18-39's Bus & Sail Turkey

Upon your arrival in Turkey, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax or explore the city until 7:00 PM, when you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby. We’ll take a leisurely evening walk through Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, riding the second-oldest metro in the world. After soaking in the panoramic views of Taksim Square and Istiklal, we’ll head to the historic Cicek Pasajı (Flower Passage) for an unforgettable Turkish Tavern Night. Originally built on the site of the Naum Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1870, this vibrant passage was transformed into a lively spot by Russian émigrés in the early 20th century. Today, it’s a hub for restaurants, cafes, and local culture, with stunning European-style architecture. Enjoy traditional mezes, delicious kebabs, and tempting desserts, all prepared from fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. With a couple of rounds of Raki in hand, you'll be ready to sway to the beats of street musicians. Afterward, relax and bond with your group at a local bar.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a guided tour of Istanbul's captivating old city, where history comes alive at every turn. Our journey will take us to iconic landmarks, including the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, the stunning Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and the vibrant Spice Market. We’ll explore these sites by tram and on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing for this immersive walking tour.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise, offering panoramic views of the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the Bosphorus’ history and significance, making this a perfect opportunity to relax and connect with fellow travelers, creating memories and a sense of camaraderie.

The itinerary features a visit to the historic Gallipoli battlefields, where the courage of ordinary men left an extraordinary legacy. We will explore the battle from both sides, visiting key memorials such as Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and the ANZAC landing beaches. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to walk through the original trenches and communication tunnels, immersing yourself in this significant part of history.

In the morning, we will visit the ancient city of Troy, where you can explore iconic sites like the Trojan Horse, Sacrificial Altars, the 3,700-year-old city walls, and the Houses of Troy I. Next, we will journey to the ancient city of Pergamon, where we'll tour remarkable sites such as the Temple of Athena, the Acropolis, the Pergamon Library, the Altar of Zeus, the lower Agora, the Gymnasium on terraces, the Hellenistic Theater, and the Temple of Dionysus (the god of wine). In the evening, we'll head to the Ephesus region for an overnight stay. After checking into the hotel, you'll have some free time to unwind and relax.

This morning, we begin with an early start for a full-day tour. After being picked up from your hotel, we’ll head to explore the wonders of Selcuk and the ancient city of Ephesus. Dating back to the 10th century BC, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, featuring landmarks like the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Fethiye. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the option to visit the fish market for a delicious dinner in the city center.

After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to store your luggage at the hotel and explore the charming town of Fethiye. Around noon, we’ll embark on a relaxing gulet cruise from Fethiye Harbour, heading towards the stunning Blue Lagoon and Oludeniz Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. For those seeking adventure, an optional tandem paragliding experience over Blue Lagoon is available, offering breathtaking panoramic views from over 2000 meters high (pre-booking is recommended). In the evening, the gulet will dock at St. Nicholas Island, where you can enjoy a scenic hike through ancient ruins, visit the hidden amphitheater, and witness one of Turkey’s most spectacular sunsets.

We will set sail to Aquarium Bay early in the morning, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and serene natural beauty. Next, we’ll head to Hidayet Bay, where you’ll have the option to enjoy scuba diving in one of Turkey’s top diving regions.

Kas Night-Out: This evening, we’ll visit the vibrant town of Kas for a night out. With a rich history dating back to the Lycian era, Kas seamlessly blends historical charm with modern appeal. Explore its picturesque old town filled with cafes, souvenir shops, and a lively nightlife scene.

Today, we will sail to the fascinating ruins of the Sunken City, once part of a village across from us, now submerged due to an earthquake in the 2nd century. You’ll have the chance to explore the remains of ancient houses and the town lying beneath the water. Next, we’ll head to Simena Castle, where we’ll hike to the top, rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, a glimpse into local village life, a good workout, and the remains of Byzantine-era ruins, all topped off with some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste.

Afterward, we’ll sail to Burc Bay, a picturesque spot perfect for paddle-boarding, where we’ll also visit the ancient ruins after a short hike.

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll head to Karemlik Turtles Bay, where you can enjoy a swim alongside the friendly turtles! Then, we’ll make our way to Demre Port.

Guided Bus Tour: Upon arrival at the port, we’ll continue our journey by bus to the St. Nicholas Church in Demre’s city center, where you’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch (lunch not included). Next, we’ll visit the ancient city of Myra, one of the six major cities of the Lycian League, dating back over 2,500 years. Myra is particularly renowned for its Lycian rock tombs, which are carved into the cliffs.

Smugglers Island Night-Out: In the late afternoon, we’ll sail to Gokkaya Bay, a stunning spot surrounded by small islands. Tonight, we’ll meet up with our other gulets at the Island of Smugglers Inn, a unique and rustic nightclub nestled in the middle of nowhere, offering an unforgettable night out.

Aperlai Lost City Hike: This morning, you'll embark on a scenic hike to the ancient Aperlai ruins. The walk is relatively flat, and as you reach the site, the stunning views and well-preserved remains will give you the feeling of discovering a hidden city. You’ll pass through ancient Lycian ruins, including numerous tombs that have been left undisturbed since being damaged by past earthquakes, offering a glimpse into history that remains largely untouched and unrestored.

Later, we’ll cruise to Heybeli Island, a charming Turkish island near Kastellorizo (Meis), where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Then, we’ll head to Firnaz Aquarium Bay, where we’ll anchor for the afternoon and evening, giving you ample time to sunbathe, swim, and unwind in this serene and beautiful setting.

We will set sail early and head to Butterfly Valley for a refreshing breakfast, followed by a swim and a hike to the stunning waterfall. Butterfly Valley is a breathtaking gorge flanked by steep cliffs, with a large multi-tiered waterfall cascading down the limestone rock into the valley below. The bay covers 86,000 square meters and is home to over 100 species of butterflies. Surrounded by towering cliffs reaching up to 350 meters high, the valley offers an unforgettable natural beauty, with the waterfall pouring down the canyon wall.

Guided Bus Tour: After exploring Butterfly Valley, we’ll take a bus to Gemiler Beach before continuing our journey to Kayakoy Village, also known as the Ghost Town. This hauntingly beautiful abandoned Greek village has been transformed into an open-air museum, showcasing around 500 well-preserved houses and three churches, all excellent examples of Gothic architecture, with only the walls still standing as a testament to its past.

After breakfast, we’ll set sail to Samanlik Bay for a refreshing swim before heading back to Fethiye Harbour. Around noon, we’ll disembark in Fethiye and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Today, we’ll explore the magnificent Saklikent Gorge, one of Turkey’s longest and most breathtaking canyons. Cold, crystal-clear water flows through the gorge, while towering mountains create a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting. You’ll have the chance to walk through the gorge and discover its hidden wonders. For a bit of adventure, you can try river tubing in the refreshing waters or take a dip in the cool canyon pools to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Pamukkale, where we’ll stay overnight.

Today, we will visit Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle" due to its striking white travertine terraces. Pamukkale is famous for its natural hot springs and the stunning mineral-rich pools formed by the flowing waters. You’ll have the chance to relax in the healing waters or simply marvel at the unique landscape. After exploring Pamukkale, we’ll continue our journey to Cappadocia, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking Turkish scenery as we pass through picturesque towns and villages. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax before our adventure through Cappadocia the following day.

Prepare for an early start with the option to take a stunning sunrise hot air balloon ride over the captivating landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. If you prefer a more leisurely morning, you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast to start your day at your own pace.

We will then set off to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Göreme, visiting iconic sites such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Çavuşin. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to visit local artisans and learn about traditional handicrafts. For those interested, we also offer an optional Turkish night experience, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a night of entertainment.

In the morning, we’ll explore the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, an extraordinary subterranean complex that features a church, wells, food storage areas, and stables, all located 60 meters below the surface. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Salt Lake (Tuz Golu), a stunning white or pink (depending on the season) salt flat that you may have seen on Instagram. Situated in central Turkey, Tuz Golu is famous for its vast salt deposits and unique ecosystem, serving as a crucial stopover for migratory birds. The striking white landscape, with its occasional pink hues caused by salt-loving microorganisms, makes it a popular destination for photography and nature lovers. After our visit, we’ll head to Istanbul, where we are expected to arrive in the late evening.

After breakfast and check-out, it’s time to say goodbye. While the tour comes to an end, you'll leave with unforgettable memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime.