This 16 day tour, starts from Istanbul, Turkey, and ends at Fethiye, Turkey. See all that is iconic to Turkey, magnificent Istanbul, ancient Ephesus, unique Cappadocia and dream-like Pamukkale. Then the tour ends with total relaxation sailing on the Mediterranean visiting secluded coves and islands, swimming, sunbaking and relaxing. All meals are cooked and served for you.
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 (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) , Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome.
After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers. a night you won't forget!
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 the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.
Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus a once a bustling trade hub and religious center, Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from site of the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus's grand facade and the grand amphitheatre.
Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
We continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Here we will visit a local vineyard and learn about local production techniques. You will taste 3 local wines from the region at the garden of the vineyard before returning to our hotel.
We begin boarding the Gulet at Fethiye Harbour after 17.00pm. Relax at the pre-cruise information session. Enjoy an onboard dinner while meeting the other passengers.
After breakfast set off along the coast of Fethiye Peninsular to Oludeniz and Butterfly Valley for visit and swim.
The night is spent at St.Nicholas Island, where you can explore the ruins of a Byzantine settlement as the sun sets.
An early start for Yesilkoy, where we have breakfast and time to swim in this quiet bay surrounded by olive groves. Then it's off to Kas, for a 1-2 hours visit, a small harbour town with a charming bohemian atmosphere. Afterwards, we cruise to Limanagzi Bay for another swim, dinner and overnight.
This morning, we cruise to Cayagzi, Demre.
Optional transfer by car to Myra and St Nicholas Church (please inform your captain if you would like to visit at an extra fee).
Climb up to the castle on Simena for a spectacular view of the ancient city. Out in the bay, overlooked by a theatre carved into the rock, a single Lycian sarcophagus sits on its pedestal in the water. The night is spent in the wide bay surrounded by green hills, at nearby Ucagiz.
A short cruise along the Mediterranean coast to the ruins at Kekova - the Sunken City. Swim and lunch at Tersane Bay where you'll see the ruins of a Byzantine church and a Roman dockyard on the beach. Sailing to Gokkaya to spend the night.
After breakfast, we cruise to the sheltered Firnaz Bay for a swim. We will spend 1-2 hours in Kalkan, a picturesque harbour town set on the hillside. Swim, dinner and overnight in Yesilkoy.
Early start to Camli Burun, a natural bay edged with pine-clad hills, for breakfast and a swim. Then we cruise to Boncuklu Bay. Your last night on board is spent here or in Fethiye harbour, depending on the weather conditions.
We disembark at approximately 09:00 am after breakfast.
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