Day 1

(PM) Our trip begins in Istanbul, the city that literally spans Europe and Asia, and was host to the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires.  Upon arrival, we will check-in to our boutique hotel located in the heart of the "Old City."  Then we stroll down to the pier and reel in a fish sandwich grilled right on the boat before relaxing back at the hotel.

Day 2

(AM) After breakfasting on the hotel's terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, we will view the architectural gems of Istanbul -- the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the spectacular Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire and, of course, the Sultan's Harem.  Later, we will take in the surreal underground waters of the Basilica Cistern, built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6^th century and featuring two huge stone Medusa heads.

(PM) After lunch, the extravagant Dolmabahce Palace is our next treat for the eyes.  Finally we will set off for the carnival-like atmosphere of Ortakoy pier, where Turks young and old go to relax and enjoy a starry cruise down the Bosphorus.

Day 3

(AM) Moving to the modern, we will stroll along art-nouveau Istiklal Caddesi, the busiest place in Istanbul, visited by 3 million people every day!  First, we will meet volunteers from the Purple Roof Women's Shelter and see how they are empowering Turkish women.  Then we will visit the Foundation for the Protection of Nature, and hear about Turkey's most pressing environmental issues.

(PM) After lunch, we will visit the historic Sulukule neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Istanbul's Gypsy population has lived since the 1400's.  We will witness the Mevlevi order of the Whirling Dervishes spin in their Sufi temple.  This evening, we will be treated to a private concert by the Sulukule Orchestra.  (Click here to see a video.)

Day 4

(AM) This morning, we will travel by plane and by bus to the sparkling Turquoise Coast, or the Turkish Riviera, a stretch of the Mediterranean that is legendary for its azure waters and ancient ruins.  After a quick tour of a Greek "ghost town", we will have lunch at the Levissi Garden and Wine House.

(PM) Today, you will have your very own chance (this activity is optional) to go tandem paragliding off a mountain over a real-life Blue Lagoon -- or, if heights aren't your thing, just to relax on a magnificent beach.  Later, we will take a one-hour ride past dozens of gorgeous mountain passes overlooking the sea before descending by foot (a 30-minute hike) to Turan Camp in secluded Kabak Valley.

Day 5

(AM) Awakening refreshed from our mountain bungalows, early risers will have the opportunity to help protect baby hatchlings of the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles on Kabak Beach.

Click here to see our video of baby sea turtles climbing out to the sea at Kabak Beach.

Click here to see an educational video about protecting sea turtles.

(PM) Today is yours to enjoy!  Your choice of activities include:

1) Climbing with a local villager through Tiger Moth Canyon to see a sparkling waterfall
2) Hiking to Seashell Beach
3) Swimming to the Pirates' Cave
4) Relaxing on Kabak Beach
 

Day 6

(AM) After the optional early turtle watch activities, we will visit Kabak Village. Here we will tour a village farm and receive a lesson in cooking and honey-making from a local villager.

(PM) The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the surroundings. Activities (repeated from Day 5) include:

1) Climbing with a local villager through Tiger Moth Canyon to see a sparkling waterfall
2) Hiking to Seashell Beach
3) Swimming to the Pirates' Cave
4) Relaxing on Kabak Beach

This evening, we will give back to this magical place by clearing the beach for nesting mother turtles and their hatchlings.
 

Day 7

(AM) After breakfast, we will find a wooden gulet, a special Turkish yacht, waiting to sweep us away on a daylong Blue Cruise to hidden coves, tombs and treasures.  Cruising along on our chartered yacht, we may spot dolphins and loggerhead turtles.  Grilled fish will be served onboard.

 (PM) After viewing the ancient Lycian cliff-carved tombs of Telmessos, we will end our Mediterranean voyage and disembark at Fethiye harbor. Could there be a better way to end our last night in Istanbul than with the Sultan Treatment, the finest massage, at one of the finest Turkish baths in the world?

Day 8

(AM) On our last day in Turkey, we will visit the Grand Bazaar.  Keep a close eye on your pocketbook here, as you are likely to spend whatever money you have on the rows of glittering gold jewelry, thick-piled carpets, shiny leather coats and luxurious cotton robes on display in the world's first-ever indoor shopping mall.  The colorful and aromatic Spice Market will also tempt your senses with perfect piles of cardamom, green cumin, ground red pepper, curry, sesame, ground coconut, yellow turmeric and saffron -- not to mention rose water, olive oil soap and the perfect gift to bring home, Turkish Delight.

(PM) We depart Istanbul and return home. 

Soon afterward…

Soon after you return, your Happy Karma will continue to spread, as 3% of tour profits are donated to the non-profit groups visited on our tour.