Istanbul Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Istanbul Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

278 Istanbul trips. Tours from 61 tour companies. 541 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Small Ship Cruise
Istanbul and 4 Days long Blue Cruise in Bodrum
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5/5 Excellent
73 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Istanbul

Highlights

  • Istanbul food tour
  • Istanbul old city tour
  • Bodrum to Bodrum Blue Cruise

Themes

Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"Despite the rain, the private and guided Istanbul food tour was terrific, engaging and delicious. The best part of the tour was our guide Furkan, who was so knowledgeable, about food and history and just a nice guy who was fun to be with. It felt like spending a day with a good friend showing us around Istanbul. All the places he took us were great, and the food was the top quality. We sampled cheese, clotted cream, menemen, Turkish pepperoni, kokorec, stuffed mussels, and a huge variety of authentic Turkish cuisines and kunefe dessert. The tour was my highlight of 10 days trip in Turkey. I highly recommend booking this tour early in your stay so you can use your knowledge for the time you are in Istanbul."

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Aegean Mosaic Cruise
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Athens, Delos, Istanbul

Highlights

  • Visit the seaport town of Canakkale
  • Visit Mykonos town, reaching one of its famous beaches
  • Visit the old settlements of Alexandria Troa and of Assos
  • Visit the archaeological ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, unearthed here in the 19th century
  • Excursion which will include the Akrotiri excavations, the Museum and the Villages. The tour will end in Oia on time to enjoy Oia's world famous sunset

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

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Turkey Luxury Tour Origins Of Civilization
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antalya, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Taurus Mountain, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Explore the enormous Temple of Apollo at Didyma.
  • Experience hot-air balloon flight
  • Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Discover Ephesus, the largest Greco-Roman site in the world
  • Explore Taurus Mountains
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

Trip dates & details
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Greece & Churches Of Revelation Tour/ Cruise 13 Days First Class
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Athens, Ephesus, Istanbul, Mycenae, Santorini

Highlights

  • Visit the fabled Acropolis
  • Visit the fascinating Topkapi Palace housing the many priceless treasures and colorful stories of Ottoman Sultans.
  • See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples.
  • See Polycarp's Church and the ancient agora.

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Thank you for making our tour-Nov 23-30, 2023 an amazing experience! Not once, from landing in Cairo until we departed from Amman did we feel unsafe. We couldn’t have asked for better guides or drivers, they took care of everything, from our border crossings to checking us in at Amman airport. We loved being a part of the different cultures, seeing the Deserts of Egypt, Mt Sinai, the Red Sea, Mt Nebo, brought the exodus of the children of Israel alive. We are thankful we went, thankful for the dedicated services provided and encourage others to take the tour! Your guides are waiting and will give you an incredible experience! David & Lily Bear - Ohio"

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Greek Isles & Turkish Delights
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3/5 Average
32 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini

Highlights

  • The Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens
  • Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes
  • White-washed buildings and blue domes of Santorini
  • Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
  • Chic boutiques and cafés of Mykonos
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Themes

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

""I do not recommend Windstar Cruises, at least not onboard 'Windstar'. The only reason I could see to sail with them is for the evening event in Ephesus, which was unforgettable. Reaching them via telephone, pre-cruise took 45mins+. Questions regarding one of Windstar's Private Driver & Guide tours I inquired about were not responded to, nor was a phone call made to me to report back. Instead, after 11pm, on the 3rd night onboard, I received an unacceptable, vague reply. Fortunately, in the week prior to cruise, my travel agent did a wonderful job of contacting a local tour/guide operator, and I had a wonderful experience. I sailed on The Windstar in August 2022 for a Greek Isles cruise. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed in most aspects, except for the spa staff, who were wonderful, and cabin stewards, dining staff, and pool area bartenders/staff, who were excellent. While realizing it is a smaller 'sailing' ship, it needs a major upgrade/overhaul, or perhaps replacement with a new ship. Public areas, were substandard, pool had unsightly rusty colored sediment around the base of the waterline, whirlpool was neither heated, nor cooled, bed was uncomfortable, many times announcements by Captain could not be heard in cabin, nor were they repeated, in full, and slowly, a second time. Announcements meant for hallways or public areas only also were stated very quickly, and not repeated, slowly and with enunciation. I felt the destination briefings could have been interactive, with repeated times, and a fun, learning experience, with some ideas of what, and how, to experience the islands, other than the Windstar, or alternate booked excursions. Such as having information on car rentals, motorbike rentals, and perhaps a packet with information on all port calls, with maps, in the cabins, upon check-in, or a designated, sit-down office, wherein one could obtain information, comfortably, without interruptions. While I realize all lines are short-staffed the past couple of years, I felt it was grossly understaffed in the dissemination of information, reception, and destination briefing department, and that staff could have been available for a longer period of time for public Q & A's. I was actually distracted with number of times I heard 'Ladies & Gentlemen', during destination briefings, after almost every single sentence, that it interfered with information being given. While an understanding was reached after a couple days, and Reception improved, I was, one time, given an 'attitude' by reception staff, which won't easily be forgotten. My cabins portholes had exterior rust sediment build up which interfered with a nice view outside the portholes, and the smaller drain in the bathroom/head, outside the shower stall, had water coming up into/onto the toilet area and left the floorboards with that awful squeaky sound and also disallowed the use of fluffy area rug, instead needing 3 large towels to dry area after a shower. After this was reported to Manager, it was fixed, but by the night prior to end of cruise, it started happening again. I also feel the cruise rates, as compared to other lines, are overpriced. Perhaps Windstar's other, newer ships are different. One can only hope.""

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Turkey in Depth
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Acropolis, Ankara, Antalya, Aphrodisias, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Goreme, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Konya, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Selcuk, Troy

Highlights

  • Explore Turkey's highlights on this comprehensive two week trip
  • Visit famous Greco-Roman sites, enjoy vibrant cities and relax on the stunning coastline
  • Discover Cappadocia's unusual landscape, underground cities and rock-cut churches

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great trip, great tour leader, thoroughly enjoyable packed a lot into a short time"

Trip dates & details
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Best of Turkey and Jordan
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Amman, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Petra

Highlights

  • Visit the enchanting Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
  • Admire the spectacular rock formations and stunning landscapes, especially the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia.
  • Enjoy your visit to the must-see attraction – the archeological Amman Citadel.
  • Immerse in your time in the Dead Sea via the unwind floating experience.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking view and the highlights - the Siq and the Treasury in the pink-hued Petra

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Turkey
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antalya, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale

Highlights

  • Discover ancient history and monuments of the Ottoman empire
  • Visit the Roman city of Ephesus
  • See the limestone cascades and thermal springs at Pamukkale
  • Discover one of the best-preserved theatres of the ancient world, Aspendos
  • Enjoy an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Absolute Turkey: Winter
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Antalya, Bergama, Çanakkale, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Konya, Pamukkale, Troy

Highlights

  • Discover historic cities and explore the ancient ruins of ephesus
  • Marvel at the extraordinary scenery of cappadocia
  • Enjoy dinner in a local family home

Themes

Cultural, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Turkey: Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Hippodrome: Step into the grandeur of ancient entertainment where echoes of chariot races and mock battles still linger. Marvel at the majestic Egyptian Obelisk and the Bronze Serpentine Column, bearing witness to centuries of history.
  • Blue Mosque: Behold the iconic silhouette that graces Istanbul's skyline, where sunlight dances on the intricate tiles, casting a mesmerizing deep blue glow. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of its vast interior, a testament to Ottoman architecture at its finest.
  • Hagia Sophia: Journey back in time to the 6th century and witness the pinnacle of Byzantine art and architecture. Wander through halls adorned with exquisite mosaics and experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of this monumental structure, a symbol of divine wisdom and cultural heritage.
  • Basilica Cistern: Descend into the depths of Byzantine engineering marvels and discover the mystical ambiance of the largest underground cistern adorned with ornate columns and mystical lighting. Feel the echoes of ancient whispers as you explore this subterranean sanctuary.
  • Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds that define one of the world's oldest and most captivating marketplaces. Let your senses guide you through a maze of treasures, where every corner holds the promise of a unique find.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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From Istanbul to Cappadocia
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
  • Discover Ephesus, once the ancient city in the Roman Empire
  • Marvel at Pamukkale, a natural wonder with white travertine terraces
  • Watch the sunrise over hundreds of colorful hot air balloons in Cappadocia

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I didn’t take this tour exactly, but made some changes based on my schedule and interests and travel dates. It was my first time in Southeast Asia and I was a traveling solo female. Liz my trip consultant and contact person was so helpful and responsive to any and all my concerns and questions. It was a trip of a lifetime. I can not gush enough about the itinerary and experiences. I am completely impressed with is company and this person. Ya ya in Chang Mai and Sam in Bangkok are top notch guides. The diving in Phuket was arranged with Siam diving, a small private boat not an over stuffed crowded one. It felt like we were the only people in the ocean. Goo, GO, GO!!!!"

Trip dates & details
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London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension
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4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Belgrade, Cappadocia, Croatia, Istanbul, Konya, Milan, Paris, Sofia, Venetian Lagoon, Venice, Zagreb

Highlights

  • An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
  • Stay in the iconic cities of Venice, Zagreb, and Belgrade
  • Visit one of Serbia's rural wineries and Croatia's baroque town, Varazdin

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Great trip, great tour leader, thoroughly enjoyable packed a lot into a short time"

Trip dates & details
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Eastern Europe Express
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bucharest, Istanbul, Romania, Sofia

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
  • Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
  • Experience the romantic "time travel" back to the 20-th century by taking a trip on the last operational narrow gauge line in Bulgaria on route from Bansko to Plovdiv.
  • Explore the amphitheatre and Plovdiv's other significant sights on a guided walking tour.
  • Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

Istanbul Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
541  Reviews
See all Istanbul tour reviews
Excellent
79
Great
18
Average
2
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

My first experience of this type of holiday. Very full on, but had an amazing experience. Packed everything in, and shared it with a lovely group of people. Very kno...

C

Catherine

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Turkey is a huge, fascinating country and this in depth tour gets many things right, but there is inevitably, a lot of travelling by coach. However, the itinerary is...

M

Michael

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

A full on, varied trip. We travelled 3400 kilometres, exploring a number of ancient sites and enjoying some good Turkish food. Alkan was a very good leader, solving ...

J

Joanne

Apr 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Turkey in Depth by Explore provides a wonderful opportunity to redraw your perception of the timeline of human history especially when you have the benefit of an exp...

J

Jo

Feb 2024

Written on

Turkey in Depth

Completely so different to the UK. You can see the recent western influence's and the historic eastern lifestyle, so contrasting it is difficult to know where to loo...

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Istanbul Tour Selection Trips

  • Istanbul is a huge city-there are so many things to see and do. Look for tours that include at least 3 days here to really get a taste of the city.
  • Mosques that are well known tourist attractions usually have a separate entry for tourists, apart from those who come for prayer. Women should be careful to use the separate women’s entrance if visiting smaller mosques.
  • Before bargaining, ask your guide what you should expect to pay for different souvenirs.
  • Since there is so much to see, travelers who want to get off the beaten path should use their tour free time to do their own exploring through the ancient alleyways.
  • Turkish people are incredibly warm and hospitable. Look for tours that include cultural activities for the opportunity to meet and learn from locals.
  • Going on a guided tour will give you much more insight into the complex history of Istanbul’s top tourist attractions and beyond.
  • Keep in mind that Turkey is a secular Islamic state. You may dress or behave as liberally as you want, but it might draw unwanted attention, even in cosmopolitan Istanbul. To blend in better, you can dress fashionably, but not overtly sexy, and avoid PDA.
  • A bathhouse, or hammam, that caters to tourist will be able to guide you through the process in English, taking out the awkward guess work.

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