The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare to Istanbul on Lufthansa, four nights in Istanbul at the Pera Tulip Hotel or the Germir Palace Hotel, one night in Ankara at the Içkale Hotel or the Hotel Etap Altinel, two nights in Cappadocia at the Peri Tower Hotel, two nights in Antalya at the Dedeman Antalya Park, two nights in Izmir at the Otel Kaya Prestige, and one night in Çanakkale at the Hotel Akol, ground transportation and transfers, sightseeing tours, 19 meals, and the services of an English-speaking tour guide, from $1,699 per person—plus about $122 in taxes and fees.
When: Oct. 28, 30, 2009, March 24, 2010. Add $100 for Oct. 7, 14, 2009, April 21, 2010; $200 for May 12, 2010.
Gateways New York City.
The fine print: Does not include taxes and fees of about $122 per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $399. U.S. citizens will need a visa for travel in Turkey and can purchase one upon arrival for $20. Group size averages 35 to 40 people. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: Sept. 30, 2009.
Contact: SmarTours, 800/337-7773, smartours.com.
Why it's a deal: SmarTours is offering a $400 per person early bird discount on its Treasures of Turkey escorted tour; after Sept. 30, the price will go up to $2,099 per person. That's a savings of almost 20 percent. Also note that the trip price breaks down to about $152 per person per night, and that includes airfare, transfers, ground transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, some meals, and the services of a tour guide.
More: There's an optional $50 per person tour to Perga, a well-preserved Pamphylian city. SmarTours also offers this tour as a land-only package for $1,300.