Ancient Turkey Tour & Gulet Cruise – 16 Days Istanbul to Fethiye

1. Days: Istanbul

Day 1: Friday – Arrival in Istanbul

• Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West.
• Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore at your leisure.
• Welcome meeting with your tour guide.
• Overnight in Istanbul.

2. Days: Istanbul

Day 2: Saturday – Istanbul Old City Tour

• Visit the iconic landmarks of the Old City (Sultanahmet):
• Hagia Sophia – A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
• Blue Mosque – Famous for its six minarets and stunning blue tiles.
• Topkapi Palace – The former residence of Ottoman sultans.
• Grand Bazaar – One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Breakfast Included

3. Days: Istanbul

Day 3: Sunday – Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar and Istanbul to Cappadocia 

This morning after breakfast, you will have a 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. In the afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transfrred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.

• Morning visit to the Spice Bazaar, where you can sample local delicacies.
• Enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia with breathtaking city views.
• Afternoon at leisure for optional activities.
• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Breakfast and dinner included

4. Days: Cappdocia

Day 4: Monday –Cappadocia & Underground City

• Explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient rock-cut churches.
• Visit the Kaymaklı Underground City, once used as a refuge by early Christians.
• Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers. a night you won't forget!
• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Breakfast and dinner included

5. Days: Konya

Day 5: Tuesday – Sultanhanı Caravanserai & Konya

• Depart Cappadocia and travel towards Konya, stopping at:
• Sultanhanı Caravanserai – A medieval roadside inn on the ancient Silk Road.
• Mevlana Museum – The spiritual center of the Whirling Dervishes.
• Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide.
• Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.
• Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road,
• We will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.
• Breakfast and dinner included

6. Days: Pamukkale Hierapolis

Day 6: Wednesday – Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines.

• Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO-listed Roman spa city. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo
• Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
• Visit the famous Cotton Castle (Pamukkale), with its white travertine terraces.
• Overnight in Pamukkale.
• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Breakfast and dinner included

7. Days: Laodicea, Kusadasi

Day 7: Thursday – Laodicea & Kusadasi

• Visit Laodicea, an ancient city mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
• 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.
• Transfer to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town.
• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Breakfast and dinner included

8. Days: Ephesus

Day 8: Friday – Ephesus Tour

• Explore Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world:
• Library of Celsus – A magnificent Roman structure.
• Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• House of the Virgin Mary – A sacred pilgrimage site.
• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Breakfast and dinner included

9. Days: Fethiye

Day 9: Saturday – Transfer to Fethiye

Today we will travel to Fethiye, a charming coastal town on the Mediterranean.

• Free time to explore the marina or the old town.
• 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.
• Overnight in Fethiye.
• Breakfast and dinner included

10. Days: Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley, St Nicholas Island

Day 10: Sunday – Fethiye – Oludeniz – Butterfly Valley – St. Nicholas Island

• Board your traditional Turkish gulet and set sail!
• Oludeniz – Famous for its Blue Lagoon.
• Butterfly Valley – Home to over 100 species of butterflies.
• St. Nicholas Island – Byzantine ruins with stunning sunset views.
• Overnight on the gulet.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

11. Days: Yesilkoy, Kas

Day 11: Monday – Yeşilköy & Kas

• Swim in the untouched waters of Yeşilköy Bay.
• Visit Kas, a charming town with a laid-back atmosphere and lively cafés.
• Overnight on the gulet.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

12. Days: Simena -Ucagiz

 Day 12: Tuesday – Simena & Ucagiz

• Explore Simena, a historic village with a castle offering panoramic views.
• Ucagiz – A picturesque fishing village where you can wander through ancient ruins.
• Overnight on the gulet.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

13. Days: Kekova -Gokkaya

 Day 13: Wednesday – Kekova, Tersane Bay & Gökkaya

• Snorkel over the Sunken City of Kekova, an ancient Lycian settlement submerged by an earthquake.
• Swim in Tersane Bay, a former shipyard during Byzantine times.
• Relax in Gökkaya Bay, a secluded paradise.
• Overnight on the gulet.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

14. Days: Bayindir Limani - Kalkan

Day 14: Thursday – Bayındır Limanı & Kalkan

• Stop at Bayındır Limanı, a quiet bay surrounded by olive groves.
• Visit Kalkan, a charming harbor town with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses.
• Overnight on the gulet.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

15. Days: Boncuklu Bay

Day 15: Friday – Camlı Burun & Boncuklu Bay

• Enjoy a peaceful morning at Camlı Burun, a secluded bay with crystal-clear waters.
• Swim and relax at Boncuklu Bay, a hidden gem near Fethiye.
• Overnight on the gulet.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

16. Days: Fethiye

Day 16: Saturday – Return to Fethiye & Departure

• Sail back to Fethiye and disembark.
• Transfer to Dalaman Airport for your return flight.
• Breakfast included