Best of Turkey by Gulet

Welcome to Turkey! Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.

You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.

Our first stop today is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon we will depart for Fethiye where we will embark on our traditional Turkish gulet boat. We will have dinner and stay overnight on our boat.

After breakfast we will be cruising along the picturesque coastline. Throughout the day, we make several swimming stops in secluded bays, perfect spots for a refreshing dip or simply relaxing on deck. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard before continuing to another idyllic anchorage for the evening. Dinner is served under the stars and the night is spent in a quiet cove.

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the sea. After breakfast onboard, we continue exploring hidden coves and beautiful swimming spots. Soak up the sun, take in the views, and enjoy another delicious lunch at sea. By the afternoon, we will make our way to Fethiye for you to explore its shops and buzzing atmosphere. After dinner back on the boat, get amongst Fethiye famous nightlife.

It’s time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.

Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit the Özkonak Underground City, a city complete with very narrow and long openings providing communication and ventilation between floors, a winery, a water well, food stores, and sliding stone doors closing the entrances to the space. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).

Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.

This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Devrent Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.

Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).