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Best of Turkey

Witness a fusion of Europe and Asia in Istanbul, then explore fairy-tale Cappadocia, Mediterranean Antalya, plus the ruins at Ephesus, Troy & more

Overview

from$3499Tour + Flights from$2699Tour Only 15days
price per person, double occupancy,* during sale,** based on Oct 3, 2024 departure from JFK
Save up to $500 on this package!
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Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures May 2024 – November 2025 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & Culture
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
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Continents collide in Turkey, a country where you can jump start your morning with a Turkish coffee in Europe and by lunchtime snack on a kebab in Asia. Start your adventure in Istanbul, a city reverberating to the rhythm of the country's famous whirling dervishes, flavored as sweet as pomegranate and Baklava, scented by exotic spices wafting from the colorful markets, and with a picture-perfect skyline pierced by the minarets of Blue Mosque. Continue to the 'fairy-tale' landscape of Cappadocia where Bronze Age cave-dwellers carved ancient cities into the region's tall, cone shaped rocks. These 'underground cities' now host homes and businesses and the hotel you'll be staying in. Antalya and its stunning Mediterranean coastline serves as the jumping off point for a trip back in time as you explore Turkey's world class Greco-Roman ruins highlighted by Ephesus, Europe's most complete classical metropolis. Finally, end your adventure with another full day in Istanbul for independent exploration. Our Turkey small group tour will show you the best that this mysterious land has to offer, all for an irresistibly value-packed price that makes it possible for you to discover your own Turkish delights.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) to Istanbul including taxes & fees
  • Arrival and departures transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
  • All intra-Turkey transportation
  • Accommodation in Superior First Class and Deluxe hotels
  • 24 Meals: 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
  • Wine included with welcome and farewell dinners
  • Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
  • Professional, English-speaking tour manager

Optional add-ons

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
  • Discounted optional excursions package
  • Optional balloon ride over Cappadocia
  • Optional Bosphorus cruise

Why you'll love it

  • Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s history and art at the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia.
  • Discover the magic of Cappadocia at one of its many underground cities.
  • Get hands-on during a cooking class with a local family.
  • Stop at Sultanhan, a castle-like structure full of impressive geometric and marble details that was once used as a resting place for camel caravans.
  • Spend a full day at leisure exploring the coastal cliffs and towering mountains of Antalya.
  • Gaze upon the icy white terraces and steaming hot springs in Pamukkale, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hierapolis.
  • Admire the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Ephesus.
  • Explore the ancient city of Troy, best known as the location of the Trojan War, according to Homer's poem, The Iliad.
  • Pay your respects at Gallipoli, the site of the fiercest battle of World War I.

Itinerary at a Glance

Best of Turkey map

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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 – $400 off if you book by Apr. 4, 2024!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, during sale**,
including Instant Savings and sale discounts**
2024 DEPARTURES
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Finishes: Thu, Mar 28, 2024
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Finishes: Thu, May 2, 2024
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If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Best of Turkey
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy
May 2, 2024;  May 23, 2024;  Jun 13, 2024;  Sep 5, 2024;  Sep 19, 2024 $899
Mar 13, 2025;  Apr 3, 2025;  Oct 2, 2025;  Nov 6, 2025 $939
Jul 18, 2024;  Aug 22, 2024 $949
May 22, 2025;  Jun 12, 2025;  Jul 17, 2025;  Aug 21, 2025;  Sep 4, 2025;  Sep 18, 2025 $979
All other dates $849
Optional Excursions
Discounted Optional Excursions Package $180
Transfers for Passengers Booking Tour Only
Optional Airport Transfers1
Arrival transfer: Airport to hotel $40
Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport $40

1. Prices based on a minimum of two passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
New York Kennedy (JFK) included

This package includes round-trip flights from the city listed above.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight

  • Depart the USA on your overnight flight for Istanbul

Day 2 Istanbul

  • Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
  • This evening, get to know your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant and briefing with your guide

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim or similar Dinner

Day 3 Istanbul

  • Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
  • Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, famous for its massive dome and Byzantine architecture
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Topkapı Palace including the Harem

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

This morning, visit some of the unique and iconic sites in the city. Start your tour at the Sultanahmet Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque for the tiles and paint adorning its interior. Built between 1609 and 1616 on the site of several previous palaces, the mosque is considered the last great mosque of the classical period, and even today, it is a truly epic sight. More than 200 stained glass windows admit natural light, thick carpets cover the floors, and the walls are decorated with intricate tile work and verses from the Qur'an, many by Seyyid Kasim Gubari, the most excellent calligrapher of his time.

Later, visit nearby Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, built by the emperor Justinian I between 537 and 543 AD. The Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive dome and Byzantine architecture, which inspired much of the Blue Mosque. Built as an Orthodox basilica, the Hagia Sophia later became a mosque and finally a museum in 1935. Spend the remainder of the morning at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. The bazaar opened in 1461, and there are over 1200 stores, many of which are grouped by type of goods, with particular areas for leather coats, gold jewelry, and other wares.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Topkapı Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. The palace became a museum of the imperial era in 1924, and the complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers, the most important being accessible to the public today. In addition, the palace houses an extensive collection of porcelain, robes, armor, and Ottoman miniatures and jewelry.

Day 4 Istanbul & Cappadocia

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia
  • Pay a visit to the pottery makers in the city of Avanos

Utopia Cave Cappadocia or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Underground city, Cappadocia

Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. 

Visit the pottery makers in the city of Avanos on the banks of the Kizilirmak River, where the red clay from the riverbanks is excellent for traditional household pottery, bricks, and roof tiles. Continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner.

Day 5 Cappadocia

  • Visit the Open Air Museum of Göreme
  • View the fairy landscapes and rock castles of Avcilar, Dervent Valley, Pidgeon Valley, and Uçhisar Foldings
  • Cooking class with a local family followed by dinner

Utopia Cave Cappadocia or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Cappadocia rock formations

Cappadocia is the land of fairy chimneys and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Weather permitting, you may choose an optional balloon ride in the early morning.

Later, visit the Open Air Museum in the Göreme, where early Christian churches are decorated with frescoes. Enjoy the magnificent fairy landscapes and rock castles of Avcilar, Dervent Valley, Pidgeon Valley, and Uçhisar Foldings.

In the early evening, join your fellow travelers for a hands on cooking class with a local family. Learn about their traditions as you prepare your meal together. Start with Turkish tea, visit their organic garden, then prepare your dinner, including a delicious dessert.

Optional Excursion: Balloon Ride over Cappadocia (purchased locally), $400
Hot air balloons over Cappadocia

Wake up early to embark on a hot air balloon ride! Float silently over the unique rock formations and rich fertile valleys of Cappadocia, all set against the dramatic volcanic landscape that formed the region over two million years ago. (Subject to weather conditions.)

Day 6 Cappadocia & Konya

  • Explore one of the famed underground cities of Cappadocia
  • Visit Sultanhan, a “caravanserai” (caravan palace)
  • Explore the Mevlana Museum in Konya

Novotel Konya or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Sultanhan Photo by José Luis Filpo Cabana

Explore one of the famed underground cities of Cappadocia, carved out of the soft tuff. Early Christians built these structures as a refuge from the persecution of the Roman Empire. With several floors, tunnels, and rooms spanning for miles, they could shelter thousands of people with their livestock and food stores. In addition, they had living quarters, churches, storage rooms, stables, wells, ventilation systems, and wine and oil presses!

Continue your journey to Konya. En route, visit Sultanhan, a "caravanserai" (caravan palace) built as a resting place for the camel caravans, with a stone-paved hallway and other impressive fortifications. Upon reaching Konya, the capital town of Konya province, you'll visit the Mevlana Museum, where Rumi, a Sufi mystic, poet, and the founder of the Mevlana "Dervish" order, is buried.

Optional Excursion: Whirling Dervishes, $40
Whirling dervishes

After dinner, join an optional outing to see the Whirling Dervishes dance performance. "Dervish" is a common term for an initiate of the Sufi path, and the whirling is part of the formal "Sema" ceremony by participants known as semazens. The unique and fascinating whirling dances were inspired by Mawlana Jalaleddin Rumi, one of the great mystics of Islam.

Day 7 Konya & Antalya

  • Travel through the Taurus Mountains to reach Antalya

Ramada Plaza Antalya or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, your journey continues south toward the Mediterranean resort of Antalya.  Drive through the Taurus Mountains to reach Antalya. En route, visit the Ibradi Ormana Village, where some button houses date back to the 17th century. There are a variety of lunch options available with fresh, local vegetables. After lunch, continue to Antalya for check-in and dinner with your fellow travelers. 

Day 8 Antalya

  • Full day at leisure in Antalya or join one or both optional excursions

Ramada Plaza Antalya or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Old harbor, Antalya

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the town of Antalya, situated on coastal cliffs and surrounded by mountains. Today it is a bustling city and resort area. Take one of the optional excursions to Aspendos and Perge in the morning and the Düden Waterfalls in the afternoon.

Optional Excursion: Aspendos and Perge, $60
Amphitheater, Aspendos Photo by Saffron Blaze

Start the tour with a visit to Antalya Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from the region, and Greek and Roman sculptures. Later, travel to Aspendos, located beside the Eurymedon River, is renowned worldwide for its magnificent ancient Roman theater, famous for its perfect acoustics. Perge, one of Pamphylia's main cities, was founded after the Trojan War by colonists from Argos. The city is very well preserved with a theater, stadium, and Agora. Return to Antalya.

Optional Excursion: Düden Waterfalls, $45
Düden Waterfalls, Antalya

In the afternoon, visit the Düden Waterfalls. The Düden River flows through the Taurus Mountains, creating a drop of thundering water. There are even stalagmites and stalactites due to the high content of minerals in the water.

Day 9 Antalya & Pamukkale

  • Explore the city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Visit Laodicea, one of the early Christian communities mentioned in the New Testament

Doğa Thermal Health & Spa or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Travertines of Pamukkale

Leave the coast for Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish. The city contains hot springs and stunning white terraces that look like ice, created by carbonate minerals left by flowing water. Visit the city of Hierapolis, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the hot springs have been used as a spa since the second century. See the great baths constructed without the use of cement. The town was also settled by Jews from Babylon and Mesopotamia, exiled by Antiochus the Great. Continue to Laodicea, one of the early Christian communities mentioned in the New Testament, and check in at your hotel, followed by dinner. 

Day 10 Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, & Kuşadası

  • Visit the Roman city of Aphrodisias

Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Aphrodisias ruins

This morning, visit the Roman city of Aphrodisias, whose extensive excavation was funded by the National Geographic Society. Ancient artists produced sophisticated statues inspired by Aphrodite, goddess of love and marriage, for whom the town was named. Visit the Temple of Aphrodite and the local archaeological museum, which houses a beautiful collection of the art of Aphrodisias.

Continue to Kuşadası on Turkey's Aegean coast for dinner and overnight. The area has been a crossroads of art and culture since it was founded 5000 years ago and was the final destination of medieval caravan routes from the Orient.

Day 11 Ephesus

  • Explore Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Balance of the day at leisure, or join an optional excursion

Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Library of Celsus

Today, visit the glorious city of Ephesus, the capital city of the Roman Province of Asia Minor, founded over 4,000 years ago. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is represented by one column and fragments of a frieze. Walk through the ancient streets to view the magnificent structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater. Ephesus is also the town where St. Paul and St. John lived during the first century. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary spent her last years living near a grove of olive trees. A visit is considered a pilgrimage by the Vatican. Afterward, join an optional excursion to the Ephesus Museum and Şirince or return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure, perhaps dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Optional Excursion: Ephesus Museum & Şirince Village, $65
Şirince Village

This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Ephesus Museum and Şirince Village. The Ephesus Museum has two main sections, archaeological and ethnographical. Various artifacts from the Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Periods are on display through 8 different exhibition halls and a large courtyard.

Şirince Village was settled in the 15th century after Ephesus was abandoned; however, the current buildings date back to the 19th century. Once an old Orthodox village, it was called Çirkince ("ugly"). The inhabitants established this name because they did not want to share their village's beauty with strangers. An Izmir mayor later gave the name Şirince ("pretty"). Enjoy the scenery of vineyards and peach trees from this mountaintop village. Today, the village is a perfect combination of Turk-Greek culture. Before the Independence War, Greeks were living in the village; after the war, the Turks living in Greece returned to Turkey, and the Greeks in Turkey moved to Greece. The new inhabitants kept the characteristics of typical Greek houses, the most beautiful of which is open to visitors. Explore the narrow streets of Şirince and the wares of the villagers selling handicrafts, olive oil, and wine.

Day 12 Pergamon, Troy, & Çanakkale

  • Discover Pergamon, the capital of a once powerful kingdom
  • Continue to Asklepion, a famed ancient medical center
  • Visit the ancient city of Troy

Kolin Hotel Çanakkale or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Asklepion ruins

This morning, visit the ruins of Pergamon, the capital of a powerful kingdom during the Hellenistic period in the first century. Visit the Acropolis structure, which houses the Temple of Trajan, the Sanctuary of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus. When papyrus became scarce, the Pergamenes invented a new writing material made of fine calfskin called pergamena (parchment), a predecessor of vellum. The Library of Pergamon, built by King Eumenes II and containing as many as 200,000 volumes, was second only to the library of Alexandria, Egypt.

Continue to the nearby Asklepion, a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asklepios, the god of healing. It was also the site of the world's first known psychiatric hospital. In the ancient world, this was where famous people wanted to attend for bathing treatments, interpreting dreams, and drinking the water from the sacred fountain.

Finally en route to Çanakkale, visit the ancient city of Troy, best known as the focus of the Trojan War as described in the epic poem by Homer. Today's ancient city is an expansive archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later this evening, arrive in Çanakkale, check-in, and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 13 Çanakkale, Dardanelles, & Istanbul

  • Enjoy a ferry ride across the Dardanelles
  • Visit the battle site of Gallipoli and pay your respects
  • Balance of the day at leisure in Istanbul

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
ANZAC Cove, Gallipoli

Continue north by ferry across the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara. This strait, like the Bosphorus in Istanbul, separates Europe from Asia.

Visit the site of Gallipoli, where one of the fiercest battles of World War I took place. The Gallipoli campaign was the first major battle undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). The struggle laid the grounds for the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Continue to Istanbul for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 14 Istanbul

  • Explore Istanbul independently, or take an optional cruise along the Bosphorus
  • Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner with wine

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Ortakoy Mosque on the Bosphorus

Spend your last day in Istanbul doing some last-minute shopping or independent exploration. Alternatively, join an optional cruise on the Bosphorus. This evening, meet with your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Optional Excursion: Dolmabahçe Palace (purchased locally), $50
Dolmabahçe Palace Photo by Mircea Ostoia

This morning, join an optional tour to Dolmabahçe Palace, also known as the Ottoman Palace. Admire this splendid architectural jewel from the 19th century Ottoman period in the heart of Istanbul. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid between 1843 and 1856, this palace shows a mixture of Turkish and French influences. The palace boasts 285 rooms and ceilings made of 14 tons of gold. A splendid Bohemian chandelier adorns nearly every room.

Optional Excursion: Bosphorus Cruise (purchased locally), $65
Istanbul panorama

Cruise the straits that separate Europe and Asia, passing by the villas and palaces of the Ottoman Empire and little fishing villages. The route zigzags across the channels for picture-perfect views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Suspension bridges.

Day 15 Istanbul/USA

  • Transfer to the airport and board your return flight to the USA.

Breakfast

Discounted Optional Excursions Package: $180

Save by pre-booking a discounted package of our most popular optional excursions:

  • Whirling Dervishes dance performance
  • Ephesus Museum and Şirince
  • Tour to Aspendos and Perge
  • Tour to Düden Waterfall

You can book these excursions individually in Turkey. But you can save time and money if you purchase this special package ahead of time—with or before your final payment.

Note: Tours require a minimum of 5 passengers to operate.

Hotels

Sofitel Istanbul Taksim
First Class

Sofitel Istanbul is a luxurious and sophisticated hotel in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey. The hotel's prime location in Istanbul further enhances its appeal. Situated in the city's heart, Sofitel Istanbul provides easy access to popular attractions, renowned shopping districts, cultural landmarks, and vibrant entertainment options. Immerse yourself in the rich history and lively atmosphere of Istanbul while enjoying the comfort and luxury of their Sofitel experience.

More information

Utopia Cave Cappadocia
Utopia Cave Cappadocia
First Class

Set in a lush garden, the Utopia Cave Cappadocia in Ürgüp is located near Cappadocia’s famous rock formations. This cave hotel offers accommodation in a historic environment, along with modern facilities. The ruins of old houses, mansions, and dwellings carved into the hill have been renovated into the guestrooms and facility buildings.

More information

Novotel Konya
Deluxe

Novotel Konya is a contemporary and upscale hotel in the vibrant city of Konya, Turkey. It is conveniently situated near the city center, offering easy access to Konya's main attractions, shopping centers, and cultural sites. With its modern design and amenities, Novotel offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay for business and leisure travelers.

More information

Ramada Plaza Antalya
Ramada Plaza Antalya
Deluxe

The Ramada Plaza Hotel is located on the seafront with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and of the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Antalya's city center is just a few steps away.

More information

Doğa Thermal Health & Spa
Doğa Thermal Health & Spa
Superior First Class

Located in Karahayit, near the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis, the Doğa Thermal Health & Spa offers a relaxing environment with natural thermal waters that have been an attraction to this area since classical antiquity.

More information

Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi
Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi
Deluxe

Located on a 5-acre property facing the Aegean Sea at the entrance to Kusadasi, the Ramada Hotel & Suites is the perfect starting point to explore the archaeological sites of ancient Ephesus as well as to relax enjoying the facilities and the view of the sea. The hotel has 3 outdoor swimming pools, a spa featuring Turkish Bath, Sauna, Steam Bath and massage units and a fitness center.

More information

Kolin Hotel Çanakkale
Kolin Hotel Çanakkale
First Class

The Kolin Hotel Çanakkale is a five star resort located on 650 meters of pristine coast line. The main principle of the hotel is customer satisfaction. There are gardens overlooking the Strait, outdoor and indoor (heated) pools, sauna, Turkish bath, Finnish bath, Jacuzzi, fitness center, spa, live music at the bars, and a night club.Turkish Bath & Sauna has a magical atmosphere where you can have fun and relax in its warm waters. Feel free to enjoy the shock pool after the sauna or take advantage of a Finnish Bath.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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On Sale Independent Package Athens & 3 Day Greek Isles Cruise
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† The Carefree Booking policy is not travel insurance and only applies to a new booking—defined as booking without the use of funds on file from a previous cancellation. With our Carefree Booking policy, if you book one of our scheduled departures and decide later not to travel for any reason, you can transfer all payments you've made excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets, towards another available departure date or package, with no change fees or penalties.

Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

You may use these credits anytime, however they must be used or transferred within 5 years of your booking.

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Travel protection premiums may be credited to your new tour provided: no claim is filed; (no vendor penalties such as Air, sea or rail etc have been incurred); and your new trip departs within 1 year of the cancellation of your original tour.

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