In-depth tour of Ephesus, Cappadocia and Istanbul, plus sailing adventure on the Turquoise Coast

This trip through Turkey's wonders starts with a fascinating land tour of the country's most important historical and cultural sites, and ends with a delightful cruise aboard a gulet along Turkey's incredibly beautiful Turquoise Coast. Absorb the country's vast history, from the Roman atmosphere at Ephesus, to the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia, and explore Istanbul's spice markets, bazaars, and silk workshops. You'll swim and kayak 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. Emphasizing both Turkey's history and its enchanting present-day wonders, our adventure showcases the very best of the country.

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Activities

6 days sailing, easy touring, optional hiking and kayaking

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

Duration: 14 days Start Location: Istanbul End Location: Istanbul

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Istanbul

  Meet in Istanbul, Turkey.

• Day 2 : Istanbul – Bosphorus

  Ferry ride on the Bosphoros, the narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia, and to a traditional spice market.

• Day 3 : Istanbul – Old Town

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

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  Day 4 : Cappadocia

  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 : Cappadocia

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

• Day 6 : Konya

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

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  Day 7 : Gulet Cruise

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

• Day 8 : Demre – Simena – Kash

  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.

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  Day 9 : Xanthos

  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 : Levissi Ghost Town

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

• Day 11 : Goçek Bay

  Walk to the Lydia Peninsula on an ancient stone path through red pine forest with spectacular views of the coves below, ending at the Bay of Goçek where Cleopatra used to bath.

• Day 12 : Goçek – Kusadasi

  Cruise to Goçek, disembark, and drive to Kusadasi.

• Day 13 : Ephesus – Istanbul

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

• Day 14 : "Gule Gule" (Go happily)

  Depart Istanbul.

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  Hotel Rumi

  Konya

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Ozlem "Ozzy" Ozgoren

  Ozzy studied for two years in the United States (the first time in Missouri as a high school foreign exchange student and more recently at the University of Miami’s department of Art History). She enjoys contact with Americans and likes to share her knowledge and interest in the history and culture of her native Turkey. She has guided tour groups in all areas of her country. In her spare time, Ozlem pursues her interest in wildlife and sings in a chorus.

• Mesut Ozgen

  Mesut, who has lived his whole life in his native Turkey, is a graduate of Balikesir University's Department of Tourism for Tourist Guides, and speaks fluent English. He has worked for Mountain Travel Sobek for many years, and are among our favorites in Europe. Mesut also guides MTS' Coruh River trips, and is a licensed guide for all regions in Turkey.

• Filiz Gecikmis

  Filiz was born and raised in Turkey, attended the Aegean University of Classic Archeology, and is a Certified Graduate of the Turkish Government Ministry of Tourism Guide Certification, licensed for all regions of Turkey. In her personal time, she participates in excavations of archeological sites, studies the history of the Middle East and Asia Minor, as well as foreign languages and ethic cultures, and is especially fond of film and music. Filiz has been a professional guide since 2007.

• Serra Somersan

  Serra is a native of Turkey, and is a graduate of Ege (Aegean) University, Department of Classical Archaeology, and a Certified Graduate of the Turkish government Ministry of Tourism guide program, licensed for all regions of Turkey. Her post-graduate studies have included six months of study in her profession at the Lecce University in Italy, and courses at the Middle Eastern Technical University to becoming a qualified diver. During her studies, she worked at the excavation site of the ancient city of Antandros, located in the ancient Troas region in each summer of these years.

• Zehra Ozgen

  Zehra graduated from the prestigious Kocaeli University's Department of Tourism for Tourist Guides, and speaks fluent English. She studies were focused on history, art and architecture, archaeology, and mythology. Zehra is very enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge, and has been guiding for us since 2008.

photo credits: ©MTS Photo File