(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 19, 2009 ) SEATTLE, Wash. — Island hopping the Greek and Turkish Dodecanese archipeligo in the western Aegean is the best way to appreciate the cultural and natural beauty of this region that produced the history of tragedies, triumphs, and comedy that have become the foundation of classical western culture. Wildland Adventures offers five distinct itineraries into this dynamic and exotic destination, but the September departure of the "Ancient Aegean of Turkey and Greece" promises every participant personal insights not available on any other tours. The September 23, 2009 departure is a veteran group of Wildland travelers who are returning to Turkey for a more in-depth exploration of the region and its people. They will be accompanied by expert Wildland guide Ozlem Ozgoren who has been leading tours throughout Turkey since 1989, and will ensure travelers receive a first-person look into local life and history — not only will the group stay in her home village of Urla, but she will introduce them to local families, shopkeepers, fisherman and craft artisans, and take the group to the remote archaeological site rarely visited where she conducted her academic research.
Highlights of this 15-day journey along the Aegean coast include visits to Gallipoli, Troy, Assos, Pergamum, Aphrodisias, and the extraordinary ruins of Ephesus. Activities include hiking, reading, swimming, snorkeling, sailing, exploring Greek and Turkish villages, meeting locals, discovering ancient ruins and enjoying delectable Turkish and Greek cuisine. Participants will visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Bodrum's tomb of King Mausolus at Halikarnassu, experience an active volcano on the island of Nisyros, and the ruins at Knidos, as well as many other distinguished and historical sites. Lodging consists of historic hotels, 150-year old homes that have been converted into self-contained guest accommodations or on board a first-class Turkish gulet during the weeklong sailing portion of the trip.
The "Ancient Aegean of Turkey and Greece" itinerary is a one-time departure in 2009, from September 23 through October 8. The trip begins at $5065 per person, based on a group size of 10-11 participants. (Travelers should also budget approximately $175 for the return flight to Istanbul at the end of the trip.) For those who have never been to Turkey, or who are looking for a thorough overview of the region, Wildland Adventures' 12-day "Voyaging Among the Dodecanese of Turkey and Greece" itinerary shares many of the same destinations and historic sites. That may be why National Geographic Traveler ranked it one of the ‘50 Best Tours of a Lifetime’ in the May 2009 issue. Just like in the Ancient Aegean tour, travelers will hike stunning coastlines, explore the Nisyros volcano, and visit Bodrum's tomb — discovering many of the same historical locations that have influenced western culture. En route, guests will sail on a first-class Turkish gulet, which can make port at smaller docks, allowing for a more insightful view of local culture and traditions. "Voyaging Among the Dodecanese of Turkey and Greece" has both scheduled departure dates (July 12-23 and August 16-27) and by-request departures, and begins at $4195 per person.
For more information on Wildland AdventuresÂ’ journeys to Turkey, where classic ruins and living history can be found around every corner, visit www.wildland.com/trips/mediterranean/turkey.aspx, call 800-345-4453 or e-mail info@wildland.com.
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About Wildland Adventures
Wildland Adventures was founded in 1986 by Kurt and Anne Kutay with the intention of offering authentic worldwide cultural and natural history explorations for active and inquisitive travelers. Wildland Adventures was rated the #1 Best ‘Do-It-All’ Adventure Outfitter on Earth in 2009 by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, moving up from the #4 spot held in 2008. Wildland also operates educational fundraising trips in conjunction with the non-profit Americans for UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities), an international agency that promotes the right of women and their families to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity.
At the core of Wildland Adventures is its commitment to conservation and authenticity. On a Wildland AdventuresÂ’ trip, there are remarkably few barriers between visitors and local cultures, creating an authenticity in the way people travel and the places they encounter. A sample of destinations offered by Wildland Adventures includes Costa Rica, Peru, Patagonia, Belize, Alaska, Turkey, the Middle East, India, Africa, New Zealand and Antarctica.
