Country(ies): Turkey
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 14
Accommodation:4-star hotels & gulet sailing boat
Meals: Breakfasts - 12, Lunches - 2, Dinners - 5
Transport: A/C minibus & gulet sailing boat
Highlights:Istanbul, Gallipoli Battlefields, Ancient city of Troy, Calcium Travertines of Pamukkale, Hieropolis, traditional Gulet Cruise along the Mediterranean coast, Cappadocia, Goreme Valley, Ankara
The 13-day Turkey tour promises an extraordinary journey through the heart of Turkey, combining historical and cultural exploration with a tranquil 3-night cruise along the enchanting Mediterranean coast. This carefully crafted itinerary offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
The adventure commences in Istanbul, the mesmerizing city that straddles Europe and Asia. Here, the blend of cultures and traditions creates a captivating atmosphere. After delving into Istanbul's treasures, the tour heads to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of historical significance that pays tribute to the ANZAC day battlefields and memorial sites. It's a poignant reminder of the past.
Turning south, the journey unfolds along the scenic Mediterranean coastline. Along the way, travelers explore the ancient ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Pergamum, and the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The seaside town of Kusadasi serves as a delightful stopover.
The tour takes an idyllic turn with a 3-night cruise aboard a traditional Turkish gulet in the Gulf of Fethiye. Travelers have the opportunity to visit secluded bays, swim in crystal-clear waters, discover charming local villages, and unwind on the deck while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Leaving the coast behind, the journey heads inland to explore more of Turkey's treasures. The tiered calcium travertines and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis at Pamukkale showcase nature's wonders and ancient marvels. A drive along the historic Silk Road brings travelers to Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes, including the iconic "fairy chimneys."
While in Cappadocia, we explore the captivating Goreme Valley, visits underground cities, and offers an opportunity to hike through the mesmerizing landscapes. The region's rich history and geological wonders come to life during this leg of the journey.
The final leg of the tour takes travelers back to Istanbul, with a stop in Ankara along the way. In the Turkish capital, they visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the revered Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, gaining insight into Turkey's modern history.
The tour runs during the warmer months, from late April through to October, ensuring pleasant weather for exploration. Accommodations are in comfortable mid-range hotels, and during the Gulet cruise, many guests choose to sleep under the stars on the deck, adding a touch of magic to the Mediterranean experience.
Many of our group itineraries can be booked as private departures, offering the flexibility to customise your accommodation or work with our sales team to create a completely tailor-made journey. Contact us for details.
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Upon arrival into Istanbul make your way to the starting hotel (transfer not included but available as an optional extra). There will be a welcome meeting in the hotel reception this evening, where you can meet your guide and the rest of the group. Airport transfers and extra nights in the hotel in Istanbul are available before the tour starts if you would like to spend some more time in this fascinating city.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbu hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (TUSGAL)
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Istanbul Arrival Transfer
After breakfast, embark on a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the enchanting city that famously bridges two continents. Your morning of exploration features visits to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Marvel at the striking architecture of the Blue Mosque, discover the profound historical significance of the St Sophia Museum, and explore the opulent halls of Dolmabahce Palace. We will also wander through the ancient Hippodrome, once the bustling centre of Byzantine civic life.
In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to take to the water with an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise. This relaxing journey allows you to sail the vibrant strait that separates Europe from Asia, offering spectacular views of the city skyline from a truly unique perspective.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to the Gallopoli peninsular where we will receive a fully guided tour of this important World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War, today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly, The Nek and will will provide a chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war. We'll spend the night in nearby Canakkale.
OVERNIGHT:
Canakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
2026 Itinerary:
Leaving Çanakkale, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy to uncover the ancient city and visit the award-winning Troy Museum. Next, we travel to the picturesque settlement of Behramkale. Take some free time to stroll through the narrow streets, admire the traditional stone houses, and enjoy a local café before we continue south to Kuşadası.
2027 & 2028 Itinerary:
Leaving Çanakkale, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy to uncover the ancient city and visit the award-winning Troy Museum. Next, we travel to Bergama to discover the awe-inspiring Acropolis of Pergamon. Marvel at the ancient temples and historical library of this former cultural powerhouse before we continue south to Kuşadası.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the whole Mediterranean region. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
This evening we'll visit a local vineyard and learn about how wines have been produced in this region over the centuries. You can taste wines from the local region in the vineyard garden before we return to our hotel in Kusadasi.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Begin your day with an exclusive look at some of Turkey's finest locally handcrafted leather goods, showcasing traditional artisan skills.
Afterwards, we journey to the beautiful coastal town of Fethiye to begin your memorable gulet adventure. You will board your traditional wooden vessel in Fethiye Harbour at approximately 15:00. Once settled, we set sail for the crystal-clear waters of either Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay, dropping anchor for a refreshing afternoon of swimming and snorkelling. Continuing our cruise, we will navigate past a scattering of picturesque islands as we make our way towards Tersane Island, also known as Dockyard Island. Here, you can step ashore to explore the captivating ruins of a former Greek settlement and the remains of a historically significant naval shipyard.
OVERNIGHT:
On board Gulet at Tersane Island
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
You can take an early swim before breakfast if you wish today, after which we will sail on around the coastline to Hamam Bay. This large bay is surrounded by pine trees and is famous for the ruins of Cleopatra’s Baths which was possibly destroyed by an earthquake in the region. Legend has it that Marc Anthony built the bathhouse here as a wedding gift for Cleopatra, even having golden sands imported from Egypt. The site was chosen because a hot water spring was found above the bay, supplied by the thermal waters of a crater lake in the mountains north of the bay. Stories tell of the couple visiting here on what would have been their honeymoon.
We'll then continue our cruise to Sarsala Bay from which a pleasant 45 minute hike brings you to an ancient Lycian town which has several walls with inscriptions dating from the 3rd century BC. Our day's cruising then finishes at Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the famous Turkish writer and painter, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu. On one of his cruises in 1973 he painted a fish on a rock in the bay and it has since been renamed after him. The bay is protected and surrounded by pine trees, olive trees and oleander flowers. You can find several Lycian rock tombs hidden in the trees and some historians believe this is the location of the ancient Lycian town of Crya. We'll overnight here.
OVERNIGHT:
On board Gulet in Bedri Rahmi Bay
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today, our scenic cruise gently winds its way back towards Fethiye, navigating through the stunning archipelagos of the Yassica and Gocek Islands. While many of these tiny islets remain unnamed, they provide idyllic, safe anchorages and beautifully secluded sandy beaches. It is the perfect environment to spend your day swimming in the crystalline waters, snorkelling among the marine life, or simply basking in the warm Mediterranean sun while admiring the breathtaking surroundings. Before we complete our journey back to Fethiye, we will make one final, memorable stop at Red Island for a refreshing farewell swim.
OVERNIGHT:
On board Gulet in Fethiye harbour
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we journey to Pamukkale to witness the magnificent white calcium terraces, famously known as the Travertines. Cascading down the hillside, these natural wonders are a truly breathtaking sight. While here, we will also explore the fascinating ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. For a truly unique experience, you will have the opportunity to take a relaxing dip in the antique hot springs. Imagine swimming amongst submerged Roman columns in the very same mineral-rich waters celebrated for their therapeutic powers in ancient times.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we embark on a journey along the ancient Silk Road, tracing the historic trade routes of centuries past. Our travels include a fascinating stop at the impressive Sultanhani Caravanserai, a monumental resting place originally built to shelter merchants and their camel trains. We will also visit the spiritual city of Konya to explore the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the whirling dervishes and the resting place of the famous mystic Rumi.
This evening, you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local culture by joining an optional traditional Turkish folklore evening, featuring vibrant music, authentic costumes, and lively dancing.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Prepare to be amazed by the otherworldly, lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia. Today is dedicated to exploring this extraordinary region, starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage site features incredible rock-hewn churches adorned with remarkably preserved Byzantine frescoes. Afterwards, we will wander among the iconic fairy chimneys, marvelling at the towering, wind-sculpted rock formations that make this area so famous. The adventure continues as we descend into one of Cappadocia's fascinating underground cities. You will navigate the intricate, multi-level network of tunnels and chambers, learning how early inhabitants carved these immense subterranean sanctuaries to shelter from invaders.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We leave Cappadocia early this morning and drive to Turkey's capital Ankara to visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk the country's famous leader during the Turkish war of independence and the founder of the modern Turkish republic. The mausoleum is one of Turkey's best examples of modern architecture and sits on a hill overlooking the city. From here we continue back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour. An optional morning flight to Istanbul is available from Kayseri in Cappadocia to avoid the long drive today (please contact us for current flight times and prices).
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
The tour ends in Istanbul today. Airport transfers and extra nights in the hotel in Istanbul may be added on request.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
Istanbul Departure Transfer
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Gulet itineraries are subject to change at very little notice due to weather conditions and other local logistical reasons. While overnight stops may take place in different bays, the same overall experience is maintained.
If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Encounters Travel, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime during the summer months (we do not operate gulet trips during the winter), and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details an
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time
in the don you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and
add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accon based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise
upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other
options er be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend
booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many opt priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or
high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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