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Magical Turkey Tour
Definitely this is real Turkey at its very best with Oba Tours and covers the most of the highlights of Turkey: The enchanting sights of Istanbul, the magical monuments of Eastern Black Sea and also a memorable cruising along the Mediterranean Sea coast. Join the magical trip!

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Turkish Delight Tour
Enjoy the fabulous sites of Istanbul, the extraordinary landscapes in Cappadocia and Antalya, a city like no other in the world, on our most impressive fully escorted tour! This is the most exciting Turkish destination you will ever experience in your life. Impressed!

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Anatolian Escapade Tour
The wonderful ten-day Anatolian Escapade… Journey to the ruins and myths. Two of the most visited sites in Asia Minor, Troy and Ephesus, on this deluxe Turkish tour package. Plus mountains of olive groves, turquoise waters and unique Turkish people hospitality await you in this trip. Take it!

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Taste of Turkey Tour
Visit Topkapi Palace, plus the most exquisite sights in all of Istanbul on this deluxe, fully escorted tour with Elkay. A perfect combination of great museums and ancient sites, covering all the highlights of western Turkey. Enjoy forever!

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Highlights of Turkey Tour
Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of Turkey as only Oba Tours can succeed it! Join us to experience the beauty and explore the history of Asia Minor in total security and comfort. Our elegant Highlights of Turkey tour visits all the wonderful places from Istanbul to Izmir, and Ankara to the sunny and chic Antalya… Just join us!

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Basilica Cistern in Istanbul

This awesome columned cavern was the water reservoir for both the Grand Palace of the Byzantine Empire and for the Ottoman Turks’ Topkapi Palace in Istanbul.

 
Blue Mosque in Istanbul
This mosque was built in the early 17th century
for Sultan Ahmet and is probably the most famous mosque in Turkey. This temple
is distinguished by six slender minarets and its interior walls covered with
amazing blue Iznik tiles.
 
Boat Cruise on the Bosphorus
This cruise stops at various fishing villages on the way to the Black Sea in the north. Dividing European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul, the river is also a direct artery between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
 
Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul
Sultan Abdul Mecit commissioned Dolmabahce Palace on a spot along the Bosphorus in the 19th-century rococo residence style and Ataturk died in this palace in 1938. Visitors are admitted in groups and led by the official tour guides.
 
Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
The Covered Bazaar was built in the 15th century. The Grand Bazaar has several gates: the most popular ones are Nuruosmaniye and Beyazit. Istanbul’s mysterious bazaar is a labyrinth of over 4,000 little shops and is everything you dreamed an oriental market could be. All kinds of Turkish treats are available in rich abundance at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
 
Rumeli Hisari & Anadolu Hisari in Istanbul
These European and Asian Fortresses can be found along the Bosphorus river, approximately 40 minutes drive from the old city of Istanbul. Each is famous for its local specialty – Emirgan for tulips, which bloom in a hillside park, and Kanlica for yogurt, served in several waterfront cafes.
 
Spice Market in Istanbul
The Egyptian Bazaar, also called the Spice Market, is only a fraction of the size of the Grand Bazaar. Stacked high with bags of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, this bazaar opened for business in the 17th century to generate revenue for the Yeni Camii (the New Valide Mosque) next door in Eminonu. Outside the Spice Market, there is a wonderful flower and bird market. 
 
Haghia Sophia in Istanbul
Aya Sofya, also known the Church of Holy Wisdom, was the largest and most important church in the Christian world from the time of its completion under the Emperor Justinian in 537. Saint Sophia was transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. Today, Aya Sofya serves as a museum being awesome in size and containing beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics. It is an absolute must see in Istanbul.
 

 

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Oba Tours Int'l. for "Istanbul & Beyond"...

Magical Turkey Tour

 

Guaranteed Departures from May through October

 16 Days
Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival
You are greeted upon arrival in Istanbul and escorted to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure before welcome briefing by Omer Elkay.
Day 2: Istanbul
A fascinating full day tour includes St. Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the mysterious Grand Bazaar. (B)
Day 3: Istanbul
Explore the Egyptian Spice Market and take the relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus. Then visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace. Join our optional dinner which includes Turkish belly dancing. (B)
Day 4: Istanbul – Trabzon
Tour the fabulous Topkapi Palace and fly to Trabzon. (B,D)
Day 5: Trabzon - Uzungol
Enjoy the visits of St. Sophia museum and Ataturk mansion in Trabzon. Then depart for the spectacular site of Sumela monastery which followed by the scenic ride to Uzungol. (B,D)
Day 6: Uzungol - Ayder
A wonderful sightseeing day which includes stone bridges, tea terraces and rivers of the Turkish Rainforests in the Kackar mountains. The hightlight of the excursion is Ayder plateau. (B,D)
Day 7: Ayder
Day at leisure. Optional day trekking to Kackar mountains. (B,D)
Day 8: Ayder - Istanbul - Marmaris
Fly to Marmaris via Istanbul. Upon boarding the yacht you will be greeted by a representative from Oba Tours who will welcome you aboard and talk to you about your blue cruise. Dinner will be served on board. After dinner, you may wish to do some shopping or visit a local night club on shore for an evening’s entertainment. Overnight in Marmaris. (B,D)
Day 9: Marmaris - Dalyan - Caunos - Ekincik
After brekfast on board in Marmaris port, you will begin cruising to Ekincik, one of the many unspoiled bays. On the way, you will stop at Semisce bay to pass some free time before lunch. After lunch at Ekincik, a fisherman`s motorboat will take you to explore the Dalyan river - visiting Lycian tombs, hot springs, mud baths and the ancient port of Caunos. You will also have chance to take in the sights of the Greek temples, Roman baths and Byzantine church also nearby before enjoying the scenic views overlooking the valleys of Caunos village on the way back to turtle beach and your gullet. Overnight in Ekincik. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Ekincik Kizilkuyruk Bay
After breakfast at Ekincik, cruise to Tersane bay where you can enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters and water sport activities. Late afternoon, will take you onto Manastir bay which was named after the ruins found there those are partially underwater and also known as Cleopatra`s bath. Enjoy your free time snorkeling, windsurfing and swimming. Overnight in Manastir bay. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Kizilkuyruk Tersane - Gemiler Island
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Manastir. After lunch, cruise to Gemiler island. The isolation of Gemiler makes it exotic and attractive and the small coves are great for swimming and relaxing. Sights of the Byzantine ruins with their mosaic floors make a ramble ashore well worthwhile. Overnight at Gemiler island. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Gemiler Island - Fethiye
Breakfast at Gemiler island. While away the morning in one of the bays close by. After lunch cruise to Oludeniz "The Jewel" of the Turquoise coast. This beautiful blue lagoon lies beneath the pine forested Baba mountain and boasts a long curving sand pit beach. Late afternoon to Fethiye. Overnight at one of the quiet bays in Fethiye. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Fethiye
After breakfast, your captain will take you to experience the most beautiful lagoons in the area -Bedri Rahmi and Aga Limani- heading on for the port of Fethiye after lunch. This coastal town offers a medieval monastery, the largest Lycian rock tombs in the area and good shopping for kilims, carpets and weavings. Overnight at a bay near Fethiye. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Fethiye - Marmaris
Breakfast in the bay of Fethiye before heading towards Kadirga bay where you will stop to enjoy lunch. During the afternoon you will head back towards Marmaris port, stopping at Paradise island. Time in the evening for fun farewells. Overnight at Marmaris port. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Marmaris – Istanbul
After having breakfast in Marmaris port, you will be escorted to the airport for the flight to Istanbul. (B)
Day 16: Istanbul – Return
The Oba Tours representative escorts you to the airport for the flight home. (B)
  PRICE INCLUDES
  • Elegant Hotels, such as 5-Star, 4-Star, Historical or Special Boutique Hotels.
  • All transfers.
  • Ground transportation by deluxe motor coach.
  • Portage for two normal size suitcases except at the airport.
  • Sightseeing tours as indicated including entrance fees.
  • English speaking tour director.
  • Meals indicated by the code letters: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner.
  • Hotel service charges, tips and taxes.
  • Travel documents kit.
   PRICE EXCLUDES
  • All airfares.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Customary tips to drivers and guides, which are made at the traveler’s discretion.
  • Optional tours in the package
 
  Due to the seasonal change in pricing, please contact us for the current individual & group rates.
   
 

Penelope Hamlin & Ronald Zarter - El Paso, TX
"Omer was a tour guide for us for two trips to Turkey. The second trip included my 10-month old granddaughter. He planned and delivered wonderful experiences. Omer was able to meet our expectations and then some. His knowledge of the country, its history and the people is superior. He and our driver, Dogan, took us to many special out of the way places while still seeing the “highlights” of Turkey. The accommodations and food were always excellent. Do visit Turkey with Omer!"
Julia Rogers - Freelance Tour Manager , U.K
"I have worked with Mr Omer Elkay doing tours in Turkey with groups of British holiday makers. My experience of him is that he is a thorough guide, always reliable, very informative and with a good sense of humour. He has an excellent command of English and is always smartly presented. Of utmost importance is his ability to get on well with people from all walks of life and to do a first class job of caring for his customers."
 
 
Caren & Bud Zisson, Florida
"Omer made our trip to Cappadocia so very special! He seems to know everybody there, and we were able to meet people, go places and do things that other guides cannot offer. He knows Turkish history, politics, and all the best places to visit, eat and shop. He even gave us great information and even contacts about other areas in Turkey that we visited after our week in Cappadocia! He is the best and most memorable guide that I have ever had in any country. You can't go wrong with "Omer the Magnificent"!"
Joe Helmkay of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
"In 2001 my wife, myself and our two friends had the pleasure of touring Turkey with Omer as our personal tour guide. Although our tour had an set itinerary, Omer was extremely flexible allowing us to alter several stops maximizing our time in places that we wished to spend a few extra moments. Omer was not only very knowledgeable about Turkey's history, he was also able to share an enormous amount of knowledge and insight about modern day Turkey. Omer gave good advice on how to honor local customs, he gave excellent advice on how much we should have to pay for certain souvenirs and he always made sure that we were having as much fun as possible. We really got to do and see everything that we went to Turkey, to do and see; Omer was a big reason why."
Vera Schwartzbord and Her Group of 8 Friends, FBI Travel, Melbourne, Australia.
"We are a group of 8 friends, who decided to travel around Turkey together. We didn't want to rush through the country and after doing a lot of reading, we decided that we wanted a personalised tour. All we needed was an excellent guide, to make it as interesting as possible, and of course to make it run smoothly. We found Omer Elkay and all our expectations were met and surpassed. Omer knows his country well and also knows how to make travellers feel at ease and have a great trip. All our group still talk about our time spent together with Omer and we still say it was our best group holiday ever. Thanks Omer for being such a great ambassador for your country and for being the perfect guide."
Peter Wardle, Australia
"I arrived in Cappadocia in January. It was absolutely beautiful the snow covered the ground. Omer and his driver met me for lunch and then showed me some of the region during the afternoon. We spent all of the next day together savouring the delights of this ancient land. Omer was fantastic. His knowledge and love of the region was delightful. I had a great time."
Danny Levy, Seven Seas Fine Art, Los Angeles, CA
"There are many ways of visiting a historic country like Turkey. And then, there is a way of experiencing a country like Turkey. That is what we got to experience on our trip to Turkey, thanks to Omer. Getting to see what most tourists would never have a chance. While driving through the country we would get to stop by different markets, shops, restaurants, and historic homes to visit what seemed like old friends. It seems like Omer has a friend in every block of each city, that could show us something interesting, and of course offer us some tea. His knowledge of the country and its history was impressive, he had some information about everything we saw. We all had a great time, thanks so much to Omer and our wonderful driver."
Rhona Rombro / Rainbow Travel - Orlando
"Your country is wonderful! Istanbul is exotic! The Blue Mosque is breath-taking! Hagia Sophia is absolutely superb! Topkapi is so interesting! But the most memorable part of our Turkish journey is our charming, delightful, kind, knowledgeable, helpful, and great-sense of humor guide. How fortunate our group was to have had such good luck in obtaining the best guide in all Turkey!! You made our stay wonderful, and we shall always have fond memories of you & Istanbul. I hope our paths will cross again one day."
 

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Oba Tours Int'l. Since 1986
5254 S. Dorchester Ave. #309 Chicago, IL 60615 Telephone: (773) 512-0691
Tursab No: 1428
info@obatours.com / www.obatours.com
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