mediterranean - inspirations travel and tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards,...

40
www.itt.co.za CROATIA I CYPRUS I GREECE I ITALY I MALTA I PORTUGAL I SPAIN I TURKEY Mediterranean

Upload: others

Post on 03-Jul-2020

4 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

www.itt.co.zaCROATIA I CYPRUS I GREECE I ITALY I MALTA I PORTUGAL I SPAIN I TURKEY

Mediterranean

Page 2: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Contentscroatia..................................................................................................................... .2. Scenic.Croatia.-.9.Days..................................................................................... .3. Classical.Croatia.-.8.Days................................................................................. .4. Essence.of.Croatia.-.6.Days.............................................................................. .4. Croatia.Self-drive.-.8.Days................................................................................ .5. Brac.&.Hvar.Island.Hopping.-.8.Days............................................................. .6. Cres,.Losinj.&.Krk.Island.Hopping.-.8.Days.................................................... .6. active Escapes:. Dalmatian.Cruise.-.8.Days................................................................................. .7. Adriatic.Cruise-.8.Days...................................................................................... .7cyprus...................................................................................................................... .8. Cyprus.Stopovers............................................................................................... .9grEEcE..................................................................................................................... .10. Athens.Stopover.-.4.Days............................................................................... .11. Highlights.of.Greece-.6.Days.......................................................................... .11. Discover.Greece.-.8.Days............................................................................... .12. Cycladic.Islands............................................................................................... .13. East.Aegean.Islands........................................................................................ .14. Ionian.Islands.................................................................................................... .15. Sporades.Islands.............................................................................................. .16. Greek.Island.Cruising...................................................................................... .17italy......................................................................................................................... .18.. Rome.Stopover.-.4.Days.................................................................................. .19. Italy.by.Rail.-.8.Days......................................................................................... .19. Discover.Italy.-.10.Days................................................................................... .20. Scenic.Sorrento.-.4.Days................................................................................ .20 active Escapes in italy:. Walking.in.the.Tuscan.Hills.-.8.Days............................................................. .21. Cooking.with.Chef.Claudo.Piantini.-.3.Days................................................. .21. Cooking.with.Chef.Mariangela.Catalani.-.4.Days....................................... .21malta....................................................................................................................... .22. Malta.Getaway.-.8.Days.................................................................................. .23. Malta.&.Gozo.Getaway.-.8.Days.................................................................... .23. Highlights.of.Malta.-.8.Days........................................................................... .23portugal............................................................................................................... .24. Lisbon.Stopover.-.4.Days................................................................................ .25. Douro.Discovery.-.5.Days............................................................................... .25. Northern.Portugal.Self-drive.-.7.Days.......................................................... .26. Algarve.Self-drive.-.6.Days............................................................................. .26. Highlights.of.Portugal.-.8.Days....................................................................... .27spain........................................................................................................................ .28.. Madrid.Stopover.-.3.Days............................................................................... .29. Barcelona.Stopover.-.3.Days......................................................................... .29. Explore.Andalusia.-.8.Days............................................................................. .30. Spanish.Getaway............................................................................................. .30. Best.of.Spain.&.Portugal.-.12.days................................................................ .31. Spain.Self-drive.-10.Days................................................................................ .32turkEy..................................................................................................................... .33. Best.of.Istanbul.-.4.Days................................................................................. .34. Experience.Cappadocia.-.3.Days................................................................... .34. Canakkale.&.Troy.-.3.days............................................................................... .35. Highlights.of.Turkey.-.7.Days.......................................................................... .35. Discover.Turkey.-.9.Days................................................................................. .36 Turkish.Delight.-.6.Days................................................................................... .37. Turkish.Coastal.Getaways............................................................................... .38

MAY.2010

Page 3: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Exceed Your Expectations ...Mediterranean ... a word that evokes images of sun-kissed landscapes, relaxed sidewalk cafes, scenic coastlines, fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean; interact with the welcoming hospitable people, sample the local cuisine and marvel at the history and culture of this diverse region.

A brief overvieW of our coMpAny:

iTT was founded in 1989 by ragnhild (rung) button, who is still the driving force behind this very successful Travel company. As Specialist Tour operators, our aim is to offer travellers a broad spectrum of superb and unparalleled experiences in each of our diverse destinations. We understand that each traveller is unique, so the utmost care and attention is taken to ensure that varying tastes and expectations are met.

iTT’s affiliation to ASATA (Association of South African Travel Agents), licensed members of iATA, SATSA (Southern African Tourism Services Association) and Tourism KwaZulu-natal; being our governing Travel Associations, ensures total confidence and peace of mind for you, our most valued customer.

We invite you to explore the Mediterranean with us ... turn the pages of this brochure, visit our website and allow us to exceed your expectations!

ATLA

NTI

C

OC

EAN

MOROCCO

LIBYA EGYPT

JORDAN

SYRIA

LEBANON

ISRAEL

BLACK SEA

IONIAN SEALISBON

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

BAY OFBISCAY

SICILY

ADRIATIC SEA

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR

RED SEA

ALGERIA

TUNISIA

SAUDI ARABIA

FRANCE

BULGARIA

CYPRUS

SARDINIA

SICILY

CRETE

PORTUGAL

MADRID

SPAINGREECE

ITALY

CROATIA

TURKEY

MALTAGOZO

ANKARA

VALLETTA

ROME

ATHENS

ZAGREB

NICOSIA

BALEARIC ISLANDS

Istanbul

Page 4: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Croatia

Location croatia lies along the east coast of the Adriatic Sea and shares a border with yugoslavia (Montenegro and Serbia), bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary and Slovenia. croatia has an amazing 5835 km of coastline, 4057 km of which consists of islands, cliffs and reefs. There are 1185 islands in the Adriatic Sea but only 67 are inhabited.

Gateway Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik.

Climate The climate is Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast, warm dry summers and mild winters. croatia has one of the sunniest coastlines in europe! Summer (May - Sep) temperatures range from 26°c to 30°c. in the interior of the country, the climate is continental with hot summers and cold, snowy winters.

Currency croatian Kuna (HrK).

Language croatian is the official language. italian and english are widely spoken.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for croatia.

What things cost*bottled water 1L............................... eur 1.50can of coke ..................................... eur 1.00bottle of local beer .......................... eur 1.50Take-away lunch .............................. eur 10.00Dinner in a restaurant ...................... eur 15.0020 Minute taxi journey ..................... eur 40.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of croatia... the jewel of the Adriatic. crystal clear seas, warm

hospitality, superb cuisine, long-held traditions and fascinating history and culture ... this is the magic

of croatia. croatia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the Mediterranean with

miles of spectacular coastline, and is often referred to as the “land of a thousand islands”, where

old and new merges in a breathtaking setting. Discover towns steeped in history with architecture

dating as far back as the roman empire. Sail the aqua-blue seas of the Adriatic along the croatian

Archipelago, each island with its own unique character and distinctive atmosphere, golden sunsets

and glittering horizons. The sun-drenched beaches, calm seas, unspoilt coves and bays, ancient

seaports, renaissance towns, fertile plains, wooded mountains and lavender covered islands, all

combine to make croatia one of europe’s most fashionable and sought after destinations. Welcome

to croatia!

www.itt.co.za

Page.2 CRoATIA

Pula

Rijeka Karlovac

Rab

Zadar

Sibenik

Split

Dubrovnik

CROATIA

HUNGARYSLOVENIA

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA

ADRIATIC SEA

SERBIA &MONTENEGRO

ITALY

ZAGREB

Brac

Opatija Plitvice

Trogir

MakarskaBracHvar

KrkCres

Losinj

Osijek

split

DuBroVnik

Page 5: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Scenic CroatiaCRoATIA Page.3

split

DuBroVnik

plitVicE lakEs

DuBroVnik

eScorTeD coAcH Tour l Specific DepArTureS

WED: ZagrEB

Arrive Zagreb, transfer to hotel. overnight: Zagreb (D)

tHu: ZagrEB – plitVicEMorning tour of Zagreb including the fortified upper Town, the city’s historical centre, St Mark’s church with a multi-coloured roof, the cathedral, the croatian national Theatre and university. Depart for plitvice Lakes national park, under the protection of uneSco. overnight: plitvice (bD)

Fri: plitVicE Morning tour of plitvice Lakes, a string of sixteen crystal clear emerald lakes that spill into each other, forming cascades of thundering waterfalls. Along the lakes are more than 80km of paths offering nature lovers a great diversity of plants and animals. overnight: plitvice (bD)

sat: plitVicE – trilJ – DuBroVnik

Depart for Dubrovnik; drive via Trilj and along the valley of cetina river. Dubrovnik is a monument city known as the jewel of croatia.overnight: Dubrovnik (bD)

sun: DuBroVnik

A day at leisure in Dubrovnik. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, renaissance and baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. in 1979, the old Town of Dubrovnik joined the uneSco list of World Heritage Sites. overnight: Dubrovnik (bD)

mon: DuBroVnik – split

Morning tour of Dubrovnik, visit franciscan Monastery with europe’s third oldest pharmacy, rector’s palace and the cathedral. Depart Dubrovnik and travel along the Adriatic coast and neretva river Delta to Split, the largest coastal city in croatia. overnight: Split (bD)

tuE: split – trogir – ZaDar

enjoy a morning tour of Diocletian’s palace, the peristyle; Jupiter’s Temple and the cathedral. Depart for Trogir, a picturesque medieval town and visit the cathedral of St. Lawrence. continue to Zadar, well known for its attractive romanesque churches and impressive fortified medieval walls. overnight: Zadar (bD)

WED: ZaDar – ZagrEB Morning tour of Zadar including the roman forum from the 2nd century bc and the 9th century pre-romanesque church of St. Donatus - the symbol of the city. Afternoon departure for Zagreb, the capital of croatia. overnight: Zagreb (bD)

sun: ZagrEB

After breakfast, transfer to Zagreb Airport. (b)

www.itt.co.za

Page 6: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Classical Croatia Essence of Croatia

www.itt.co.za

Page.4 CRoATIA

eScorTeD coAcH Tour l Specific DepArTureS

sun: DuBroVnikArrive Dubrovnik, transfer to hotel. overnight: Dubrovnik (D)

mon: DuBroVnik – splitMorning tour of Dubrovnik, visit franciscan Monastery with europe’s third oldest pharmacy, rector’s palace and the cathedral. Travel along the Adriatic coast and neretva river Delta to Split. overnight: Split (bD)

tuE: split – trogir – ZaDarenjoy a morning city tour of Diocletian’s palace - a World Heritage Site; the peristyle; Jupiter’s Temple and the cathedral. Depart for Trogir, a picturesque medieval town and visit the cathedral of St. Lawrence. continue to Zadar for the night. overnight: Zadar (bD)

WED: ZaDar – ZagrEB Morning tour of Zadar including the roman forum from the 2nd century bc and the 9th century pre-romanesque church of St. Donatus. Afternoon departure for Zagreb, called the city of museums, as there are more museums per square foot than any other city in the world. overnight: Zagreb (bD)

tHu: ZagrEB – plitVicEMorning tour of Zagreb including the fortified upper Town, the city’s historical centre, St Mark’s church with a multi-coloured roof, the cathedral, the croatian national Theatre and university. Depart for plitvice Lakes national park. overnight: plitvice (bD)

Fri: plitVicE Morning tour of the plitvice Lakes. enjoy the exceptional beauty of the lakes and falls as you stroll around the forest paths and over wooden bridges. The plitvice Lakes rests upon karst which explains its unusual topography. overnight: plitvice (bD)

sat: plitVicE – trilJ – DuBroVnik Depart for Dubrovnik; drive via Trilj and along the valley of cetina river. Afternoon at leisure in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik (bD)

sun: DuBroVnikDeparture transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. (b)

eScorTeD coAcH Tour l Specific DepArTureS

tuE: ZagrEB Arrive Zagreb, transfer to hotel. overnight: Zagreb (D)

WED: ZagrEB – plitVicEMorning tour of Zagreb including the fortified upper Town, the city’s historical centre, St Mark’s church with a multi-coloured roof, the cathedral, the croatian national Theatre and university. Depart for plitvice Lakes national park, under the protection of uneSco for its natural beauty. overnight: plitvice (bD)

tHu: plitVicE enjoy a tour of the plitvice Lakes. The national park covers a total area of 300km2 and is a magical world of animals, moss, plans and forests. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. overnight: plitvice (bD)

Fri: plitVicE – trogir – splitMorning departure for Trogir, a picturesque medieval town and visit the cathedral of St. Lawrence. continue to Split and enjoy a tour of Diocletian’s palace, built by the roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century AD; the peristyle; Jupiter’s Temple and the cathedral. The culture and entertainment in Split are varied, particularly in summer, when the city squares and yards turn into large open-air stages. overnight: Split (bD)

sat: split – DurBriVnikMorning departure for Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is an ancient town inscribed on the list of uneSco World Heritage Sites. Surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, the town is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural masterpieces, scrupulously preserved over the centuries. visit franciscan Monastery with europe’s third oldest pharmacy, rector’s palace and the cathedral. overnight: Dubrovnik (bD)

sun: DuBroVnikDeparture transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. (b)

national tHEatrE, ZagrEB

plitVicE lakEs

DioclEtian’s palacE, split

Page 7: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

DepArTS DAiLy

CRoATIA Page.5

www.itt.co.za

Day 1: DuBroVnikArrive in Dubrovnik, transfer to hotel. Dubrovnik is known as the “Jewel of croatia”. This medieval city is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and sits atop a rocky peninsula which juts into the sparkling Adriatic. Secluded bays and coves offer the perfect getaway. The old town is the ultimate expression of architectural, artistic and cultural masterpieces. The huge walls are still intact. The churches, monasteries, palaces, wide marble paved squares, steep cobble-stepped streets and tall private houses have remained unchanged for centuries. overnight: Dubrovnik

Day 2: DuBroVnik

explore Dubrovnik on your own or pre-book a tour. We suggest a visit to the elegant resort of cavtat, 20km from Dubrovnik. cavtat has a spectacular setting and landscape, and a great variety of cultural monuments and treasures. The sun-drenched beaches and beautiful seas compliment the cultural experience, making cavtat an ideal holiday spot.overnight: Dubrovnik (b)

Day 3: DuBroVnik – splitcollect your rental car. explore Dubrovnik further or drive to Split. We suggest a visit to Korcula, the alleged birthplace of the famous seafarer Marco polo. Korcula is blessed with centuries-old turrets, mansions, cathedrals, museums and narrow stone streets. overnight: Split (b)

Day 4: splitexplore Split on your own or pre-book a tour. Split is one of the sunniest cities in europe. Many of Split’s historical and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of Diocletian’s palace. in addition, numerous museums, the national Theatre, old churches and other archeological sites in the Split region are important cultural attractions. There are many beaches in the city and its surroundings; the most popular is bacvice, a sandy beach almost in the very heart of town. Within easy ferry access are the islands of Hvar, famous for its purple lavender fields, and brac, blessed with a unique beach known as The Golden cape. overnight: Split (b)

Day 5: split – plitVicEexplore Split further or drive to plitvice. We suggest that you drive via Trogir, a medieval city founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century bc, another uneSco World Heritage Site. Trogir is famous for its beautiful venetian Gothic stone buildings, cultural and historical monuments, art and architecture. you should also not miss Zadar, fascinating to all those who respect historical monuments. if time permits, we suggest an afternoon hike of the plitvice upper lakes. overnight: plitvice (b)

Day 6: plitVicE – ZagrEBThe plitvice Lakes national park consists of sixteen crystal clear interlinked lakes. The lakes offer some of the most beautiful natural sights in europe, with cascading waterfalls during summer, snow-covered and frozen during winter. Along the lakes are more than 80 km of paths offering nature lovers a great diversity of plants and animals. Depart for Zagreb. overnight: Zagreb (b)

Day 7: ZagrEBThis city is full of beautiful buildings, monuments and open-hearted, hospitable people. explore the historical upper Town and later, the old town with relaxed sidewalk cafes and shopping areas. overnight: Zagreb (b)

Day 8: ZagrEBDeparture transfer to Zagreb Airport. (b)

Croatia Self-Drive

DioclEtian’s palacE, split

DuBroVnik

Page 8: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Day 1: splitArrive Split, transfer to hotel. Split is one of the sunniest places in europe. The city’s historic center lies within the imposing walls of Diocletian’s palace, now a uneSco World Heritage Site. The culture and entertainment on offer in Split are extremely rich, particularly in summer, when the city squares and yards turn into large open-air stages. overnight: Split

Day 2: split – Brac Transfer to Split port for ferry to brac. Arrive brac, transfer to hotel in Supetar, a picturesque Mediterranean town surrounded by gravel and sandy beaches and with crystal clean waters. overnight: Supetar, brac (b)

Day 3: Bracexplore brac on your own. enchanted by authentic architecture, glorious serenity and soaked in the sun and the scent of Mediterranean pines, sage and rosemary, the island of brac seems like a big green boat rocking on the waves of the Adriatic Sea. overnight: Supetar, brac (b)

Day 4: Brac – HVarTransfer to bol for ferry to Hvar. Arrive Jelsa, transfer to hotel in Hvar. Hvar will enchant you with its easy-going atmosphere, grand palaces, churches, monasteries, cathedrals, charming narrow streets and beauti-ful seaside promenades. overnight: Hvar (b)

Day 5 – Day 6: HVarHvar is one of the most beautiful and certainly the most fragrant islands of the Adriatic. Amazing works of art, purple lavender fields and top class wines made from the indigenous grape varieties are some of the trademarks of this island. overnight: Hvar (b)

Day 7: HVar – splitTransfer to port for ferry to Split. Arrive Split, transfer to hotel. Discover this old and beautiful town on your own. overnight: Split (b)

Day 8: split Departure transfer to Split Airport. (b)

Brac & Hvar Island HoppingDepArTS DAiLy

Day 1: ZagrEB – opatiJaArrive Zagreb, transfer to hotel in opatija. The contrasts of sea and mountains, green parks and blue ocean, old buildings and modern comforts, makes opatija an attractive town. overnight: opatija

Day 2: opatiJa – crEs – losinJ Transfer to the port for ferry to the island of cres. explore cres town on your own. popular sights include the town walls and the church of St Mary which dates from the 15th century. Transfer to Losinj, there is a bridge connecting the island of cres to Losinj, continue to Mali Losinj. overnight: Mali Losinj (b)

Cres, Losinj & Krk Island HoppingDepArTS DAiLy

Day 3 – Day 4: losinJThe main resort area is the town of Mali Losinj, whose harbour is said to be the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic. The tourist area is centered around cikat bay, well known for its beach and good windsurfing. The town of veli Losinj is quieter, with easy access from Mali Losinj. overnight: Mali Losinj (b)

Day 5: losinJ – krkTransfer to port for ferry to Krk, transfer to hotel. The island of Krk has many different landscapes. The northern part of the island is almost bare because of the strong wind, while the southern part abounds with greenness and gentle bays. inland, rocky hills alternate with fertile fields. Sights in Krk include the medieval moats and a cathedral from the 13th century. overnight: Krk (b)

Day 6: krkWith the typical Mediterranean landscape, narrow streets and pic-turesque pebble beaches, Krk offers variety; relaxation and swimming. overnight: Krk (b)

Day 7: krk – ZagrEBTransfer to the mainland and continue to Zagreb, the capital of croatia. This is the country’s economic center and gateway to Western europe. The city is sited on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain along the banks of the Sava river, in the northern part of croatia. The core of the city consists of the preserved medieval city, known as Gradec and Kaptol, while the residential area covers the southern slopes of the Medvednica Mountains. The city is rich in historical monuments, museums and galleries; has modern shops, restaurants, sport and recreation facilities and a good transport infrastructure. overnight: Zagreb (b)

Day 8: ZagrEB Departure transfer to Zagreb Airport. (b)

www.itt.co.za

Page.6

krk

split

CRoATIA

Page 9: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Dalmatian Cruise Page.7CRoATIA

www.itt.co.za

Specific DepArTureS

sun: DuBroVnik Arrive Dubrovnik, transfer to port for embarkation. Dubrovnik is a uneSco World Heritage Site; the city is a treasure trove of well preserved architectural and cultural masterpieces, delightful baroque churches and unparalleled seascapes. overnight: Dubrovnik (D)

mon: DuBroVnik – pomEna cruise from Dubrovnik to pomena, a small harbour village in a forested cove on the western coast of the island of Mljet. With fertile forests covering most of the coastline and with the salt lakes, Mljet offers an unusual nature experience. overnight: pomena (bLD)

tuE: pomEna – HVarMorning departure from pomena to Hvar, the longest island of the Adriatic with vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, stone houses and charming narrow streets surrounded by crystal cobalt sea. overnight: Hvar (bLD)

WED: HVar – splitcruise from Hvar to Split. Many of Split’s historical and cultural buildings can be found within the walls of Diocletian’s palace. The culture and entertainment in Split are varied, particularly in summer, when the city squares and yards turn into large open-air stages. overnight: Split (bLD)

tHu: split – korculaMorning departure from Split to Korcula, the alleged birthplace of the famous seafarer Marco polo. Time at leisure to explore the century-old turrets, mansions, cathedrals, museums and narrow stone streets. overnight: Korcula (bLD)

Fri: korcula – slano cruise from Korcula to Slano, a town with numerous cultural and historical monuments including monasteries, churches and chapels. overnight: Slano (bLD)

sat: slano – DuBroVnik Morning departure from Slano to Dubrovnik. overnight: Dubrovnik (bLD)

sun: DuBroVnik Disembark after breakfast. Departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport. (b)

Specific DepArTureS

sat: splitArrive Split, transfer to port for embarkation. explore the numerous art galleries, concert halls and theatres. The ancient buildings are amazingly well-preserved and serve as the setting for many festivals and cultural events. overnight: Split (D)

sun: split – Brac – makarska cruise from Split to brac, with breathtaking landscapes, peaceful beaches and crystal clear water. After lunch, cruise to Makarska on the mainland. Stroll along the palm-fringed promenade lined with fashionable cafes, bars and boutiques. overnight: Makarska (bLD)

mon: makarska – korculaMorning departure from Makarska to Korcula. Afternoon arrival in Korcula, the unspoilt beaches and coves are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The old Town of Korcula features a rich medieval architecture with palaces, churches and squares earning the nickname “Little Dubrovnik”. overnight: Korcula (bLD)

tuE: korcula – DuBroVnikcruise from Korcula to Dubrovnik. Afternoon arrival to Dubrovnik, the pearl of Adriatic. renaissance churches and palaces form a backdrop to outdoor cafes and market squares. Dubrovnik is a stunning city with its amazing old Town, which became a uneSco World Heritage site in 1979. overnight: Dubrovnik (bLD)

WED: DuBroVnik – mlJEtMorning departure from Dubrovnik to Mljet. Time to explore Mljet national park, a thick forested park famous for its two inland salt water lakes, The “Great Lake” (veliko Jezero) and the “Small Lake” (Malo Jezero). overnight: Mljet (bLD)

tHu: mlJEt – HVarcruise from Mljet to Hvar. Stop at one of the bays on the peljesac peninsula (weather permitting). Afternoon arrival in Hvar, a favourite holiday destination due to its authenticity, preserved nature, peaceful bays, great gastronomic offerings and entertainment. overnight: Hvar (bLD)

Fri: HVar – Brac – splitMorning departure from Hvar to Split. Stop at Milna on the island of brac, time to enjoy a stroll on the beach or a dip in the crystal clear sea. overnight: Split (bLD)

sat: split Disembark after breakfast. Departure transfer to Split Airport. (b)

cruises operate May - Sep. embarkation is from 13.00. These cruises allow plenty of time for sunbathing, swimming and exploring interesting resorts, small bays and attractive Dalmatian towns on your own. cruise itineraries are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Adriatic Cruise

ms nicola

HVar

Page 10: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

www.itt.co.za

Page.8 CYPRuS

Cyprus

Location cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is situated in the extreme northeastern corner of the Mediterranean.

Gateway Larnaca.

Climate one of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is plentiful sunshine throughout the year, and cyprus is no exception. cyprus experiences dry summers and variably rainy winters. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures exceeding 32°c. The winter months are mild with a maximum temperature of 17°c. The most beautiful months to visit cyprus are from April to June and also from September to november.

Currency euro (eur).

Language Greek, english is widely spoken.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for cyprus.

What things cost*bottled water 1L ............................................eur 2.50 can of coke ...................................................eur 2.00beer ...............................................................eur 2.50 Take-away lunch ............................................eur 5.50Dinner in a restaurant ....................................eur 15.00 20 Minute taxi journey ...................................eur 30.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries european culture with ancient enchantment. This island of legends whose rich dramatic history dates back thousands of years is blessed with natural beauty and has developed a character that is quite unique. Discover a world where crusader castles rub shoulders with ancient vineyards and churches; tombs and monasteries still stand from byzantine times. from golden beaches and rugged coastlines to rolling hills, mountain peaks and picturesque old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local cafe, cyprus offers a great holiday experience. cyprus is the legendary birthplace of the goddess of beauty and love, the beautiful Aphrodite. Welcome to cyprus!

CYPRUSLarnaca

Limassol MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Paphos

NICOSIA

TURKEY

larnaca

papHos

TH

E P

AL

M B

EA

CH

HO

TE

L &

BU

NG

AL

OW

S

TH

E P

AL

M B

EA

CH

HO

TE

L &

BU

NG

AL

OW

S

larnaca

Page 11: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

enjoy the sun, sandy beaches, clean waters, nature and the hospitality of the locals. choose the kind of holiday you prefer either in cosmopolitan cities or off the tourist trail in timeless villages and in the unspoilt countryside. pre-book an optional tour or hire a rental-car.

larnaca Larnaca’s seafront is reminiscent of the continental promenade, with its line of mature palms and its languid air of sleepy charm. it’s considered one of the most modern towns of cyprus with its cafes and tavernas lining the area near the sea, making this a popular spot with visitors and cypriots alike during the long summer. in the winter, visit the home of thousands of pink flamingos at the nearby Great Salt Lake. Larnaca was formerly known as Kition or Kittim (one of noah’s descendants) and today you can visit the Kition archaeological site.

limassolLimassol (Lemesos) is a lively town largely due to the character of Lemesolians, a fun-loving lot. no wonder the town hosts the island’s two top festivals, the pre-Lent carnival and the Wine festival in September. Today, Limassol is a resort with a ten-mile coastline, a busy shopping centre, countless tavernas, restaurants and nightlife to suit tastes ranging from modest to sophisticated. Spend the days at leisure, on the beach, sample some of the many tavernas and clubs, or take an optional tour to other parts of the island.

papHospaphos, a small charming town on the west coast, is rich in history and attracts visitors from the rest of the island and abroad. The modern town centre, the picturesque harbour and the sandy beaches ensure paphos’ popularity. After all, this is the birthplace and centre of worship of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and beauty, and the whole area retains some of this magic.

Cyprus Stopovers

ayia napa Ayia napa, located on the southeastern coast, is one of cyprus’s most popular beach resorts. The beaches are awesome with fine sand, hidden among a chain of rocky boulders that form many small and cozy bays. The main centre of the district is paralimni, 5 km north of Ayia napa itself. east of the village is protaras, known for its lively nightlife and partyful people. Ayia napa has cleaned up its “alternative ibiza“ reputation recently and is now much more family orientated.

nicosia nicosia lies roughly at the center of the island, with a rich history that can be traced back to the bronze Age. Today, the capital of cyprus blends its historic past brilliantly with the bustle of a modern city. The heart of the city, enclosed by 16th century venetian walls, is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. The modern city that has developed outside the walls is a cosmopolitan center of business and culture. nicosia is regarded as the shopping heart of cyprus, with a variety of restaurants, discos and bars.

contact us for day tours in Larnaca, Limassol and paphos, as well as cruise departures from Limassol.

CYPRuS Page.9

www.itt.co.za

TH

E A

PH

rO

diT

E H

iLLS

HO

TE

L

kourion, nEar limassol

ayia napa

papHos

Page 12: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Greece

Location Greece is situated in south-east-ern europe, and shares borders with Turkey in the north-east and in the north with Albania, Macedonia and bulgaria. The rest of Greece is fringed by the Mediterranean.

Gateway Athens.

Climate Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. Due to the country’s geographical position, its rugged relief and its distribution between the mainland and the sea, there is great variation in Greece’s climate. in summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds, while mountainous regions have generally lower temperatures. The winters are mild in lowland areas, with a minimum amount of snow and ice, yet, mountains are usually snow-covered. The summers (May – october) are dry and hot (average temperatures in summer are 25˚c - 34˚c), whilst winters are cool (5˚c – 15˚c) with some rain and wind.

Currency euro (eur)

Language Greek, english is widely spoken.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for Greece.

What things cost*bottled water 1L ..................... eur 1.00can of coke ............................ eur 1.00beer ........................................ eur 1.50Take-away lunch ..................... eur 11.00Dinner in a restaurant ............. eur 25.0020 Minute taxi journey ............ eur 16.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

in Greece, you are standing at a crossroads of cultures, colours and civilizations. you feel the strength of history and the warmth of being in the southernmost part of europe, and you discover an evolutionary process of thought, influence and experience. A landscape that has given us thousands of postcard images but remains incredibly vibrant and impossible to capture. Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time, from the present to the past and back again. Walk through the olive groves and through ancient sites. Move to clusters of sparsely inhabited islands. explore the beaches, rocky mountains and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. in Greece, the fusion of images becomes more than imagery and turns into reality. explore your senses in Greece.

TURKEY

Lesvos

Limnos

Skiathos

Skopelos

AndrosSamos

Kusadasi

Patmos

BodrumMarmarisKos

Naxos

Santorini

CRETE

Milos

SifnosParosHydra

Sounion MykonosNauplion

Corinth PiraeusAegina

PatrasLevadia

Delphi

Kalambaka

ATHENS

Corfu

Lefkada

Kefallonia

Zakynthos

Thessaloniki

Kavala

Rhodes

www.itt.co.za

Page.10 GREECE

partHEnon, atHEnsgrEEk cHurcH

santorini

Page 13: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Day 1: atHEns Arrive Athens, transfer to hotel. overnight: Athens

Day 2: atHEnsHalf day city tour of Athens: see constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of parliament, the national Library and the presidential palace. visit the Temple of olympian Zeus and the panathenaic Stadium where the first olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. continue to the Acropolis and visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens; the propylaea, the Temple of Athena nike, the erechtheion and the parthenon. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Athens (b)

Day 3: atHEnsexplore Athens on your own or pre-book an optional tour. Details on request. overnight: Athens (b)

Day 4: atHEnsDeparture transfer to Athens Airport. (b)

Athens Stopover

Day 1: atHEns Arrive Athens, transfer to hotel. overnight: Athens

Day 2: atHEns Half day city tour of Athens visiting many highlights in the city including the Acropolis and parthenon. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Athens (b)

Day 3: atHEns – DElpHi – atHEns Drive through the fertile plain of boeotia, crossing the towns of Thebes linked to the tragedy of King oedipus, Levadia and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi, the center of the Ancient World. proceed to the slopes of Mount parnassus. in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and grandeur, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo pythios. visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum with masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture including the bronze charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. return to Athens. overnight: Athens (bL)

Day 4: atHEns – HyDra – poros – aEgina – atHEns Transfer to piraeus for embarkation. cruise to Hydra and spend time at leisure exploring this island where there are no cars! cruise to Aegina, walk through the town with its picturesque houses and winding alleys. continue to poros, time for a swim or a tour of the preserved Temple of Afea Athena. return voyage to piraeus, transfer to your hotel. overnight: Athens (bL)

Day 5: atHEns explore Athens on your own or pre-book an optional tour. Details on request. overnight: Athens (b)

Day 6: atHEns Departure transfer to Athens Airport. (b)

Highlights of GreeceDepArTS DAiLy DepArTS DAiLy

GREECE Page.11

www.itt.co.za

HyDra

poros

ErEcHtHEion, atHEns

Page 14: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

EGYPT

Day 1: atHEns

Arrive Athens, transfer to hotel. overnight: Athens

Day 2: atHEns

Half day city tour of Athens. See constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of parliament, the national Library and the presidential palace. visit the Temple of olympian Zeus and the panathenaic Stadium where the first olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. continue to the Acropolis and visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the propylaea, the Temple of Athena nike, the erechtheion and the parthenon. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Athens (b)

Day 3: atHEns – HyDra – poros – aEgina – atHEns

Transfer to piraeus for embarkation. cruise to Hydra, some time at leisure. on to Aegina, time to explore the town with picturesque houses and winding alleys. continue to poros, time for a swim or a tour of the preserved Temple of Afea Athena. return voyage to piraeus, transfer back to hotel. overnight: Athens (bL)

Day 4: atHEns – corintH canal – EpiDaurus – nauplion –mycEnaE – olympia

Travel along the coastal road to the corinth canal for a short stop. visit the Theatre of epidauros, famous for its remarkable acoustics. proceed to the town of nauplion (short stop). continue to Mycenae and visit the archaeological site and the Tomb of Agamemnon. Depart for olympia through central pelopennese and the towns of Tripolis and Megalopolis. overnight: olympia (bD)

Day 5: olympia – DElpHi

olympia is the cradle of the olympic Games. visit the archaeological site with the Sanctuary of olympian Zeus, the ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. Drive through the plains of eliad and Achaia. cross the corinthian bay and continue via the picturesque towns of nafpactos (Lepanto) and itea to Delphi. overnight: Delphi (bD)

Discover GreeceDepArTS WeDneSDAy, friDAy AnD SATurDAy

Day 6: DElpHi – kalamBaka

visit the archaeological site and the Museum at Delphi. Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing complex of Meteora. overnight: Kalambaka (bD)

Day 7: kalamBaka – mEtEora – atHEns

visit Meteora, set amongst striking scenery, perched atop of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, surrounded by ageless Monasteries, with exquisite specimens of byzantine Art. return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae (short stop to view Leonidas’ monument). Arrive Athens early evening. overnight: Athens (b)

Day 8: atHEns

Departure transfer to Athens Airport. (b)

www.itt.co.za

Page.12 GREECE

mEtEora

DElpHi tEmplE

Page 15: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

EGYPT Page.13GREECE Page.13

www.itt.co.za

The Greek islands have a charm and allure which draws repeat visitors year after year. The white-washed buildings with their distinctive blue-green shutters, beaches, tavernas and nightlife all combine to offer a relaxed holiday. The islands are grouped geographically and combining two or more islands within the same island group by ferry and hydrofoil, is a great way to create your own “island-hopping holiday”.

Cycladic IslandsLocated between Greece and Turkey, these are probably Greece’s best-known islands. in total 56 islands make up this island group. The most popular islands are:

mykonos: Mykonos is one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece and is well known for its dominant blue domed churches, beaches, relaxing atmosphere and exciting nightlife. The beaches of platy Gialos, Agios Stefanos, psarou, Kalafatis, ornos and elia are popular with families. Soak up the sun on the clean beaches, go windsurfing or jet skiing, try the local cuisine at the seaside taverns or pub bars, dance to loud music, visit the monasteries and churches or take a leisurely boat ride to Delos, the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Mykonos offers it all...

Greek Islands

santorini: Santorini is distinguished by its wild beauty and volcanic landscape. The island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in antiquity, but what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera (crater). on the western side of the island, there are breathtaking views of the extinct crater, now engulfed by the sea. Marvel at the villages built along the edge and appreciate the architecture. Kamari beach, with its black pebbles, is popular with sun-worshippers, and many claim that watching the sunset from oia is an unforgettable experience. explore Santorini’s historical sites, the ancient Akrotiri and the exceptional museums located in fira, the island’s main town. Take a cacique ride to the volcanic island of nea Kamini and swim in the hot spring. unforgettable memories...

paros: As you approach the port of paros (parikia), you will be greeted by the sight of a large cycladic style windmill, magnificent traditional whitewashed houses and a long seaside promenade. parikia is a wonderful town to stroll through, to take in the island’s atmosphere. paros has many significant archaeological, historical and natural sites. you will be rewarded with scenes of extreme beauty, olive groves, vineyards and orchards situated on rolling hills. you should not miss the small village of naoussa and the magnificent beach at Kolymbithres. Another option is taking a short boat trip to Antiparos island to see the famous Antiparos cave. paros is an island that offers solitude and serenity...

naxos: naxos is the largest of all cycladic islands and has inherited many monuments from different eras of its rich history. A venetian castle dominates its capital on the west coast, a more noticeable characteristic of the island is the huge doorway of the 6th century Apollo standing on the islet at the entrance to the harbour. it is the nuptial isle of the god Dionysus and has the highest mountain of the island group, Mount Zas. With so many charming mountainous villages, green landscape and numerous sandy beaches, naxos has managed to keep its authenticity and natural beauty. This versatile island will please the sightseer, the nature lover, the party-goer and even the laid back tourist.santorini

naXos

mykonos

paros

santorini

Page 16: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

East Aegean IslandsThe close proximity to Turkey, coupled with each island’s distinctive character, ease of access and well-developed tourist facilities, make these islands popular with visitors. The best-known islands are:

rhodes: rhodes, or rodos, is the crusader isle, steeped in ancient history and boasting 300 days of blue skies each year. it lies at the southern end of the Dodecanese chain of islands that follows the line of the Turkish coast. it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. The most popular beaches on rhodes lie along the north and east coastlines. rhodes receives more holiday visitors than virtually any other Greek island. The attraction is not just the long summer season and the sandy beaches but also the remarkably well preserved medieval city of rhodes itself, castles galore courtesy of the crusader Knights of St John, and a hilly, forested interior with some lovely landscapes. A ferry operates between rhodes and the Turkish town of Marmaris.

kos: The town of Kos, which is the capital and port of the island, is an archaeological paradise. The ruins of the excavated ancient town and the castle of the knights are the first thing that will catch your sight when arriving at the port. See the famous sycamore tree of Hippokrates, under which it is said that this important physician of antiquity used to teach. Two mosques, several churches, beautiful buildings, a local market, the squares of eleftherias and Agias paraskevis and scenic stone paved alleys all add to the charm of the town. The island is also fringed by excellent swimming beaches for those that tire of the antiquities. Kos has a ferry connection with bodrum in Turkey.

patmos: patmos is one of Greece’s most sacred islands and exudes historical and religious significance. St. John wrote the book of revelation in a grotto overlooking the main town. patmos’ mild, sunny climate, indented coastline with delightful bays and coves and numerous chapels combine to form a picture of unique beauty. Day trip by boat to the isles of Arkoi, Marathi and Agathonissi are available. The isles have beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters and are known for their rare flora and fauna.

Greek Islands

samos: Separated from the Turkish coast by the Mykale Straits, the island’s terrain displays considerable variety, small plains alternate with hilly regions, terminating in a gentle coastline. Samos is generally quieter than other popular Greek islands and attracts tourists who seek a quiet, yet cosmopolitan holiday. The capital town is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. Wander around the island and you will find extremely interesting natural and historical gems. Samos has a ferry connection with Kusadasi in Turkey.

www.itt.co.za

Page.14

samos

rHoDEs

patmos

GREECE

Page 17: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

GREECE Page.15

www.itt.co.za

Greek IslandsIonian IslandsLocated on the west coast of Greece, these islands are generally characterised by being cooler and greener than other islands. The most prominent are:

corfu: The island of corfu is an ideal destination for cosmopolitan and peaceful holidaying. corfu has excellent tourist facilities; this, coupled with monuments, unusual architecture and gorgeous beaches, attract tourists throughout the year. in the north there are olive groves, green, lush valleys and an indented coastline with bays and coves. The central part is even greener than the north, with thickly wooded hillsides and fertile plains, whereas the southern section is flatter with less vegetation. The town of corfu (Kerkyra) impresses and charms the visitor with its two forts, narrow streets, tall houses, arcades, venetian-built Town Hall, church to Saint Spyridon, the corfu island’s patron saint, flower-filled gardens, and balconies with their superb wrought-iron fences. kefallonia: Kefallonia reached fame through the popular novel “captain

corelli’s Mandolin”, which was filmed on location on the island. The numerous villages of Kefallonia are all picturesque and attractive. Many of them are located in the vast mountainous areas of the island while others can be found on its impressive coastline. you should not miss the fantastic village of fiscardo which still has all its traditional and venetian buildings, these survived the huge earthquake in 1953. The capital of the island, Argostoli, was virtually destroyed in the earthquake. it has since been rebuilt and is a good starting point to explore the island. Kefallonia’s beaches all have fine golden or white sand and magnificent emerald waters. Some of the beaches are large and popular, whilst others are coiled up in picturesque little bays and have no tourist facilities.

Zakynthos: Have a swim at the wide sandy beaches accompanied by sea turtles, go snorkelling or scuba diving between rocks and in underwater caves. enjoy the great weather and let yourself be swept away by the rhythms of Zakynthian life. The island combines quiet rural life with tourist facilities of a high standard. beautiful, green countryside, clean, white cliffs and sandy beaches, and several ancient monuments make Zakynthos a favourite for many. corFu

kEFallonia

ZakyntHos

Page 18: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Page.16 GREECE

Greek IslandsSporades Islandson the east coast, close to mainland Greece, these islands offer countless coves, charming villages, churches and monasteries that await your exploration. The most popular islands are:

skiathos: The island offers several lovely beaches and an unusual and diverse landscape. Holidays in Skiathos are ideal for those who love exciting nightlife, shopping, tavernas framed by cobbled-stoned streets, beaches, great fun and entertainment. Skiathos is a place to see and to be seen. one of the most splendid beaches in Greece is Lalria with its blue Grotto, where the sun creates fascinating reflections in the bluest of waters. However don’t forget Koukounairies, renowned for its unsurpassed scenery. Take time to explore and discover the island’s beauty.

skopelos: it is virtually all forest, with 80% cloaked in pine trees, with a few resorts scattered around the steep cliff shores. it is not only popular with day trippers from Skiathos but also with those who prefer a quiet holiday retreat. Sandy beaches may be scarce on Skopelos but the island has attracted the more sophisticated traveller over the years. The north and east coasts are rugged, while south and west hillsides slope gently to the sea. olive and plum groves along with large pine forests make up much of the lush, green interior. Hillsides are dotted with domes of churches and monasteries and there are many pleasant walks to be had.

CreteThe biggest of all Greek islands. it is outstanding not only because of its geographical situation, but also because of its long history and exceptional cultural heritage. crete is characterised by its diversity of landscape. The island is dominated by a major mountain range extending from west to east, with fertile valleys between the mountains. it is separated in 4 prefectures: chania, Heraklion, Lassithi and rethymno. There is an abundance of wildlife, plants and flowers that are unique to the island. breathe in the ever-present scents of wild herbs, taste fresh fruit, the best of the world’s olive oil and healthy, delicious cheeses. enjoy the delight of sipping a Greek coffee at the roadside in a mountain village, the excitement and spillover of weddings and occasions, the history, the people and the world-sourced visitors. it is also a historian and archaeologist’s paradise. crete’s coastline offers the perfect setting for kayaking adventures, where you can visit unspoilt, out-of-the-way villages.

minoan palacE, crEtE

skiatHos

skiatHos

skopElos

crEtE

Page 19: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

GREECE Page.17

enjoy this Greek voyage on board a cruise ship, with time to explore the Greek islands on your own. Alternatively, book an organised shore excursion and get in-depth information on your port of call. breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. read your favourite book; work out at the fitness center; experience the beauty salon and health spa; sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing swim; try your luck at the casino; dance until the early morning hours or enjoy a romantic stroll on deck under the star-studded sky whilst sailing towards your next destination. in some ports, disembarkation and embarkation are by means of a tender and are therefore weather permitting.

Greek Island Cruising

Aegean Jewels - 3 Night

Day port arriVEs DEparts

fridaypirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 11h00

MyKonoS, Greece 18h00 23h00

SaturdayKuSADASi, TurKey 07h00 12h00

pATMoS, Greece 16h00 21h00

SundayHerAKLion (creTe), Greece 07h00 11h30

SAnTorini, Greece 16h30 21h00

Monday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 07h00

Aegean Gems - 4 Night

Day port arriVEs DEpartsMonday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 11h00

MyKonoS, Greece 18h00 23h00Tuesday KuSADASi, TurKey 07h00 12h00

pATMoS, Greece 16h00 21h00Wednesday rHoDeS, Greece 07h00 18h00Thursday HerAKLion (creTe), Greece 07h00 11h30

SAnTorini, Greece 16h30 21h00friday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 07h00

grEEk islanDs

Byzantine Explorer - 7 NightDay port arriVEs DEpartsfriday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 18h00Saturday iSTAnbuL, TurKey 16h00Sunday iSTAnbuL, TurKey 19h00Monday MyKonoS, Greece 15h00 24h00Tuesday pATMoS, Greece 07h00 10h30

KuSADASi, TurKey 14h30 20h30Wednesday rHoDeS, Greece 07h00 18h00Thursday Ay nicoLAoS (creTe), Greece 07h00 11h30

SAnTorini, Greece 17h00 21h00friday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 06h00

Med Explorer – 7 NightDay port arriVEs DEpartsfriday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 11h00Saturday iSTAnbuL, TurKey 09h00 19h00Sunday MyKonoS, Greece 15h00 22h00Monday AT SeATuesday ASHDoD, iSrAeL 07h00 20h00Wednesday porT SAiD, eGypT 06h00 07h30

ALeXAnDriA, eGypT 17H30 20H30Thursday Ay niKoLAoS (creTe), Greece 16h30 20h00friday pirAeuS (ATHenS), Greece 08h00

cruise schedule subject to change without prior notice

Page 20: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Italy

Location italy is a country in southern europe that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, italy is bordered by Monaco, france, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Gateway rome, Milan and venice.

Climate The climate of the costal regions are typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and generally hot and dry summers. During the winter, cloudy rainy days alternate with spells of mild, sunny weather. Generally, the hottest month is July (where temperatures can reach 32°c/34°c); the coldest month is January; the wettest month is november, with an average rainfall of 129mm; while the driest month is July, with an average rainfall of 15mm.

Currency euro (eur).

Language italian is the language of the majority of the population but there are minorities speaking German, french, Slovene and Ladino. english is widely spoken in tourist establishments.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for italy.

What things cost*bottled water 1L ............................................eur 2.00 can of coke ...................................................eur 1.50beer ...............................................................eur 4.50 Take-away lunch ............................................eur 10.00Dinner in a restaurant ....................................eur 25.00 20 Minute taxi journey ...................................eur 50.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

no matter how much literature one reads about italy, there is really only one way to understand why italy has inspired so many artists through the ages: choose italy as your next holiday destination. The atmosphere, the colours, the climate, the breathtaking landscapes, the spontaneously hospitable people, the culture, the delicious food and generous wines will capture your soul. for the romantic at heart, italy is a paradise. What can be more romantic than a gondola ride along the canals in venice, a late evening stroll along the banks of the Arno river in florence or watching the sunset on the roman skyline or in the gentle slopes of the Tuscan and umbrian hills covered with olive groves and vineyards? History and art lovers will be stunned by the variety. italy has been the cradle of many civilizations, the vestiges of which can be admired in their original splendour throughout the country from the small villages to the great cities. each italian region cherishes a richness of ancient tradition, folklore, craftsmanship and heritage. be prepared for some shopping amongst exclusive shops and boutiques where exquisite italian designs are proudly and elegantly displayed. Jewellery, clothes, shoes, furniture and cars are some of the items with which the italian stylists have conquered the world. Welcome to italy!

ITALY

CapriSorrento

Naples

ROME

SARDINIA

Florence

TuscanyPisa

Milan Venice

SICILY

EGYPT

www.itt.co.za

Page.18 ITALY

VEnicEportoFino

colossEum, romE

Page 21: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Day 1: romE Arrive rome, transfer to hotel. overnight: rome

Day 2: romE rome, the eternal city, is one of the most exhilarating and romantic travel destinations in the world. A half-day tour will show you rome’s most famous land-marks such as the famous Trevi fountain (make sure you have some coins to throw in the fountain), the pantheon, navona Square and St. peter’s basilica, to name a few. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: rome (b)

Day 3: romEexplore rome on your own. optional tours available, contact us for details. overnight: rome (b)

Day 4: romEDeparture transfer to rome Airport. (b)

Rome StopoverDay 1: romEWelcome to rome, transfer to your hotel. balance of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own. overnight: rome

Day 2: romEenjoy the day at leisure in rome. Discover the ancient roman ruins, masterpieces of the renaissance, delightful baroque fountains and the charming medieval backstreets. Alternatively, book a sightseeing tour of ancient rome and the vatican Museums. overnight: rome (b)

Day 3: romE – FlorEncEMake your way to the station for your train to florence. on arrival in florence, make your way to your hotel. balance of the day at leisure. overnight: florence (b)

Day 4 – Day 5: tuscanyTuscany... florence, Siena, pisa, San Gimignano! An enchanted region dotted with museums; cathedrals; historical buildings; ancient streets; castles; fortresses and watch-towers. Tuscany’s rolling landscape is complemented by towns overflowing with renaissance art and architecture; vineyards and olive groves; Tuscan villas and farm settlements; wonderful cuisine and wine. overnight: florence (b)

Day 6: FlorEncE – VEnicEMake your way to the station for your train to venice. on arrival in venice, make your way to your hotel. balance of the day at leisure. overnight: venice (b)

Day 7: VEnicEvenice is built on 117 small islands and holds 150 canals connected by an amazing 409 bridges. enjoy a gondola ride or walk through the mysterious alleyways, the endless mazes of back streets and lively squares. overnight: venice (b)

Day 8: VEnicE – milan airportMake your way to the station for your train to Milan. Make your way to Milan Airport. (b)

Italy by RailDepArTS DAiLy DepArTS DAiLy

VEnicE

FlorEncE

Vatican city, romE

EGYPT Page.19ITALY Page.19

www.itt.co.za

trEVi Fountain, romE

Page 22: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

san gimignano

Day 1: romEArrive rome, transfer to hotel. overnight: rome

Day 2: romEexplore the city on your own; we suggest a visit to the Trevi fountain, colosseum, Spanish Steps and the vatican with St. peter’s cathedral. optional tours available. overnight: rome (b)

Day 3: romE – san gimignano pick up your rental car and drive to San Gimignano, a walled hill town in Tuscany, famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, which can be seen from several miles outside the town. We also suggest you take the opportunity to explore umbria. This is a region rich in history and nature. umbria offers the falls of the Marmore, which are the highest in italy. overnight: San Gimignano (b)

Day 4: san gimignano – FlorEncEMake your way to the Tuscan heartland. Tuscany’s rolling hills are garlanded with cypress trees, lush vines and olive groves that make way here and there for sleepy villages and medieval hill towns. overnight: florence (b)

Discover Italy Day 5: tuscany

Take time to explore florence, a magnificent city of art and culture; pisa, home of the famous “Leaning Tower of pisa”, the baptistery and the cathedral; and Lucca, discover the remains of the colossal ancient roman amphitheatre in the centre of town and the church of San frediano founded in the 6th century. overnight: florence (b)

Day 6: FlorEncE – VEnicE

Drive towards bologna, a small medieval town, famous for its university. in the heart of the old city (which is car-free), piazza Maggiore and the adjoining piazza del nettuno are lined by graceful medieval and renaissance monuments. continue to venice and drop-off your rental car. Make your way by water-bus to your hotel. overnight: venice (b)

Day 7: VEnicE

explore venice on your own. This romantic city is built on 117 small islands and holds 150 canals connected by an amazing 409 bridges. enjoy a gondola ride or walk through the mysterious alleyways, the endless mazes of back streets and lively squares. overnight: venice (b)

Day 8: VEnicE – lakE como

Make your way to the station for your train to Lake como; and later to your hotel. Lake como is one of the famous italian Lakes destinations and a pleasant town to end your italian holiday. roam the old streets, hike up the local hills, relax in the cafes or dine in a traditional italian restaurant with local wines and produce. overnight: Lake como (b)

Day 9: lakE como

explore this beautiful Lake District. Take a leisurely boat trip to the many aristocratic villas and gardens, and to the charming villages of bellagio, varenna, and Tremezzo. overnight: Lake como (b)

Day 10: lakE como – milan

Make your way to the station for your train to Milan. Make your way to Milan Airport. (b)

DepArTS DAiLy

Scenic SorrentoDay 1: romE Arrive rome, transfer to hotel. overnight: rome

Day 2: naplEs – pompEii – sorrEnto Depart rome and travel via the “Highway of the Sun” to naples. en-route see vineyards, palaces, fishing villages and ancient fortresses. See some of the highlights of naples including piazza plebiscito with the royal palace. continue to pompeii, the ancient Greek-roman city that was completely buried by ash during the eruption of Mt. vesuvius 2000 years ago. continue along the scenic coastline to Sorrento. overnight: Sorrento (bLD)

Day 3: islE oF capri – anacapri – naplEs – romE Depart Sorrento and sail to the isle of capri. See the blue Grotto. Short panoramic tour of the island and Anacapri overlooking the bay of naples. return to rome via naples. overnight: rome (bL)

Day 4: romEDeparture transfer to rome Airport. (b)

DepArTS DAiLy

capri

www.itt.co.za

Page.20 ITALY

Page 23: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

ITALY Page.21

www.itt.co.za

Walking in the Tuscan HillsDay 5: sant’antimo – montalcino Make your way through the Tuscan landscapes to Montalcino, the home of brunello, one of the most famous wines of the region. Take the time to explore this medieval town and you are sure to find many shopping opportunities. (2 hours walking). overnight: Montalcino (b)

Day 6: montalcino – BuonconVEntoWalk through the vineyards, olive trees and a beautiful “crete” landscape to buonconvento. (4 hours walking) overnight: Agriturismo near buonconvento (b)

Day 7: BuonconVEnto – montE oliVEto maggiorE – siEna Morning transfer to the Abbey of Monte oliveto Maggiore, a large benedictine monastery in a rugged landscape. Walk back to your Agriturismo, we suggest you stop at the fishing village of chiusure and try a freshly made panini at the “Alimentari”. collect your luggage and make your way to the station for your train to Siena. (3 - 4 hours walking). overnight: Siena (b)

Day 8: siEnaDay at leisure to explore Siena, a romantic medieval city where art, history and magnificent architecture combine to make a memorable finale. end of tour. (b)

Cooking with Chef ... Claudio Piantini at Relais Torre GuelfaDay 1: FiglinE ValDarno Make your way to claudio’s home and farmhouse in the countryside near figline valdarno, just outside florence. Welcome dinner with local wine at the famous restaurant of claudio piantini, “Torre Guelfa” located in the main square. overnight: figline valdarno (D)

Day 2: FiglinE ValDarno Morning cooking class with chef claudio piantini for about 3 hours. prepare some Tuscan dishes for lunch. Afternoon at leisure, we suggest a walk through the town. overnight: figline valdarno (bL)

Day 3: FiglinE ValDarno breakfast. end of services. (b)

Mariangela Catalani at Le Stanze di Santa CroceDay 1: FlorEncE Make your way to Mariangela catalani’s guesthouse in florence. evening welcome cocktail and introduction. overnight: florence

Day 2: FlorEncE Morning visit to Sant’ Ambrogio Market to buy fresh produce for your cooking lesson. prepare some Tuscan antipasti and two first courses with Mariangela. enjoy your self-cooked lunch, accompanied by some local wine. balance of day at leisure. overnight: florence (bL)

Day 3: FlorEncE After breakfast, some time at leisure to explore your surroundings. Light lunch served on the terrace, enjoy a selection of local cheeses, typical ham and salamis with Tuscan bread and local wine. We suggest an afternoon visit to some of florence’s monuments and museums. overnight: florence (bL)

Day 4: FlorEncEend of services. (b)

DepArTS DAiLy

Think of Tuscany and you naturally think of warm sun-filled days, rolling hills of gold or green, rows of tall cypress trees and leisurely lunches. in the beautiful southern wine regions of brunello and nobile, you will experience all this whilst passing through wonderful renaissance towns and visiting superb monasteries. you will spend the nights in quaint hotels or agriturismo (farm house resorts). Luggage is transferred at every change of accommodation. you will receive detailed maps and directions to guide you through this amazing experience.

Day 1: cHiusi – montEpulcianoMake your way to chiusi. After a short orientation, transfer to Montepulciano in the heart of the Tuscan wine country. explore the town encircled by walls and fortifications, the streets crammed with renaissance-style palazzi and churches on your own. overnight: Montepulciano

Day 2: montEpulciano – piEnZaWe suggest a visit of the temple of San biagio. Take the dirt road to Montichiello, a little village immersed in the “crete”. continue to the uneSco world heritage site of pienza, a medieval and renaissance jewel of Tuscany, well known for its pecorino cheese and truffle production. (5 hours walking). overnight: pienza (b)

Day 3: piEnZa – san Quirico D’orcia – Bagno VignoniWalk across a beautiful region of rolling hills, oak woods and quaint villages. explore the medieval town of San Quirico. Time permitting, end your day with a swim in the famous thermal pools in bagno vignoni. (5 hours walking). overnight: bagno vignoni (b)

Day 4: Bagno Vignoni – sant’antimo A strenuous walk along dry riverbeds in a rather wild setting to the lovely benedictine Abbey of Sant’Antimo. enjoy the rhythmic monastic chants echoing through the Abbey. (6 hours walking). overnight: Agriturismo near Sant’Antimo (b)

tuscany

Page 24: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

MaltaThe three Maltese islands; Malta, Gozo and comino are surrounded by the beautiful blue sea with a total of 140 km of coastline. The islands cover a combined land area of 316 km2. These three delightfully contrasting islands make up the Maltese islands as we known them.malta: Golden sunshine, crystal clear waters, unique history, natural beauty, art and architecture, entertainment and activity - one of the most charming destinations in the Mediterranean. Many cultures have left their marks through the ages and visitors can see pre-historic temples, catacombs from the early christians, medieval buildings, Auberges built by the Knights of St. John and more recent World War ii exploits, all scattered in different parts of the islands. Malta has many picturesque sandy beaches and beautiful rocky coves ideal for swimming and scuba diving. gozo: the second largest of the islands with a spectacular green countryside, rugged coastal cliffs, steep valleys and beautiful bays. The countryside is recognised by its rubble walls and the prickly pear hedges peeping over or bordering terraced fields. Gozo has an amazing coastline with its tiny creeks, sandy beaches, blue sea, majestic rock formations and protruding watchtowers. it is an island with a distinct charming character, old traditional farmhouses with their typical archways, balconies embellished with balustrades, flowerpots, Georgian style facades, roof gardens and bougainvilleas. Gozo is also described as a Mecca for diving.comino: the third and smallest of the islands is named after the herb cumin which was once cultivated on the island. The clear warm seas and sheltered bays make this island perfect as a swimming and snorkelling retreat.

MALTA

VALLETTASliema

St. George’s

St. Julian’s

Mosta

Attard

RabatMdina

Hagar Qim

Vittoriosa

St. Paul’s Bay

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

COMINO

GOZO

Location The Maltese Archipelago lies virtually at the center of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa.

Gateway Malta.

Climate Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean. Winters (nov-Apr) are mild, with occasional short chilly periods. Summers are hot, dry and sunny. During spring and autumn, a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonally high temperatures and humidity.

Currency euro (eur).

Language Maltese is the official language of Malta, english is widely spoken and understood.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for Malta.

What things cost*bottled water 1L ....................................eur 1.50can of coke ...........................................eur 1.50beer .......................................................eur 1.50Take-away lunch ................................... eur 10.00Dinner in a restaurant ........................... eur 20.0020 Minute taxi journey ...........................eur 25.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

www.itt.co.za

MALTAPage.22

marsaXlokk

golDEn BEacH, malta

goZo

Page 25: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

MALTA Page.23

www.itt.co.za

Day 1: malta Arrive Malta, transfer to your hotel. overnight: Malta

Day 2 - Day 7: malta explore Malta on your own. Malta is a treasure house of history with a wide variety of superb hotels, excellent beaches and busy nightlife. explore the towns, villages and beaches; let the shops tempt you while you embrace the magic of Malta. Try some Maltese specialities such as Lampuki pie (fish pie), rabbit Stew, bragioli (beef olives) and various ricotta sweets and semi-freddo desserts at one of the many restaurants. overnight: Malta (b)

Day 8: malta Departure transfer to Malta Airport. (b)

Malta GetawayDay 1: malta Arrive Malta, transfer to hotel. overnight: Malta

Day 2 – Day 4: malta explore Malta on your own. places worth a visit include the capital city of valletta and the magnificent Grand Harbour; the fortified old capital city of Mdina nicknamed ‘The Silent city’, and dozens of quaint towns and villages. overnight: Malta (b)

Day 5: malta – goZo Transfer to Malta port for ferry to Gozo. Arrive Gozo, transfer to hotel. overnight: Gozo (b)

Day 6 – Day 7: goZo explore Gozo on your own. An island where time seems to have stood still. you will be captured by this island’s serene charm and beauty. explore the amazing coastline with its tiny creeks, sandy beaches, blue seas, majestic rock formations and historical watchtowers. overnight: Gozo (b)

Day 8: goZo – malta Transfer to Gozo port for your ferry to Malta, transfer to Malta Airport. (b)

DepArTS DAiLy

sun: malta Arrive Malta, transfer to hotel. overnight: Malta

mon: malta Half day tour of valletta. view the barracca Gardens which command a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Harbour. continue to St. John’s cathedral adorned in riches that date back to the Knights of Malta. visit the church Museum with its flemish Tapestries. view the Grand Master’s palace and other buildings of historical importance. See the Malta experience, a multivision show that depicts Malta’s history throughout the ages. overnight: Malta (b)

tuE: malta A half day tour to the old capital city of Mdina. Walk through the “silent city” and visit the cathedral and imposing bastions that offer a magnificent view of most of the island. on to Dingil cliffs and the botanic Gardens of San Anton. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Malta (b)

WED: malta A day at leisure to explore Malta on your own. overnight: Malta (b)

tHu: malta – goZo – malta A full day’s tour to the island of Gozo. visit the temples of Ggantia, the citadel in victoria, the bay of Xlendi and the Azur Window at Dwejra. Some time for shopping; Gozo is renowned for its woollen goods and handmade lace. Late afternoon return to Malta. overnight: Malta (bL)

Fri - sat: malta At leisure in Malta. We suggest an optional tour to one of Malta’s few unspoilt villages in the south of the island, or explore the beaches, sidewalk cafes and shops. overnight: Malta (b)

sun: malta Departure transfer to Malta Airport. (b)

Malta & Gozo GetawayDepArTS DAiLy

Highlights of MaltaDepArTS SunDAy

ValEtta, malta

mgarr HarBour, goZo

malta

Page 26: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Portugal

Location portugal shares borders in the north

and west with Spain. The southern coast is on the

Mediterranean and the west coastline is bordered by the

Atlantic ocean.

Gateway Lisbon.

Climate portugal has a warm and sunny summer

(May – end September), with temperatures in the low 30-

ies. Winters are cold and rainy, but the southern coast of

Algarve has mild winters with many fine, sunny days.

Currency euro (eur)

Language portuguese, english is spoken in tourist

areas.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for portugal.

What things cost*bottled water (1L)...........................................eur 1.50 can of coke ...................................................eur 1.50bottle of local beer ........................................eur 1.50 Take-away lunch ............................................eur 10.00Dinner in a restaurant ....................................eur 25.00 20 Minute taxi journey ...................................eur 40.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

A cosy country with stunning natural beauty, fantastic architecture, diverse population, delicious seafood, intriguing tile-work and non-stop nightlife, bring together the best elements of portuguese life. Tour beautifully restored towns and well-preserved architecture of uneSco World Heritage Sites, beautiful natural areas and the spectacular port wine region of the Douro valley. if its the beach you are after, the Algarve coast offers highly developed stretches of coastline and pretty coves. enjoy portugal’s diversity - with many museums and galleries, world-class golf courses and villages with their simple way of baking, spinning and farming. portugal - a surprise yet to be discovered!

PORTUGAL SPAIN

Braga

Guarda

Coimbra

Aveiro

Porto

ATLANTICOCEAN

Evora

LISBON

FaroALGARVE

lisBon

MADEIRA

FUNCHAL

Page.24 PoRTuGAL

oporto

algarVE

Page 27: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Day 1: lisBonArrival in Lisbon, transfer to hotel. balance of day at leisure.overnight: Lisbon

Day 2: lisBonA morning tour of Lisbon, unveil the history and traditions; discover the monuments and typical quarters of one of the most elegant european cities. visit the belem quarter, with beautiful historical monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries. See the belem Tower, a uneSco World Heritage site and the Monument to the Discoveries, a modern monument dedicated to the portuguese maritime discoveries. visit the Monastery of the Jeronimos, a masterpiece of Manueline art. Travel along the Tagus river to Alfama and walk through the oldest and most picturesque area of Lisbon. continue to praca do comercio and praca do rossio, some of most beautiful squares in Lisbon. overnight: Lisbon (b)

Day 3: lisBonAt leisure in Lisbon. overnight: Lisbon (b)

Day 4: lisBonDeparture transfer to Lisbon Airport. (b)

Lisbon StopoverDepArTS DAiLy

Douro DiscoveryDepArTS MonDAy & SATurDAy

toWEr oF BElEm, lisBon

Douro riVEr VallEy

grapE HarVEst

oporto

PoRTuGAL Page.25

www.itt.co.za

Day 1: oportoArrive oporto, transfer to hotel. overnight: oporto

Day 2: oportoMorning city tour of oporto including the cathedral, the marvellous baroque Sao francisco church with its gilded carvings, Stock exchange palace, city centre and a port wine cellar on the southern bank. balance of day at leisure, we suggest a stroll around oporto’s typical quarters and its bustling downtown. oporto is the heart of wine production in the country and is the best place to taste and purchase the famous port wines. overnight: oporto (b)

Day 3: oporto – rEguaTransfer to quay; depart on a mini-cruise through the scenic Douro river valley. cruise upriver through beautiful countryside dotted with white painted quintas and towering hills lined with terraced vineyards, olive groves and almond cultivations. cruise through the crestuma Lever Dam and cross the lock with a water level difference of 14 metres. Lunch is served onboard as we cruise to the famous carrapatelo Dam and cross the lock with a water level difference of 35 metres, the deepest navigable lock in Western europe. Arrive in regua and transfer to your hotel. overnight: regua (bL)

Day 4: rEgua – oportoMorning at leisure; we suggest a visit to casa do Douro with its stained-glass windows which depict the history and production of port wine and the 18th-century Mother church. Many traditional quintas (country estates) of the region welcome visitors and offer wine tasting and tours to the vineyards, wine cellars and presses. Transfer to quay at midday and cruise downriver through the carrapatelo Dam and crestuma Lever Dam, past dramatic vistas, through breathtaking gorges and alongside quiet fishing villages as we head for oporto. The colour of the land changes throughout the year as the vines mature. Arrive oporto, transfer to hotel. overnight: oporto (bL)

Day 5: oportoDeparture transfer to oporto Airport. (b)

Page 28: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Day 1: lisBon – oBiDos – coimBracollect your rental car at Lisbon Airport and drive north, we suggest you stop in obidos. Walk through this magnificent medieval town with narrow alleyways, white-washed houses and flowers. visit the small fishing village of nazare and continue to coimbra. This is one of europe’s oldest university towns. Spend the balance of the day exploring this fascinating city. overnight: coimbra

Day 2: coimBra – aVEiro – oporto Depart coimbra and drive north along the coast to Aveiro. We suggest you take some time to walk around this town which is criss-crossed by canals and has some outstanding monumental buildings. continue north and arrive in oporto. overnight: oporto (b)

Day 3: oportoAt leisure in oporto. Walk through this medieval town and enjoy the special atmosphere. Alternatively, take a cruise on the Douro river or visit a winery where the authentic port wine is produced. overnight: oporto (b)

Day 4: oporto – guarDaHead inland and south from oporto, drive through some of portugal’s wine-producing areas. villages dot the landscape and a slow drive through this area is how we recommend you spend the day. Arrive in Guarda. overnight: Guarda (b)

Day 5: guarDa – EVoracontinue south, we suggest a stop in the town of castelo branco to see the gardens of the episcopal palace. continue via castelo de vide, a traditional village of the Alentejo region which was an important Jewish centre in the 14th century. Arrive in evora, a city on uneSco’s list of World Heritage cities. overnight: evora (b)

Day 6: EVoraevora traces its origins back to the roman period and during its heyday in the 15th and 16th centuries, this was the chosen city of residence of the portuguese Kings. evora is an architectural treasure-trove and a walking tour through the city will be well rewarded. overnight: evora (b)

Day 7: EVora – lisBonDepart evora and drive to Lisbon. enroute we suggest you explore Arraiolos, a town with narrow streets, white-washed houses and lots of charm. Arraiolos is also known for its hand-knotted carpets. Drop off your rental car at Lisbon Airport. (b)

Northern Portugal Self-DriveDepArTS DAiLy

Day 1: lisBon – algarVEcollect your rental car and drive south towards the Algarve. your route will take you through the rustic countryside of the Alentejo region. Travel through rolling hills, cork forests and olive groves to the whitewashed houses and orange trees of the southern coast. Arrive on portugal’s famous coastline, the Algarve. overnight: Algarve

Day 2 – Day 5: algarVE Spend four days exploring the Algarve as it stretches approximately 250km along the coast. Long sandy beaches, rock formations, fishing harbours and holiday towns as well as some of europe’s best golf courses are found here. you can “stay put” in your resort or you can explore the entire coastline, the choice is yours! Some of the well-known resorts on the Algarve are Albufeira, Alvor and carvoeoira. overnight: Algarve (b)

Day 6: algarVE – lisBonMake your way to Lisbon Airport and drop-off your rental car. (b)

Algarve Self-Drive DepArTS DAiLy

algarVE

www.itt.co.za

PoRTuGALPage.26

oBiDos

aVEiro

EVora

Page 29: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

alcoBaca

aVEiro

Fatima

PoRTuGAL Page.27

www.itt.co.za

Highlights of PortugaleScorTeD coAcH Tour l ALL yeAr

Fri: lisBon Arrive Lisbon, transfer to hotel. overnight: Lisbon

sat: lisBon – oBiDos – alcoBaca – naZarE – BatalHa – FatimaDepart Lisbon and enjoy a scenic drive north to obidos, an enchanting medieval walled village with small whitewashed houses. continue to Alcobaca and visit the first and largest gothic church in portugal. proceed to nazare, a picturesque fishing village. visit the spectacular 14th century Gothic-style limestone Monastery of Santa Maria de victoria in batalha. continue to fatima and visit the famous Marian Shrine. overnight: fatima (b)

sun: Fatima – coimBra – aVEiro – oporto Travel north to the old university town of coimbra and visit the magnificent baroque library. proceed to Aveiro, the city of the canals known as the “portuguese venice”. continue to oporto, a uneSco World Heritage city. overnight: oporto (b)

mon: oportoMorning tour of oporto, well known for its port wine. explore the streets, avenues and monuments including the romantic palace of Stock exchange with the splendid Moorish styled Arabian room and the church of Saint francisco, with its dazzling gilt decoration. Afternoon at leisure to discover the pulse of the city in its people and its trade. overnight: oporto (b)

tuE: oporto – guimaraEs – Braga – BarcElos – oportoTravel to the northwest region of portugal, Minho. Stop at Guimaraes, the birthplace of the first King of portugal. visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by the castle and the palace of the Dukes of braganca. Drive to braga known as the “portuguese rome” for its concentration of religious architecture. continue to barcelos, where the Galo de barcelos (the rooster of barcelos) legend was born. overnight: oporto (b)

WED: oporto – amarantE – Vila rEal – Douro VallEy – lamEgo – VisEu – urgEiricaDepart for Amarante, a picturesque town with several historic sights including the often photographed Sao Goncalo bridge. continue to vila real and visit the gardens of the manor of Mateus. Travel through vineyards and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro valley to Lamego, a delightful baroque town. proceed to viseu, a city full of artistic treasures, historical churches and a strong culture of local crafts. The cathedral dominates the town with its two towers. continue to urgeirica. overnight: urgeirica (b)

tHu: urguEirica – Bussaco – tomar – lisBonDrive through the heart of portugal to bucaco, well known for its selection of rare trees and plants of exotic beauty. proceed to Tomar, a charming town rich in history on the banks of the nabao river. it is dominated by a 12th century Templar castle containing one of the countries most significant and impressive monuments, the convent of christ (declared a World Heritage Site by uneSco). continue to Lisbon. overnight: Lisbon (b)

Fri: lisBonDeparture transfer to Lisbon Airport. (b)

Page 30: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

EGYPTPage.28 SPAIN

www.itt.co.za

Location Spain borders portugal in the west and france in the north-east. The northern coastline is fringed by the Atlantic and the southern coast is on the Mediterranean.

Gateway Madrid and barcelona.

Climate The geographical diversity of Spain results in a large climatic variance. The north coast is battered by the Atlantic in the winter with rain and wind, but has hot summers. The southern coast has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and cool, pleasant winters. in the pyrenees, snow falls each year. The capital Madrid is located on an inland plateau, in mid-summer (July and August) Madrid has temperatures of 25˚c - 30˚c whilst in winter the temperature usually hovers between

1˚c - 10 ˚c. Average summer temperatures in the costa del Sol is 30˚c, in winter 15˚c.

Currency euro (eur).

Language Spanish, english is spoken in tourist areas.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for Spain.

What things cost*bottled water 1L .......................eur 3.00can of coke ..............................eur 1.50bottle of local beer ...................eur 1.50Take-away lunch .......................eur 9.00Dinner in a restaurant ...............eur 20.0020 Minute taxi journey ..............eur 25.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

Spain is a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Spain offers its visitor an extremely varied landscape from the golden beaches of the costa del Sol to the beautiful mountain ranges of Andalucia with their highly interesting fauna and the famous “white villages”. its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, roman ruins, Gothic and renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. regions of Spain remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. Discover Andalucia, the “mother” of the Spanish folklore. Here you will live the magic of flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style. The Spanish are very open-hearted and their country is different and fascinating. Welcome to Spain!

Spain

SPAIN

PORT

UGAL

Tarragona

Barcelona

Andorra

Zaragoza

Pamplona

San Sebastian

Bilbao

Santander

Salamanca

Toledo

Santiago de Compostela

CordobaSeville

RondaGranada

Alicante

Valencia

AlmeriaMalaga

Gibraltar

COSTABRAVA

COSTADEL SOL

MADRID

Ibiza

Mallorca

Menorca

tolEDo

Page 31: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

BarcElona

Page.29SPAIN Page.29

www.itt.co.za

Day 1: maDriD

Arrival in Madrid, transfer to hotel. overnight: Madrid

Day 2: maDriD A morning panoramic tour of Madrid. Discover one of europe’s most attractive cities know for its historic buildings, monuments and squares. Drive along the main streets of Madrid including Gran via and paseo de la castellana. See elegant squares like the plaza Mayor, puerta del Sol, neptuno, cibeles, puerta de Alcala and Discovery Square. Afternoon at leisure to discover Madrid’s restaurants, tapas bars, theatres and flamenco venues. overnight: Madrid (b)

Day 3: maDriD At leisure in Madrid until transfer to the airport or train station. (b)

Madrid StopoverDepArTS DAiLy

Day 1: BarcElona Arrive in barcelona, transfer to hotel. overnight: barcelona

Day 2: BarcElona A morning panoramic tour of barcelona. Drive along via Laietana, barcelona’s main street lined with elegant buildings. visit some of the main sights including the cathedral, Gothic Quarter, port olympic and the olympic Stadium at Montjuic. visit the “poble espanyol” (Spanish village), an outdoor open-air architectural museum located on the mountain of Montjuic. balance of day at leisure to explore the city. overnight: barcelona (b)

Day 3: BarcElonaTransfer from your hotel to the airport or train station. (b)

Barcelona StopoverDepArTS DAiLy

catHEDral, BarcElona

gran Via, maDriD

Page 32: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

EGYPT

www.itt.co.za

Page.30 SPAIN

The whitewashed villages of costa del sol are impressive historical monuments in themselves, and their people still live according to age-old traditions, inherited from their iberian, roman and Moorish forefathers. Many of the villages near the coast have become fashionable resorts, while still conserving their ancient charm. Most towns began as fortresses, and over the centuries, many have developed into thriving agricultural centres producing olive oil, fruit, vegetables and goats’ milk. Amongst the best-known resort towns along the costa del Sol, are Torremolinos, Marbella and benalmadena.

The Balearics is the name given to the archipelago off the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Mallorca, Menorca and ibiza are all popular tourist destinations, offering remarkably varied scenery as well as beach resorts that provide every kind of amenity. A narrow channel separates ibiza from formentera, the smallest inhabited island in the group.

Explore Andalusia

The canary islands are much closer to the coast of Africa than mainland Spain and it is this mid-Atlantic location that accounts for the remarkably mild climate. best known for their white, pristine beaches, the seven islands (Gran canaria, fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La palma, Gomera and Hierro), all of volcanic origin, offer strikingly diverse landscapes: sub-tropical rainforests, arid plains, pine woods, sand dunes, mountain peaks and remarkable flora. The main tourist resorts are excellent for watersports, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, tennis and golf. The local people take great pride in their folklore traditions and the carnival festivities are famous throughout Spain.

Spanish Getaway eScorTeD coAcH Tour l ALL yeAr

sun: maDriDArrive Madrid, transfer to hotel. overnight: Madrid

mon: maDriDMorning panoramic tour of Madrid, the perfect introduction to Madrid’s famous sights from the Gran via and castellana to famous places including plaza de espana, puerta del Sol, cibeles Square, puerta de Alcala, recoletos boulevard and Discovery Square. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Madrid (b)

tuE: maDriD – corDoBa – sEVillEDepart Madrid and travel through La Mancha into Andalusia. visit the Mezquita Mosque-cathedral in cordoba. After a short walk of the old Quarters, declared a World Heritage site by uneSco in 1984, we continue to Seville. overnight: Seville (bD)

WED: sEVillEMorning panoramic tour of Seville, seeing Maria Luisa park, plaza de espana and old Santa cruz Quarter. Afternoon at leisure to explore this artistic capital of Andalusia on your own. overnight: Seville (bD)

tHu: sEVillE – ronDa – costa DEl solTravel along the route of the White villages to ronda. Some time at leisure, we suggest you visit the bullring, one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain and the museum which displays interesting relics of ronda’s bull-fighting history. Afternoon departure for the costa del Sol. overnight: costa del Sol (bD)

Fri: costa DEl sol – granaDaTravel to Granada and visit the spectacular group of monuments of the Alhambra and Generalife, former residence of the Moorish Kings, with magnificent nazari palaces and its fantasy of patios, arches, gardens and fountains. overnight: Granada (bD)

sat: granaDa – tolEDo – maDriDTravel towards the imperial city of Toledo and walk through the narrow streets and alleys. continue to Madrid. overnight: Madrid (b)

sun: maDriDDeparture transfer to Madrid Airport. (b)

mEZQuita , corDoBalanZarotE

Page 33: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

????????? Page.31

www.itt.co.za

EGYPT Page.31SPAIN Page.31

Best of Spain & PortugaleScorTeD coAcH Tour l SuMMer

mon: maDriDArrive Madrid, transfer to hotel. overnight: Madrid

tuE: maDriDMorning panoramic tour of Madrid including the popular squares,avenues and most representative monuments. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Madrid (b)

WED: maDriD – truJillo – lisBon (portugal)Travel west to the medieval town of Trujillo. Time at leisure to explore plaza Mayor, stroll the streets of this striking town cradle of famous conquerors. continue to the capital of portugal, Lisbon. overnight: Lisbon (b)

tHu: lisBonMorning panoramic tour of Lisbon, visit the uneSco World Heritage site of Jeronimos Monastery, see the quaint old Alfama Quarter and stop at belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoverers. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: Lisbon (b)

Fri: lisBon – Fatima – lisBonTravel north to fatima, one of the most important shrines of the world dedicated to the virgin Mary. Time at leisure to explore this pilgrimage city before we return to Lisbon. overnight: Lisbon (b)

sat: lisBon – cacErEs – corDoBa (spain)cross the border into Spain and travel to cordoba. enroute stop at caceres, a uneSco World Heritage city. Time to visit the historical centre and Santa Maria church. continue to cordoba. overnight: cordoba (bD)

sun: corDoBa - sEVillEMorning visit of the Mezquita Mosque-cathedral in cordoba. This beautiful and fascinating building symbolises the many religious changes cordoba has undergone over the centuries. Afternoon departure for Seville. overnight: Seville (bL)

mon: sEVillEMorning panoramic tour of Seville, seeing Maria Luisa park, plaza de espana and old Santa cruz Quarter. Afternoon at leisure to explore the bustling streets, squares and tapas bars. overnight: Seville (bD)

tuE: sEVillE – ronDa – costa DEl solTravel along the route of the White villages to ronda. explore the old town, famous for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep gorge called el Tajo de ronda. Afternoon departure for the costa del Sol, we suggest an evening stroll along the seafront promenade. overnight: costa del Sol (bD)

WED: costa DEl sol – granaDaTravel to Granada, the home to two of Spain’s most famous uneSco World Heritage sites. visit the Gardens of the Generalife and the exquisite Moorish architecture of the Alhambra palace. overnight: Granada (bD)

tHu: granaDa – tolEDo – maDriD

Morning departure for Toledo. visit the ancient capital of Spain, walk through its atmospheric cobbled streets and see the most important places of this World Heritage city. continue to Madrid. overnight: Madrid (b)

Fri: maDriD

Departure transfer to Madrid Airport. (b)costa DEl sol

tolEDo

JEronimos monastEry, lisBon

alHamBra, granaDa

ronDa

Page 34: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Spain Self-DriveDay 1: maDriD

Arrive in Madrid, transfer to hotel. overnight: Madrid

Day 2: maDriD A day to explore Madrid and its environs. This is the city of great monuments and is also known as the gateway to Spain, with its remarkable collection of museums and galleries. This glamorous city has a wide variety of parks and gardens and offers great nightlife. overnight: Madrid (b)

Day 3: maDriD – tolEDo collect your rental car. Depart Madrid and drive to Toledo. This city is known to contain some of Spain’s most magnificent historical monuments. it is one of the very few intact medieval cities, inviting and picturesque. overnight: Toledo (b)

Day 4: tolEDo – corDoBaDepart Toledo and drive south into Andalucia, arrive in cordoba. nowhere else are the remnants of Spain’s islamic, Jewish and catholic heritages so visibly intermixed as in cordoba. it has enriched this city and left a definite mark on the history. overnight: cordoba (b)

Day 5: corDoBa – sEVillEcontinue into the heart of Andalucia, through olive groves and beautiful landscape. Arrive in Seville. overnight: Seville (b)

Day 6: sEVillESeville is one of the most exciting cities in Spain and is also known as the centre of tapas, bull fighting and flamenco music. The city is known for its wonderful parks, gardens and offers a very relaxing atmosphere. overnight: Seville (b)

Day 7: sEVillE – costa DEl solDrive further south, heading for the Mediterranean coastline. We suggest you plan your itinerary to include the charming town of ronda. Arrive at costa del Sol. overnight: costa del Sol (b)

DepArTS DAiLy

www.itt.co.zawww.itt.co.za

Page.32 SPAIN

Day 8: costa DEl sol

Day at leisure to explore the beaches or some of the many towns stretching along the coast. costa del Sol (translated “Sun coast”) is just what the name describes and is one of Spain’s most attractive tourist destinations. 325 days of sunshine each year makes costa del Sol an all-year-round destination for sun-seekers. overnight: costa del Sol (b)

Day 9: costa DEl sol – granaDa Drive inland towards the Andalucian gem of Granada. This beautiful city is lined with narrow streets filled with flowers and a number of beautiful gardens. The Alhambra, the spectacular palace-fortress still dominates the skyline of Granada. overnight: Granada (b)

Day 10: granaDa Drop-off your rental car at Granada Airport, before your departure flight. (b)

alHamBra, granaDa

corDoBa

Page 35: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

TurkeyTurkey, a unique meeting place between east and West; a tapestry of rich and colourful strands of culture and civilization. from the anomaly of istanbul - one of the world’s most vibrant cities, to the resorts of the Aegean coast, this is a country which never fails to fascinate and delight visitors. it’s not all oriental and you will be pleasantly surprised with the cosmopolitan feel. Turkey has a magnificent past and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning over 10 000 years. The coastline combines beautiful cliffs and sandy beaches, offers a lively nightlife with a dash of history and a wide range of opportunities for the more active holidaymaker. The markets and bazaars in Turkey offer the most interesting and challenging shopping and no trip is complete without a visit to the hamam. Turkey is also renowned for its rich cuisine and Turkish coffee. visit Turkey ... and you are likely to want to return for more. “Merhaba” and welcome!

TrabzonRize

KayseriAvanos

Neveshir

Aksaray

Konya

BursaCanakkale

IzmirEphesus

BodrumKusadasi Pamukkale

AntalyaMarmarisFethiye

TURKEY

CAPPADOCIA

ISTANBUL

ANKARA

Location Turkey borders Greece in the west; the black Sea in the north and the southwestern part is fringed by the Mediterranean. Turkey also shares borders with Georgia, Armenia, iraq and Syria.

Gateway istanbul.

Climate Turkey is a big country and spans many climatic zones from the temperate forests of the black Sea coast to the semi-arid plains of southeastern Anatolia. istanbul has a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Snow is not uncommon. July and August are the hottest months. The south and west coasts enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Summer days often reach 30˚c and the sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming from April to october.

Currency Turkish Lira (Try).

Language Turkish but english are widely spoken.

Visa South African passport holders require a visa for Turkey.

What things cost*bottled water 1L ....................uSD 1.00can of coke ...........................uSD 1.00bottle of local beer ................uSD 2.00Take-away lunch ....................uSD 20.00Dinner in a restaurant ............uSD 40.0020 Minute taxi journey ...........uSD 40.00*purchase price will vary depending on the point of sale.

TuRKEY

www.itt.co.za

pErgamum

BLACK SEAGREECE

SYRIA

CYPRUS

st. sopHia, istanBul

Page.33

coli

n a

nth

ill

- ww

w.p

hoto

seek

er.c

om

Page 36: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Day 1: istanBul Arrive istanbul, transfer to hotel. overnight: istanbul

Day 2: istanBul full day sightseeing of istanbul: visit St. Sophia, the magnificent byzantine church, now a Museum. continue to the blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in istanbul, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. proceed to the Hippodrome, the former centre of sportive and political activities of constantinople. visit the Grand bazaar which will tempt even non-shoppers with its collection of handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. After lunch, visit the Topkapi palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great ottoman empire was once ruled. Today, it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of chinese and Japanese porcelains and the famous treasury of the royal family. visit of rustem pasa Mosque, designed by the famous ottoman architect Sinan. overnight: istanbul (bL)

Day 3: istanBul A short visit to the famous egyptian Spice bazaar (closed on Sunday) with mystical smells of different aromas of spices, and shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish. cruise along the bosphorus, the strait that separates europe from Asia as it winds its way from the Aegean (Sea of Marmara) to the black Sea. See modern hotels, old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages. return to your hotel. overnight: istanbul (b)

Day 4: istanBul Departure transfer to istanbul Airport. (b)

Best of IstanbulDepArTS DAiLy

Day 1: ankara – cappaDociaMorning tour of Ankara. visit the Museum of Anatolian civilisations, located in the restored bazaar. The museum has the most unique and priceless collection, dating back to the pre-historic era. See the Ataturk Mausoleum, a magnificent structure and a tribute to the founder of modern Turkey. After lunch, drive through the Anatolian countryside to cappadocia. overnight: cappadocia (LD)

Day 2: cappaDocia full day tour of cappadocia, visit the natural citadel of uchisar and enjoy the panoramic view of the region. continue to Goreme valley; see the Goreme open Air Museum with its churches hewn out of the rock and decorated by colourful frescoes. proceed to Zelve and see the caves of this ancient village. continue to Avanos, famous for its pottery and cavusin villages. overnight: cappadocia (bLD)

Day 3: cappaDocia – ankaravisit the underground city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu; see the huge refuges carved during the early christian era which served as a safe haven from persecutors. Depart transfer to Ankara Airport. (b)

Experience CappadociaDepArTS TueSDAy AnD SunDAy

Page.34 TuRKEY

www.itt.co.za

BluE mosQuE, istanBul

cappaDocia

Page 37: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Highlights of TurkeyDepArTS DAiLy

Day 1: istanBul Arrive istanbul, transfer to hotel. overnight: istanbul

Day 2: istanBul A full day’s touring in istanbul where we will see well-known sites; the Hippodrome, blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Topkapi palace and the Grand bazaar. istanbul is a fascinating and beautiful city! overnight: istanbul (b)

Day 3: istanBul visit to Spice bazaar and cruise along the european and the Asiatic shores of the bosphorus. See the rumeli fortress on the way back to the city. Afternoon at leisure. overnight: istanbul (b)

Day 4: istanBul – iZmir Transfer to istanbul Airport for flight to izmir. Arrive izmir, transfer to hotel. Afternoon orientation tour of the city. See the Agora, Mt. pagus for a panoramic view of the bay of izmir and the old bazaar. overnight: izmir (b)

Day 5: iZmir – EpHEsus – iZmir Drive to ephesus, the great Greco roman city of Asia Minor and an important centre of christianity. visit the basilica of St. John and the Grand Theatre where St. paul had an encounter with the jealous idol-makers. visit the local museum and the famous statue of “Diana of the ephesians”. We will also visit the Last Home of the virgin Mary. overnight: izmir (b)

Day 6: iZmir – pErgamum – iZmir – istanBul We drive to pergamum. The main ruins are the Acropolis and Asclepion. The Acropolis was the capital of the pergamum Kingdom and later the capital of the Asian province of the roman empire. The oldest ruins date back to the 5th century bc. famous ruins of Acropolis are the Altar of Zeus, Athena Temple, Trajan Temple, the theatre and the Library. Drive to Asclepion which was the famous healing centre of the ancient world. Transfer to izmir Airport at the end of the tour for your flight to istanbul. Arrive istanbul, transfer to hotel. overnight: istanbul (b)

Day 7: istanBul Departure transfer to istanbul Airport. (b)

Page.35Page.35

www.itt.co.za

EpHEsus

troy

Canakkale & TroyDepArTS DAiLy in SuMMer

Day 1: istanBul – canakkalEearly morning departure from istanbul; arrive in eceabat in time for lunch. Tour the battlefields of Gallipoli and the military memorials including Kabatepe Museum and Anzac cove. continue to canakkale, know as the city in the Dardanelles. *evening at leisure. overnight: canakkale (L)

Day 2: canakkalE – troy – istanBul Morning tour of Troy, the legendary city of Homer. visit this famous archaeological and mythological site, home of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. *Some time at leisure in canakkale. evening departure for istanbul. overnight: istanbul (b)

Day 3: istanBulDeparture transfer to istanbul Airport. (b)

* we suggest you make your way to anzac house to view the complimentary screening of the ww1 films.

TuRKEY

pErgamum

granD BaZaar, istanBul

Page 38: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

www.itt.co.za

TuRKEYPage.36

Fri: istanBulArrive istanbul, transfer to hotel. overnight: istanbul

sat: istanBul – ankararoad transfer to Ankara (approximate 6 hours). explore Ankara on your own, we suggest the citadel of Ankara. overnight: Ankara (bD)

sun: ankara – cappaDociaMorning tour of Ankara. visit the Museum of Anatolia civilizations which is located in a restored bazaar. The museum has a unique and priceless collection dating back to the prehistoric era. continue to the Mausoleum of Ataturk. This magnificent structure serves as a tribute to the founder of modern turkey. Lunch in Ankara before departure for cappadocia. overnight: cappadocia (bLD)

mon: cappaDociafull day tour of cappadocia, visit the natural citadel of uchisar and enjoy the panoramic view of the region. continue to Goreme valley; see the Goreme open Air Museum, with its churches hewn out of the rock, decorated by colourful frescoes. proceed to Zelve and see the caves of this ancient village. visit the underground city of Kaymakli and see the huge refuge carved during the early christian era which served as a safe haven from persecutors. overnight: cappadocia (bLD)

tuE: cappaDocia – pamukkalEDrive to Konya, en-route visit the authentic caravanserai of Sultanhan. Konya was the capital of the Selcuk Turks during the 13th century and is known for its theological school of “Whirling Dervishes”. visit the Mevlana Museum. continue to pamukkale, known for its “cotton castles” and mineral pools. overnight: pamukkale (bLD)

WED: pamukkalE – kusaDasivisit the ruins of the magnificent Temple of Apollo, the magnificent theatre, the fascinating necropolis and the great baths of ancient Hierapolis. continue to Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. This is one of the most recent discoveries in Turkey. Drive to Kusadasi, located on the Aegean coast. overnight: Kusadasi (bLD)

Discover TurkeyDepArTS friDAy

tHu: kusaDasi – iZmir – kusaDsiDrive to ephesus, the best-preserved and most visited ancient site in Turkey. The city was dedicated to Artemis, the virgin Goddess of chase. continue to the world famous House of the virgin Mary and later to the Selcuk Museum. overnight: Kusadasi (bLD)

Fri: kusaDasi – pErgamum – canakkalEDrive to pergamum; visit the Asclepion and the Acropolis. continue to Troy, the legendary city of Homer. proceed to canakkale, known as the city in the Dardanelles. overnight: canakkale (bLD)

sat: canakkalE – gallipoli – istanBulDepart for istanbul, via Gallipoli. Transfer to istanbul Airport. (bL)

EpHEsus

pamukkalE

Page 39: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

Turkish DelightDepArTS MonDAy

kusaDasiKusadasi is one of Turkey’s main holiday resorts and offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey, it is reputed as one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean and is an ideal base for sightseers as it is close to important historical sites including ephesus, Didyma, priene and Miletos. The beaches in Kusadasi guarantee endless fun and unlimited sunbathing, swimmers can enjoy the translucent and deep waters of the Aegean. Kusadasi has a regular ferry-connection with the Greek island of Samos.

Turkish Coastal GetawaysThe Turkish coastline offers many towns and resorts with stunning beaches; enticing bazaars, a great party-atmosphere and affordable and tasty food. plan your own laid-back holiday where we book your hotels, you string the holiday towns together by using the public bus service which is reliable, frequent and affordable, or by private transfers.

BoDrum bodrum is a picture-postcard resort town. its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful bay backed by white-washed houses and the magnificent crusader castle makes bodrum a favourite resort town. bodrum has a regular ferry-connection with the Greek island of Kos. explore the several small fishing villages which dot the coastline. Take a local “dolmus” and make your own discoveries.

FEtHiyEThis is both a traditional Turkish market town and also a popular holiday resort. Lively bars and restaurants line the quayside, while the bustling market sprawls among the back streets. boats offer day-trips to nearby islands. oludeniz, often depicted on tourist posters due to its scenic beauty, is a short distance from fethiye. Here, you will find some of the most attractive beaches in Turkey.

marmarisThe bay of Marmaris is almost circular and with the surrounding hills covered in pine, it offers one of the finest and most beautiful harbours in Turkey. A yacht marina for a thousand yachts bears testimony to Marmaris’ popularity. The narrow streets around the castle, the bazaar and the beaches on the outskirts of town attract thousands of holidaymakers each year. Marmaris has a regular ferry connection with the Greek island of rhodes.

TuRKEY Page.37Page.37

www.itt.co.za

mon: istanBulArrive istanbul, transfer to hotel. overnight: istanbul

tuE: istanBul – iZmir – kusaDasiTransfer to istanbul Airport for flight to izmir. Arrive izmir, transfer to hotel in Kusadasi. enjoy your time at leisure. Kusadasi, which means “bird island”, is reputed as one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean and is known for its turquoise sea, broad sandy beaches, typical Mediterranean climate and large international marina. overnight: Kusadasi (bD)

WED: kusaDasiAt leisure in Kusadasi. explore the attractive cafes and restaurants along the palm-lined boulevard. enjoy some shopping or watch the comings and goings of the yachts and ships at sunset. overnight: Kusadasi (bD)

tHu: kusaDasi – iZmir – kusaDasiDrive to ephesus, the best-preserved and most visited ancient site in Turkey. The city was dedicated to Artemis, the virgin Goddess of chase. continue to the world famous House of the virgin Mary and later to the Selcuk Museum. overnight: Kusadasi (bLD)

Fri: kusaDasi – pErgamum – canakkalEDrive to pergamum; visit the Asclepion and the Acropolis. continue to Troy, the legendary city of Homer. proceed to canakkale, known as the city in the Dardanelles. overnight: canakkale (bLD)

sat: canakkalE – gallipoli – istanBulDepart for istanbul, via Gallipoli. Transfer to istanbul Airport. (bL)

BoDrum

antalya

FEtHiyE

Page 40: Mediterranean - Inspirations Travel and Tours · fertile orchards of olive groves and vineyards, Tuscan villas, romantic cruises and charming hotels. We invite you to visit the Mediterranean;

LAYOUT - BLUE HUE DESIGNS PRINT - FISHWICKS

Exceed Your Expectations ...

gEnEral tErms anD conDitions oF intErnational traVEl & tours cc (“itt”)

Our Terms and Conditions include important information regarding deposits and deadlines for final payment. You will also find

important information regarding Cancellation penalties; Amendments and Late Bookings; Documentation and more.

The complete Terms and Conditions can be found on our web-site: www.itt.co.za or ask us to e-mail a copy to you.

Our Booking Form, which must be completed prior to commencing reservations, also include our full Terms and Conditions.

Your travel agent is:

tel: 0861 488 633 / 031 303 7810

email: [email protected]

p o Box 51045, musgrave road 4062, south africa

Docex 310, Durban

www.itt.co.za