Traipse through Turkey for less this fall

Travel back in time with these air-hotel packages, from $569

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A Sultan’s City
Discover incredible Istanbul – a cultural and ethnic melting pot rich in history and Turkish delights.

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updated 9:48 a.m. ET Aug. 22, 2008

Book by: August 21, 2008
Travel by: Various dates through 2008

The deal
Have you found yourself daydreaming of earlier civilizations, curious about the ceremonial whirling of dervishes or eager to try your hand at haggling in the Grand Bazaar? It’s time you go to Turkey. An exquisite blend of opposites, the republic is at once ancient and modern, Eastern and Western, exotic and familiar. Autumn is a particularly enjoyable season to partake of Turkey’s delights. Here are a variety of air and hotel package deals to get you there through November. Prices start at just $569. Note: Purchase deadlines are as soon as August 21, so act quickly.

Three nights in Istanbul from $569
European Destinations has a customizable package to Istanbul with a sample base rate of $569. The price is based on departure from New York in mid- through end of November and includes a round-trip flight; accommodations for three nights; daily breakfast (if provided by hotel); and hotel taxes. We priced a November 20 departure, staying at the old city Erboy Hotel. Total cost: $842. Playing with the details further, we found a five-night stay at the deluxe Orient Express Hotel with a flight from Chicago on October 14 going for a base rate of $968. Additional taxes of $391 bring the total price to $1,360.

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Jet off to Istanbul from $1,269
Prefer a bit more time to absorb the sights, sounds and flavors of Istanbul? If you’re able to book travel by August 21, you can snag a great offer: A six-night trip to the cultural crossroads is available for $1,269. The Virgin Vacations package includes airfare; airport transfers; and lodging. Daily continental breakfast is thrown in as well. This price is valid for travel between September 8 and October 25, departing from New York or Newark. It reflects the base rate for a standard-category hotel. Packages with superior and deluxe accommodations start at $1,319 and $1,829, respectively. Remember, the offer expires August 21.

Turkish expedition from $1,899
Foreign Independent Tours has a fantastic 11-day guided tour of Turkey. Prices for travel this fall start at $1,899. Included in the price: round-trip airfare on Alitalia from New York; nine nights’ accommodations; 15 meals; transfers; local taxes; and museum entrances. The itinerary includes time in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Kusadasi and Canakkale. The above quote is good for departures on November 6 and 13. If you’re itching to leave sooner, six departures —September 18 and 25, and October 2, 9, 16 and 23 — go for $1,999 and up. Choosing the September 4 and 11 trips pushes rates to $2,599.

The dollars
Fuel surcharges, as well as hotel taxes and service charges are covered in the package price — which is per person in all cases, and based on double occupancy.

The catch
Kebabs not included.

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