Exotic IstanbulWhere East Meets West!(with an optional four night extension to Cappadocia, Turkey)

Main tour: April 26 -May 3, 2013Extension: May 3 – 7

Location, location, location! That is the story of Turkey, where east meets west, Europe meets Asia, Christianity meets Islam and where the world’s oldest city was discovered. Turkey today is a splendid mosaic, a thriving democracy that is rich in Oriental history and European splendor. Full of marvelous mystery and intrigue, it’s a glistening city of tiled mosques, world-class cuisine and the whirl of a dervish. Istanbul, Cappadocia and all things Turkish conjure exotic images most of us dream about but few actually experience in their lifetime. Join our magical carpet ride to a land that is far away, romantic and unforgettable.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1 – FRIDAY April 26, 2013Depart from metro NY to Istanbul. This non-stop flight includes meals, refreshments, and in-flight entertainment.

Day 2 – SATURDAY April 27, 2013 Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will transfer to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening our guide will take us for a stroll through the flower market area for wonderful Turkish cuisine at our welcome dinner.

Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Dinner

Day 3 – SUNDAY April 28, 2013Following breakfast at our hotel, we will meet our Turkish tour manager and local guide for a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. We will explore:

The Blue Mosque:One of the most famous monuments in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a superb creation in the classical Ottoman style. The mosque has six towering minarets and 260 windows illuminating its vast main chamber, which is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles.(Blue Mosque exterior, Istanbul)

(Blue Mosque interior, Istanbul),

We will next visit the Roman Hippodrome (“square of the horses”). This Byzantine scene was home to Constantinople's sporting and political life. Inspired by the Circus Maximus in Rome, it was once the stadium for chariot racing and large public events. Today we can see many monuments including a 3500 year old Egyptian Obelisk.

Haghia Sophia, The Church of Holy Wisdom, is an awe-inspiring expression of religious faith and one of the world’s foremost architectural wonders. The first church on the site burned down in the year 404, the second church was destroyed in 532, but the third – inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in 537 --firmly stands to this day. The church was converted into a mosque in 1453. Since 1934 the structure has been a renowned museum.

Our last stop today will be to the Caferage Medresseh, a small artistic sanctuary in the middle of the hustle and bustle of old town Istanbul -- a delightful and memorable experience. We will see Turkish handicraft demonstrations that include paper marbling, calligraphy and porcelain painting. There will be time on your own for shopping and dinner.

Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Breakfast

Day 4 – MONDAY April 29, 2013Today we will have a half day guided tour exploring the many culinary delights of Istanbul. We will wander down Istiklal Street which is a pedestrian route with many food vendors, cafes, tea shops, bookstores and “lokantasi” (small eateries). We will stop and our guide will introduce us to the food vendors and we will sample all sorts of “Turkish delights.” Afternoon is on our own for shopping, photography or for exploring one of the museums.

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – TUESDAY April 30, 2013After breakfast we will meet our guide and head to the Dolmabahce Palace. The designs in the palace contain eclectic elements from the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles, blended with traditional Ottoman architecture. Filled with great collections from European antiquities, furniture and a 4.5 ton chandelier, the palace has 285 rooms. After visiting the palace we will continue on our guided tour of the Yildiz Royal Garden.

This afternoon we will explore the Istanbul Spice Market. Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this is one of the best places in the city to buy little presents. The sea of stalls offers spices, treats, and souvenirs of all kinds. Tonight there is an optional trip to an authentic Turkish bath. No stay in Istanbul would be complete without a session of steaming, soaping, scrubbing and massaging in a Turkish bath (hamam). Originally founded by the Romans, public baths remain a social institution in Turkey. It is an experience you will not soon forget!

Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Breakfast

Day 6 – WEDNESDAY May 1, 2013After breakfast we will spend another full day of guided touring in Istanbul. Today we will visit the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Covered Bazaar. You will have free time on your own in the later afternoon and evening for shopping.

Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Breakfast

Topkapi Palace: The largest and oldest palace in the world, Topkapi is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. With its treasury and exotic buildings overlooking the Golden Horn, this was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. It was here that the power politics of ruling an empire stretching from the gates of Vienna to the Persian Gulf were played from the backdrop of harem intrigue! The jeweled turban crests, silken caftans and priceless Chinese porcelains bear witness to the grandeur of a bygone era.

Basilica Cistern:Next we will visit the Basilica Cistern. The name of this subterranean structure derives from a large public square on the First Hill of Constantinople, the Stoa Basilica, beneath which it was originally constructed. The underground ceiling is supported by a forest of 336 marble columns, many reused from Roman buildings. Full of atmosphere, the cistern was featured in the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love and other movies.

Grand Bazaar:In operation since the 14th century, the Grand Bazaar is the oldest and one of the world's largest covered markets, with 58 streets and over 4,000 shops. It is a labyrinth where one delights in getting lost and finding one’s way out! The bazaar is specially known for its jewelry, leather, pottery, spices and carpets.

Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Breakfast

Day 7 – THURSDAY May 2, 2013After breakfast we will meet our tour manager and board our motor coach to drive one hour out of Istanbul to a small holiday city on the Black Sea named “Sile.” We will visit a workshop where a special cotton fabric is woven and enjoy the ambience of a small seaside village.We will return to Istanbul and this evening have a delightful cruise on the Bosporus, a strait that runs a winding course between two continents from the Black Sea to the Aegean. We will view seaside mansions, mosques, palaces, restaurants and beaches along its shores. It is sure to be a magical cruise followed by our farewell dinner in the city.

Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 – FRIDAY May 3, 2013 This morning our main tour will end. Those travelers going on the extension to Cappadocia will depart for their flight. Those not attending the extension will depart on their flight back to the USA.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel. Our non-stop flight to New York includes meals, refreshments, and in-flight entertainment.

Those continuing on the trip extension to Ankara and then Cappadocia will fly to Ankara. This afternoon we will visit the world famous Museum of Anatolian Civilization. Housed within an old Ottoman bazaar building, the museum has a number of exhibits of Anatolian archeology. The exhibits of gold, silver, glass, marble and bronze works date back as far as 500 B.C. The coin collections, with examples ranging from the first minted money to modern times, represent the museum's rare cultural treasures.After touring the museum we will visit the memorial to Ataturk, the beloved Turkish leader considered the founder of modern Turkey. Overnight: Ankara Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 9 – SATURDAY May 4, 2013After breakfast we will visit the AKEKA Design Atelier and observe the production of hand rendered

felt rugs, garments and decorative items.We will then drive via motor coach to Cappadocia via Salt Lake. Our accommodation while in Cappadocia is in a luxury cave-style hotel. We will check in and this evening we will experience a performance by whirling dervish.

Overnight: CappadociaMeals: Breakfast Day 10 - SUNDAY May 5, 2013Today we will visit the rock-carved churches filled with frescoes at Göreme. The unique landscape of this area was created by volcanic, geological and erosive activity. Here, amid the soft type of rock called tuff, one of the most ancient and influential monastic movements took root in the fourth century. This afternoon we will have some time to explore an authentic carpet weaving co-operative.

Overnight: CappadociaMeals: Breakfast

Day 11 – MONDAY May 6, 2013After breakfast we will take a return flight to Istanbul where we will have our final overnight and a last evening for exploring magical Istanbul!

Overnight: IstanbulMeals: Breakfast

Day 12 - TUESDAY May 7, 2013After breakfast we will transfer to Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport for our direct flight to metro New York.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel. Our non-stop flight includes meals, refreshments, and in-flight entertainment.

To u r p ac k age : $3298. d o ub le o cc up a n c y i n c l u d es:

Direct flights to/from metro-NY to Istanbul; Six nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul Tax deductible contribution to Saratoga Arts or

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County First class motor coach transport for all ground excursions Expert local guides who will make Turkey come alive Edventures tour manager Time for shopping, photography and individual exploring Gratuities for guides and bus drivers Small group travel Memories to last a lifetime!

Extension to Cappadocia: $1360.

TRIP PRICE for the main tour based on double room occupancy is $3298. The single supplement is $395. TRIP PRICE for the optional extension is $1360. The single supplement is $300.

SMALL GROUP FEE: A small group fee of $200 will be charged if enrollment falls below 20 travelers.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE: To reserve your space, send a deposit of $500 per person at time of registration.

TRANSPORTATION to and from the metropolitan New York airport will be arranged for travelers with pick-up in Saratoga Springs and we hope from the Albany area. We say, “we hope from the Albany area” because Crossgates Mall no longer allows travelers to leave their cars there. We hope to find an alternate pick-up spot. The estimated cost for this round-trip service is between $160 and $180.

Trip insurance is a personal choice but is recommended. Some purchase it through their local AAA office, which sells Access America. To get the best rates, you can compare costs online through agents such as Squaremouth.com, InsureMYTrip.com or Totaltralinsurance.com, which offer side-by-side comparisons. Please contact Edventures prior to purchasing trip insurance to assure that the trip is a “go.”

Do you have questions about the trip? If so, contact Mary at Edventures 1 (607)387-3322 or write to goedventures@gmail.com or visit our website, goedventures.com.

You can also come to a trip overview presented at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs on:

Saturday, November 17 at 11:30 am and Saturday, December 8 at 11:30 am.

CONDI TION S AND RESPON SIB ILI TIE S:Edventure, LLC, Saratoga Arts (SA)

Soroptimist International of Saratoga Co. (SISC) DEPOSITS, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS

Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 75 days before the departure date. Notification of cancellation must be made in writing, with the cancellation date being the postal service postmark date. At thetime we receive your notification, the following charges apply: (charges are per person) 90-74 days before departure:$150 plus Edventures, LLC costs and charges by suppliers75 days before departure $200 plus Edventures, LLC costs and charges by suppliers. After this point, you will berefunded whatever amount we can recoup from all of the suppliers who have been paid. Trip cancellationinsurance is available and is recommended. Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used will not be made.

TOUR AND AIR RATESThe right is reserved to change any route or arrangements should conditions necessitate, to offer substitutes of equal value, or to cancel the operation of any scheduled excursion. Individual transfers for those arriving or departing independently are not included in the land cost unless otherwise stated. Air fares may be increased because of tariff changes or fuel surcharges. All rates quoted are based on current tariffs and on the current value of foreign currencies in relation to the United States dollar, and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes before the departing dates.

RESPONSIBILITYEdventures, LLC, of Saratoga Springs, NY, SA, SISC, and its agents act only as agents for the various companies

whose facilities are made available through the program. Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any hotel, lodge, aircraft, vessel, carriage or other conveyance that is used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the passengers; neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that maybe occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle or accommodations or for any reason whatsoever, or throughthe neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out or performing any of the servicesinvolved in the tour.

The right is reserved to decline or retain any person as a member of any tour at any time, in which eventan equitable amount will be refunded. The right is reserved to cancel any tour before departure, in which case fullrefund will constitute full settlement to the participant.

Although every care is taken, Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC, its agents and suppliers cannot beheld responsible for loss or damage to baggage. It is therefore advisable to effect separate baggage insurance.

Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC can accept no responsibility or liability for any monetary, physical,or psychological injuries of any nature whatever arising from or caused by acts of terrorism, civil strife anddisturbances, war, insurrection, or other upheaval and unrest of whatever kind and nature that may occur duringthe tour.

Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC, its agents and suppliers can accept no responsibility for losses oradditional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine,terrorism or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour ratesprovide for arrangements only for the time stated. All tickets, coupons, and orders are furnished and issuedsubject in all respects to the foregoing and to any and all terms and conditions under which the means oftransportation and/or other services provided thereby are offered and/or supplied. The airlines providing airtransportation are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the passengers arenot on board their aircraft or conveyances. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued,shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies and the purchaser of these tours and/orpassengers.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKI am aware that travel, whatever it may be and by whatever means, contains some inherent risks of injury, illness or death, which may be caused by forces of nature, negligence or actions of others, or other agencies.I recognize that such risks may be present at any time before, during and after the trip in which I am

participating, arranged by Edventures, LLC, SA, and SISC. I am aware that medical services or facilities maynot be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating in the trip.

I have read the schedule of activities and other information provided, and recognize and accept risksthereof. I understand and agree on behalf of myself, my dependents, heirs, administrators, and assigns to abide bythe conditions set forth under the “Conditions and Responsibilities” and to release and hold harmless Edventures,LLC,SA, and SISC, and any of its officers, employees, agents, or representatives, from any and all liability fordelays, injuries, or death, or for the loss of or damage to property, however occurring in relation to the trip.

Edventures, LLC, P.O. Box 1404, Saratoga Springs, NY, email: goe dvent ures @ gma il.co m

TOUR RES ERV ATION FORM“Exotic Istanbul :Where East Meet West” & Extension to Cappadocia

April 26 – May 3, 2013, Extension May 3-7Tour Price: $3298. Based on double occupancy

Extension to Cappadocia: $1360To reserve your space, please complete this form and return with your deposit of $500 ASAPto: Edventures, LLC, c/o Mary Huber, P.O. Box 1404, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Sorry, no credit cards. Questions? Call 1-607-387-3322 or write to:goedventures@gmail.com or visit goedventures.com.

Name(s) EXACTLY as they appear on passports:

1.

2. Address: City State/Zip: Email 1: Email 2: Telephone:_

Cell Phone 1: Cell Phone 2:

Name of roommate (Edventures is not responsible for finding roommates.)

P ass por t s must be v a l i d for s i x mon t hs b e y o n d tr a v e l dat es . Plea se p rovide pa ssp ort inf o rma tio n E XACTLY a s it ap pea rs o n pa sspo rts

S u rn a m e Gi v e n Na m e (s)

T itle (e. g ., J r ., I , II)

Da t e o f Bi r th

P a ss po rt Nu m b e r

E x p i r a ti o n Da t e

Na t io na l i ty

Country that issued your passport: Check those that apply:

____Yes, include me in the Cappadocia extension.

I prefer a single room for an added cost of $395 for main trip and $300 for Cappadocia extension.

I will use the bus to and from the airport. I would like to leave from Saratoga Albany

To assure your space on the trip, reserve early. Please read the Conditions and Responsibilities page enclosed and sign below.

I (We) have read and agree to the Conditions and Responsibilities Policy.

Name: _______________________________________Date: __________

Name: Date: