Wonders of Turkey with Gulet Cruise Tour

Day 2 Istanbul Old City

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) 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 Bosphorus cruise'.

Please Note: Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) is closed on Tuesdays and will be replaced by Dolmabahce Palace.

Overnight Istanbul (B)

Day 3 Gallipoli Battlefields

One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

Overnight Çanakkale (B, D)

Day 4 Troy, Acropolis of Pergamon

This morning, step back in time as we visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse. We continue on to Bergama and catch the new cable car up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made Pergamon a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.

Overnight Selçuk 

Day 5 Ephesus, Selcuk,

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. 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 will also enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Tonight, 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 your hotel.

Overnight Selçuk 

Day 6 Fethiye, Gulet

Today, we will head to Fethiye for your gulet trip. Boarding in Fethiye Harbour around 15:00. We enjoy some swimming and snorkeling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay. We'll cruise past several islands towards Tersane Island (Dockyard Island), where the ruins of a former Greek town and a once important naval shipyard may still be explored.

Overnight Tersane Island (Dockyard Island) (B, D)

Day 7 Gulet, Gocek Bay

After breakfast we depart for Hamam Bay. Enjoy a swim in the ancient ruins of these Roman Baths built by Mark Antony as a gift for Cleopatra. We then cruise to Sarsala Bay, a striking pine-surrounded bay, from which you can take a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, notable mostly for inscribed walls dating from the 3rd century BC. Bedri Rahmi Bay is our next stop, named after a famous Turkish painter. Jump in the clear blue water or explore the island.

Overnight Bedri Rahmi Bay (B, L, D)

Day 8 Gulet, Fethiye

Today we cruise towards Fethiye, passing the Yassica Islands and Gocek Islands. Most of these small islands are un-named but offer safe anchorage and secluded sandy beaches. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just soaking up some sun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A final stop and swim at Red Island before returning to Fethiye.

Overnight Fethiye - Harbour (B, L, D)

Day 9 Pamukkale, Hierapolis

This morning we will be heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

Overnight Pamukkale (B, D)

Day 10 Silk Road, Konya

Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!

Overnight Cappadocia Boutique Cave Hotel (B)

Day 12 Ankara

Early morning departure to the nation's capital, Ankara, where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul.

Overnight Istanbul (B)