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Immerse yourself in the exoticism, fascinating history, and resplendent architecture of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia along the bustling Bosphorus Strait. You’ll step into the world of Ottoman sultans at the Topkapi Palace, marvel at the towering domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and roam the endless passageways of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, teeming with colorful carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and lanterns. Your three nights in this intoxicating cultural capital are the perfect way to start off your ocean expedition.
Fly to Turkey
Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey.
Arrive in Istanbul
Today you'll land in Istanbul, Turkey’s exotic capital straddling Europe and Asia. You’ll arrive in time to check-in and relax before a Welcome Dinner.
Included meals:
Royal and cultural splendors of Istanbul
After breakfast, head to the Fatih district, home to the Historic Areas of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your explorations at the Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans and today a magnificent museum. Your guided tour leads you into some of its many chambers, including the Harem Apartments.
After lunch, continue to the spectacular Blue Mosque, named for the countless blue Iznik tiles that adorn its vast interior. Conclude the day among the teeming stalls and passageways of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s historic marketplace.
Included Features:
Cultural Discovery:
Spectacular Sultanahmet on foot
Stretch your legs this morning during a walking tour of the Sultanahmet district. You’ll stop at the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, built as a church and later converted into a mosque. It has been a magnificent museum since 1935.
After, follow your nose to the Spice Bazaar, where mounds of colorful turmeric, saffron, and countless other spices vie for your olfactory attentions. Be sure to sample some Turkish Delight, the nation’s favorite sweet, while you’re here!
After lunch on your own, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore. This evening, gather for a Farewell Dinner with traditional cuisine and a folkloric performance.
Included Feature:
Join group in Athens
Head to the Istanbul airport for you flight to Athens, Greece to meet for your base tour.
Get under the Tuscan sun in Florence, the beating heart of Italy’s esteemed foodie region and the birthplace of the Renaissance. On tours of the city’s two premiere galleries — Uffizi and Accademia — you’ll get insights on the artistic masters who changed the world. You’ll also see Florence’s many corners on a guided tour, while having ample time to discover this magnificent city on your own, too. From the banks of the Arno to the stunning duomo overlooking the city, Florence is a feast for all the senses. Famous cuisine, unparalleled wine, and world-class leather products are all at your fingertips on this compact and enlightening extension. Uncover the beauty of Tuscany’s capital with Vantage!
Your Price Includes:
Fly to Florence
Today your journey to Italy begins with an overnight flight to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Arrive in Florence and get acquainted
Arrive in Florence today. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Florence’s center. Get settled in and enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel tonight.
Discover Florence’s sights and its artworks
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Florence, including its UNESCO-listed historic center. A tour of the Accademia Gallery, whose world-renowned art collection counts with Michelangelo’s David, will introduce you to the city’s rich artistic history.
The afternoon and dinner will be on your own, where you can explore more of the city, shop its famous leather markets, and join locals on some merendas, or traditional snacktime.
Tour the Uffizi Gallery, then transfer to Rome
Delve even deeper into Florence’s artistic heritage at the renowned Uffizi Gallery. Here, you’ll explore work by some of Italy’s revered Renaissance masters: Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raphael. Afterward, you’ll lunch in one of Florence’s wonderful local restaurants. Florentine cooking is world-renowned, and this is your chance to splurge on local delicacies including wild boar ragú, ribollita soup, and — if you’re bold and ravenous — a fine Florentine steak.
Afterward, you’ll board the high-speed train to Rome. There will be a private luggage transfer service, so you can simply relax and enjoy the day knowing the details have been handled! When you check into your Rome hotel, your luggage will be waiting for you.
Depart Rome via high-speed train to Florence. There will be a private luggage transfer service, so you can simply relax and enjoy the day knowing the details have been handled! When you get to your hotel in Florence, your luggage will be waiting for you.
Then, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Florence, including its UNESCO-listed historic center. A tour of the Accademia Gallery, whose world-renowned art collection counts with Michelangelo’s David, will introduce you to the city’s rich artistic history.
The afternoon and dinner will be on your own, where you can explore more of the city, shop, and join locals on some merendas, or traditional snacktime.
Tour the Uffizi Gallery
Delve even deeper into Florence’s artistic heritage at the renowned Uffizi Gallery. Here, you’ll explore work by some of Italy’s revered Renaissance masters: Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raphael. Afterward, you’ll lunch in one of Florence’s wonderful local restaurants. Florentine cooking is world-renowned, and this is your chance to splurge on local delicacies including wild boar ragú, ribollita soup, and — if you’re bold and ravenous — a fine Florentine steak. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore more of Florence. Dinner is in the hotel tonight.
Fly home
Today, head to Florence’s airport for your return flight home.
Immerse yourself in the exoticism, fascinating history, and resplendent architecture of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia along the bustling Bosphorus Strait. You’ll step into the world of Ottoman sultans at the Topkapi Palace, marvel at the towering domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and roam the endless passageways of the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, teeming with colorful carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and lanterns. Your three nights in this intoxicating cultural capital is the perfect way to round out your ocean expedition.
Welcome to Istanbul! Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to acclimate before a lively Turkish dinner with a folkloric show.
After lunch on your own, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and explore. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Fly to Athens and then fly home
Transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight to the U.S.
