This 12 day tour starts in Istanbul, Turkey and ends in Fethiye Harbour, Turkey. After touring Istanbul's Old City this tour heads in to the heartland of Turkey (Anatolia) to visit the surreal Cappadocia. From there its across the country towards the Aegean coast line to see ancient Ephesus, visiting the Calcium Terraces at Pamukkale en-route. Then south to the Mediterranean coast to Marmaris for 3 wonderful days relaxing on a Turkish Gulet.
Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul.
Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome. Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 'Half day Bosphorous cruise'.
After breakfast we drive towards the nation's capital, Ankara to visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Ataturk before continuing on to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.
Today we tour the Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag and Uchisar castle. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value. Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers... a night you won't forget!
This morning we visit and explore Kaymakli underground city. Then leaving Cappadocia we head south, towards Konya, along the ancient Silk Road, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, just as the ancient traders did. Once in Konya we tour the Mevlana Museum and Alaeddin Mosque.
Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Along the way we visit the ancient site of Sagalassos. Conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC, earthquakes and plague saw its demise in 541-2 AD. Today it is one of the best preserved sites in Turkey and is on the UNESCO Tentative list.
Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value.
After breakfast, we will drive towards to Marmaris and the remainder of day is free to explore until we board the Gulet at Marmaris around 5pm. Relax with a welcome drink at the pre-cruise information session. Enjoy an onboard dinner while meeting the other passengers.
After breakfast we cruise to Ekincik and the beautiful beach of Izturu, which is famous for the sea turtle called Carette. The ancient city of Caunos is closeby where you can take a boat trip up the Dalyan river, passing Lycian rock tombs on the way to the sulphurous mud baths and hot springs.
Today we cruise to world-famous Oludeniz Bay where we will anchor for lunch & swimming break. The next stop will be Gemiler island - it is recommended to have an early evening walk to Church of St. Nicholas, which remains from Byzantium.
After breakfast, we will cruise to Turunc Pinari then head to Fethiye for disembarkation in the afternoon at approximately 5 pm.