An Invitation to Turkey with INCA

INCA International Nature & Cultural Adventures

An Invitation to Turkey

Contents Welcome to Türkiye With INCA........................3 Why Turkey?..............................................................7 Traveling With INCA............................................ 12 Itineraries & General Information........................ 17 About the Gulets.....................................................28 Information................................................................32

Inca

International Nature & Cultural Adventures 1311 63rd Street, Emeryville, CA 94608 T (510) 420-1550 F (510) 420-0947 info@inca1.com

(photo cover) Reverie — The Sultanahmet Camii, Istanbul (photo opposite) Turkish boy costumed for the traditional rite of passage

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View from a balloon, Cappadocian fairy chimneys

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Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Welcome to Türkiye

ur adventures in Turkey explore the Origins of Civilization and focus on Turkish culture and

human history in the region west of the

headwaters of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

Turkey is a diverse and fascinating land and offers much

of what we like in an educational adventure — friendly people, old and complex history, incredible archeological ruins (right up there with Machu Picchu), glorious art, intricate crafts, and splendid scenery. We love helping our travelers get to know a place by traveling around, strolling through villages and ruins, ballooning in Cappadocia, hiking in the countryside, and spending a few days exploring remote coastlines from fine, live-aboard gulets (the Turkish version of yachts).

We get out into the countryside and villages for serendipitous encounters with some of the world’s most friendly, sincere, and hospitable people. If you arrive with any negative stereotypical expectations, you’ll go home without them — they’ll evaporate at your first encounter with the charming, honest, and helpful Turks.

Cave “condos” in Cappadocia

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Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Welcome to Türkiye

Like all of our small group adventures, the focus is on learning and having a good time. Our Turkish guides measure up to the same high standards as our guides in all of our destinations. They are fun and they know their stuff.

Istanbul — the last stop in Europe and the first stop in Asia.

We save it until last, after our senses have had time to get in touch with this complex land. It lives up to its reputation — exotic, old, and mysterious, yet sophisticated, modern, and dynamic. We spend four days exploring the most fascinating attractions. We usually stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Sultanahmet, two minutes from Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Enjoy our video, An Invitation to Turkey, view our photo gallery, study the itineraries, then call or email with any questions. Come explore Türkiye with us SOON!

Bill Roberson INCA Founder and President Tel: (510) 420-1550 sales@inca1.com

(photo above) A Turkish girl, delighted by our visit (photo left) Bill Roberson, Founder and President — at his best in Ephesus! (photo opposite) The Divan, Ottoman Empire’s governing Council seat, Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

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Temple of Apollo at Didyma, Aegean Coast

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Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Why Turkey?

urkey is perhaps the last great undiscovered travel destination. Its Mediterranean landscape is varied and diverse. Colors and textures are rich — a blend of East and

West that gives Turkey a vibrant visual appeal. Turkish culture is a distillation of many peoples and cultures from many exotic lands. It is still melding after 10,000 years and is neither Western nor Asian. Land and sea traders have congregated along the Bosporus for millenniums, its location having made it a much coveted prize for invaders of many stripes. Though the contrasts between East and West are FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

great, socially and visually there is harmony.

Our exploration of Turkey’s rich history and varied terrain includes visits to some of the greatest archeological sites of the world. You will learn a great deal and have

At INCA we know that food is an important part of any travel experience. We dine at a variety of restaurants, both a la carte and at sumptuous buffets. We sample local cuisine in small country restaurants and enjoy picnics of local specialties in the countryside. Turkish cuisine is hearty and makes use of the country’s great variety of vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and eggplant. You can enjoy safe-toeat salads made with a variety of fresh greens and topped with delicious goat cheese. A variety of fresh fruit and nuts is always available as is lamb, beef, chicken (no pork), and fresh fish. Turkey is ¸¸ the land of endless varieties of sis kebab, including vegetarian “California Kebab”!

lots of fun doing it.

We stroll through ancient sites like Didyma, Priene, Ephesus, Aspendus, Çatalhöyük, Phaselis, Myra, Termessus, and Euromus. For some of us, our understanding of the history may have become (photo above) Strolling in the Carian ruins of Kaunos near Dalyan, Turquoise Coast

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(photo above) Turkish picnic, INCA-style, at Temple of Artemis

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Why Turkey?

“just a bit muddled.” But as we poke quietly around in the ruins, our guide fills us in about the complex history of Hittite, Greek, Carian, Lycian, Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and other civilizations. We hike through provocative Cappadocian geological HOT-AIR BALLOON RIDE

formations (and you can take an optional balloon ride). We climb Carian rock tombs at Kaunos near Dalyan, Turquoise Coast

into cave “apartments” that were hollowed out of solid stone by early inhabitants of the region. We explore “fairy chimneys,” and several

You can enjoy an optional, spectacular, and inspiring sunrise hot-air balloon ride through the “Valley of Love” in Cappadocia.

The balloon pilots are so skilled they can safely maneuver the balloon close enough for you to pick fruit from the trees on the fertile valley floor. All of our travelers who go ballooning come back with seraphic grins. It’s a fantastic experience!

rock churches that are well-hidden and off the tourist track. We visit the fine archeological museums in Antalya, Ephesus, and Istanbul.

You learn about the extraordinary vision of Atatürk, the leader who, in less than a decade, rocketed an Ottoman Turkey still living as if Iznik tiles in the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

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(photo above) Ballooning in Cappadocia (photo opposite) Magic hour in Cappadocia— fairy chimneys and Avanos pottery

Gymnasium at Pisidian site of Termessus, near Antalya

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Why Turkey?

in the 15th century into the 20th century. We travel through a Mediterranean landscape that bears much resemblance to California, Provence, and Tuscany. We spend several days aboard a spacious and comfortable, air-conditioned, traditional ENJOY THE CLIMATE

Turkish gulet or yacht. We cruise by motor and sail when there is wind through the exquisite blue waters just off Turkey’s southern shore. We spend the nights snoozing in secluded, quiet anchorages. During the day we make shore visits to ancient sites (some accessible only by sea) and coastal villages. We have time to read, relax, swim, and just have fun.

In Turkey you are treated like a guest. As such, we never worry about our personal belongings or well-being, even if we are walking alone. What we do fear is never having enough time to show it all to you.

Turkey is exotic, yet safe; fun, yet serious; huge, yet intimate; ancient, yet modern. Visiting there is a rewarding experience.

Turkey has a temperate climate due to its latitude (36 to 42 degrees north), the cold air masses from northern Europe and Siberia, its own mountain ranges, and the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas. It is green in spring and summer; wildflowers, including red poppies and wild daphnia are abundant April to May — the time when tulips, native to Turkey, are all over Istanbul. July and August are the hottest months, 90s and above. Fall days are lovely, with clear skies, rich colors, and plentiful harvests. Rains start mid-October and continue off and on through March. It snows in the mountains; sometimes Cappadocia, and even Istanbul gets a light dusting. Visiting Turkey at any time of the year is fun and the weather enjoyable.

Byzantine design — Aya Sophia, Istanbul

Just ask anyone who has been!

(photo above) Spring poppies in the village of Kayaköy, Turquoise Coast

(photo above left) Picturesque harbor in old-town Antalya

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Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Traveling with INCA

t INCA we are discerning, particular (actually downright fussy), and have a passion for perfecting the details. We cherish adding the personal touches and the unexpected

treats. We see ourselves as being in the business of “delivering dreams.” Our travelers tell us that we do it well, frequently exceeding OUR GUIDES ARE THE BEST

their expectations. We like to hear that but we don’t dare let it go to our heads. We know we have to keep our attention on every detail, big and small.

We believe that putting dream adventures together is a lot like making a fine necklace. Elegance and beauty come from selecting the best “pearls” for the adventure and “stringing” them strongly and artfully together. In remote and challenging parts of world the “string” is always tenuous. That keeps us on our toes, ready to “round up any pearls” that try

In Turkey, as elsewhere, we take great care in choosing our guides and leaders. Our discerning travelers require that our guides be gifted teachers with excellent social skills.

They must be sensitive to each traveler’s special interests and have proven ability to manage savvy and educated travelers in challenging environments. They must “know their stuff,” be sharp enough to sort things out when confronted with the unexpected, and be able to tell when you have had enough for the day! They must help make the trip fun for you. INCA’s guides have all of these qualities.

to escape. Once we have done that, we feel good about being trusted with your travel dreams.

We stay in the finest accommodations to be found along the way, usually culminating with a four-night stay at the stunning Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul. This magnificent 65-room luxury hotel was

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(photo above left) Turkish weaver at carpet loom (photo above) An INCA group taking it all in at Priene, near the Aegean (photo opposite) Turkish prayer rug for sale in a shop, Ankara

A crusader castle at Simena (Kale), along the Turquoise Coast

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Traveling with INCA

designed to fit into an historic structure located in old Constantinople at the Sultanhamet. From the front door, it’s a two-minute stroll to Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, or the gate of Topkapi Palace, home of the Sultans for centuries. With beds so soft, service so caring, and dining so fine, your only question will be: “Can I stay here forever?”

The lap of luxury — the Four Seasons Hotel, Istanbul

And ours: “How do we pry you out of there to visit the city?” Forget about going home!

We know that travelers who choose INCA are not group travelers in the usual sense. They enjoy their privacy and want some control over

COMFORTABLE MOTOR COACHES

We travel overland aboard very comfortable, fully air-conditioned vehicles. When our group is 12 or more, our motor coach may have on-board amenities that include a refrigerator, coffee maker, DVD player with video monitor, and a toilet. As we cruise along, we view the countryside through huge windows and have time to learn about Turkey from on-board videos, small group discussions, guide’s lectures, and of course, by reading.

It’s also a fine time to sneak in a snooze. By traveling in a European style motor coach, we are very safe and arrive rested, ready to go.

how busy they will be. On most days we’ve built in options for you to skip a planned outing, to go off on your own, or to simply do nothing at all. In spite of our enthusiasm to Bust of Marcus Aurelius, 3rd century BC, Ephesus Museum, Selçuk

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(photo above) The INCA-style coach— “motoring in comfort”

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Traveling with INCA

show you everything, we don’t forget that this is your vacation, not a crash course in the Origins of Civilization!

We have designed our itineraries to include strolls, walks, and several longer hikes through terraced gardens in PRIVATE TRIPS

Cappadocia, along forested coastal trails by the blue Mediterranean, and around historic Istanbul. Jogging is safe everywhere and usually there’s time before breakfast or dinner. The hikes are not aerobic outings but active enough to keep you from losing everything you’ve gained by hard work in the gym. You can always skip any of the hikes depending on what moves you that day. In addition, several of the hotels have exercise facilities. At INCA, we know that active travelers are more aware, have a greater appreciation for adventure, and just plain feel better.

(photo top left) Morning magic from Simena (Kale), Kekova Roadstead, Turquoise Coast (photo above right) Charlotte and Eliza “scarfing it up” Turkish-style, Cappadocia (photo right) Sorting the harvest — chickpeas for hummus (photo opposite) Byzantine mosaic, Aya Sophia, Istanbul

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Turkey is a superb destination for private trips. Turkey has something for every member of your family or group, no matter how esoteric their interests might be.

On your own trip you set the pace, see what you want to see, linger wherever you want, be active and hike, or just “float and bloat.” You can focus on art, archeology, history, bird-watching, shopping, photography, botany, architecture, weaving, carpets, mosaics, or almost anything else that tickles your fancy. We can host workshops, seminars-at-sea, or business meetings. We especially like planning educational trips for institutions, alumni associations, museums, and galleries.

We know our hard-earned reputation is on the line, so we always use the best available. Success for us is giving you a relaxing vacation, trouble-free, stimulating, and fun.

Itineraries & General Information

Cruising at sunset, near Gรถcek, on the Turquoise Coast

Itineraries

Origins of Civilization A 19-day Turkish adventure, including ruins and artifacts from the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Lycians, Carians, Seljuks, Ottomans, and others plus a 5-day deluxe, blue water cruise and exotic Istanbul.

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ven though meticulously planned, our itineraries

Over the next three days we will participate in a variety of activities.

Travelers who have reserved the optional, early morning hot-air balloon flight will depart, like all balloonists, at dawn when the air is still. For those that have decided against a balloon flight, we highly recommend waking up at sunrise to watch more than a hundred balloons pass through the canyons by the hotel.

Golden statuette of Artemis, Ephesus Museum, Selçuk on the Aegean

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are kept flexible in order to fit a particular

USA to Kayseri via Istanbul

group’s interests, allow for serendipitous encounters,

Depart for an overnight flight to Istanbul en route to Kayseri, a large and industrialized city in Central Anatolia, Turkey, about one and a half hours east of Cappadocia.

and accommodate weather, travel conditions, or other developments beyond our control. The following represents our best intentions, yet we reserve the right to make minor adjustments including the order, replacement, or substitution of activities that, in the wisdom of the moment, will enhance the experience.

2014

May 12 – May 30 September 15 – October 3 September 22 – October 10 $9,995 per person 2015

May 11 – May 29 May 25 – June 12 September 14 – October 2 September 28 – October 16

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Cappadocia

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Arrival in Kayseri and Cappadocia On arrival in Istanbul you must pay a modest visa fee, pass through immigration, collect your luggage, exit the customs area, and transfer on your own to the nearby domestic air terminal and check in to your connecting flight to Kayseri.

From the airport in Kayseri you will be driven to your hotel in Uçhisar, a small picturesque village in the Cappadocia Region. You will have time to settle into your room, unpack and rest, before your welcome dinner tonight at the hotel. If you enjoy good wine, we recommend trying one of the Kalecik Karasi or Corvus reds. Argos Hotel, D

$10,695 per person

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We have a brisk hike through the vineyards in the delightful Red Valley of Cappadocia. This beautiful valley gets its name from the rose-colored rock that varies in hue and intensity. We will find the “secret” stone cathedral and climb into other beautiful and mysterious rock churches. At the end of the valley we will walk into the village of Cavusin.

We’ll visit an underground city. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times, and expanded over the centuries as various marauding armies traversed Anatolian search of captives and plunder. There are about a hundred underground cities in the area although only a few are open to the public.

We take a vigorous hike through the fascinating geology of Cappadocia.

The trail runs through orchards and gardens and by hidden rock churches and cave dwellings. We will enjoy a grand, well-earned picnic in a secluded glen accompanied by a local musician. We visit the Goreme Open Air Museum which was the most important monastic center in the area. Argos Hotel, BLD

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Itineraries

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Black Sea

Termessos and Antalya This morning we hike up a steep, forested canyon to explore one of the most dramatically situated sites of all antiquity. Termessos is set on a mountain top with a commanding view of the area much like Machu Picchu (built at least 2000 years later). After lunch, we visit the Antalya Museum, which is just the right size — it doesn’t overwhelm and wear you out. Exhibits include artifacts collected from local, south coast, and mountain excavations dating from prehistory, including the Lower Paleolithic through the Late Bronze Ages.

The collection from the 12th century BC through the classic periods, together with ethnographic displays, enhances our understanding of Turkey’s complex history. Afterwards, you are on your own to explore Antalya and have dinner on your own.

ISTANBUL Gallipoli Bursa

Troy

ANKARA

TURKEY KONYA

Sirince

Kayseri

Tuvana Hotel, BL

a

Uçhisar

IZMIR Ephesus

Capp ad oc i

Çatalhöyük

Priene Didyma Euromus Termessus

YA us AL end T AN Asp

ADANA

os Göcek Manavgat un an Ph My KaDayl y ase ra ö k O lym lis ya Ka po ¸s K Kale a s K eko va

Turkey, the peninsula between the seas

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to its large size and apparent dense occupation.

Spectacular wall paintings and other art have been uncovered inside the houses.

Early in the morning we are off to southwest Turkey, crossing ancient Anatolia following the Silk Road. We will stop en route to visit a restored caravansary. Built at twenty-five mile intervals, caranvasaries were used by ancient Silk Road traders as “camel motels.” In Konya we visit the Museum Tomb of Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi, founder of the Sufi order known for Whirling Dervishes.

After lunch we visit Çatalhöyük, regarded as the first urban center in the world (7000 BC). This very early Neolithic site was first discovered in the late 1950s and became famous internationally due

We continue on into the Taurus Mountains, heading to the Turquoise coast where we join the coastal highway at Manavgat. We turn west and soon stop for a visit at the huge, well-preserved theater of Aspendus. After visiting this impressive Graeco-Roman site we continue on to Antalya. We arrive at our new home for two nights, a charming boutique hotel in traditional Ottoman style, located in Antalya’s historic Kaleiçi neighborhood.

Konya, Antalya

Tuvana Hotel, BLD

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Phaselis, Myra, and boarding Gulet We enjoy a leisurely morning before heading south along the Turquoise Coast to explore the ancient site of Phaselis (690 BC) not far from the ancient site of Olympus. Nearby, the unquenchable Chimaera burns to this day. We continue to Myra to see impressive rock tombs, a fine theater, and the Church of St. Nicholas — guess who got his start there! Near the ancient site of Andriace at Cayagzi we meet our gulet (yacht), that will be our home and transportation for the next five days. We sail at once for the Kekova Roadstead and several days of relaxing cruising, shore visits, hikes, and more good times. We visit the hillside village of Kale, formerly known as Simena. We explore its castle and try our hand at rolling out gozleme, a tasty crepe-like traditional treat sprinkled with spices and feta and baked on an inverted wok.

While on the yacht our itinerary is flexible, respecting both the weather and our interests. When conditions are right we put up all the sails and, like the ancient mariners, let the wind drive us onward. We have quiet times, good hikes, and opportunities to swim, read, and just hang out.

This is a vacation! Each night we anchor in a sheltered cove or bay. On the aft deck we will enjoy sundowners and dine under the stars. All meals will be served on board the gulet during the cruise. Gulet, BLD (photo opposite) Emperor Trajan’s Fountain, Curetes St., Ephesus

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INCA travelers at the gate of Perge, Turquoise Coast

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Itineraries

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that consultation with oracles was “not acceptable guidance” for Christians. Through the centuries earthquakes, fires, and building material scavengers reduced this magnificent structure to rubble.

However, recent restoration activities give us some sense of its former splendor.

Cruising, Kas, Gemiler Island We lift anchor early, cruise slowly along the submerged ruins of the sunken village of Simena, then turn westerly towards the charming village of Kas, ancient Antiphellos. After a leisurely shore visit in Kas, we cruise on to Gemiler Adasi (Island). Here we explore the remains of several churches, a monastery and ponder the purpose of a mysterious covered passageway that runs for nearly a thousand meters along the spine of this narrow island.

Gemiler was but one of many stopovers on the long road of the Crusaders and the Knights of St. John.

We overnight in its protective anchorage.

Gulet, BLD

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Kayakoy, Cruising, Cleopatra’s Bath We depart for a vigorous hike to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy. Over a freshly squeezed orange juice and a warm gozleme, we’ll talk of the post-WWI events that led to Kayaköy’s abandonment. You may remain on board to read, swim, or snooze. After lunch we sail along the coast and across the bay to anchor for the night just offshore of the trailhead at Cleopatra’s Bath.

Gulet, BLD

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Lydae, Ekincik We disembark for a scenic yet challenging morning hike through the pine forests to the mausoleum at ancient Lydae. If you choose not to hike, you may remain on board as the gulet cruises around the peninsula to anchor. As you wait for the hikers at the end of the trail at Aga Limani you may swim or just relax. In the afternoon we cruise to a peaceful cove on the Bay of Ekincik where we anchor for two nights. Gulet, BLD

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Kaunos, Dalyan This morning we disembark onto an African Queen-style put-put to motor past Iztuzu Beach, a long sand spit — now a protected sea turtle nesting site — and meander through the silt marshes and cattails up the Daylan river to visit the Lycian site of Kaunos. On the way we will see the huge rock Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs. After this visit

Floating börek bakery at Gemiler Island, Turquoise Coast

the hikers among us will head over the peninsula on a strenuous hike to the lovely Bay of Ekincik. Everyone else will go into the village of Dalyan for bit of shopping before rejoining the gulet in Ekincik Bay. We will laze away the afternoon, swimming, reading, and getting ready for our sundowners.

We must pack our things this evening as tomorrow we leave the gulet early.

Dinner will be on board or you may elect to dine ashore, on your own, at the quite fine restaurant, My Marina, overlooking the bay.

Gulet, BLD

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Euromus, Didyma, Miletus, Priene, Sirince After breakfast on the gulet we disembark for a drive north through farmlands and pine-forested mountains to visit the Temple of Zeus at the Carian site of Euromus. After a brief visit, we continue to the Aegean coast to explore the remains of the enormous Temple of Apollo at Didyma that dates from the 3rd century B.C The temple’s gigantic columns reach far into the blue Aegean sky. The sculpted face of Medusa looks like she might be having a “bad hair day”!

The tiny tortoises crawling around these immense ruins provide sharp contrast. In its heyday, everyday folks and political and military leaders worth their salt would always consult the Oracle here before taking any major action. The Oracle “went out of business” in 385 AD when Emperor Theodosius I decreed

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On up the coast, we picnic near Priene, an important Graeco-Roman site overlooking the Menderes River delta and the ancient Greek city of Miletus. We motor north through farmlands and in the late afternoon, we arrive in Sirince, the “Tuscany of Turkey,” a historic village located in the hills not far from Ephesus, where we spend two nights in a historic property. You will have time to settle in to your charming hillside accommodations at Nisanyan Houses before we meet for dinner. Nisanyan Houses, BLD

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Ephesus We depart in the morning to explore Ephesus, the largest Graeco-Roman site in the world, and

if reopened in time, the Ephesus Museum at Selçuk.

You will have the entire day to take in this magnificent site. We will be visiting the following sites around Ephesus: the Basilica, the House of Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, another ancient Wonder of the World. We will have lunch in Selçuk at a small typical restaurant. In the evening we will return to our hotel before dinner.

Nisanyan Houses, BLD

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Itineraries

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religious and educational complex built for Süleyman the Magnificent by the great Turkish architect Sinan. In the Spice Bazaar, we will find a cacophony of sights and sounds as we stroll through its warren of passages. The marvelous Rüstem Pasha Mosque, located in the heart of a bustling marketplace, is one of the finest examples of the architecture of Sinan. We’ll take you through the Grand Bazaar where you’ll have some time on your own to shop, visit the splendid Archeological Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Mosaic Museum, have a Turkish bath, or just wander around savoring the aromas and sights.

Istanbul After a quick ride to the Izmir Airport and a short flight, we arrive at a crown jewel among cities — Istanbul. We spend three (you need thirty and can arrange for more) wonderful days exploring legacies of Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations.

We mix the “must sees” with some of our lesserknown favorites, and give you some time on your own. Most of us arrive lost and remain mystified during our first visits to a large city. Istanbul is complex, spread out on two continents. Its European part is further split by the Golden Horn.

On arrival we immediately set out “on tour” around Istanbul picking routes and highlights that we think will get you oriented.

To get an overview and sense of Istanbul’s amazing layout, we start with the massive Byzantine walls that defined Constantinople from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn. These walls both defined and protected Constantinople until breached by the Turks in 1453. From here we head to the heart of the Sultanahmet where the sumptuous Four Seasons, our luxurious home for four nights, is conveniently situated right next to the Aya Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Four Seasons Istanbul, BLD

In Istanbul all meals are included except for dinners on Day 17 and Day 19. Four Seasons Istanbul, BLD Istanbul is a ceramic tile-lover’s dream!

16-18 Istanbul

We keep a flexible schedule with respect to the order of events in our exploration of Istanbul.

Weather, group interest and energy are all taken into consideration. Here are our best intentions and we usually do them all — and then some!

During the next three days, we’ll explore the Sultanahmet, visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, and the site of the ancient Hippodrome where we see the great obelisk brought from Egypt by the Romans. We enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, and visit Taksim Square — one of the highest points in Istanbul. We stroll down Istiklâl Caddesi, a historic commercial and residential street open only to pedestrians and its cute little red trolleys. For a sweeping 360° view of Istanbul, including the Asian side, we climb the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 14th century.

We drive through an old gate in the triple Byzantine wall to visit the Kariye Camii or Church of St. Savior in Chora, renowned for its magnificent mosaics and frescoes. We will explore Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, and visit the Süleymaniye Camii — a vast

St. George slaying the dragon, pictograph in a cave church

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Depart for home The adventure ends today with transfer to the airport and check-in to departing flights. B

Elegant doors, secured by brass lock and red-wrapped chain

(photo opposite page) Buzzing in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

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Medusa—another bad hair day at the temple — Didyma

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Itineraries

Turkish Adventure A 14-day version of Origins of Civilization including a 5-day Blue Water cruise, great Graeco-Roman ruins, and exotic Istanbul. 

F

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3 – 14

Depart USA or elsewhere for an overnight flight to Istanbul where you connect to Antalya, located in southern Turkey, on the Mediterranean.

The activities on this itinerary (Days 3 through 14) correspond exactly to Days 8 through 19 on the ORIGINS OF CIVILIZATION adventure. Please refer to that itinerary for all of the details.

Depart USA for Antalya, Turkey

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Arrival in Antalya On arrival in Antalya you will be met and transferred to our hotel for an overnight. As the rest of the group will be out on their own tonight, you most likely will meet them at breakfast. All meals are on your own today. We’ll check in on you to be sure you arrived OK. Tuvana Hotel

or those of you with less time, you can join our Turkish Adventure. You start from home 5

days later than the rest of us and omit Cappadocia, Aspendus and Perge. You fly to Antalya, on the south coast of Turkey, to meet up with us on the evening of Day 7 of the longer trip. From then on the itinerary is exactly the same as Days 8 through 19 of our Origins of Civilization adventure. The first two days are different and go like this:

2014

May 17 – May 30 September 20 – October 3 September 27 – October 10 $8,995 per person 2015

May 16 – May 29 May 30 – June 12 September 19 – October 2 October 3 – October 16 $9,695 per person

(photo right) Morning chat in the theater of Termessus, near Antalya

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T

About the Gulets

he traditional Turkish coastal

and totally useless for sailing. Only a

sailing ship is called a gulet.

handful of deluxe gulets have real masts

They are built in local shipyards

and are properly rigged to sail.

by old-time craftsmen, usually out of local

Since our beginning in 1976, we have

pine. The more deluxe versions are built

always personally inspected each boat we

from mahogany. They come in a variety of

use. We do it repeatedly so we can be sure we are using the safest and best, and

Sharing the morning sun with coffee

sizes and shapes but all share a basic common design: broad-beamed, with a deck house, and featuring varying amounts of on-deck space and cabin arrangements, as well as shallow drafts. All have masts,

avoiding the rest. It’s part of our commit-

Weather permitting, enjoy an evening dinner under the stars

ment to provide safe and comfortable live-

vessels are well maintained and have

aboard experiences with well-trained,

marble bathrooms, hot showers, air-

dedicated crews. There are a handful of

conditioning, and all safety equipment.

Turkish gulets that meet our standards.

The public areas are spacious and well

These have masts properly sized for real

appointed. Crews are professional, yet

sailing and crews that love to sail. These

friendly, and dedicated to serving you.

Tanem H Year:.................2006 Length:.............30m Beam:..............7.10m Speed:..............10-12 knots Crew:...............5 Passengers:.......12 Cabins:............. 2 master cabins, 2 double-bedded cabins, 2 twin-bedded cabins.

All have individually controlled A/C and private facilities.

most of which are merely decorative sticks (photo opposite) Turquoise waters, sunshine and sails—cruising on the Tanem H

30

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – About the Gulets

INCA guests cruise the Turquoise Coast on luxurious gulets like these.

Celik

Hayal 62

Zephyria II

Year:.................2005 Length:.............32 m Beam:..............8m Speed:..............10 knots Crew:...............4+ Passengers:.......16 Cabins:............. 6 double-bedded cabins, 2 twinbedded cabins. All have individually controlled A/C and private facilities.

Year:.................2008 Length:.............62 ft Beam:..............21 ft Speed:..............9-10 knots Crew:...............3 Passengers:.......4 Cabins:............. 1 double-bedded cabin, 2 twin-bedded cabins. All have individually controlled A/C and private facilities.

Year:.................2007 Length:.............34.85 m Beam:..............7.8m Speed:..............12 knots Crew:...............5 Passengers:.......12 Cabins:............. 2 double-bedded master suites, 2 double-bedded cabins, 2 twinbedded cabins that can convert to king-bedded. All have individually controlled A/C, private facilities, entertainment center

32

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – About the Gulets

And you can charter one for your own private cruise with family and friends.

P rivate C harters

O

v

ur custom trips can be a Turkish Delight created just for you with a hand-tailored itinerary!

Imagine planning an adventure that includes just the things you want to do and with whom you want to do them, for that special occasion — a honeymoon, a big birthday, a family reunion, a getaway with close friends or a celebration of a personal milestone or particular holiday.

Serenity 70

Serenity 86

Year:.................1997, refit 2011 Length:.............70 ft Beam:..............20 ft Speed:..............10-12 knots Crew:...............3 Passengers:.......6 Cabins:............. 2 double-bedded suites, 1 doublebedded cabin, each with have individually controlled A/C and private facilities.

Year::................2007 Length::............86: ft Beam::.............23: ft Speed::.............10-12 knots Crew::..............4 Passengers::......8 Cabins::............ 2 queen-bedded suites, 2 twinbedded cabins. All have individually controlled A/C, private facilities, and entertainment system.

Picture yourself cruising along the Turquoise coast on a private yacht, swimming and sunbathing, sharing the lazy days and sunsets with only those who are special in your life.

Or traveling about the diverse Turkish countryside in a well-appointed motorcoach, private sedan with driver, or flying about by helicopter, private airplane, or hot air balloon.

Think about quietly pondering the stories behind superb antiquities at sites with names like Aspendus, Xanthos, Ephesus, Aya Sophia, or Aphrodisias. And hiking on remote trails, at your own pace, through pristine pine forests to discover private beaches, hidden rock churches, and having serendipitous encounters with charming, friendly Turks.

We will help you select your itinerary, timetable, yacht, accommodations, and dining experiences to fit your budget, then we’ll take over, polish up the details, and present it to you, bundled up with a lovely ribbon.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience!

Call INCA.

33

How to Join a Scheduled Trip

Information Passports and Visas

Medical

To join an INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. trip, please phone INCA at

Participants are solely responsible for obtaining their own passports,

You must be in generally good health. It is vital that persons with

510.420.1550 or email INCA at info@inca1.com to secure a “7-DAY

insuring the ongoing validity of same and for obtaining any necessary

medical problems and related dietary restrictions make them known

HOLD” for the required number of spaces on the departure of your

visas or other necessary travel documents. Please check with your

to us well before departure. Our staff will discuss with you the advis-

choice. Then pay your non-refundable deposits via check or credit

local Turkish consulate for visa requirements. US and Canadian citi-

ability of the particular trip you have selected. The trip leader has the

card and complete a Trip Application for each traveler.

zens are required to have a visa to enter Turkey. Visas are easily

right to disqualify any member from the group at any time if consid-

obtained online via www.evisa.gov.tr.

ered medically necessary to avoid endangering the welfare of the

Private Charters

Do not delay completion of trip forms while waiting for your

group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

Private Charters can be arranged on one of our scheduled departures

passport renewal as missing passport numbers can be supplied at

(provided there are not already travelers booked), or on a date of your

a later date.

INCA is not a medical facility and has no expertise or responsibility regarding which medications or inoculations you and your private physician should decide necessary for your safe participation on the trip. A

preference. We have been crafting custom Turkey experiences for over

Special Diets

list of commonly taken inoculations and immunizations by travelers to

If we receive at least fourty-five days’ notice, we can usually accom-

the destination of your trip will be in the Traveler’s Guide that will be

Contact INCA

modate special dietary requests. For vegetarians, there are usually

sent upon receipt of your reservation deposit and Trip Application.

Phone: 1.510.420.1550

plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, potatoes, and juices. You

FAX: 1-510-420-0947

may wish to bring your favorite snacks if you are on a restrictive diet.

twenty years and we’d be happy to help you with your dream adventure.

INCA assumes no liability regarding provision of medical care. Trip members are urged to be sure to obtain adequate coverage.

Email: info@inca1.com Website: www.inca1.com

Smoking

Address: 1311 63rd Street, Emeryville CA 94608, USA

No smoking is allowed in yachts, gulets, boats, buses, vans, automobiles or during any group dining. Smoking is permitted only outside

Trip Confirmation

on deck on our chartered yachts/gulets. If you are a smoker and we

Upon receipt of your deposit(s) and completed Trip Application(s),

cannot pair you with a suitable other smoker, we must charge you an

you will be confirmed on your trip or private charter and INCA will

additional fee for a single hotel room as nonsmokers prefer not to

send you a detailed Traveler’s Guide, statements, and sample itinerary.

share hotel accommodations with smokers.

Accommodations & Traveling Alone Accommodations are based on double occupancy, two persons to a room or cabin. Most single travelers are easily paired with a trip member of the same sex. However, if there is no appropriate member with whom you may share, you may have to pay a single supplement for the trip or for single hotel accommodations to cover our additional costs.

Physical Fitness These trips may be taken by anyone in good physical condition.

Even an easy trip is more enjoyable if you are fit. As you will have

Fisher folk on the Aegean — near Assos

to go up and down stairways, walk over irregular terrain, and get on

Decisions, decisions, decisions…at the Grand Bazaar

and off the yacht/gulet from a small skiff, you are encouraged to get

Covered Expenses

in shape by exercising regularly. Some itineraries require walking or

Land cost includes hotels (double occupancy), land and yacht/gulet

hiking over mountainous terrain on challenging trails, sometimes at

transportation, yacht/gulet accommodation (double occupancy), trans-

high altitude. Running, hiking, swimming, bicycling, and aerobics

fers as specified in the itinerary, tips for hotel services, baggage han-

are all good conditioners. Please call us if you have any questions

dling, and storage at trip hotels, all guides, tours as indicated, fees to

about your ability to do a particular trip. Once a trip has started and

museums and archeological sites, and sightseeing arrangements as

it is necessary for you to leave the trip because it is beyond your

specified. All yacht/gulet meals are included as are meals indicated on

physical abilities, please note that there will be no refunds for any

the trip itinerary. Reservations are accepted for charters and for individ-

unused portion of the trip.

ual travelers on INCA’s inclusive itineraries. No price reduction will be granted for any requested itinerary deviations, changes or omissions.

(photo opposite) Ionic columns at Priene, near Miletus, near the Menderes river

Inca (International Nature and Cultural Adventures) is a division of Inca Floats, Inc.

34

Heating up the balloon and getting ready for liftoff, Cappadocia

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Booking & Additional Information Expenses Not Included

line, or tour operator may be included provided you purchase travel

Not included are any airfare, transfers to any hotel not specified in

insurance within 15 days of the date on which INCA received your

the itinerary, any extra services or any deviations from the trip itiner-

trip deposit.

INCA has selected a high quality travel insurance carrier with com-

ary, tips for the yacht/gulet crew, guides or naturalists (at your discretion), laundry, alcoholic beverages, excess baggage charges, transit

petitive rates for our guests. For details and enrollment, contact INCA

taxes, passport or visa fees, or other items of a personal nature. Price

or see the travel insurance brochure from the INCA office.

also excludes any insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption,

Note: Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States.

travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these items), medical, or hospital-

Cancellations, Transfers, Refunds

ization expenses. Currencies fluctuate in many countries of the world:

The deposit is nonrefundable. However, if we receive written notifica-

INCA reserves the right to raise a trip or charter price at any time

tion cancelling your reservation at least 180 days prior to your

before departure if there are exceptional cost increases (such as fuel

planned departure, a one-time transfer of this deposit (less a $200

surcharges) that are beyond our control.

per person processing fee) may be made to another date, for a similar INCA trip for which the original deposit was paid, that departs any-

Air Reservations

time within one year from the original departure date. A transfer to

You are responsible for obtaining your inbound international flights

another trip or departure date with less than 180 days notice before

into Turkey and your outbound international flight from Istanbul. INCA

departure is considered a cancellation and re-booking of a reserva-

will arrange your flight from Izmir to Istanbul.

tion; thus all payments to date will be subject to the cancellation

Aubergines—the vegetable caviar—trés Turkish

Payments

penalties below. If we are notified in writing of cancellation of your reservation more than 150 days but less than 180 days prior to your

To confirm space send your nonrefundable but transferable deposit for

150 days prior to departure an additional 1st Payment, in the

trip departure, the deposit will be forfeited. After that time all pay-

each person as follows:

amount based on your trip’s price, as indicated in the Deposit and

ments will be refunded less the following cancellation fees computed

Payment Schedule, is due. Final balance is due 90 days prior to

as of the date of our actual receipt of written cancellation notice:

Deposit and Payment Schedule

departure.

Requested single accommodations for an entire trip or for a yacht/

Trip Price

Nonrefundable 1st Deposit Payment

$5500 - $6,500

$750

$3,500

$6500 - $7,500

$750

$4,000

Only the nonrefundable deposit may be paid by credit card.

$7500 - $8,500

$1,000

$4,500

Balance must be paid by check, money order, or wire transfer.

$8500 - $9,500

$1,500

$5,000

$9500 - $11,500

$2,000

$5,500

charter trips. Private charter trips have the deposit and payment

Over $11,500

t/b/a

t/b/a

schedule stated in the charter contract.

gulet suite upgrade, requires an additional nonrefundable deposit to be paid at the time of booking.

The above deposit and payment schedule does not apply to private

If trip payments are not paid when due, INCA reserves the right to treat the reservation(s) as cancelled and to accept new reservation(s) for the space(s). Cancellation fee schedules will apply.

Trust Account California Law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. INCA has such a trust account.

Trip Insurance To cover your investment in your trip, INCA strongly recommends you purchase trip cancellation insurance coverage that would reim-

Crafting carpet, traditional-style

Sultan’s quiver — Another arrow my dear? Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

burse you for pre-departure trip cancellation fees or post-departure

Cancellation Fee Schedule

trip interruption (limited to the amount of coverage you purchased)

Date of notice prior to departure Cancellation Fee as % of land cost

losses, lost baggage or travel documents, delayed luggage, for rea-

121-150 days

25%

sonable accommodation and travel expenses if your trip is delayed,

91-120 days

50%

accidental death or dismemberment,

61-90 days

75%

and coverage for emergency medical

60 days or less

100%

expenses including emergency medical

(Including “no-show”)

evacuation.

Coverage that includes a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, trip cancelation or trip interruption due to financial default of an airline, cruise

37

The above terms do not apply to private charter trips. Private charter trips have the cancellation terms stated in the charter contract.

Once a trip has started there will be no refunds for any unused portion of the trip. This includes any pre-trip or post-trip arrange-

Inca: An Invitation to Turkey – Booking & Additional Information ments, transfers, meals, tours, hotels and any “no shows” due to delay or failure of transportation to arrive or depart on time. Insurance coverage for such risks may be purchased.

INCA reserves the right to raise the trip fee at any time before departure if there are cost increases beyond our control.

Cancelled Trips Although INCA almost never cancels trips, we reserve the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants or logistical problems such as strikes, wars, acts of God, or any other circumstances which may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments and nonrefundable deposits which were received will be promptly refunded. This refund will be the limit of INCA’s liability. INCA is not responsible for any expenses or damages incurred by trip members as a consequence of any cancellation, such as costs expended in preparing for the trip (including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets), special clothing, visa or passport fees, lost income, or any other trip-related losses or expenses.

California Seller of Travel Program California Seller of Travel Program: California has established a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund under the California Seller of Travel Law. This fund is designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by airfare ticket sellers or air charter operators. This law does not cover non-California residents and, even in the case of California residents, it does not cover any foreign travel where the foreign “providers of transportation or travel services” are not in compliance with the Seller of Travel Law (compliance being defined as registered as a Seller of Travel in California and a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund). Thus, none of INCA’s trips qualify. The law requires all tour operators to advise each of their clients that they would not be eligible to make any claim from the Fund in the unlikely event of any default by INCA or any of our foreign suppliers.

Questions?

We’re happy to answer any of your questions, no matter how small. Please call us at 510-420-1550 during our business hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM Pacific Time.

Terms and Conditions

If you prefer, email your questions to info@inca1.com.

INCA/Inca Floats, Inc. Payment of your reservation deposit(s) represents your acceptance of all terms and conditions outlined anywhere

CST #1013564-60 Effective February 1, 2014

©2014 Inca Floats, Inc.

The INCA booby is a trademark of Inca Floats, Inc.

Please visit our website www.inca1.com/termsconditions.html for current Terms and Conditions and Limitation of Liability of

(photo above) Sarcophagi in the morning light at Simena (Kale) (photo opposite) Turkish girl caring for her brother, Cappadocia (back cover) Aya Sophia, Istanbul

Image & Video Galleries Visit our extensive online image gallery to

credits

see more of our beautiful Turkey photos:

Written by: Bill Roberson

http://www.inca1.com/INCAImageGallery/index.html

within this brochure, catalogue, on our website www.inca1.com or

Design: Amy Neiman Design, Berkeley, CA Photography: Wes Walker, Bill Roberson, Paola Gianturco,

other literature. The Trip Application on which your signature appears

Experience our Origins of Species adventure virtually via our

Nicole Churchill, Toby Tuttle

will further represent your acceptance of INCA’s terms and conditions.

19-minute video: http://www.inca1.com/video/turkeyVideoLibrary.html

Spot Illustrations: Marika Roberson

Questions? Call us at 510-420-1550, email info@inca1.com or visit www.inca1.com 38

Inca

International Nature and Cultural Adventures 1311 63rd Street Emeryville, CA 94608 Tel: (510) 420-1550