer bereitstellen. Gäste müssen in diesem Fall auf eigene Kosten zum Hotel des Landprogramms reisen. Bitte kontaktieren Sie umgehend die Reservierungsabteilung, sollten sich vor der Abreise Flugdaten ändern.

DAY 2 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

06:00 Uhr Check out and receive breakfast box at Reception

06:15 Uhr Depart for Istanbul’s airport

08:35 Uhr Fly to Kayseri (flight details TBA and subject to change)

10:35 Uhr Arrive and transfer to Cappadocia

11:35 Uhr Visit Uchisar and the Goreme Open Air Museum

12:00 Uhr Panoramic tour of Derbent and the Three Sisters Chimneys

12:45 Uhr Free time at Pigeon Valley

13:30 Uhr Lunch at Kösebasi Restaurant or similar venue

14:15 Uhr Drive to Avanos

15:15 Uhr Visit Avanos

16:45 Uhr Drive to your hotel for dinner and overnight

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 3

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for the underground city

09:30 Uhr Visit the underground city

10:30 Uhr Visit Sinasos Village

11:30 Uhr Drive to Zelve and Pasabag

12:30 Uhr Visit the Zelve Museum (Byzantine Monastery)

13:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:45 Uhr Shopping stop

17:45 Uhr Return to the hotel for dinner

Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 4 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

06:15 Uhr Check out and receive breakfast boxes at Reception

06:30 Uhr Depart for Kayseri airport

08:40 Uhr Fly back to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)

10:10 Uhr Drive to the Old Town

12:00 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace

13:30 Uhr See the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Byzantine Hippodrome from outside.

14:15 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

15:15 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

16:30 Uhr Approximate arrival to the ship for embarkation

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours. Von Juni bis August ist Sommer.

Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass Sie in den Moscheen dezente Kleidung tragen. Schultern und Beine müssen bedeckt sein.

Währung:

Turkish Lira (TL). One U.S. dollar is worth approximately 1,8 TL.

Stromspannung:

220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey. We recommend you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Gepäck:

It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.

Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.

Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):

1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 368 44 44

Utopia Cave Hotel

Dua Yeri Mah. Istiklal 1 Sok. No: 6, 50400 Urgup, Nevsehir

Telefon: +90 384 341 57 47

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be used.

Closed days of attractions:

If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, it will be replaced in the following manner:

• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced with the Beylerbeyi Palace

• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. It will be replaced with the Spice Bazaar

Im Programm enthalten:

•1 night at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar (club level room)

•2 nights at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar (deluxe room)

•Breakfast or breakfast boxes depending on flight times

• Flughafentransfers

•Porterage at the airport

•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or a local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package

•Air-conditioned vehicles

•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums

•Two lunches and dinners in Cappadocia and one lunch in Istanbul

•Excess luggage storage in Istanbul

•Domestic flights per the itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge buchen (unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft), sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann bei Anreise kein Transfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht im Programm enthalten:

Beverages with alcohol on the tours

Gratuities for guides and drivers

Persönliche Ausgaben

Any meals not listed above

Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedlichen Untergrund einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand, Kies oder naturbelassene Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.

Hinweis:

Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.

Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.

The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days. Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.

TAG 1

Disembark the ship in Istanbul, meet your guide and begin a drive through Istanbul to see some of its marquee attractions.

Stop for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.

You will also see the Hippodrome which is partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire.

After lunch in the Sultanahmet area proceed to the airport for a flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Dinner is included before you retire for the evening.

TAG 2

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area. A scenic drive brings you to the Underground city. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hititte times. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the widest one is Kaymakli Underground city, which consists of 8 floors below ground, only 4 of them are open to the public today. The Underground city has a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries, and storage rooms.

Next, you will continue to Sinasos, a former Greek village, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

Following the visits, drive to Çavusin Village is a small, historic settlement located in the heart of Cappadocia, which can be found nestled between the towns of Avanos and Goreme, within a valley that has gradually widened over time Turkey. Locals still live in the rock-cut dwellings and stone houses. The village has variety of historical sites and churches such as ruins from the Christian monks and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was carved into the rock in the 5th century.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an orientation tour and visit to the town of Avanos village which is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through the town.

The day concludes back at your hotel where you will have dinner and the remainder of the evening at leisure.

TAG 3

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day tour of Cappadocia where the landscape is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.

Drive towards the town of Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance.

Then, it’s on to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches such as Tokali Church. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure. More usual rock formations await you near Derbent at the fairy chimneys at Urgup.

Next, visit Zelve-Pasabag, which was an important settlement and religious area between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit the nearby Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into rock cliffs since ancient times.

Following these visits, there will be a shopping opportunity before you return to your hotel for some time to freshen up before a lovely dinner outing. Drive to the Red Valley; one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful natural wonders with its surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colors, and ancient cave churches. Arriving just before sunset and with champagne in hand, watch all the colors blend together to create a spectacular landscape. This is truly the best place to end the day in Cappadocia. From there, you will proceed to Uçhisar for a delicious dinner in one of it’s local restaurants.

Following this spectacular evening, return to your hotel.

TAG 4

Depending on flight time, enjoy breakfast at the hotel or a breakfast box will be provided. Check out and transfer to the airport for a return flight to Istanbul.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, transfer to the Sultanahmet area for lunch. Continue with a tour of the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a church and later became a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “Holy Wisdom”) is a museum containing phenomenal mosaics, Christian and Muslim religious art and remnants of the church that stood here until 532 A.D., when it was burned in a riot.

To conclude, you will have the opportunity to browse through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the largest and the oldest covered marketplace in the world. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century.

From the Bazaar, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, dinner is on your own.

TAG 5

Following breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Istanbul International Airport for your return flight home based on the flight details provided. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt:

• Hinweis: Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direktflüge können nicht garantiert werden.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details (zu diesem Zeitpunkt) werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Endgültige Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details erhalten Sie vom Destination Services Team an Bord des Schiffs. Bitte sehen Sie sich Ihre finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

DAY 1 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

07:45 Uhr Disembark the ship in Istanbul

09:00 Uhr Visit the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

10:00 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace

12:00 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

13:30 Uhr Depart for the airport

14:30 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check in

16:05 Uhr Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (flight details TBA and subject to change)

17:35 Uhr Arrival in Cappadocia, collect luggage

18:00 Uhr Transfer to your hotel for check-in

19:00 Uhr Dinner at the hotel and overnight

Overnight at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 2

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Depart for the underground city

09:30 Uhr Visit the underground city

10:30 Uhr Drive to and visit Sinasos Village

11:30 Uhr Drive to and Çavusin Village

13:00 Uhr Mittagessen in einem Restaurant vor Ort

14:45 Uhr Orientation tour to Avanos town and shopping stop

17:45 Uhr Return to your hotel for dinner

Overnight at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 3

Frühstück im Hotel

09:00 Uhr Drive to and visit Uchisar

10:00 Uhr Visit Göreme Open Air Museum including Tokali Church

12:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Visit to Zelve Pasha-bag Valley

15:00 Uhr Photo Stop at Pigeon Valley

15:30 Uhr Return to your hotel

18:00 Uhr Sunset tour in the Red Valley with exclusive champagne service

19:00 Uhr Dinner in a local restaurant

20:30 Uhr Return to your hotel

Overnight at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 4 timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure

09:00 Uhr After breakfast depart for Cappadocia airport

Depending on flight time a breakfast box may be provided

10:00 Uhr Arrive at the airport and check-in

11:00 Uhr Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)

12:35 Uhr Arrive in Istanbul, collect luggage, proceed to lunch venue

14:00 Uhr Lunch in a local restaurant

15:00 Uhr Visit the Hagia Sophia

16:00 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

17:00 Uhr Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Abendessen in eigener Regie

Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar

Tag 5

Frühstück im Hotel

12:00 Uhr Check out time at the hotel

If you have a late flight, you may keep your luggage in the hotel’s storage room until needed. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight time.

Zusätzliche übernachtungen:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out: 12:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Nach dem 5. Tag des Programms organisieren Sie Ihre Mahlzeiten mit Ausnahme des Frühstücks in Eigenregie.

Transfers:

•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. Gehen die Flugdaten nicht mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt bei uns ein, kann kein Transfer arrangiert werden.

•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. Die Zimmer sind bis 12:00 Uhr zu verlassen. Tageszimmer können nur direkt über das Hotel gebucht werden.

Closed days of attractions:

If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, an alternate site will be visited. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents to be received 21 days before sailing.

•Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

•Hagia Sophia is closed during prayer hours on Fridays

•Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours. Von Juni bis August ist Sommer.

Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Bitte achten Sie darauf, dass Sie in den Moscheen dezente Kleidung tragen. Schultern und Beine müssen bedeckt sein.

Währung:

Turkish Lira (TL).

Stromspannung:

220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey. We recommend you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.

Erforderliche Papiere und Visa:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and an e-Visa is required for all U.S. Citizens entering Turkey. Please check with your local embassy for any further visa requirements for your nationality.

RSSC will require guest passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, submit what you have and then provide new details once secured. Bring both passports with you for this journey for check in for flights.

Gepäck:

It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.

Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.

Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):

1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.

Unterkunft:

Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel

Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey

+90 212 368 44 44

Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel

Musaefendi, Balci Sk., 50400 Ürgüp/Nevsehir, Türkiye

Telefon: +90 384 341 69 20

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•1 night including breakfast at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar (Club Level Room)

•3 nights at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel or similar (Classic room)

• Flughafentransfers

•Porterage at the airport

•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package.

•Service of an air-conditioned vehicle

•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums

•Two lunches in Cappadocia with soft drinks

•4 lunches in Istanbul with soft drinks

•3 dinners with soft drinks

•Exclusive Sunset Champagne service at Red Valley in Cappadocia

•Domestic economy class flights per the itinerary

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann kein Abreisetransfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht im Programm enthalten:

•Beverages with alcohol on the tours

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

• Persönliche Ausgaben

• Alle Mahlzeiten, die nicht oben angegeben sind

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•Hot air balloon ride (guest may speak to their guide during the program regarding this option)

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedlichen Untergrund einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand, Kies oder naturbelassene Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 60 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 60 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Experience the joys of Istanbul with visits to some of the most memorable landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires including The Palace of Porphyrogenitus, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, the underground cistern and Topkapi Palace to name a few. Also enjoy a sunset cruise along the legendary Bosphorus and ample time in the evenings to enjoy the culinary delights of Turkey at your leisure. Your Club Access room at the Ritz Carlton includes the service of a dedicated Concierge who can assist you in planning your evenings.

HINWEIS: Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance. The Underground Cistern and St. Sophia Museum both include many steps and/or inclines and are not suitable for wheelchair access.

TAG 1

Arrive at the airport in Istanbul (Istanbul Grand Airport or IGA) and transfer to the hotel. Check-in time is 14:00 Uhr, leaving the remainder of the day to do as you please.

Depending on the time of your arrival, you might shop or dine nearby before spending the evening at the hotel.

TAG 2

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel either in the restaurant or the Club Lounge and then meet your guide in the lobby for a tour that will concentrate on the Byzantine history of this unique city.

Your first visit will be to the oldest settled areas of the city located around the Golden Horn. Visit Tekfur Palace, The Palace of Porphyrogenitus. This palace served as part of the Blachernae palace complex which was often used by Byzantine emperors starting from the 12th century. As of the 16th century, the building was later named by Europeans as the Great Palace of Constantinople (Palatium Constantini), and later on as the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus. Today it has been restored and serves as a museum.

Proceed next to Pantokrator Monastery which is located on the fourth hill of Constantinople overlooking the Golden Horn. Originally serving as a large monastic complex with a hospital, it was eventually converted into a mosque following the conquest of Istanbul and today it serves as Molla Zeyrek Mosque.

Pass through one of the largest markets in the city called the “Women’s Market” in order to reach the tour coach. From here it’s a short drive to Chora Church which is the second most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul, famous for its magnificent frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.

Recently renovated, it is now open to the public as a mosque and a museum.

Lunch will be taken at a popular restaurant in the old city.

After lunch proceed to the Hippodrome which has been partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues and obelisks that were once part of the arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100.000 spectators.

Your next visit will be at the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque that is now converted to both a mosque and a museum. Although the earliest two versions were destroyed, this Hagia Sophia dates from 537 A.D., and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It served as Istanbul’s principal mosque for nearly 500 years and became the model for the Blue Mosque.

No visit to Istanbul would be complete without viewing the famous Underground Cistern. This giant reservoir used to supply water to the city for many centuries.

Your final stop for the day will be at the Spice Market, a locale so energetic and bustling that it’s difficult to know where to look first. Aromas waft through the air, the cacophonous sounds are constant, and it’s always crowded with shoppers haggling for the best possible prices. In a word, it’s wonderful.

At the end of the tour, return to your hotel where dinner and the remainder of the day are at your leisure.

TAG 3

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel either in the restaurant or the Club Lounge and then meet your guide in the lobby for a tour of discovering the Ottoman highlights of Istanbul.

Being the day with a visit to the incredible Blue Mosque. This is one of the few mosques with six minarets. It was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with 20.000 blue tiles for which the mosque is so aptly named.

Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the course of four hundred years. Today, it’s a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire. Time permitting, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Harem section of the Palace that has been the subject of many novels and stories.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a typical local restaurant that serves samples of both Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.

After lunch, enjoy an opportunity to browse through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and the oldest covered marketplace. It contains more than 5.000 shops selling an amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century. Brush up on your bargaining skills for this visit!

Return to your hotel for some time to freshen up and relax before departing for a leisurely sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, the famed strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and perhaps even more important serves as a boundary between Europe to the west and Asia to the east. Passing palaces, wooden mansions and even modern villas along the way, you will experience Istanbul from an entirely different perspective, one you’ll not soon forget. Along the way, enjoy local drinks and light canapés on the boat. (Hinweis: boat may not be exclusive to the group)

Zurück im Hotel steht Ihnen der Rest des Tages zur freien Verfügung. Ihr Dinner organisieren Sie in Eigenregie.

Tag 4:

On this last day in Istanbul, you will discover the Asian portion of Istanbul. After breakfast and check-out (don’t forget to settle and incidentals), meet your guide and begin your tour.

Cross over from Europe to Asia via the shortest way in the world, the first bridge over the Bosphorus. On the Asian side, you will visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer palace of the Ottoman Sultans.

You will have time to stroll at the waterfront and then continue to visit Kuzguncuk, one of the oldest residential areas of the city on the Asian shores. This is the place where Turks, Armenians and Greeks lived in harmony for many years.

At the conclusion of your tour, you will drive to the pier, bid your guide farewell and embark the ship.

Landprogramm – Schritt für Schritt

• Die Reihenfolge der besuchten Sehenswürdigkeiten kann abweichen, um Verkehrsstaus zu vermeiden. Die angegebenen Zeiten sind nur Richtwerte und dienen an dieser Stelle nur Informationszwecken. Änderungen vorbehalten.

• Reiserouten mit den aktuellsten Details werden ausgestellt, wenn Sie Ihre endgültigen Kreuzfahrtunterlagen 21 Tage vor der Kreuzfahrt per E-Mail erhalten. Bei Ankunft in Ihrem Hotel erhalten Sie eine finale Reiseroute von unserem Betreiber vor Ort mit einem Willkommensbrief. Bitte sehen Sie sich den Brief und die finale Reiseroute genau an, falls weitere Änderungen vorgenommen wurden.

• Die Hotels, die in Ihrem Landprogramm enthalten sind, entsprechen den Hotels in diesem Dokument, falls Sie vor Beginn des Landprogramms keine anderen Informationen erhalten haben.

• Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.

Zusätzliche Übernachtungen

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

• Sollten Sie Extraübernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft buchen, holen wir Sie Ihren Flugzeiten entsprechend ab und bringen Sie zum Hotel. Check-in ist um 14:00 Uhr (Änderungen vorbehalten). Mahlzeiten außer dem Frühstück sowie Aktivitäten organisieren Sie bis zum 2. Tag des Programms in Eigenregie.

• Wenn Sie einen frühen Flug gebucht haben, empfehlen wir, eine zusätzliche Übernachtung zu buchen, da Ihr Zimmer nicht vor 14:00 Uhr bezugsfertig sein wird.

• Wenn Sie zusätzliche Übernachtungen selbst buchen, ist der Transfer nicht inbegriffen.

TAG 1

Fly into the Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA)

You are met and transferred to your hotel

14:00 Uhr Check-in time at the hotel

Early check-in is not guaranteed without an extra night booked

Der Rest des Tages steht zu Ihrer freien Verfügung

Meals are on your own today – see the Club Room for complimentary options

Overnight at the Ritz Carlton or similar hotel

Abholung und Transfer

• Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you cannot locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the program representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Upon arrival, claim luggage, clear through customs, and proceed to the arrival hall of the terminal (porters and trolleys are available inside the luggage claim area)

•From this point, follow the airport’s signs to EXIT GATE NUMBER 8 and go outside the terminal building.

•Local ground staff will be waiting outside, in front of exit gate 8 with logo signs – they are not permitted inside with signs.

• Abholung und Transfer werden für Gäste organisiert, die am ersten Tag des Landprogramms anreisen oder wenn zusätzliche Übernachtungen über die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft gebucht werden. Die Abholung erfolgt entsprechend den Flugdaten, die Gäste bitte mindestens 14 Tage vor Beginn der Kreuzfahrt einsenden. Gäste, die vor Beginn der Reise in Eigenregie anreisen, erhalten keinen Transfer.

• Sollten wir Ihre Flugdaten nicht erhalten haben oder sich Ihre Flüge ändern, ohne dass das Destination Services Team an Land darüber informiert wurde, können wir keinen Transfer bereitstellen. Gäste müssen in diesem Fall auf eigene Kosten zum Hotel des Landprogramms reisen. Bitte kontaktieren Sie umgehend die Reservierungsabteilung, sollten sich vor der Abreise Flugdaten ändern.

TAG 2

AM Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or the Club Lounge

08:30 Uhr Depart for an orientation tour of Istanbul

09:45 Uhr Visit Tekfur Palace

10:45 Uhr Visit Zeyrek Mosque and Women’s Market

12:00 Uhr Visit Chora Mosque

13:15 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:30 Uhr Visit the Hippodrome and St. Sophia

15:45 Uhr Visit the Underground Cistern

16:45 Uhr Visit the Spice Market

18:15 Uhr Return to your hotel

The evening is at leisure, dinner on own

Overnight at the Ritz -Carlton Hotel or similar hotel

TAG 3

AM Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or the Club Lounge

08:30 Uhr Depart for a visit of the Blue Mosque

10:15 Uhr Visit Topkapi Palace (Harem section visited if time allows)

12:30 Uhr Lunch at a local restaurant

14:00 Uhr Visit the Grand Bazaar

16:30 Uhr Arrive back at the hotel to freshen up before evening activity

Perhaps grab a bite to eat from the Club Lounge

19:00 Uhr Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus

19:15 Uhr Cruise on the Bosphorus with drinks and canapes

21:30 Uhr Return to the hotel

Overnight at the Ritz Carlton or similar hotel

TAG 4

AM Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or the Club Lounge

08:30 Uhr Depart for and visit Beylerbeyi Palace

10:30 Uhr Free time at Beylerbeyi waterfront and photo stop

11:15 Uhr Visit Kuzguncuk

12:00 Uhr Orientation drive on the Asian side

13:30 Uhr Arrive at the port for embarkation

Operational Note

Museums are closed on certain days in Istanbul and substitutions will apply as follows:

•Topkapi Palace - closed on Tuesdays, replaced with Beylerbeyi Palace

•Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Zeyrek Mosque and Chora Mosques are closed on Fridays until 14:00 Uhr. If the program falls on a Friday, the order of the sites visited will be changed to make sure all visits are possible

•Grand Bazaar - closed on Sundays (no substitution will be made)

•All sites and museums are closed until 14:00 Uhr on the first day of the Religious Holidays; Grand Bazaar and Spice Market will remain closed throughout the Religious Holidays.

Should sites be closed on a day that you are scheduled to visit, alternate sites will be visited and if possible, the original site will be seen on the other day. Our local operator will do their utmost to ensure that you see all the sites listed in this itinerary and when necessary, make appropriate substitutions. There may be times when a replacement site is not possible. This itinerary is to be used as a sample and guests should refer to their emailed Final Cruise Documents received approximately 21 days before sailing for their actual itinerary based on these factors.

Voraussichtliches Wetter:

Summers are hot and humid with temperatures averaging 25-30C (78-88F) from June to August, occasionally rising beyond 35C (104F).

Average temperatures:

April - ranges from a high of 62°F (16°C) to a low of 48°F (9°C).

May - ranges from a high of 70°F (21°C) to a low of 57°F (14°C).

October - ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 58°F (14°C).

Was Sie mitbringen sollten:

The program is casual throughout. Bring good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, camera, charger, light sweater or jacket for cooler mornings or evenings, ladies - headscarf

Clothing Note: There is a strict dress code at all the mosques and churches in Istanbul. Ladies will be required to cover their heads; no shorts above knee length; tank tops and sleeveless shirts are not permitted for both males and females. Shoes will need to be taken off when visiting mosques; bags will be provided for the shoes.

Währung:

Turkish Lira

Euro and USD can be used in most tourist shops but the exchange rate may not be favorable

Stromspannung:

220 Volts AC/50 Hz. throughout Turkey. We recommend brining a travel adaptor should you have any electric devices

Unterkunft:

RITZ-CARLTON ISTANBUL

Suzer Plaza Askerocagi Caddessi, Elmadag Cd. No:6, 34367 Sisli/Istanbul, Türkiye

Telefon: +90 212 334 44 44

We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotel listed above will be used.

Im Programm enthalten:

•Three nights at the Ritz Carlton Istanbul (Partial Sea View room with club amenities)

• Transfers

•Tours and entrances per the itinerary

•Two lunches with soft drinks included

•Sunset cruise with limited local drinks and canapés

Private Club Access Includes:

•Dedicated check-in just for Club guests in the Club Lounge

•Throughout your stay the Club Lounge serves as your private retreat – open 7am-10pm

•A dedicated Concierge is at your service to ensure a seamless and memorable stay; whether you need assistance with dining reservations, arranging transportation or planning personalized experiences around Istanbul

•Delight in an array of exquisite culinary offerings presented five times a day in the Club Lounge including a selection of wines, liqueurs, beer, spirits and non-alcohol beverages during set times

•Complimentary laundry (2 items per day)

•Discount on spa services

•Additional amenities will be available in your room

Bitte beachten Sie: Gäste, die ihre eigenen Flüge buchen (unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft), sind dafür verantwortlich, dass sie der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft die aktualisierten Abreiseinformationen mitteilen, sodass der Transfer arrangiert werden kann. Wenn Sie unabhängig von der Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft weitere Nächte buchen, kann bei Anreise kein Transfer bereitgestellt werden. Wenn wir nicht bis mindestens 14 Tage im Voraus Ihre Flugdaten erhalten, werden keine Transfers bereitgestellt.

Nicht enthalten:

•Gratuities for guides and drivers

•Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry

•Meals and beverages not listed above including beverages with alcohol

Hinweis: Mehrtägige Landausflüge umfassen in der Regel ausgedehnte und längere Unternehmungen, während kürzere Ausflüge ein moderateres Programm bieten. Alle Programme sind jedoch verschieden, und die Teilnehmer sollten sich auf unterschiedliche Straßen- und Wegeverhältnisse einstellen, z. B.: Steigungen, Kopfsteinpflaster, Sand und Kies oder unbefestigte Wege. Gelegentlich wird auch Treppensteigen verlangt. Rollstuhlfahrer und Gäste mit eingeschränkter Mobilität wenden sich bitte im Voraus an die Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft und erkundigen sich, ob die gewünschten Ausflüge ganz oder nur teilweise für ihre individuelle Situation geeignet sind. Dem Wetter angemessene Kleidung, Kopfbedeckung, Sonnenbrille und flache, bequeme Wanderschuhe werden generell empfohlen.

Hinweis: Alle Programme an Land sind beschränkt und gelten vorbehaltlich der Verfügbarkeit. Programme, bei denen nicht die Mindestanzahl an erforderlichen Teilnehmern erreicht wird, können gestrichen werden. Die aufgelisteten Preise unterliegen Änderungen aufgrund von unerwartet eintretenden Kostensteigerungen für Transport, Landprogramme und Währungsschwankungen. Einmal erworben, ist der Preis garantiert und unterliegt keinen weiteren Änderungen. Landprogramme sind spätestens 90 Tage vor dem Start der Kreuzfahrt zu buchen. Stornierungen, die 90 Tage oder weniger vor dem Abfahrtsdatum erfolgen, unterliegen einer Stornogebühr von 100 %. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Gäste, die nicht wie vereinbart an Tag 1 eines geplanten Landprogramms erscheinen, zählen als „Nicht erschienen“. Ihr Platz im Hotel wird dann freigegeben.