Tour itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the only city in the world connecting two continents: Asia and Europe. Our representative will transfer you from the airport to your hotel. This evening you will meet with your tour leader - and fellow travellers -, who will brief you on the next days of our journey. You have the evening free to explore Istanbul on your own.
Day 2 Istanbul
After breakfast we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We stroll through the old town visiting Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum.
Day 3 Gallipoli
Today we depart Istanbul for Gallipoli. We visit all the important memorial sites in the region including the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Day 4 Troy, Pergamum, Selcuk
After breakfast we head to the ancient city of Troy, the setting of Homer's epic, Iliad, involving a giant wooden horse. We then continue to Pergamum, and the remains of the Temple of Athena, Temple of Trajan, library and theatre cut into the hillside. In the evening we arrive in Selcuk.
Day 5 Ephesus, Pamukkale
The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus, will be our first stop. In the afternoon we depart for Pamukkale and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was the cure centre founded in around 160 BC by the king of Pergamum. Our day continues as we take in the unusual and beautiful landscape of the “Cotton Castle”.
Day 6 Pamukkale, Dalyan, Boat Trip, Mud bath, Iztuzu, Fethiye
After breakfast we make our way to Dalyan, a small town in the south-western coast of Turkey, set in the centre of a broad delta, popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty. We join a boat trip to visit the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and we then continue to Iztuzu beach, homeland of world famous Caretta Caretta turtles. After a fantastic boat travel we reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye, the “traveller’s paradise” on the Mediterranean coast.
Day 7 Fethiye, Kayakoy, Oludeniz
This morning we set out for Kayakoy, the interesting old Greek town famous for its stone houses. We then make our way to Oludeniz. Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport activities. Here you can relax on the exquisite beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding and microlighting. Late in the afternoon we depart for our overnight stay in Fethiye.
Day 8 Fethiye, Gulet Cruise (L, D)
Today we board our Gulet at the Fethiye harbor. Before noon we begin cruising in the tranquil waters ofthe Mediterranean Sea. We first sail to Butterfly Valley for a swimming and lunch break and then continue to the peaceful lagoon of Oludeniz where you can also join adventure activities like paragliding and microlighting. St. Nicholas Island will be the last stop of the day.
Day 9 Gulet Cruise (B, L, D)
Early in the morning we depart for the famous Aquarium Bay near the charming village of Kalkan for breakfast and a swim in the glittering waters. We then cruise to the fishing village of Kas where we stop for shopping and lunch before sailing on to one of the relaxing bays near Kekova.
Day 10 Gulet Cruise (B, L, D)
Today we visit the Sunken City of Kekova and the traditional fishing village of Simena famous for its Byzantine & Ottoman castle. We trek to the castle with its fantastic view of Kekova Bay and then sail on to Gokkaya Bay where we remain overnight.
Day 11 Gulet Cruise, Olympos, Antalya (B, L)
After breakfast we stop at Pirates Cave for a break before disembarking the boat in Demre. We then escape to Olympos, the exquisite valley ideal for unwinding on unspoiled beaches or below towering pinetrees. Olympos is also famous for its tree houses and trekking & walking activities. In the afternoon we depart for Antalya, the most popular sea resort in Turkey. Our trip concludes in Antalya. Optional intercity bus ticket from Antalya to Istanbul can be arranged upon request (please advise on time of booking).