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Intrepid Travel · 23 days

4.8

3 Reviews

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Duration

23 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Dive into the magic of the Mediterranean on a 23-day Premium adventure through Turkey and Greece.

Highlights

Feast your eyes on the best of Turkey and Greece's otherworldly sights, from the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale to the psychedelic rockscapes of Cappadocia and the legendary caldera of Santorini.
Indulge in iconic Feature Stays in a dreamlike cave hotel in Cappadocia and a whitewashed hotel with spectacular views in Santorini.
Get to know the real Turkey during Exclusive Experiences, including a cooking class with a celebrated chef in Selcuk, a visit to an empowering carpet weaving cooperative, and a traditional dinner at a local home in Cappadocia.
Understand the dazzling variety of Greek produce during Exclusive Experiences, including a kitron tasting at a local distillery, an afternoon of wine tasting in Santorini and a hands-on cooking class with a local in Naxos.
Join experienced local leaders as you stroll the ancient streets of Ephesus, uncover the secrets of Sagalassos, explore the legendary ruins of Troy and discover the history and charming villages of Paros.

Trip Details

Duration

23 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Boat,Plane,Ferry,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Istanbul, Greece

Finishes

Santorini, Greece

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all once called home. If arriving today, you’ll have a complimentary transfer to your hotel from the airport. If you arrive early, maybe grab lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. After, you’ll head out with your local leader and small group to explore the Old City of Istanbul. Your leader will introduce you to some of the city’s historic treasures, including the dazzling Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome and the Million – a stone road marker in use since the fourth century. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a stylish restaurant.

Included Activities:

Istanbul - City Tour
Istanbul - Blue Mosque Visit
Istanbul - Welcome Dinner
Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) (2000 TRY)
Istanbul - Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)

Accommodation:

Fer Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Gallipoli - Canakkale

Rise and shine for an early breakfast, then begin the drive to Canakkale – a port city located on the shores of the Dardanelles. Arrive in time to buy yourself some lunch, then head to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Thousands from across the world journey here each year to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Head up to the memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair while your leader explains the significance of the events across the landscape. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for thousands of young men on both sides. After a day that will no doubt be full of sombre reflection, the evening is free for you to do as you wish in Canakkale.

Included Activities:

Gallipoli - Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair

Accommodation:

Cura Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Troy - Selçuk

Drive to Selçuk and stop along the way in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls – there will be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse. Learn how the site has confounded historians and archaeologists, then continue to Selçuk. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, join your leader for an orientation walk around this sprawling town at the base of the ancient Ayasoluk Hill fortress. You’ll visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, and the ancient aqueducts.

Included Activities:

Troy - Archaeological site visit
Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Celsus Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Ephesus - Sirince - Selçuk

Today, visit one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world – Ephesus. Learn from your leader what life here was like as you tour the ancient theatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and restored Library of Celsus. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming, red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll taste locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all the above. Next, you’ll meet a local chef for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil grown and made on-site and herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. Learn how to make a range of small Turkish meze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with an evening dinner of the mouth-watering meze plates you’ve made together.

Included Activities:

Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
Selcuk - Cooking class

Optional Activities:

Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum (10 EUR)
Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry (15 EUR)

Accommodation:

Celsus Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Pamukkale

After breakfast this morning, travel to the town of Pamukkale. Named after its incredible travertine terraces, Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle.’ This spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a collection of pools and terraces. As the water overflows, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with waters that many believe have healing properties for circulation and the digestive system. Head up to the ruins of Hierapolis – an important Roman bath centre founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC, where your leader will bring history to life and guide you through an ancient temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis and an impressive theatre. You then have the evening free to spend how you wish.

Included Activities:

Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park

Accommodation:

Hierapark Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Kas

Make the journey to the coastal town of Kas (meaning ‘eyebrow’) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, whitewashed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite, and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easy-going town – maybe sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.

Included Activities:

Kas - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Pamukkale - Hot Air Balloon (180 EUR)

Accommodation:

Payam Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kas

Set off for a boat cruise around the islands today, with a local family who use their unique knowledge and love of the local waters to share a distinctly traditional way of cruising and eating with travellers. Cruise to their home village of Ucagiz, then to the village of Simena, where its friendly inhabitants sell ice cream in front of bougainvillea-covered houses. On board, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly prepared local greens, zucchini fritters and maybe even some Turkish raki. Sail from large bays to protected inlets where you can cool off with a swim in turquoise waters. Kick back with a cold beer or learn how to play backgammon – Turkey’s most beloved game. Look out for the ruins of an ancient city submerged under the clear water. Return to Kas for an evening at your leisure.

Included Activities:

Kas - Sailing trip with seafood lunch

Accommodation:

Payam Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Phaselis - Antalya

Travel from Kas on a scenic route, stopping first at the ancient city of Phaselis. There you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs exploring the Roman ruins, or freshen up with a swim in the ocean. Then, continue to Anatalya. Your accommodation is tucked away near the beach, but you may want to get out to explore Kaleici (the Old City) once you settle in. Head out on an early evening walk to see Hadrian's Gate, the Old Roman Harbour and all the photo-worthy views. Soak up the city’s Mediterranean atmosphere and attitude over a fresh seafood dinner – your leader can recommend some superb spots.

Included Activities:

Antalya - Leader-led orientation walk
Antalya - Phaselis Ancient City

Accommodation:

Ruin Adalia Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Antalya

Wake up in beautiful Antalya and start your day with a visit to the Necropolis Museum which is centred on an ancient burial ground only discovered in 2008. With open-air and indoor exhibitions, the museum provides a unique glimpse into ancient burial rituals, with tomb artifacts ranging from the 3rd Century BC to the Roman period. The afternoon is then free for you to explore as you wish. If you’d like, your leader can help you to arrange your own trip to the ancient city of Perge. Or maybe wander the narrow cobblestoned streets of Kaleici with an ice cream in hand, beat the heat with a dip in the sea or chill out poolside.

Included Activities:

Antalya - Necropolis Museum

Optional Activities:

Antalya - Perge Ancient City with Transport (58 EUR)

Accommodation:

Ruin Adalia Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Konya

Say goodbye to Antalya and take a morning drive to Konya – an ancient city important in the Roman era and where the Sufi practice of 'whirling' was born. When you arrive, discover the mystic resting place of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, the 13th-century mystic, poet and theologian whose teachings continue to inspire and influence Muslims worldwide. Visit the small museum dedicated to his life and work. The rest of the day is free to get to know the city. Konya offers a wealth of museums, mosques and monuments worth visiting, so be sure to ask your leader for recommendations. For a leisurely afternoon, head to Alaeddin Hill, where locals sip coffee, eat pastries and let the hours slip by in peace.

Included Activities:

Konya - Mevlana Museum

Accommodation:

Selcuk Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Cappadocia

Depart Konya and travel to Cappadocia, where your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get to know your new surroundings. Check in to your Feature Stay accommodation, where you’ll feel miles away from the modern world in a cave hotel that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. These unique rooms are carved into stone, featuring elegant décor and modern conveniences. Your leader can provide advice on exploring nearby villages. Keep an eye out for hot air balloons passing overhead and head out for a drink to watch the sunset over one of the world’s more iconic places. The rest of the evening is free for you to take it all in, or you could opt for a performance of whirling by local Dervishes in a restored han (caravansary).

Included Activities:

Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
Cappadocia - Sunset drinks

Optional Activities:

Cappadocia - Turkish Night with Dinner (50 EUR)
Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Performance with transport (40 EUR)

Accommodation:

HU of Cappadocia or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Cappadocia

Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the ethereal Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. After a relaxing breakfast overlooking the valley, step back in time with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face as your leader shares stories of the civilisations who lived here. Next, you’ll visit a carpet weaving cooperative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of traditional carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon, go on a short walk through the cheekily named Love Valley, which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then, head back to your hotel and perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day.

Included Activities:

Cappadocia - Valley walk
Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
Cappadocia - Carpet weaving co-op

Optional Activities:

Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (200 EUR)
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (230 EUR)
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Sightseeing from the Valley (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

HU of Cappadocia or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Cappadocia

Take a morning walk to see the fascinating rock formations of the Kizilcukur Valley. After lunch, head toward the red river of Avanos and descend to Ozkonak, where you’ll explore an underground city hollowed out of tufa rock that dates back to 400 BC. Return to the surface and visit the studio of a local ceramic master whose family have been in the pottery business for six generations. Speak with a local artist who will explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich clay from the red river and watch how it is moulded into exquisite pieces. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family who will prepare a special homecooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and top off the night with some Turkish delight.

Included Activities:

Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
Cappadocia - Ozkonak Underground City
Cappadocia - Kizilcukur Valley
Cappadocia - Home-cooked dinner

Accommodation:

HU of Cappadocia or similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Istanbul

This morning, say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, you may wish to explore the European side of the city or perhaps take trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Either way, you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. Your Leader will be able to provide advice on things to see and do. This evening, consider rounding off your adventure by joining your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent restaurants.

Optional Activities:

Istanbul - Private Bosphorus Cruise Sunset with Soft Drinks (560 EUR)
Istanbul - Beyoglu Night Tasting Trail (85 EUR)

Accommodation:

Fer Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Athens

Wave goodbye to Turkey today and catch an unescorted flight to Greece to begin the second half of your adventure in the capital Athens. On arrival you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a meeting at 6 pm to meet your new local leader and group. If you arrive early, you might like to visit Athens’ iconic Acropolis or walk around the National Garden. After your meeting, get a taste of Greece’s celebrated cuisine during dinner with your group at a local restaurant.

Included Activities:

Athens - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Athens - Acropolis Museum (20 EUR)
Athens - National Gallery of Athens (10 EUR)
Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio (55 EUR)
Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)
Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
Athens - Acropolis Archeological site (tickets must be booked online) (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

Athenaeum Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Paros

This morning, you’ll be transported to Athens' port at Piraeus, where you’ll board a ferry to Paros – a beautiful and relaxed island with a layered history. Ferries are a great way to travel between the islands and are essential to many remote islands in Greece's archipelagos. In the afternoon, get to know Paros during an island tour with a local guide. Start off in Parikia, the island’s main town, where you’ll visit the Ekatontapiliani church, also known as the Church of a Hundred Doors. Drive across the island, passing by ancient marble quarries and verdant hills, to Marpissa for a visit to a cultural centre to learn about island life from a group of local women. Carry on to Naoussa – a village known for its whitewashed alleys, Venetian castle and scenic port.

Included Activities:

Paros - Highlights of Paros Half Day Island Tour with Local Guide

Accommodation:

Hill Mill Paros Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Paros

The day is yours to uncover more of Paros’ charms. There’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do on the island. You might like to take a guided morning hike along the coast – starting off at a fishing village and weaving through some of the island’s best beaches. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby island of Antiparos – a favourite secret holiday spot for royals and celebrities. Or maybe you’d like to spend the day relaxing on one of Paros’ many beaches, cooling off with dips in Aegean Sea. Speak to your leader for more information about the activities on offer today and for tips on how to make the most of this island.

Optional Activities:

Paros - Catamaran Day Trip to Antiparos and Despotiko with Lunch (95 EUR)
Paros - Farm Visit Tour and Tastings (75 EUR)
Paros - Public Ferry from Paros to Antiparos ( Summer months RTN ticket) (8 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hill Mill Paros Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Naxos

Say goodbye to Paros this morning and catch a short ferry to Naxos. The largest of the Cyclades islands, Naxos has something for everyone – from beaches to an Old Town and hundreds of years of Venetian history. Take some time to settle in, then regroup in the late afternoon to learn about the town. Visit the Portara with a local guide – the giant marble doorway is the only remaining part of an unfinished temple of Apollo from 530 BC. Naxos is unique in the fact that it is the Cyclades’ only self-sufficient island, meaning all produce is grown and available on the island without imports. Because of this, the cuisine is hyperlocal and differs to the rest of the country. Try it for yourself this evening during a group dinner, where you will learn all about the regional specialties.

Included Activities:

Naxos - Old Town Walk & Portara Guided Tour

Accommodation:

Naxos Princess or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Naxos

Drive to Kaloxylos in the heart of the island’s biggest olive grove and one of the oldest in the world. Here, tour an olive oil press museum to learn about the importance of olive oil to Greek culture and traditional extraction methods. After your visit, you’ll put your new knowledge to good use as you travel to the nearby village of Galini for a hands-on cooking class. Meet with a local who will share her culinary knowledge with the group, leaving you with recipes you can cook up at home. First, collect fresh ingredients from your host’s organic garden and learn about cultivation and farming on Naxos. Then put the ingredients together to create a Naxian dish from scratch, enjoying the fruits of your labour for lunch. Pair your lunch with a tasting of local kitron. This citron liqueur, with a history stretching back to the 19th century and produced exclusively on Naxos, offers a taste of the island’s culture.

Included Activities:

Naxos - Cooking Class at a Local Farm
Naxos - Kaloxylos Olive Oil Press

Accommodation:

Naxos Princess or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Naxos

Today is free to explore more of Naxos as you wish. You may like to head to one of the island’s beaches or discover more of its history at a local museum. The Archaeological Museum of Naxos in Chora Naxos dates back to the 17th century and houses artefacts from the Neolithic to the early Christian periods, and the Geological Museum of Apeiranthos digs up the natural history of the island. If you’re after a sweet treat, walnut cake flavoured with local kitron is an excellent regional specialty. Your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that suits your interests.

Optional Activities:

Naxos - Koufonissia & Rina Cave Cruise (90 EUR)
Naxos - Mykonos and Delos One Day Cruise from Naxos - from (75 EUR)
Naxos - Highlights Bus Tour with Free Time for Lunch at Apeiranthos (35 EUR)

Accommodation:

Naxos Princess or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Santorini

Depart Naxos in the morning and catch a ferry to Santorini. When you arrive in Santorini's capital, Fira, you’ll be met and transferred to your Feature Stay hotel – a whitewashed building in traditional Cycladic style, El Greco Resort wraps around the year-round swimming pool. Featuring modern, spacious rooms, this hotel also sits in a prime location for exploring Santorini. It’s only a short walk from the Archaeological Museum of Thera, so perhaps head there to learn about how previous civilisations lived on the island. Tonight, make sure you catch Santorini's world-famous sunset.

Optional Activities:

Santorini - Akrotiri Archaeological site (20 EUR)
Santorini - Thira Prehistoric Museum (10 EUR)

Accommodation:

El Greco Resort Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Santorini

In the morning, embark on a hike along Santorini’s legendary caldera. The island you see today is what remains from a huge volcanic explosion that destroyed the early settlements and created a geographical caldera. The natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Your walk will take you along the north-western rim of the caldera, passing steep cliff faces and amazing views along the way. The walk ends in the town of Oia, built on a steep slope inside Santorini’s volcanic caldera. Famous not only for its scenery, Santorini’s microclimate and volcanic soil make it a top spot for wine production. Sip your way around the island with two special stops – the Symposium Cultural Centre, where you’ll learn about Greek wine and try it in traditional cups, and a family-run winery, where you’ll discover more about the history of wine production and taste the different varieties yourself alongside a food pairing.

Included Activities:

Santorini - Caldera Hike
Santorini - Winery visit with tasting and food pairing
Santorini - Mythology and Wine experience

Accommodation:

El Greco Resort Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 23: Santorini

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you want to spend some more time in Santorini, just speak to your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $12,790

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 23 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Dive into the magic of the Mediterranean on a 23-day Premium adventure through Turkey and Greece.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 May 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Denise

Traveled, May 2024

05/11/2024

Got to see many places in turkey and learn lots about the country and its people and culture and history

5.0

Sophia

Traveled, July 2023

08/01/2023

The six of us enjoyed an excellent stay in the multicity tour and would gladly tour again with this company.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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