{"product_id":"gentle-journeys-turkey-senior-alumni","title":"Gentle Journeys Turkey: 12-Day Senior \u0026 Alumni Escorted Tour","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same Turkey, at a pace that lets you enjoy it. We use internal flights instead of long coach days, never move hotels more than five times in twelve days, and hold a minimum two-night stay everywhere. Porters handle your luggage from the airport to your room and back. Every site has a level route agreed with the guide in advance, private vehicles drop as close to entrances as regulations allow, and there is a rest afternoon built into each city. Group size caps at sixteen so nobody is ever waiting on a coach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eDuration\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003e12 days \/ 11 nights\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eStart \/ End\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eIstanbul → Istanbul\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eGroup size\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eMaximum 16 travellers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eActivity level\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eRelaxed - no more than 2 km walking on any day, level alternatives at every site\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eMeals\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003e11 breakfasts, 9 dinners\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eGuiding\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eLicensed local guide, English (other languages on request)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\" style=\"padding:6px 16px 6px 0;vertical-align:top;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003eDepartures\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:6px 0;\"\u003eApril–May and September–October\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTour highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTwo-night minimum in every location; only five hotel changes in twelve days\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInternal flights replace all long coach transfers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFull porterage - your case is handled airport to room and back\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThree nights in Istanbul with a private Bosphorus cruise\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eEphesus with vehicle access to the upper gate, so the site is walked downhill\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe Pamukkale travertines with a level boardwalk route\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThree nights in Cappadocia, including a valley drive with panoramic viewpoints\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eA rest afternoon in every city, not just at the end\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMaximum sixteen travellers, with a tour manager alongside the local guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDay-by-day itinerary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 1 - Arrive Istanbul.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wheelchair assistance arranged on request. Private transfer, porterage to your room and a relaxed welcome dinner at the hotel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Istanbul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 2 - Istanbul - the Old City.\u003c\/strong\u003e A late start. Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, with the Hippodrome walked at an easy pace. Afternoon free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Istanbul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 3 - Istanbul - Bosphorus \u0026amp; Palaces.\u003c\/strong\u003e Private Bosphorus cruise with seating throughout, then Dolmabahce Palace, which is largely step-free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Istanbul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 4 - Istanbul - At Leisure.\u003c\/strong\u003e A free day. Optional guided visit to the Spice Bazaar and the Archaeology Museum for those who want it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Istanbul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 5 - Fly to Izmir → Kusadasi.\u003c\/strong\u003e Morning flight, then a short transfer to your Aegean sea-view hotel. Afternoon at leisure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Kusadasi\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 6 - Ephesus.\u003c\/strong\u003e Entry at the upper gate so the site is walked gently downhill, with seating stops. Afternoon rest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Kusadasi\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 7 - The House of the Virgin Mary \u0026amp; Sirince.\u003c\/strong\u003e A morning at Meryem Ana, then the hill village of Sirince for lunch and wine tasting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Kusadasi\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 8 - Kusadasi → Pamukkale.\u003c\/strong\u003e A short drive to Pamukkale. Hierapolis by vehicle to the upper entrance, and the travertines by level boardwalk.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Pamukkale\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 9 - Fly to Cappadocia.\u003c\/strong\u003e Morning at the thermal pools, then a flight from Denizli via Istanbul to Cappadocia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Cappadocia\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 10 - Cappadocia - Valleys \u0026amp; Viewpoints.\u003c\/strong\u003e A panoramic drive with short walks at Uchisar, Pasabag and Devrent, plus an Avanos pottery workshop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Cappadocia\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 11 - Cappadocia - Goreme.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Goreme Open-Air Museum at an easy pace, with a free afternoon and a farewell dinner in a cave restaurant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: Cappadocia\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDay 12 - Fly to Istanbul \u0026amp; Depart.\u003c\/strong\u003e Morning flight to Istanbul and connection home, or transfer to a day-use room if your flight is late.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOvernight: -\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll airport and intercity transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAccommodation as listed, on a twin-share basis, with daily breakfast\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eProfessional English-speaking licensed guide throughout\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll entrance fees to the sites named in the itinerary\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLocal taxes, service charges and portage at hotels\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e24\/7 on-tour support line and a Look Vacations tour manager\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFull porterage at every hotel and airport\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAll internal flights (Istanbul–Izmir, Denizli–Cappadocia, Cappadocia–Istanbul)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eA Look Vacations tour manager in addition to the local guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLevel-access routing agreed at every site in advance\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAirport wheelchair assistance arranged free on request\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's not included\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInternational flights to and from the start and end cities\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (required - we can recommend providers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eVisas, passport fees and any border charges\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eDrinks, laundry and items of a personal nature\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOptional excursions and gratuities for guide and driver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAccommodation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour- and five-star hotels chosen specifically for lifts, step-free entrances, walk-in showers and rooms close to the elevator. In Cappadocia we use a cave hotel with a lift and level access rather than the stepped hillside properties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho this tour is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTravellers in their late sixties and beyond, alumni associations, retirement communities and anyone who wants the classic sites without the forced march. Walkers, sticks and slower paces are entirely normal on this tour and nobody is ever rushed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan you take a wheelchair user?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn many cases yes, but it depends on the chair and how much assistance you travel with. Call us and we will go through each site honestly - some, like the Pergamon acropolis, we simply leave out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs there a single supplement, and can you match roommates?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is a single supplement, shown as a separate option. We also run a roommate-matching list for solo travellers who would rather share and avoid it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if I need to skip a day?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThen you skip it. The tour manager stays contactable, the hotel is comfortable, and there is never any pressure to be on the coach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBook or ask a question\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrices are per person in twin-share accommodation, land only, and vary by departure date and group size. Tell us your preferred dates and we will confirm availability and a firm quote within one business day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCall \u003ca href=\"tel:+12027705061\"\u003e+1 202 770 5061\u003c\/a\u003e · email \u003ca href=\"mailto:usa@lookvacations.com\"\u003eusa@lookvacations.com\u003c\/a\u003e · or send an enquiry through the tour page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Look Vacations","offers":[{"title":"Twin share (per person)","offer_id":52300416614717,"sku":"LV-TR-GEN-12-TWN","price":2890.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Single occupancy (per person)","offer_id":52300416647485,"sku":"LV-TR-GEN-12-SGL","price":3540.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/9009\/9517\/files\/Mexican_President_visiting_the_Celsus_library_in_EphesusCelsus_library_in_Ephesus_2C_Turkey2_38c92f69-241c-444e-b11c-7271c67e0f39.jpg?v=1785117849","url":"https:\/\/lookvacations.com\/products\/gentle-journeys-turkey-senior-alumni","provider":"Look Vacations","version":"1.0","type":"link"}