DAY 1 ISTANBUL – NEW YORK
We meet at Istanbul Airport at 04:00. Following passport, check-in and customs procedures, we depart for New York, one of America’s most important cities, on flight TK 003 at 07:05. After approximately 10 hours of flying, we arrive in New York at 10:45 local time. We are welcomed by our guide waiting for us at the airport and transferred to our hotel by private vehicle. (We will not be able to access our rooms before 15:00.) Guests who wish may join the New York Introduction Tour organized by our guide as an extra. During this two-day tour, we explore every corner of New York to the fullest. First day: We arrive on the island of Manhattan, New York’s most popular and important area, and begin our tour. We see Central Park, the city’s most expensive apartment buildings, Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum, Columbus Circle, Trump Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, the iconic Apple Store, Trump Tower, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park and the famous Washington Square Park and New York University in Greenwich Village. As our tour continues, we pass through SoHo and reach the Civic Center and the financial district; we pass through Wall Street, the center of the financial world, and the World Trade Center areas. We proceed along the Hudson River and return to the city center, where we see Times Square, whose LED screens turn night into day. At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel; after the room allocation, we take a short break to rest and then go to Central Park on foot or by subway. After an enjoyable walk in the park, we take a short break at the Apple store and return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 2 NEW YORK (New York Icons)
Free time for guests who do not join the tour. We set out with our guests joining the tour for the New York Icons tour. First, we take the subway to Battery Park, at the southernmost tip of Manhattan, and, while seeing the war memorials, complete our ticket and entry procedures before taking the ferry to Liberty Island. As we proceed with magnificent views of Manhattan, we photograph the Statue of Liberty; upon reaching the island, we discover the statue and the stories of immigrants up close. During the free time provided by our guide, you may visit the museum or enjoy a coffee. We return to Battery Park by ferry and set out on an enjoyable walking route. We see the Financial Center, Wall Street and its symbol, Charging Bull, the Stock Exchange Building, the 9/11 Memorial built after September 11, Freedom Tower (the New World Trade Center) and the architecturally striking Oculus. We take the subway to the Dumbo area and take photographs with the famous Brooklyn Bridge as our backdrop. Finally, we go to the Empire State Building; those who wish may go up and view Manhattan from above. Afterwards, free time for shopping, dinner and coffee. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 3 NEW YORK (New York’s Hidden Legends)
Free time in the morning. Guests who wish may join the New York’s Hidden Legends Tour organized by our guide as an extra. Our tour begins in the lively streets of Chinatown while the city is still waking up. After spending your morning in this neighborhood where traditions meet contemporary rhythms, we move a few steps away to Little Italy, which carries the spirit of Italy with the aromas of espresso and fresh bread; here, you may feel as if you are inside “The Godfather.” We then walk through SoHo, with its cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets, witnessing the meeting of historic character and modern luxury. The day continues on Perry Street in West Village, home to Carrie Bradshaw from the series “Sex and the City” — a perfect stop for an unforgettable photograph. We have lunch at Chelsea Market, the former Oreo factory, sampling cuisines from around the world, and then walk along the High Line, taking in the architecture of Manhattan’s West Side and views of the Hudson. Our adventure continues at Vessel in Hudson Yards; this extraordinary honeycomb-like structure invites you to climb its stairs for panoramic city views. In the afternoon, we take a peaceful break at Bryant Park and enjoy views of the New York Public Library, or even join a game of chess. As the city lights begin to shine, we find ourselves in the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal; with its celestial ceiling and corridors that have appeared in countless films, it is much more than a train station. Return to our hotel after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 4 NEW YORK – LOS ANGELES
Transfer to New York Airport in the morning. After a journey of approximately 5.5 hours on a domestic American flight, we arrive in Los Angeles. We are transferred to our hotel by private vehicle. Since we will receive our rooms after 15:00, you may rest in the lobby or join the Los Angeles & Santa Monica Tour organized by our guide as an extra.
Our first stop is Hollywood Boulevard, etched in your memory from the movies. Dolby Theatre (formerly the Kodak Theatre), which hosts the Oscars, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the site of famous premieres, the hand and footprints of artists, and the legendary Walk of Fame are among the places we will see. From this area, you can also photograph the city’s iconic Hollywood sign.
We then reach Beverly Hills via Sunset Strip and Santa Monica boulevards. After seeing its famous symbol, we take a short walk along luxurious Rodeo Drive, featured in the film Pretty Woman, and see the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where stars such as Elvis Presley and John Lennon resided for years. Afterwards, we proceed to Downtown, the heart of the city, and explore Olvera Street, skyscrapers and historic centers. After returning to the hotel, you may relax in elegant cafés in Santa Monica, which is beautifully illuminated in the evening, accompanied by street performers, and have dinner here. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 5
LOS ANGELES (San Diego)
Free time in the morning. Guests who wish may join the San Diego Tour organized by our guide as an extra. In San Diego, voted America’s most beautiful city for many years, our first stop is La Jolla. In La Jolla, famous for its seal beach and shores, we admire the harmony of nature and luxurious homes and take plenty of photographs. We then proceed to Old Town, the birthplace of California; an atmosphere that will make you feel as if you are in Mexico awaits you. Afterwards, Seaport Village, the USS Midway aircraft carrier, the iconic World War II scene represented by the Unconditional Surrender Statue, and Coronado Island, home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, where the U.S. Navy base is located and which is also the country’s largest wooden building and featured in the film “Some Like It Hot,” are among the places we will visit. Return to the hotel after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 6
LOS ANGELES (Universal)
Free time in the morning. Guests who wish may join the Universal Studios Tour organized by our guide as an extra and spend an exceptional day at the heart of the American film industry. We visit Universal Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. With famous director Steven Spielberg serving as creative consultant, this park is considered the world’s number-one studio and entertainment center. More than just an amusement park, it is also a product of nearly a century of cinema history and technology; with over 40 shows, film sets, spectacular rides and roller coasters, it makes you feel as though you are inside the movies. Free time after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 7
LOS ANGELES – LAS VEGAS
We leave the hotel in the morning and depart for Las Vegas, Nevada’s most important tourist center and the city of nights, home to the world’s largest hotels. If there is sufficient participation, we make an extra stop on the way at Calico, an old silver-mining town also known as a “Ghost Town”; we discover one of the cowboy towns familiar from the movies and capture wonderful photographs. After approximately 4.5 hours of travel, we arrive at our hotel. Since rooms will again be available after 16:00, guests who wish may join the Las Vegas Combined Tour organized by our guide as an extra. After exploring the Las Vegas Strip with its magnificent architecture inspired by various parts of the world, we go to the Mall. Following a shopping break, we take a close look at The Sphere, which quickly became famous around the world. After free time here, we proceed to Downtown, the city center, and visit the lively Fremont Street Experience. On this covered street, where concerts and events are held, free time is provided for zip-lining, dining and shopping. We then depart for our hotel. Overnight at our hotel
DAY 8
LAS VEGAS (Grand Canyon)
Free time in the morning. Guests who wish join the Grand Canyon Tour, organized by our guide as an extra and an experience that absolutely should not be missed. After approximately 2 hours of travel, we arrive at the Grand Canyon and board the buses that take us around the area. At the final stop, Eagle Point, we take magnificent photographs of the canyon right beside the 800-meter cliff and see the tents of the Hualapai Native Americans. We then proceed to Guano Point and taste dishes prepared by the Hualapai Native Americans against a unique backdrop. We also have the opportunity to meet the Hualapai Native Americans, the owners of this canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For those seeking a completely different experience – Helicopter Tour ($350): Guests who wish to crown their excursion may descend by helicopter to the Colorado River. As 5–6-passenger helicopters descend toward the river at the bottom of the canyon, magnificent views captivate you; afterwards, we take a short boat trip on the Colorado River and take plenty of photographs. In the evening, there is an opportunity to walk along the Las Vegas Strip and watch the hotels’ outdoor shows. We arrange transfers for guests who wish to attend world-famous Las Vegas shows; thousands of tables and slot machines await those who want to try their luck. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 9
LAS VEGAS – SAN FRANCISCO
Transfer to Las Vegas Airport in the morning. We fly to San Francisco on a domestic American flight. We meet our guide at the airport and are transferred to our hotel. Since rooms will be available after 15:00, you may rest in the lobby or join the San Francisco Introduction Tour organized by our guide as an extra. During our tour, we discover this fascinating city. Civic Center, the city’s symbol, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown, Twin Peaks, legendary Haight-Ashbury, where the flower children settled, the elegant Palace of Fine Arts and Lombard Street, the world’s “crookedest street,” are among the places we will see. Free time for dinner after the tour, followed by a transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 10
SAN FRANCISCO (Muir Woods National Park & San Francisco Premium Outlet)
Free time in the morning. Guests who wish may join the Muir Woods National Park & San Francisco Premium Outlet Tour organized by our guide as an extra. Located north of San Francisco and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument is famous for its centuries-old giant redwood trees. Trails winding among the trees extend along Redwood Creek to Cathedral Grove and Bohemian Grove; here, we experience a small but impressive example of America’s national parks. Afterwards, we complete our shopping at the Premium Outlet. Return to the hotel in the evening and free time. Overnight at our hotel.
DAY 11
SAN FRANCISCO – ISTANBUL
We check out of our rooms in the morning and spend free time until our flight. Guests who wish may join the Sausalito – Alcatraz by Boat – Fisherman’s Wharf – Cable Car – Union Square Tour organized by our guide as an extra.
Depending on seasonal conditions, we travel by vehicle or boat to Sausalito, where the wealthiest people live today. As we walk along the waterfront, we admire the beautiful houses and sip our coffee at seaside cafés while enjoying views of San Francisco. On the way back by boat, we photograph Alcatraz from the water, once the world’s escape-proof prison. Our boat docks at Pier 39, one of the city’s landmarks, where we see sunbathing sea lions. After free time for lunch, we take an enjoyable ride on the Cable Car (red streetcars) familiar from the movies to Union Square; the Fashion District and Chinatown await you. In the late afternoon, transfer to San Francisco Airport and departure for Istanbul at 18:45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 080. Overnight on the plane.
DAY 12
ISTANBUL
Arrival in Istanbul at 19:15 and the end of our tour.