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Turkish Escape plus Abu Dhabi and Iconic Arabia 4
Night Cruise 2027 - 14 Day Tour from Istanbul to Abu Dhabi
Tour Description:
Prepare for a journey where ancient worlds, cultural wonders, and coastal beauty unfold day after day. Your adventure opens in dazzling Istanbul, home to some of the most iconic landmarks on earth. Explore the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the storied halls of Topkapi Palace. Wander the lively Grand Bazaar and savor traditional Turkish coffee prepared the old world way. Travel onward to the moving WWI sites of Gallipoli, continue to legendary Troy, and explore the healing sanctuary of Pergamon’s Asklepion. Stroll the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus and visit St. John’s Basilica before witnessing the luminous white terraces and ancient city of Hieropolis at Pamukkale. In Bursa, discover grand Ottoman architecture, bustling markets, and unique local flavors.Then your journey shifts from ancient landscapes to shimmering coastlines as you fly to Abu Dhabi and board your 4 night Iconic Arabia Cruise aboard the Celestyal Discovery. Sail the serene Arabian Gulf with relaxing port days in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Ras al Khaimah, and Khasab—each offering its own blend of culture, scenery, and warm coastal charm.Fourteen days. Endless stories. One remarkable adventure.
Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Saturday 23 Jan 27 — Saturday 06 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,405 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 30 Jan 27 — Saturday 13 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,805 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Feb 27 — Saturday 20 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,805 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Feb 27 — Saturday 27 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,805 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 20 Feb 27 — Saturday 06 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,805 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing of Istanbul’s highlights featuring visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace • Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul with traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster • Visit to the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, and the Lone Pine Memorial • Guided sightseeing of the Troy archaeological site and see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse • Guided visit to the Asklepion at Pergamon • Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus; see St. John’s Basilica.• Visit to the ancient city of Hieropolis at Pamukkale featuring views of the travertine terraces and thermal pools.• Visit to the Great Ottoman Mosque (Ulu Camii) of Bursa, plus the Historical Covered Bazaar, and the Silk Market with Kestane Sekeri tasting• 4-night Iconic Arabia Cruise aboard the Celestyal Discovery• Port days at leisure in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Ras al Khaimah, and Khasab• Flight from Istanbul to Abu Dhabi• Dardanelles crossing by ferry
Notes:
Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Cruise details:Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice.Outside cabin (category XA).Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day.Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Cruise details:Rotation of ports of call may vary for congestion reasons at certain ports, with or without prior notice.Outside cabin (category XA).Included soft drinks with meals, and unlimited filter coffee, tea, water, and juice throughout the day.Please ask your Travel Consultant for cruise ship details. The ship scheduled to depart for the cruise portion of your vacation is Celestyal Discovery, operated by Celestyal Cruises.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL,TURKEY
Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 2 ISTANBUL
East meets West Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there. Marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior. Stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan’s lived, and discover a shopper’s paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and ultimately called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 ISTANBUL–GALLIPOLI–TROY AREA
Bravery on the Beach This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. Later, enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War, it was supposedly the winning tactic. (B,D)
236 mi/ 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 4 TROY AREA–PERGAMUM–KUSADASI
The Sacred Way This morning drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. Continue your journey and arrive in Ephesus to visit the Archaeological Museum for an introduction to the city and its people. (B,D)
267 mi / 430 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. Here, the sick sought healing as they approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a pathway to healing based on the patient’s dreams and through theatrical presentations—healing practiced as a sacred art to heal both body and soul
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 KUSADASI–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE
Ancient Civilization Preserved Start your day at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins, including St. John's Basilica, believed to be the burial site of the apostle John. Later, arrive at the ancient city of Hierapolis for a visit, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. (B,D)
137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 6 PAMUKKALE–BURSA
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus This morning, drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, visit the historical, covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more. (B)
280mi / 450 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE SILK ROAD Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey’s centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city’s famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7 BURSA–IZNIK–ISTANBUL
Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council Drive to Iznik, a significant town located on the banks of Lake Iznik and famous for its vibrantly colored tiles and pottery. Your guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological Museum. After some free time, continue to Istanbul and join your travel companions this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES Iznik is a completely 'open-air museum' with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles – a treasured art form dating back to the Ottoman Empire
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 8 ISTANBUL-ABU DHABI, U.A.E.
Marhaba Abu Dhabi! Today, bid good-bye to Turkey as you board your flight to Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest emirate in the U.A.E. On arrival a Local Host will meet you and accompany you to the hotel. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS Touch down in Abu Dhabi and catch your first sweeping view of its shimmering skyline—sleek towers rising from the desert like a modern mirage. From the moment you arrive, the city’s blend of bold architecture, golden light, and coastal beauty promises an unforgettable Arabian adventure ahead
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 9 ABU DHABI (EMBARKATION)
Cosmopolitan Capital Today, head to the port, and embark your Celestyal cruise ship. Spend the day relaxing onboard or discovering the different facets of Abu Dhabi, the cosmopolitan capital of the U.A.E. Why not join an optional shore excursion to marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Mosque, an architectural masterpiece boasting 1000 pillars and 82 marble domes. For tasty treats head to the date market and be amazed at the huge variety on offer. (B,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE and visit the splendid Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a true spiritual landmark. Its serene white marble exterior and sweeping domes reflect a blend of diverse Islamic architectural traditions. Inside, the mosque features remarkable handcrafted details, including the world’s largest hand knotted carpet and immense crystal chandeliers enriched with 24 karat gold
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 10 CRUISING: DOHA, QATAR
DESERT JEWEL Enjoy a full day exploring Doha, the capital of Qatar; a modern city that has risen from a small pearl-diving community. Join an optional shore excursion to fully immerse yourself in Doha’s history and culture. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
CULTURAL JOURNEY Follow a guide on an optional excursion; starting at the colorful Souq Waqif where you can browse the labyrinth of alleyways lined with stalls offering spices, perfumes, souvenirs, and traditional Qatari clothing. Later take snapshots of the luxury artificial island Pearl-Qatar before heading to the Katara Cultural Village, Doha’s destination for art, culture, and cuisine. At the Dhow Harbor see the traditional wooden boats and admire views of the spectacular Museum of Islamic Art
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 11 CRUISING: RAS AL KHAIMAH, U.A.E.
Pearl of the Emirates Today, sail into the scenic port of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost Emirate, famous for its diverse panorama, from stunning beaches to desert dunes, to the UAE’s highest peak. Perhaps join an optional shore excursion to discover more. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
CULTURE AND HERITAGE Delve deeper into UAE heritage and visit the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, an abandoned, authentic pearling village that replicates life before the discovery of oil. Wander the streets of this ghost town and see typical examples of Gulf architecture
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 12 CRUISING: KHASAB, OMAN
Norway of Arabia This morning, admire rugged cliffs and fjord-like inlets as you sail into the port of Khasab, an Omani exclave overlooking the Strait of Hormuz. Khasab has lots to gems to uncover, both on land and water, why not join an optional shore excursion to get more out of your day. (B,L,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Roam, explore, and discover when you select an optional shore excursion. Head inland to ascend the Jebel Al-Harim Mountain in a 4x4, visit the Portuguese built fort and Khasab city center, ride a traditional Arabian dhow, or sit back and relax as you sail over the turquoise waters admiring the majestic mountains and small fishing villages; keep your eye out for dolphins!
BreakfastLunch Dinner
BreakfastLunch DinnerDay 13 ABU DHABI, U.A.E. (DISEMBARKATION)
This morning, disembark your ship. Enjoy a free day in Abu Dhabi, absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, browse the stores in one of the malls, or try local specialties. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE There are countless ways to enjoy free time in Abu Dhabi. If you like art, visit the Louvre or Guggenheim museums; or watch traditional craftspeople at the House of Artisans. Absorb culture at the magnificent Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, browse stores for gifts and souvenirs, or linger in a sidewalk café and enjoy local specialties
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 14 ABU DHABI
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Istanbul | Troy Area | Kusadasi | Pamukkale | Bursa | Istanbul | Abu Dhabi |
Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus
Moderate Deluxe
Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165 Istanbul Turkey
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel, has a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. Various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and massage services. The stylish 257 modern, air-conditioned guest rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and all have tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area and a minibar. There are several shopping malls located just a short drive away and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.
Moderate Deluxe
Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165 Istanbul Turkey
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel, has a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. Various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and massage services. The stylish 257 modern, air-conditioned guest rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and all have tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area and a minibar. There are several shopping malls located just a short drive away and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.
