Glories of Turkey: Beyond The Sea,
The Sun & The Mountains...

DURATION: 16 DAYS/14 NIGHTS
• Istanbul • Gallipolil • Canakkale • Troyl • Ephesus • Pergamum
• Kusadasi • Hierapolis • Pamukkale • Perge • Antalya • Aspendos
• Konya • Cappadocia • Ankara • Istanbul

Beyond the sea, the sun and the mountains lies Turkey, a unique country that bridges two continents. Its magnificent landscape encompassing an incredible variety of dramatic scenery. But more importantly, Turkey possesses a rich past where the remnants of ancient civilizations are on display throughout the country. Visit the palaces of the sultans whose wealth was beyond imagination, museums that are filled with priceless relics, walk on the pavement where St. Paul once strolled or be amazed by the labyrinth of underground caves hollowed out of soft volcanic stone known as “tufa”. Turkey is all this and more.

Wednesday Day 1 TORONTO/PARIS
Evening departure on board Air France overnight jet service for Paris. Inflight meals will be served.

Thursday Day 2, PARIS/ISTANBUL

Morning arrival in Paris. Change planes and continue on Air France scheduled service for Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents standing on the shores of the Bosphorus, where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with those of the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. You will be welcomed on arrival and transferred to the HOLIDAY INN ISTANBUL CITY (5-star) for your two night stay. 700 PM Welcome briefing. The evening is free. Dinner is on your own.

Friday Day 3, ISTANBUL
After breakfast discover the Byzantine and Ottoman treasures of Istanbul on a full day tour. We begin at the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost three centuries is located on the Seraglio Point overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is an extensive complex interconnected with galleries and passages with almost none of the buildings higher than two stories. Your visit will include some of the main highlights. (The Imperial Harem, home to the Sultan’s mother, the concubines and wives of the Sultan and the rest of his family is not included). The ancient Roman Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life is next. Remains from the curved end section of the Hippodrome’s walls can be seen on the south side of the square. Nearby is the elegant six minaret mosque of Sultan Ahmet I also known as the Blue Mosque. The interior is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles made at Iznik in more than fifty different tulip designs. Also visit the Aya Sofya or St. Sophia Church, an ancient Basilica built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian acknowledged as one of the architectural marvels of all time. The tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar where you can wander amongst the stalls of over 3500 tiny shops that offer a wide selection of goods. The evening is free. Lunch and dinner on your own. OPTIONAL – Turkish evening including dinner and belly dancing. (20 Kms.) B

Saturday Day 4, ISTANBUL/GALLIPOLI/ DARDANELLES/CANAKKALE
Leaving Istanbul we travel to Gallipoli where a stop is made for lunch (cost not included). A visit will be made to Anzac Cove which gained fame as the site of the First World War landing of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on April 25, 1915. See the Lone Pine Cemetery which stands on a plateau at the top of Victoria Gully and is located on the road from Gabatepe to the New Zealand Battlefield at Chunuk Bair. Within the Cemetery stands the Lone Pine Memorial commemorating servicemen who perished in the Anzac area. Cross the Dardanelles by vehicle ferryboat and arrive in Canakkale in the early evening at the KOLIN HOTEL (5-star) for overnight. (330 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

Sunday Day 5, CANAKKALE/TROY/ PERGAMUM/KUSADASI
A morning drive to Homer’s fortified city of Troy lost until 1871 until the German adventurer Heinrich Schliemann discovered it using Homer’s Iliad to locate the site. Obtaining permission from the Ottoman government, the site was excavated at his own expense. He uncovered four superimposed towns (nine have since been uncovered). See the legendary walls and the replica of the famous wooden horse that guards the entrance. Crossing the Kaz Mountains we head for Bergama (Pergamum) town, one of the Seven Churches of the Bible and a great center of culture.

Bergama’s fame stems from the fact that it was home to Gallen, a great physician and medical authority who set up shop as physician to Pergamum’s gladiators. Most of the ruins of the Acropolis have been moved to Berlin to the Pergamum Museum. Stop for lunch (cost not included) before continuing to the Acropolis. The most significant ruins are the great library of Pergamum that once housed over 200,000 books. The main structure of the Acropolis includes the Library as well as the marble columned Temple of Trajan. The Great Theater built into the hillside once seated 10,000 spectators. Pass the Asclepion, one of the foremost medical centers of classical times and the Red Basilica, one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse (Rev. 2- 12) before continuing to Kusadasi arriving at the CHARISMA HOTEL (5-star) or SURMELI EFES HOTEL for your two night stay. (370 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

Monday Day 6, KUSADASI/EPHESUS/
KUSADASI
This morning we focus on the famous ruins of Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world famous for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The sacred city of Ephesus (Rev. 2-1-7) lay largely in ruins forgotten until the early 20th century. A visit will be made to a carpet weaving co-operative to observe an ancient art that has been passed down for generations. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary. Tradition has it that after the death of Christ, John brought the Virgin Mary to Ephesus where she is said to have spent her last days in a small house built for her on Mt. Koressos. It is now a popular place of pilgrimage. You will also see the Marble Road where indentations of Roman carriage wheels can still be seen.

The afternoon is free. Participants can return to the hotel. OPTIONAL - Tour of Sardis (based on a minimum of 5 participants). Located on the banks of the Pactolus River, Sardis located 60 miles inland from Ephesus was capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lydia where a huge complex which included a gymnasium was built in the center of the lower part of the city. Also of interest was the synagogue, one of the largest synagogues excavated. OPTIONAL – Tour of Sirince (based on a minimum of 12 participants). Sirince, a pretty Orthodox village is located at the top of a mountain with narrow streets where local women sell their handicrafts. Time for shopping in the village before returning to the hotel. Lunch is on your own. B/D

Tuesday Day 7, KUSADASI/ HIERAPOLIS/ PAMUKKALE

Driving through fertile valleys we arrive in Pamukkale, a noted ancient spa where thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts have created a fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish is recognized as a World Heritage Site together with Hierapolis. Time for lunch (cost not included). Facing present day Pamukkale is Hierapolis founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon around 190 B.C. There are only a few historical facts that are known about the origin of the city founded as a thermal spa. First excavated in 1957, further excavations unearthed a number of valuable discoveries. The Apostle Philip, a native of Hierapolis was martyred here in 80 A.D. and a basilica erected to commemorate his martyrdom. After our visit of Hierapolis free time to walk on the calcerous formations of Pamukkale before arriving at the LYCUS RIVER PAMUKKALE HOTEL (4-star) or PAM HOTEL (4-star) for overnight. (250 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

 Wednesday Day 8, PAMUKKALE/PERGE/ ANTALYA
Leaving Pamukkale stop to visit the ancient city of Perge founded by the Hittites with its Hellenistic Gates and the best preserved stadium in Asia Minor after Aphrodisias. Most of the remaining ruins in Perge such as the theater and streets date from the Pax Romana period. This is also where St. Paul preached his first sermon. Stop for lunch (cost not included). Travel to Antalya founded by King Attalus II of Pergamum arriving at the SHERATON VOYAGER HOTEL (5-star) for your two night stay. (280 Kms.) The afternoon is free to relax. Lunch is on your own. B/D

Thursday Day 9, ANTALYA
Today is yours to relax at the hotel or to take an optional tour to Phaselis, an ancient coastal city founded by the Greeks in the 7th century B.C. or to relax on a yacht cruising along the Turquoise Coast of the Mediterranean. Lunch is on your own. B/D

Friday Day 10, ANTALYA/ASPENDOS/ KONYA
A morning drive to Aspendos, lying on the banks of the Eurymedon River where you will see the remains dating from Roman times including the remarkable theater built in the 2nd century A.D. by Xenon. It is one of the best preserved in the world seating 15,000 spectators and offering perfect acoustics. Continue to Konya, home of the famous Whirling Dervishes for a visit to the Mevlana Mausoleum dedicated to the founder of the sect and the Karatay Koran School. Stop for lunch (cost not included). Overnight at the RIXOS KONYA HOTEL. (4-star) (300 Kms.) OPTIONAL – Enjoy a Whirling Dervishes performance. Lunch is on your own. B/D

OPTIONAL - Whirling Dervishes performance.

Saturday Day 11, KONYA/CAPPADOCIA

Leaving Konya journey via the small town of Aksaray (the white palace) en route to the 13th century Agzikarahan, one of the best preserved caravanserais dating from the Seljuk period. These buildings provided the caravans with places to sleep, to pray, to read and to eat. Continue to Cappadocia, a geographical wonder where nature has created a surrealistic moonscape and where underground cities and churches were created by the persecuted Christians in the 9th century. It has been estimated that there are some 600 rock cut churches in Cappadocia. Pay a visit to the underground city of Kaymakli located close to Nevsehir where 10 levels are spread out over a depth of 45 m. Continue to the Uchisar area for a photostop before transferring to the NEVSEHIR DEDEMAN HOTEL (5-star) for your two night stay. (240 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

Sunday Day 12, CAPPADOCIA

OPTIONAL – Early morning Balloon tour (at extra cost). Experience floating through the volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves as the sun rises over Cappadocia. After breakfast visit the churches of the Goreme Valley which contain the most spectacular paintings of the region. The area has been designated as a huge open air museum. Travel north to Avanos, located 18 kms. north of Nevsehir where the tint of the deep red soil also colors the clay used to make the famous pottery of the area. Stop in Pasabagi (also known as Monks’ Valley) which is approximately one km. from Goreme. The valley contains some of the most interesting fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and triple rock caps named mushroom shaped fairy chimneys. Next is the Red Valley, where the red soil along its banks give the Kizilirmak (Red River) and the valley its name. Visit a pottery workshop in a cave before continuing on your underground city visit. Return to the hotel. (50 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

Monday Day 13, CAPPADOCIA/ANKARA
Morning departure for the capital city of Ankara whose very name has changed several times over the years. Located in Anatolia, Ankara was an important crossroads of trade and was famous for its long haired Angora goat. This afternoon visit the Ataturk Mausoleum completed in 1960 and dominating the modern part of the city and the Anatolian Museum of Civilization with its spectacular display of Hittite and Urartian finds. This is the most important museum in Turkey and contains a priceless collection that reflects Anatolian civilizations from Palaeolithic to Classical times. Overnight at the ANKARA SURMELI HOTEL (4-star). (280 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

Tuesday Day 14, ANKARA/ISTANBUL

After breakfast depart Ankara for the return drive to Istanbul. Stop for lunch (cost not included) near Istanbul. Early afternoon arrival at the HOLIDAY INN ISTANBUL CITY (5-star) . OPTIONAL – Half day Bosphorus Cruise including last minute shopping in the Spice Market. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner. (350 Kms.) Lunch is on your own. B/D

Wednesday Day 15, ISTANBUL/PARIS

After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure by Air France scheduled service to Paris. On arrival transfer by hotel shuttlebus to an airport hotel provided by Air France. Balance of the day is free. Lunch and dinner are on your own. B

Thursday Day 16, PARIS/TORONTO

Breakfast then transfer by hotel shuttlebus to the airport. Depart by Air France transatlantic day jet service for Toronto. Inflight meals will be served. Arrival the same day. Welcome home! Termination of services on arrival. B

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Glories of Turkey 2009/10
Depart	Return	Price (CDN)*
July 29, 2009	August 13, 2009	$3,271.00
August 05, 2009	August 20, 2009	$3,271.00
August 12, 2009	August 27, 2009	$3,271.00
August 26, 2009	September 10, 2009	$3,271.00
September 02, 2009	September 17, 2009	$3,271.00
September 09, 2009	September 24, 2009	$3,271.00
September 16, 2009	October 01, 2009	$2,988.00
September 23, 2009	October 08, 2009	$2,988.00
September 30, 2009	October 15, 2009	$2,988.00
October 07, 2009	October 22, 2009	$2,988.00
October 14, 2009	October 29, 2009	$2,988.00
October 21, 2009	November 05, 2009	$2,988.00
October 28, 2009	November 12, 2009	$2,862.00
November 04, 2009	November 19, 2009	$2,699.00
November 11, 2009	November 26, 2009	$2,699.00
November 18, 2009	December 03, 2009	$2,699.00
November 25, 2009	December 10, 2009	$2,699.00
December 09, 2009	December 24, 2009	$2,699.00
December 16, 2009	December 31, 2009	$2,825.00
December 23, 2009	January 07, 2010	$2,944.00
January 20, 2010	February 04, 2010	$2,699.00
February 17, 2010	March 04, 2010	$2,699.00
March 10, 2010	March 25, 2010	$2,699.00
March 24, 2010	April 08, 2010	$2,699.00

Single Supplement:
April 01 – October 28, 2009	$719.00
November 04 - December 16, 2009	$645.00
December 23, 2009	$670.00
January 20, 2010 - March 24, 2010	$620.00

Notes:
Deluxe hotel upgrade to the Sheraton Hotel in Istanbul and the Swiss Hotel or Hilton Hotel in Ankara Per person sharing $565.00 Cdn. Single $975.00 Cdn.
* Price in Cdn per person sharing from Toronto

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Booking Information and Conditions

YOUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• AIRFARE – Round trip economy class air Toronto/Paris/Istanbul/Paris/Toronto on Air France.
• TRANSFERS/TRANSPORTATION – For 11 participants and under an air conditioned minibus. For 12 participants and over, a deluxe air conditioned 45 seater coach with emergency washroom for arrival and departures at Ataturk Airport.
• LUGGAGE HANDLING – One normal sized piece of luggage per person at the hotels.
• ACCOMMODATION – Based on double occupancy in superior first class or first class hotels with private facilities.
• MEALS – As indicated in the itinerary by (B) Breakfast (L) and (D) Dinner.
• GUIDES – The services of a fully licensed guide throughout the land tours within Turkey.
• SIGHTSEEING – As outlined including entrance fees to points of interest.
• TAXES – All local taxes and standard service charges on accommodation and meals.

YOUR TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• DEPARTURE TAXES – Currently at $436.10 Cdn.
• EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES – Where applicable.
• DOCUMENTATION – Passport fees and travel insurance.
• TURKISH VISA CHARGE – Not included $60.00 U.S. per person to be secured upon arrival in Istanbul. PORTERAGE – At the airports.
• MEALS & BEVERAGES – Not mentioned.
• OPTIONAL TOURS – Not included.
• TIPPING – To tour director, driver and local guides.
• GRATUITIES – For individual services, laundry and valet service and any other items of a purely personal nature.
  

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
A deposit in the amount of $600.00 Cdn. per person together with the single supplement and the insurance premium (if needed) is required at the time of booking. Written confirmation will be issued only after the deposit has been received. Should this deposit not reach us within 10 days of the booking, we will assume that you no longer wish to travel and will cancel any arrangements being held. The balance of payment is due 9 weeks prior to departure. Reservations received within 9 weeks prior to departure must be accompanied by full payment. Failure to comply with these provisions could result in the cancellation of the reservation by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. without prior notice.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
All cancellations, changes or refund requests must be received in writing at the offices of Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and shall be considered in effect as of the date received. Cancellation charges are per person and are based upon the date of the cancellation.

Cancellation or changes made up to 90 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of $300.00 Cdn. per person. Between 89 and 60 days prior to departure the penalty will be $425.00 Cdn. per person. Those made between 59 and 30 prior to departure, a penalty of 50% per person. Between 29 days and departure day, no refunds will be granted thereafter. Should a participant be unable to join the tour on the day of departure or leave the tour prior to its completion, no refunds will be granted for unused services. For those participants making their own connecting flights to coincide with the program, we suggest that ample time be allowed between flights.

Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. does not accept any responsibility for additional charges or expenses that result from a change of flight times or misconnections and no refunds will be issued for services not provided. No claim or refund will be considered unless submitted in writing and received by CTA within 30 days of the termination of the tour. Any substitution of a passenger(s) will be considered a cancellation of the original reservation and the applicable cancellation charges will apply. If you cancel your trip after receiving your final documents, please note that the complete set of final documents must be returned to Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. before we can process your request.

CANCELLATION BY CANADIAN TRAVEL ABROAD LTD.
We reserve the right to cancel a departure and offer an alternative departure should there be an insufficient number of participants to make the tour viable. Should the participant(s) elect not to travel on an alternative date, a full refund will be made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. is not to be held responsible for any other individual arrangements affected by our tour cancellation.

ACCOMMODATION
Rooms with private facilities in selected hotels as indicated in the itinerary are assigned by local agencies. Should it become necessary, accommodation in similar categories may be substituted.

CHANGES
Once a booking has been confirmed, should a participant wish to change to an alternative departure or make changes to the reservation, a handling fee of $125.00 Cdn. per person would apply. NOTE: Changes or adjustments to a reservation will not be accepted within 30 days prior to departure.  Should cancellation by one or more passengers change the room requirements of the remaining participant, the passenger must pay the applicable rate for the new accommodation to be required.

INSURANCE
Comprehensive trip cancellation insurance (to protect against loss of monies incurred through cancellation due to illness, etc.) as well as personal travel insurance for baggage and accident coverage is available through Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and must be taken out at the time of booking with the premium being remitted with the deposit. Once paid, the premium is non refundable. A signed waiver will be required if insurance is declined.

BAGGAGE INSURANCE
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot be held responsible for damage to your baggage. It is recommended that each participant purchase baggage insurance to protect their belongings.

INSURANCE WAIVER
Insurance affords protection against penalties caused by cancellation of your trip due to injury, illness or death of a tour participant or a member of a participant’s immediate family. This insurance is underwritten by RBC.

COSTS
All costs quoted herein in Canadian dollars are per person and are based on tariffs, exchange rates and airfares (where applicable) in effect as of September 30th, 2008 and are subject to change without prior notice. NOTE – There will be no refund provided for unused services.

INDIVIDUAL ARRANGEMENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A TOUR
For individual arrangements in conjunction with a tour, a non refundable booking fee of $50.00 Cdn. per person will apply.

GRATUITIES
While gratuities for services provided are customary including the end of tour gratuity for the tour escort and driver, the gratuities are not included in the cost of the tour and are based upon your satisfaction of the arrangements provided.

HOLIDAY CHANGES
During national or local holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums and sightseeing tours may be limited. Where possible, slight itinerary adjustments may be made.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Your itinerary has been planned with the utmost care to ensure a pleasant trip. However, circumstances may arise whereby a slight change in the itinerary may be required due to business hours at a certain site. There will be no refund granted for any changes to the program.

MEALS
As specified in the itinerary. B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner. 

BEVERAGES
Not included with dinner.

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported when reservations are made. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd./and or their agents reserve the right to accept or retain any participant who may, in their sole judgment, require care and attention beyond that which can be provided. Please bring any health or mobility issues to our attention at the time of booking.

PORTERAGE
Each participant will be responsible for carrying their own luggage through customs. Since porters and/or luggage carts are not always readily available, you should be comfortable carrying your own luggage.

PRE OR POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. would be happy to assist you should you wish to add additional arrangements to your tour program.

REFUNDS
There will not be any refunds granted on any unused portion of the tour not taken.

SIGHTSEEING
As indicated, including entrance fees to places of interest as well as the services of fully qualified local English speaking guides. The sequence of tours and the cities visited is subject to change where necessary.

SINGLE ROOMS
A limited number of single rooms may be available for an additional charge. In Europe, single rooms are generally much smaller than a double room. Single rooms are never guaranteed and are subject to availability.

SPECIAL REQUESTS
Must be placed in sufficient time and although Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will do their utmost to accommodate these special requests, we cannot be held responsible if such requests are not fulfilled.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
As indicated.

TAXES
All local taxes and standard service charges on accommodation and meals included in your tour price.

TOUR DOCUMENT DELIVERY
Travel documents are usually issued 21 days prior to departure provided that full payment has been received. In the event that late payment results in the late delivery of documents, Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. will not accept any responsibility for the consequences thereof and reserves the right to charge for courier expenses. Documents will be sent first class mail, however, should you prefer to have your documents sent by overnight courier, you will be advised of the additional charges which must be included with your final payment.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
All participants must be in possession of a passport that is valid for a minimum of
6 months after the duration of the tour and should have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd.  cannot be held responsible should you be denied entry to any country due to non compliance of these arrangements. A copy of your valid passport is necessary to confirm any air reservations (if required). Due to increased security measures, passport information and emergency contact information is required for all passengers prior to the release of final documents.

VISA CHARGES
Visitors to Turkey are required to secure a visa. If secured upon arrival in Istanbul, the cost for Canadian passport holders will be $60.00 U.S. per person to be paid in cash on arrival. If secured prior to departure from Canada, the cost will be $75.00 Cdn. plus a $20.00 Cdn. per person handling fee.

TRAVELING ALONE, BUT WISHING TO SHARE
Tour participants traveling alone but wishing to share accommodation with a suitable roommate must pay the single supplement until such time as a roommate is found. The single supplement would then be refunded with the final documentation. Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. cannot assume any responsibility should such an arrangement not be available or suitable.

VISAS
For participants holding passports other than Canadian, please check with your local travel agent regarding entry requirements for the country visited.

SPECIAL NOTE – The right is reserved to change or cancel the pre-arranged itineraries including designated hotels if reasons beyond our control arise. Pursuant to the Travel Industry Act Regulations if price changes cause an increase of over 7% of the confirmed price (except for government taxes) or there is a change in the standard of accommodation or a delay of over 24 hours in transport arrangements of which we become aware prior to departure, you will be notified and given 48 hours to advise us of your desire to cancel the tour with a full refund. Otherwise, you will be considered to have accepted the change(s).

 

OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITY
All arrangements for land accommodation, transportation and sightseeing are made by Canadian Travel Abroad Ltd. and/or their appointed representatives, who act only as agents in obtaining transportation, accommodation and other services for the tour members. They shall not be liable or held responsible directly or indirectly for any delay, injury (including death) loss of damage to any person, company or association providing accommodation, transportation or other services in connection with the tour. The right is reserved to withdraw all or part of the tour should conditions warrant and to make such alterations in the itinerary as may be found desirable for the convenience of the tour members and the proper execution of the tour. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person(s) as member(s) of the tour in which case equitable refund will be made at the discretion of the operators.

VALIDITY: JANUARY 14, 2009 – APRIL 08, 2010

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN WAS CURRENT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION, HOWEVER, THE CONTENTS THEREOF ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

E. & O.E.

In accordance with the Ontario Travel Act, CTA is registered
(1040985 & 1039982).

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