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Turkey is one of those “perfect” travel destinations with everything going for it: beautiful beaches, dramatic scenery, classical ruins (more than Greece!), delightful cuisine, and incredibly friendly people. Our adventure showcases the very best of the country, including a delightful cruise aboard a gulet along Turkey’s incredibly beautiful Turquoise Coast. You’ll swim and snorkel in warm, jewel-blue waters; feast on lavish spreads served on the open deck; and sleep peacefully at night while anchored in placid, pine-scented coves. But there’s more to this trip than simple relaxation and dazzling natural beauty. Get a comprehensive hands-on history lesson as you absorb the atmosphere of Roman times at glorious Ephesus; marvel at the haunting remains of Xanthos, with its dramatic and still-intact theater; explore Antakya, a community of people with varying faiths co-existing peacefully, and where Turkish and Arabic are still spoken; explore the fascinating aspects of Istanbul; and ever so much more—spice markets, bazaars, silk workshops—even a walk to an old “ghost town.” Prepare to have an entirely perfect adventure!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax aboard a Turkish gulet on a 6-day cruise along the celebrated Turquoise Coast
  
• Visit ancient cities of historical interest, including Ephesus, Myra, and Xanthos
  
• Dine on fantastic Turkish cuisine, shop at spice markets and village bazaars
  
• In-depth historical tour of Istanbul, gateway to the Orient
• Explore Cappadocia's volcanic tufa, fairy chimneys, and underground cities

PREFER A PRIVATE TRIP?
Looking for a very special private trip for your group of friends or family? We can plan a memorable group adventure aboard a private deluxe gulet, just the way you like it. Add a few days in Istanbul and/or Cappadocia, take a cooking class, enjoy one of Istanbul's many Turkish baths, or just relax on the waters off the Turquoise Coast. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime! Call 1-888-831-7526 or email us for details.

Day 1 - Meet in Istanbul, Turkey.

Day 2 - Ferry ride on the Bosphoros, then visit the beautiful Ottoman summer palace of Beylerbeyi and a traditional spice market.

Day 3 - Sightseeing in Istanbul, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.

Day 4 - Fly to Kayseri and drive to Cappadocia, one of the most beautiful and unusual spots in the world. Explore the pointed rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys.

Day 5 - Visit the Göreme Valley's Open Air Museum, with its preserved frescoes, and an underground clay pottery workshop.

Day 6 - Drive to Konya, where we'll visit the 13th century shrine of the Whirling Dervishes.

Day 7 - Head to the coastal city of Antalya. Board the gulet and cruise to a small cove for overnight.

Day 8 - Cruise to Myra (Demre) and visit its ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the limestone cliffs. Continue to Simena (Kale), a village reached only by foot or by sea, and explore its hilltop castle. Cruise to Kash and anchor in a nearby cove.

Day 9 - Short cruise to Kalkan, then explore the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, a dramatic site with ruins perched high on the hillside. Afternoon hike to a Roman aqueduct.

Day 10 - Hike to the ghostly remains of Levissi, abandoned by its Greek residents in 1923. Explore the extensive Byzantine ruins on Ship Island.

Day 11 - Walk to the Lydia Peninsula to meet local tribal people who migrate here seasonally with their goats and animals.

Day 12 - Cruise to Goçek, disembark, and drive to Kusadasi.

Day 13 - Visit Ephesus, one of the greatest and best preserved cities of antiquity. Drive to Izmir and fly to Istanbul.

Day 14 - Depart Istanbul.

Photo Credits
©Reinhard Schmid; ©MTS Photo File