Discover Turkey's Turquoise Coast on a luxurious cruise journey aboard a Turkish gulet ~ a traditional Turkish wooden boat. Cruise between glittering, secluded bays and fine, sandy beaches with the spectacular Taurus Mountains in the background. Go ashore with your expert guide to explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and charming seaside villages. Begin and end your travels in the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, where East meets West. Ideal for small groups of friends and family, or for an independent romantic getaway, Turkish gulets provide a breezy, easygoing holiday in this ancient Aegean corner of the world. Gulets come complete with guides, professional and personable crew, and your personal chef.
When you're ready
to see the world ...
New York 212-757-5858
Florida 954-766-8899
The Historic Coast of Turkey by Gulet
Turquoise Coast plus Istanbul
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul - Pera Palace Jumeirah
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the elegant and historic Pera Palace Hotel in the heart of the old city.
Day 2: Istanbul - Pera Palace Jumeirah
This morning, begin your exploration of Istanbul with your professional local guide. See the ancient Byzantine sunken cistern, the fabulous Blue Mosque and the nearby church of Hagia Sofia. Your voyage through history continues at the Topkapi Sarayi, the palace of the Ottoman sultans for over 300 years, and the Grand Bazaarm - one of the world’s oldest markets. B
Day 3: Istanbul - Pera Palace Jumeirah
Begin a culinary exploration of Istanbul today in the Egyptian bazaar, home to a fragrant spice market. Then see the city from the water aboard a Bosphoros cruise. On the Asian side of Istanbul, take a walking tour of the historic Kadikoy Market. Visit the specialty stores of local merchants, and sample their traditional foods. Continue with culinary discoveries at renowned Ciya Restaurant, where you will meet Chef Musa (if he’s available), and enjoy a variety of salads and other delicacies. Before an independent dinner, taste some Turkish wines at a fashionable bar near Galata Tower. BL
Day 4: Fethiye - Turkish Gulet
After a flight from Istanbul to Dalaman, travel to Fethiye on Turkey's Aegean region to board your traditional Turkish gulet. Stop at the market first, if you like, to pick up your favorite beverage and snacks to enjoy while cruising. Then board your ship, raise anchor and sail to a secluded bay for the evening. Cabin Suite BD
Day 5: Fethiye - Turkish Gulet
After breakfast, cruise to Gemiler Island and go ashore to visit Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek village. Later this afternoon, follow the stone paths used by Byzantine monks to the summit of the island for spectacular sunset views of the Mediterranean. BD
Day 6: Fethiye - Turkish Gulet
Today cruise to the mouth of the Dalyan River and board a small boat to travel to the Roman ruins of Kaunos. Then visit the nearby 6th Century BC royal Lycian cliff tombs, magnificently perched above the emerald green river. Continue up the river past a sea turtle sanctuary and, if you like, head to Koycegiz Lake where you will find hot springs and mud baths. Return to your gulet just in time for cocktail hour. BD
Day 7: Fethiye - Turkish Gulet
Early this morning, cruise to the secluded bay of Agalimani, a perfect spot for breakfast. Then hike to the ancient site of Lydea to explore the remains of the Temple of Athena. After lunch, cruise along the coast to snorkel and swim around a sunken ruin known as Cleopatra’s Bath. Late this afternoon, hike into the nearby pine forests. Do some stargazing tonight from your secluded spot in a lovely bay. BLD
Day 8: Fethiye - Turkish Gulet
Return to Fethiye to visit the famed fish market. Enjoy lunch ~ perhaps fresh sea bass sauteed with garlic and olive oil. Delve into ancient history at the elaborate Lycian tomb of Amintas. Reboard your ship and cruise to the Gocek Islands. Explore the pretty little town of Gocek where you can do some shopping and enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee. Late this afternoon, head to the marina and sip a drink while watching the sun set over the gently bobbing ships. BL
Day 9: Istanbul - Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Bid farewell to your crew this morning and disembark your gulet. Transfer to the Dalaman airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, check in to your luxury retreat in Istanbul's Old City .. and tonight, celebrate your journey through Turkey at a festive farewell dinner! You may want to extend your stay one more day to take advantage of some world-class shopping. BD
Day 10/11: Istanbul
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight returning to the States. B
HIGHLIGHTS:
Discover the wonders of the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
Search for treasures at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
Sample delicacies at Kadikoy Market and dine at Ciya Restaurant
Cruise the Turquoise Coast aboard a luxurious gulet
See the sunset from the summit of Gemiler Island
Wander around the Roman ruins of Kaunos
Explore the remains of the Temple of Athena
Swim and snorkel around the ruins of Cleopatra’s Bath
in collaboration/Cox & Kings
Customize Your Journey
Explore the ships and cruising options. Tell us when and where you want to go and what you want to see and do at the outset and at the conclusion of your cruise ~ pre and post. You may want to take a few, or more than a few additional days on either end of your cruise to explore and enjoy the cities and regions where you will embark and disembark. We can customize a personal journey around your cruise itinerary with best pricing based upon your travel dates and the number of persons in your party.
212.757.5858 | 954.766.8899
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SALLIE MASSIE for Destination MONACO
Four-Time Award Recipient - Condé Nast Traveler
