Cruising the Turkish Coast

Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul, the eclectic city that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Your welcome meeting will be at your included hotel at 6 pm today. After the meeting, you may wish to join your new group and local leader for dinner to get to know each other before your adventure begins.

This morning, you’ll hit the streets of Istanbul early to beat the crowds and head to the Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Square. Visit the ruins and monuments in the square and then make your way to the Hagia Sophia Museum, which has been used as both a church and a mosque over different historic periods. After a walking tour in the old city, you’ll head back to the hotel and then on to the airport to take a 1.5 hour flight to Dalaman. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up by a private vehicle to meet the crew and board your gulet, a traditional Turkish sailing vessel. While you settle in, dinner will be served on the boat. Tonight, you will be staying on board in Fethiye Port. Fethiye, which was known as Telmessos in the ancient times, was the most important city situated on Lycia's western border with Caria. The name changed many times before being named Fethiye in memoriam of Fethi Bey in 1914, one of the first martyrs of the Turkish Air Force, who crashed his plane and died there when he was on duty. In the south part of the town you will see many famous ruins, tombs and graves from the Antique Era including the tomb of King Amyntas.

Today you will cruise to Oludeniz, where you’ll anchor for lunch and a swimming break. From here, the next stop will be Gemiler Island where you can get off the boat for an early evening walk and pay a visit to Kayakoy. Kayakoy was once a thriving village but since the 1920s the ancient stone houses have been abandoned. Now protected by the Turkish government, it provides the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, traditional Turkish lifestyle. Open 24 hours, the ghost village has an entrance fee which helps towards the upkeep of the paths and rubbish clearance. One church in the lower area of the village, Kataponagia, is of particular interest due to a room out the back – it was used to collect the bones of the dead! Wander the ruins, enjoy the solitude, or play backgammon and sip tea with the locals. Dinner is included on the gulet and you will stay overnight in the Gemiler Strait.

Included Activities:
-Kayakoy village visit

This morning you’ll cross Yedi Burunlar (Seven Capes) smoothly before anchoring at Yesilkoy Bay, close to Kalkan for breakfast and a swimming break. Then you’ll cruise to Kas Harbour, where you’ll anchor until tomorrow. Being one of the most important ancient Greek towns of Lycia, Kas gained importance in Roman Times and eventually became the centre of Episcopacy in Byzantine times. After lunch, you’ll head in to Kas where your local leader will take you for an orientation walk to see the monumental tombs from Lycian times as well as hidden shops, cafes and restaurants. After free time in town, your leader will take to the Ancient Theatre where you can watch a beautiful sunset while enjoying a local wine. Have a local dinner in one of Kas’ restaurants before heading back to the boat.

Included Activities:
-Kas orientation walk
-Sunset drinks at Kas ampitheatre
-Kas local dinner

After breakfast, you’ll cruise to the sunken city of Kekova, where you can swim and snorkel in crystal blue waters. Enjoy lunch at Tersane Bay where you will see an old shipyard from the Roman Period and a church from the Byzantine times. Spend the afternoon tasting fabulous local cuisine, floating over an ancient sunken city or exploring Lycian tombs. For dinner, you will meet a local host who will run a simple cooking class so you can learn how to cook local specialties. Tonight, anchor in Ucagiz for an overnight stay

Included Activities:
-Sunken city of Kekova
-Turkish cooking class

After breakfast, you’ll anchor at Kalekoy and spend the morning visiting a crusader fortress. As a mid-morning snack, you’ll have a chance to try local, homemade ice cream in the ancient ruins of Simena. From here, you’ll cruise to Demre for lunch and swimming break before heading off on a tour from Cayagzı Bay to the ruins of Myra, a Lycian city. Tonight, you’ll anchor in Gokkaya Bay for dinner and an overnight stay.

Included Activities:
-Myra Lycian city visit
-Simena Fortress Visit

This morning you’ll begin cruising early in the morning to Liman Agzi Bay with breakfast being served on the way. On arrival, it will be time for lunch and a swimming break. After lunch, you’ll head to Kalkan and, weather permitting you’ll visit Kaputas beach, one of the biggest man-made beach in Turkey. Anchor in Firnaz Bay for dinner and an overnight stay.

An early start today will enable you to cruise to Turunc Pinari Bay for lunch, with a swimming break at Butterfly Valley on the way. After lunch, you’ll head back to Fethiye Harbor and get off from the boat for a walking tour in Fethiye. You’ll get to visit Fethiye Museum to see King Midas’ Monumental Tomb before wandering the streets of the town for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Next, you’ll head to the Fish Market where you can buy fish of your choice for the kitchen staff of a local restaurant to prepare for your dinner. There will be street musicians walking around, serenading you with local music.

Included Activities:
-Fish market and local dinner
-Fethiye walking tour
-Butterfly Valley swim

This morning you’ll have breakfast on board before saying goodbye to your amazing crew. After docking, you’ll head back to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. You’ll make your way straight to the hotel to check in and can then enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring. There are so many wonderful things to see and do, including a visit to the Spice Bazaar or the Blue Mosque. If you and the group would like to head out for a final dinner together, your leader will be able to recommend some brilliant local restaurants.

Today marks the end of your journey around the Turkish coast. You can head off any time after breakfast, whether you’re heading onward or spending more time in Istanbul.