Country(ies): Turkey
Tour type: Shoestring
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 20
Accommodation: 3-4-star hotels & gulet sailing boat
Meals:
Transport: A/C minibus & gulet sailing boat
Highlights: Gallipoli Battlefields, Ancient city of Troy, Calcium Travertines of Pamukkale, Hieropolis, traditional Gulet Cruise along the Mediterranean coast, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Goreme Valley
The 13-day Turkey Highlights and Mediterranean Cruise 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, guests stay in a boutique 'cave hotel,' adding a unique touch to the experience. The tour explores 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.
Expand all
Expand all
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
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 destination youre 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 accommodation 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 may either 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 options are 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.
Expand all
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.