About This Journey

Step back in time to when chariots and philosophers flourished, art and architecture prospered, and innovation and ideas thrived. Discover the wonders of ancient Greece and the Ottoman Empire, the birthplace of modern society. Start your Journey in Istanbul, a centuries-old city straddling Europe and Asia. Explore its ornate mosques, opulent palaces and towering monuments built during its long history of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Take a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait, shop at the Grand Bazaar and sip traditional Turkish coffee while you soak up the city views. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the epitome of Byzantine architecture, then stand in awe at the elaborate tilework of the Blue Mosque. Discover the ancient capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa, on a day trip. Visit a 700-year-old village-turned UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the Green Mosque, covered in turquoise tilework, and enjoy a sampling of local delicacies. From savory foods like meat kebabs, pide and lahmacun (pizza-like dishes) to desserts like Turkish delights and baklava, you’ll not only satisfy your wonders for the ancient world but your palate, too.

Then, embark on your cruise aboard the Azamara Quest to the Greek Isles. Visit Canakkale, Turkey, once the ancient city of Troy, land of myths and legends. Call on ports in beautiful, yet less crowded, Northern Greece and experience its authenticity and rich history. Spend the day in Kavala, “the heart of Eastern Macedonia,” and Thessaloniki, the second-largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. Discover Rhodes, with its picturesque beaches and ancient ruins. Explore the Greek islands of Amorgos and Paros—not visited by most other cruise lines—then, relax on the paradise island of Mykonos with its brightly colored blue and white buildings set against a backdrop of azure waters. Many of these seaside villages also offer freshly caught seafood cooked using traditional culinary methods. On this 15-night Journey to antiquity, discover historical marvels, epicurean delights and quaint, coastal towns.

Visits: Istanbul, Bursa, Canakkale (Kepez), Turkey, Kavala, Thessaloniki, Volos, Rhodes, Amorgos, Paros, Mykonos, Greece; Azamara, Cruises; Azamara Quests; SPID 35233, Warm Journeys

Inclusions

• Roundtrip international airfare, transfers and baggage handling
• 5-night pre-cruise land program in Istanbul
  • Istanbul, Turkey:5-night hotel stay
    • Welcome dinner
    • Full-day city tour
    • Full-day Turkish culture tour
    • Full-day tour to Bursa
    • Full-day city tour with Bosphorus cruise
• Tour Leader throughout pre-cruise land program and Local Tour Hosts during included tours
• Most meals while on tour (see itinerary highlights) and all meals while onboard
• 10-night sailing aboard the Azamara Quest
  • 10% Off Shore Excursions (see “Special Offers”)
  • Amenities included during your Azamara cruise:
    • AzAmazing Evenings℠ event
    • Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
    • Gratuities
    • Bottle water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
    • Self-service laundry
    • Shuttle service to and from port communities where available
    • Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
    • Much more!
    • Special Offer—Ends 5/2: Receive up to $900 Onboard Credit per stateroom. Call for details!

What to Expect

Pacing

Most days during the land portion will include full-day tours. The overall pace is rather quick, as there is much to see in these regions, however there is a healthy mix of both visits to historical sites and time to enjoy the landscape and scenery. Most days include two meals, allowing the third meal to be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine, then have the rest of the evening to relax. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining.

During the cruise you will have a mix of relaxing days at sea and exciting days on land to explore the port cities. You may choose from optional shore excursions, which will allow for cultural immersion, exotic meals and numerous activities.

Physical Activity

The land portion of the trip should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking. Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including air-conditioned buses and comfortable accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by coach, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on the bus but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation.  Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this group program. For the cruise portion of the trip, passengers will board and leave the ship up stairways and gangways, and you may have to walk a moderate distance to transfer to train, bus and car stations. Time spent on the road and traveling can be long, so you will need to be prepared for stretches of downtime in between destinations.

Cultural Focus

On this Enrichment Journey you will visit an old Ottoman village, tour opulent palaces, learn about the local production of carpets and pottery,shop at the Grand Bazaar, and hear stories of daily life. You will visit breathtaking natural wonders and visit historical monuments. You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before, and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches, and cities themselves can be crowded, especially while on the cruise.

Unique Factors

While visiting Istanbul, the call to prayer will quickly replace your need to look at your watch. Heard five times a day, this is when the faithful go to pray, and tourists should wait outside. During visits to Mosques, no shorts or sleeveless shirts on either men or women. At the most popular mosques in Istanbul, attendants may provide cloths to wrap around legs or shoulders during your visit if your clothing is too informal. Shoes are also to be removed before entering.If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.

Transportation

While on tour:

Istanbul to Bursa: 2.5-hour coach transfer

Please note that these times are approximate and only reflect the transportation time. Our trip may be longer due to stops for sightseeing along the way.

International Airfare:

Included international airfare is from select airports only. To inquire about a different airport, please contact your Personal Vacation Manager.

Enrichment Journeys is committed to providing remarkable experiences at extraordinary value. As a result, airlines and routes are selected to maximize that value and may involve multiple stops and extended layovers versus non-stop or direct flights. Passengers wishing to utilize specific carriers, direct/non-stop flights, Business Class upgrades, or to extend their time in any of our beginning or ending destination cities may do so by contacting Enrichment Journeys and inquiring about the Custom Airfare Program. There is a $50 per person charge for this service, however this charge will be applied toward any flights or upgrades you choose to purchase. The $50 charge must be paid prior to receiving a custom air quote.

Ask about receiving 10% off all shore excursions from Shore Excursions Group!

Special Offer—Ends 5/2: Receive up to $900 Onboard Credit per stateroom. Call for details!

1-night Istanbul Extension (pre-cruise)

Want an extra day to adjust to the new time zone? With this optional extension, you will arrive in Istanbul a day early and have one extra day to relax at the hotel before the tour starts. Note: tours are not included. Price of $185 per person(based on double occupancy) includes:

• 1-night hotel accommodations in Istanbul with daily breakfast
• Private transfer from airport to hotel
  

2-night Athens Extension (post-cruise)

Although everyone on the Enrichment Journey will disembark the Azamara Quest in Athens, the itinerary does not include any time in the city. With this optional extension, you will stay for 2 nights in Athens after your cruise, giving you time to explore the city on your own before flying home. Note: tours are not included. Price of $450 per person (based on double occupancy) includes:

• 2-night hotel accommodations in Athens with daily breakfast
• Private transfer from ship to hotel and hotel to airport

The following hotel list is preliminary and subject to change. Although we contract for hotels a year or more in advance, unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.

Barcelo Istanbul

Kocatepe Mah Abdulhak Hamit Cad No 25 Beyoglu . 34437 Istanbul Turkey

Telephone: +90 212 377 45 45

The hotel Barceló Istanbul is completely renovated and is located in the heart of the city, next to one of the most elegant districts in Istanbul, in the emblematic Taksim Square. Surrounded by a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and businesses, its location allows guests to be absorbed by the vibrant streets of the country’s historical, cultural, and financial capital. It boasts 270 carefully designed spacious rooms and suites with all types of amenities and a unique atmosphere that provides maximum comfort during each and every stay. Its comforts and amenities provide guests with everything they could need for a perfect visit. Some of them include a private hammam.

Azamara Quest

Cruise Line: Azamara

Azamara Club Cruises provides guests with unparalleled service: the finest dining at sea, a glorious spa and wellness experience, and innovations such as Destination Immersion®, making it one of the world’s top up-market cruise lines. With the hallmark of longer stays, more overnights and night touring, Azamara will not only take you to awe-inspiring destinations but also give you more time to fall in love with them.

Amenities Included

• AzAmazing Evenings℠ event
• Select standard spirits, international beers and wines
• Gratuities
• Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
• Self-service laundry
• Shuttle service to and from port communities where available
• Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

Ship: Azamara Quest

Like her sister ships, the sturdy Azamara Quest is a mid-sized beauty with a deck plan well-suited to the needs of modern voyagers. You’ll never feel crowded in the comfortable social spaces of our bars, restaurants, lounges, casinos and Cabaret. Nor will you feel like a sardine jammed in around the pool, where the attentive staff is always ready to offer complimentary bottled water, soft drink or fresh towel. Staterooms feature modern amenities, furnishings and European linens. And one of the greatest features of this ship is the high percentage of staterooms with Verandas. There’s nothing better than opening your door to the fresh sea air and views. Azamara’s friendly ships are an altogether wonderful place to call your home away from home!

Before You Go

Money Matters

How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.

ATM Machines

These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.

Foreign Banks

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.

Credit Cards

During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.

Incidentals

Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.

Packing Guidelines

Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.

What to pack

Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.

Here are a few key items to take on your trip:

• Raincoat/poncho
• Hooded jacket/fleece pullover
• Pants with pockets
• Skirt with pockets
• Hat with visor & sunscreen/bug spray
• Warm socks
• Sturdy sandals
• Practical shoes for walking/easy hiking
• Extra pair of prescription sunglasses and/or glasses (if needed)
• Camera(s)

Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.

Luggage Screening Process

To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.

Labeling

Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.

Carry-on items

In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit www.tsa.gov for a list of items that cannot be packed.

Airport transfers

Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.

Cell phones

Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.

Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment

Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.

The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.

Medical Issues and Handicaps

As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.

Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.

If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.

Briefing sessions

A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.

Hotels

All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.

Regional Information

eJourney Guide

• Detailed Destination Information
• Day-by-Day Itinerary
• Preparing for Your Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Local Cultural Information
• Recommended Readings
• And so much more!

As always, our friendly and dependable Personal Vacation Managers are committed to assisting you every step of the way.