3 Days and nights in exotic Istanbul exploring the Classic Sites
2 Days and nights based in Kusadasi visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus
8 Days and 7 nights cruising the Turquoise Coast on a luxury gulet
3 Days and nights in Cappadocia: Land of the Beautiful Horses
Pack your bags for a journey of discovery as we explore the ancient lands and cultures of Anatolia (modern Turkey). As we travel we will bear witness to over 5000 years of human history including the great civilizations of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. East meets west in a dazzling display of culture, cuisine, and architecture. We’ll walk in the footsteps of Alexander, Homer, Cleopatra, and innumerable scribes, traders and explorers who traveled the globe to discover this exotic and timeless land. In Istanbul we will wander the Grand Bazaar, explore the harem at the Topkapi Palace, cruise the Bosphorus and dine at fabulous local restaurants.
From Istanbul we’ll fly to Izmir and spend two days along the Aegean Sea in Kusadasi where we will visit the remarkable nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. We’ll walk the marble streets, sit in the vast theater, and marvel at the architectural wonder of the Celsus library.
Perhaps the highlight of the trip will be a seven night cruise along the Turquoise Coast, so named for its jewel colored waters. Our luxurious floating home will be waiting for us in the port city of Gocek. Here we will board the gulet, a beautifully handcrafted motor yacht, both spacious and well appointed. Pulling ashore in quiet bays and coves, we’ll hike through unspoiled countryside among the ruins of the great civilizations of Asia Minor. Greek theaters, Hellenistic temples, Roman arches, Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman city walls adorn the landscape. We’ll meet local farmers harvesting sage and oregano in the fields, encounter nomads tending their flocks at the foot of well preserved ruins, and sample tea with local villagers. In the haunting Lycian city of Kaunos we’ll marvel at the Royal Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs in the 6th century BC. Along the route we will stroll through quaint seaside villages with lively markets, narrow cobblestone streets lined with craft shops, cafes and bars. We’ll snorkel over the ancient sunken columns of Cleopatra’s Bath and enjoy a sunset hike to the top of Gemiler Island. Evenings find us aboard our comfortable gulet, where our chef pampers us with excellent food and wine as we relive the day’s excitement. Many guests enjoy sleeping under the stars during the warm summer nights. We will bid a fond farewell to our crew and disembark in Gocek for the next leg of our adventure.
Continuing on to Cappadocia by plane we will witness the surrealistic geological formations, the “fairy chimneys” formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion. We’ll walk through amazing slot canyons filled with rock cut churches, underground cities, and natural rock castles. We’ll taste local wines at a vineyard and try our hand at throwing pottery in Avanos, a tradition dating back 3000 years. Our lodgings will be a special class hotel with exquisitely decorated rooms that were hand carved into the soft tufa cliffside. The region is famous for its so called Cave Hotels! After three days in Cappadocia we’ll fly back to Istanbul and connect to our international flight.
Day 1, June 15 —Fly to Istanbul: Leave your hometown and fly to Istanbul.
Day 2, June 16—Arrive in Istanbul: You’ll transfer on your own by taxi to your hotel in the old quarter of Istanbul. Relax and rest after the flight. Meals on your own. Overnight at special class hotel in Istanbul.
Day 3, June 17— Walking Tour of Istanbul’s Classics: After breakfast, your guide will meet you at 8:30 am in the lobby of your hotel for a full day walking tour of Istanbul's ancient monuments, including the famous Blue Mosque, Sunken Cistern, St. Sophia and the Byzantine Forum. You will start with a tour of Sultan Ahmet Square, the center of historical and cultural activities of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. You will also visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue tiles decorating the interior walls. Right across from the Blue Mosque is St. Sophia, originally built as a church by Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD and used as a mosque during the Ottoman era until 1935 (today it's a museum). You’ll have time to visit the underground Sunken Cistern and walk in the cool mist among ancient Roman columns (keep an eye out for the famous Medusa head!). After lunch, you’ll walk (20 minutes) to the Beyazid district of Istanbul to discover the wonders of the Grand Bazaar, where traders from Asia, Africa, and Europe have bartered for centuries. A five-minute walk from Grand Bazaar is a famous Turkish bath, which was built, in the 16th century. This is a great opportunity for those who want to experience a traditional bath and massage. Lunch and dinner are on your own to explore Istanbul’s culinary delights. (Refer to the trip information for a list of suggested restaurants) Breakfast included. Overnight at special class hotel in Istanbul.
Day 4, June 18—Topkapi Palace, Spice Market and Bosphorus Cruise: After breakfast your guide will take you to the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years. While you’re walking corridors of Harem, you’ll hear stories about Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his marriage to the Russian slave girl, Roxalena (Hurrem Sultan), who later became one of the most powerful women of the Ottoman times. Next you will transfer to the Golden Horn where you’ll board onto a private tour boat for a Bosphorus cruise. As you cruise along the Bosphorus Straits you’ll see Ottoman palaces along the shore, the Bosphorus Bridge that connects Asia and Europe and some beautiful 19th century houses. In the afternoon you can visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar located near boat dock. Lunch and dinner are on your own for further exploration of Turkish cuisine. Breakfast is included. Overnight at special class hotel in Istanbul
Day 5, June 19— Fly to Izmir and travel to Kusadasi: This morning you will be met and transferred to the Istanbul airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival in Izmir, you’ll be met (outside of the baggage claim area where your transfer agent will be holding a sign with your name on it) and transferred to your hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea. Afternoon is free to enjoy a walk in Kusadasi or relaxing by the pool. Don’t miss the sunset over the Aegean Sea! Breakfast is included. Overnight at special class hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 6, June 20— Ephesus: The Star of Asia Minor After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at 8:00AM in the lobby of your hotel. You’ll visit the ancient site of Ephesus, once called “the star of Asia Minor”, the largest and most important Roman city in Anatolian antiquity. It was known at the time for its wealth and beauty—and today it’s one of the best archaeological sites in the country. You’ll wander into the past as you explore the library, marble streets, baths, agora and the theatre. After visiting the site, you’ll drive to a nearby village to have lunch prepared by local village women. Later on, you can enjoy a visit to the Ephesus Museum to witness the incredible marble sculptures recovered from the site. If time allows, you’ll have a chance to visit a local carpet weaver’s cooperative. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at special class hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7, June 21— Begin Cruise in Gocek: This morning you will be met and transferred by air conditioned mini-van (4 hours) to Gocek. You will board onto your gulet (a motorized yacht), which will be your home for the next 7 nights and meet the friendly crew. Before departing on your cruise you'll have some time to stroll through downtown Gocek which is a small village full of boutiques run by artists. The beautiful harbor attracts international yachts from across the globe. Make sure to take a walk out along the pier to view the yachts and listen to the multitude of languages spoken among the sailors. After lunch, you’ll cruise 20 minutes to a secluded bay called Ihlamur where you’ll have time to swim and snorkel in the warm turquoise waters of Mediterranean. Dinner included… Gulet Accomodation
Day 8, June 22— Temple of Athena in Lydae: After breakfast you’ll cruise along the coast for half an hour to visit a secluded bay where you’ll enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters. Enjoy optional water-sports provided by speedboats such as “ringo” rides on inner tubes, water skiing, para sailing and more…. After a delicious lunch on the boat you’ll cruise to Agalimani, another secluded bay where you can take an optional hike to the ancient site of Lydea to explore the remains of the Temple of Athena. As you hike up into the hills you’ll pass secluded farms perched high above the turquoise sea. Scents of sage, lavender, and oregano greet you at each turn. You may encounter local nomads tending their flock around the ancient site and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional goat hair tent. Overnight in a secluded bay. All meals are included…Gulet Accommodation
Day 9, June 23— Royal Lycian Tombs of Kaunos: Cruise to the Dalyan river mouth and board a small boat to travel up the river to the Roman ruins of ancient Kaunos (2nd century AD). Here you can visit the theater and Basilica, and perhaps witness a team of archeologists excavating the site. Just down the slope are the Royal Lycian cliff tombs dating from the 6th century BC magnificently perched above the emerald green waters of the Dalyan River. As you travel up the river you will be traversing a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles so keep your eyes on the lookout. Imagine yourself on the African Queen as you wind through the tall reeds of this spectacular delta; parts of the famous film were shot here. Overnight in a secluded bay. Breakfast and dinner are included…Gulet Accommodation
Day 10, June 24— Gemiler Island: Depart for Olü Deniz (Dead Sea), where you will anchor beneath the impressive limestone cliffs. Consider an optional hike (3 hrs r/t) or visit by taxi (15 minutes) to the ghostly remains of Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek town (1,200' elevation gain). The inhabitants left the town in the 1920s, but the roofless houses and cobbled paths seem as ancient as any site on your voyage. In the early summer, wildflowers grow profusely in the village streets and inside the exposed rooms of the vacant houses. After exploring this site you can return to the boat and have a swim. Cruise to Ship Island (also known as Gemiler Island) in the late afternoon. There will be more opportunities to enjoy water sports in this bay. At sunset explore the extensive Byzantine ruins of the island. Tunnels and stone paths used by Byzantine monks wind their way up through arches and alleys towards the summit where you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the Mediterranean and nearby islands. Make sure to bring your camera if you’re a photographer! All meals are included…Gulet Accommodation
Day 11, June 25— Gulf of Fethiye: Cruise to Fethiye, ancient Telmessos, now a quaint modern town with a bustling marketplace, many fine craft shops and wonderful fish restaurants. Explore nearby Amintas tomb (optional, by local taxi or a half hour walk), an impressive rock carved tomb honoring the famous 6th century B.C. Lycian ruler. After visiting the bustling markets of Fethiye, you’ll return to your gulet and perhaps set out for an afternoon sail if the winds are right. Later cruise to a secluded bay where you’ll have dinner and overnight. Breakfast and dinner included… Gulet Accommodation
Day 12, June 26— Island of Gocek Bay: Today you will explore the exquisite islands and inlets of Gocek Bay including Bedri Rahmi, famed for its painted rocks, Gocek Island where you can kayak on the emerald waters, and Sarsala Bay where the pine forest meets the sea. This is also an excellent bay to sail in. A grand regatta is held every year in this bay for the best sailing gulets. All meals are included…Gulet Accommodation
Day 13, June 27— Cleopatra’s Bath: Spend your final day exploring the exquisite underwater ruins of Cleopatra’s bath. Local legend has it that these baths were built especially for Cleopatra by her love, Marc Anthony. Snorkel and swim along the ruins then enjoy an optional hike into the nearby pine forests. Late afternoon sail to the marina in Gocek and enjoy a grand farewell dinner on the boat. Late evening free to enjoy the bars and cafes in this quaint port side town. Overnight in marina. All meals are included…Gulet Accommodation
Day 14, June 28 - Disembark at Gocek Marina and Fly to Kayseri: From the Gocek marina you will bid a fond farewell to your crew and disembark the boat and transfer to the Dalaman airport for a very early morning flight to the Cappadocia Region via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Kayseri your local guide, who will be holding a sign with your name on it, will meet you outside of baggage claim. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Urgup about 1.5 hours away. Breakfast is included. Overnight at a special class cave hotel in Urgup.
Day 15, June 29 — Cappadocia: You’ll meet your guide at 9 am and start touring the surreal landscape of Cappadocia. First you’ll visit Soganli Valley, a traditional area off the tourist route where you can walk through the Cappadocian landscape. Then you’ll go to Sinassos (Mustafapasa), which is one of the most important Greek towns of the area with its beautiful examples of turn of the century architecture and exquisitely hand carved churches. Enjoy lunch in one of these historic houses and sample the best examples of local cuisine. After lunch, start the afternoon with a descent towards the centre of the earth, a trip to the underground city of Kaymakli, one of the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s many such settlements. You complete the tour with a visit to the Uchisar Rock-Castle, giving you a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Dinner is on your own to enjoy of the local restaurants in downtown Urgup. (See recommended restaurant section in trip info). Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at cave hotel in Urgup.
Day 16, June 30— Cappadocia: Optional hot air ballooning at sunrise (please reserve in advance). After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll go to Dervent Valley to see the almost Martian landscape created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Then you’ll walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum, which is a journey into the past, with its troglodyte houses. This is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements in Cappadocia. After Zelve, you’ll visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies. From here, you’ll visit Avanos, a center of terracotta art since 3,000 BC, for a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. After lunch in Avanos, you’ll visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. These are found in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from as early as the 10th century. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at cave hotel in Urgup.
Day 17, July 1 — Cappadocia to Istanbul: After breakfast, you’ll be met in the lobby of your hotel and transferred to Kayseri airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will connect to your international flight home. If you need to overnight in Istanbul please advise us and we will reserve you a room at the airport hotel. Breakfast is included.
Trip Price:
$4375 per person for a group of 12 – 15 guests (8 cabin boat) $500 surcharge per person surcharge for group size of 8 – 11 (6 cabin boat)
Price is per person double occupancy.
Minimum Group Size: 8 Maximum Group Size: 15
Single Travelers: You may either choose to share with the same sex (hotel rooms and cabin on gulet) or pay a single supplement fee if you wish to lodge alone. Please contact us to discuss your options.
Internal Turkish Airlines flights—$375 (subject to change) We will obtain electronic tickets for you. Your invoice will reflect the charge for internal flights in Turkey as estimated above. If you do not want us to obtain tickets for you or if you want us to change the dates please advise us ASAP.
June 19 TK320 Istanbul to Izmir 11:00AM June 28 TK215 Dalaman to Istanbul 10:10AM June 28 TK262 Istanbul to Kayseri 1:15PM (connecting flight) July 1 TK261 Kayseri to Istanbul 10:55AM (earlier flights available)
What’s included? • Expert leadership by a licensed professional guide fluent in English • Hotel accommodations as noted in the itinerary • Motor yacht (“gulet”) • Meals as noted • Group Airport transfers as noted • Sightseeing as noted in the itinerary • Ground transportation by deluxe, air-conditioned seat bus • Entrance fees and permits • Bottled water on gulet and at included group meals • Local wine, beer and sodas on the boat • Donation of $100 in your name to TEMA foundation in Turkey • Tipping to the guide, staff on board, drivers, porters at the airport and bellboys at the hotels
What’s not included? • International airfare • Flights within Turkey (app. $375 subject to change) • Meals not noted in itinerary • Airport transfers in Istanbul on Day 2 (arrival) • Insurance of any kind • Excess baggage charges • Airport taxes • Cost of medical immunizations (no immunization is needed for traveling in Turkey) • Visas ($20 or US citizens, subject to change) • Admission to Turkish baths (appx. $15) • Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.). • Pre or post tour services (hotel, transfer, guiding)
ABOUT THE BOAT: A gulet is a traditional Turkish coastal motor-sailor modified to accommodate passengers. Our boats are usually about 90 feet long and 20 feet wide, with six to eight double cabins. Each double cabin has a private bathroom with a shower. Our boats are usually air-conditioned, and trip members frequently sleep on the ample decks. There's a large cabin with a kitchen and bar towards the back of the vessel, and meals are served in a large open area on the stern. Canvas and sailcloth awnings cover the dining area and a portion of the foredeck to provide shade. Gulets are picturesque, but the sails are rarely used for power and they use the motor most of the time. Our boats are quiet, and the captains will use the sails when possible.
For further information please contact Perry Robertson at:
named for its jewel colored waters. Our luxurious floating home will be waiting for us in the port city of Gocek. Here we will board the gulet, a beautifully handcrafted motor yacht, both spacious and well appointed. Pulling ashore in quiet bays and coves, we’ll hike through unspoiled countryside among the ruins of the great civilizations of Asia Minor. Greek theaters, Hellenistic temples, Roman arches, Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman city walls adorn the landscape. We’ll meet local farmers harvesting sage and oregano in the fields, encounter nomads tending their flocks at the foot of well preserved ruins, and sample tea with local villagers. In the haunting Lycian city of Kaunos we’ll marvel at the Royal Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs in the 6th century BC. Along the route we will stroll through 
quaint seaside villages with lively markets, narrow cobblestone streets lined with craft shops, cafes and bars. We’ll snorkel over the ancient sunken columns of Cleopatra’s Bath and enjoy a sunset hike to the top of Gemiler Island. Evenings find us aboard our comfortable gulet, where our chef pampers us with excellent food and wine as we relive the day’s excitement. Many guests enjoy sleeping under the stars during the warm summer nights. We will bid a fond farewell to our crew and disembark in Gocek for the next leg of our adventure. 
