13 Day Türkiye (Turkey) Explorer with Gulet Cruise

Welcome to Istanbul! 

On arrival into Istanbul, please make your way to the starting hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

At approximately 6pm, you will have your Welcome Meeting where you will meet your English-speaking guide and fellow travellers and have an introduction to your tour.

Meals: In-flight
Accommodation: Nidya Hotel Galataport 4* or similar

Following breakfast, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Istanbul, the unique city that straddles two continents. Your tour will include visits to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome.

Trace the steps of Istanbul’s most renowned ruler, Sultan Ahmed, as we journey to the Sultanahmet district in the city’s historic heart. Here, you’ll delve into the rich heritage of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

This afternoon you will spend at your leisure.

Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia, on a 1 hour afternoon Bosphorus River cruise. Your guide will explain offer an explanation of historical sights along the way (payable locally).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nidya Hotel Galataport 4* or similar

Today, we visit one of Türkiye’s most poignant sites: the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. This includes visits to the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston’s Jolly, as well as the original trenches and tunnels. We’ll take a moment for quiet reflection as we gaze upon the rugged hills and valleys that became the resting place for many young men from both sides. We’ll explore the former battlefields and discover remnants of the trenches used by Turkish soldiers. 

Afterward, we will proceed to Çanakkale.

For those movie enthusiasts, we recommend walking along the waterfront where you can view the Trojan Horse used in the Hollywood movie – Troy.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: MD Barbaros Hotel or similar

Travel from Çanakkale to Troy and then on to Kuşadası for an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s rich history. Start by exploring the ancient ruins of Troy, famous for its legendary Trojan War and wooden horse. 

Following our exploration, we proceed to Assos, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the Temple of Athena, which overlooks both the Aegean Sea and the nearby Greek island of Lesbos. At the historic harbour, you’ll have some free time to explore the quaint streets and perhaps savour a meal at a picturesque harbourside seafood restaurant.

Then, continue to Kuşadası  to discover the remarkable archaeological sites of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, immersing yourself in the grandeur of ancient civilisations.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cella Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar

Immerse yourself in history with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Experience the ancient city’s mystical ambiance and its impressive theatre before heading to the former Greek village of Sirince, renowned for its fruit wines.

Discover Türkiye’s rich carpet-weaving traditions at a local carpet village, where you’ll learn about the handcrafting process and what influences the carpets’ value.

In the evening, visit a local vineyard to explore the regional wine production. Enjoy tasting three local wines in the vineyard’s garden before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cella Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar

Today, head south towards the coastal town of Fethiye where your traditional Turkish gulet awaits you.

At approximately 3pm, embark on your accommodation for the next 3 nights.

A gulet is a traditional Turkish yacht, typically handcrafted in Bodrum or Marmaris, measuring between 20 and 30 metres in length. Made from mahogany, pine, and teak, these yachts feature a classic Byzantine design with a sharp bow, broad beam, and rounded stern. Stylish and graceful, gulets offer comfort and unique character.

We’ll take advantage of the clear waters for swimming and snorkelling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay. Then, we’ll cruise past several islands to Tersane Island, home to the remnants of a historically significant shipyard.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Turkish gulet

After breakfast, we head to Cleopatra’s Baths (Hamam Bay) for a swim amidst the ancient Roman ruins.

Next, we cruise to Sarsala Bay, a picturesque spot surrounded by pine trees and a gateway to a 45-minute hike to ancient Lissa. This site is renowned for its inscribed walls from the 3rd century BC, during the reign of Cleopatra’s Ptolemaic ancestors.

Our journey continues to Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after one of the early ‘Blue Cruisers’ who painted a fish on the rocks here in 1973. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters or explore the island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turkish gulet

Today we set sail for the Yassica Islands, a group of unnamed, tiny islets so small they lack individual names. The largest island features a sandy beach and a small pool-like area off the lagoon. 

We will then head to the serene Gocek Islands, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun while taking in the stunning scenery. 

We’ll conclude the day with a final swim at Red Island before spending the night in Fethiye Harbour.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turkish gulet

After an early departure from the gulet, we will journey to the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. These natural formations, created by calcium deposits from hot springs, are renowned for their otherworldly beauty. 

Alongside the terraces, we’ll explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was a prominent Roman spa town. Here, you can relax and take a dip in the thermal pools, where ancient columns still stand as a testament to the site’s historical significance and its once-celebrated therapeutic properties.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Adem Pira Hotel 4* or similar

After an early departure from Pamukkale, we will journey to the enchanting region of Cappadocia. Along the way, we’ll make notable stops, beginning with the Mevlana Museum in Konya, which offers a glimpse into the life and teachings of the famous Sufi mystic, Rumi. 

We will also visit the Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient roadside inn that once served as a resting place for traders and travellers on the Silk Road. 

Upon reaching Cappadocia, you’ll have the evening free to relax and explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Remus and Romulus Hotel or similar

This morning, head to a rooftop café to witness the breathtaking sight of numerous hot air balloons ascending into the clear morning sky.

Today, immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape. We’ll visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum and marvel at the unique fairy chimneys, as well as explore the intricate levels of an underground city. You’ll encounter fascinating rock formations, including cones, peaks, and fairy chimneys created from tuff—a light, porous rock formed by volcanic ash. Additionally, you’ll see ancient cave chapels carved by early Christians.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Remus and Romulus Hotel or similar

Please note: for those who wish to partake in a hot-air balloon ride, we strongly recommend liaising with your Tour Leader whilst on tour to book this in order to receive the best price. Weather conditions will affect the likelihood of these balloons flying.

We set off early this morning for Türkiye’s capital, Ankara. There, we visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of the renowned Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s mausoleum, an impressive tribute to Turkey’s founder, showcasing grand architecture and historical significance.

After your visit, we continue the drive back to Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Name # Star or similar

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your time in Türkiye as you commence your onward travel plans.   

Meals: Breakfast