Turkey Highlights + Gulet Cruise

Meet on arrival to Istanbul Airport and transfer on to the hotel. Remainder of the day/evening is then free for you to relax or begin to explore your surroundings. Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast meet in hotel lobby to begin exploring some of the most amazing sights that the historical area has to offer. Guided tour includes the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome and Obelisk, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace (excluding optional extra entrance to Harem room). Evening free at leisure to stroll around and enjoy dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.

This morning enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorous during which you have views from the vessel of various historical sights that line its shores. The guided tour also includes a visit to the famous Spice Bazaar & Rustempasha Mosque. Then some free time at leisure until transfer to airport for departure on domestic flight to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia

*Optional: very early morning 1 hour hot air balloon ride, amazing views over the valleys
Today emmerse yourself in the beautiful natural setting of Cappadocia. During this full day tour explore Devrent Valley and Monk's Valley (Pasabagi) where you find the world famous fairy chimneys; break for lunch in Avanos, a village famous for its pottery; then visit Goreme Open-Air Museum and explore the numerous churches and monasteries with their frescoes. These churches and monasteries where carved from the soft volcanic stone and decorated by Medieval Orthodox Christian Monks around 1000-1200AD. Also view Uchisar Natural rock castle. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast join on another full day tour this time starting with a 4km (medium grade) hike in Red Valley exploring rock-cut churches and colorful fairy chimneys along the way. Visit Cavusin (old Greek village) then time for lunch before heading on to delve down into Kaymakli Underground City. The day also includes panoramic views at Pigeon Valley with its famous dove cotes & Ortahisar. Then a little free time until transfer to bus station for departure on overnight intercity bus to Marmaris.
*If you do not wish to travel by overnight bus we can instead arrange flight, please advise preference
*If you would prefer to visit Derinkuyu Underground City & hike Ihlara Valley please advise preference

Arrive early morning to Marmaris (if by overnight bus) and meet for transfer to harbour area. You then have some free time at leisure to explore around the center before afternoon boarding of the gulet. Welcome by your captain and enjoy dinner onboard. Overnight in Marmaris Harbour

After breakfast cruise towards Ekincik Gulf. On arrival you can opt to join on a tour of Dalyan (using small boat called “piyade” cross to Caretta-Caretta (turtle) Beach and time for a swimming break; then enjoy the natural beauty of the delta as you cruise along the river and see the the ancient Rock Tombs of Kaunos; finally arrive at the mud baths to relax and rejuvene. A fishing village called Dalyan will be final stop before returning to the gulet by piyade boat). Dinner and an overnight in the Gulf of Ekincik.

Because of the wavy seas of Disibilmez and Kurtoglu capes that have to be crossed, cruise earlier than the other days and reach the world-famous Gocek Gulf. Anchor at Sunken Bath for breakfast and swimming break. Also known as Cleopatra Bay due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath. Then cruise to Tersane Island. This naturally protected harbour was used as a shipyard in Byzantine and Ottoman times. Overnight at Kizil Island.

Arrive Fethiye Harbor early in the morning. Fethiye, known as Telmessos in ancient times, was the most important city situated on LyKia's western border with Caria. Here you have the chance to join on a jeep safari tour or for those the prefer to stay onboard the boat will cruise to Samanlik Bay for lunch and swimming. Then at 16;00 it is time to say farewell, disembark and transfer to bus station for departure on intercity bus to Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale

Leisurely breakfast and mid morning join up with tour visiting the natural formation of the travertens (cotton cliffs/cotton castle) in Pamukkale along with the ruins of Hierapolis. End of day with arrival to hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Today depart on full day tour visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus. Here you have the chance to walk down marble streets, view the magnificent Celsius Library and the Grand Theatre, just a few of the many buildings and fountains that can be found in this open air museum. Also visit the House of Virgin Mary & remains of Artemis Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.
*If you need to head back to Istanbul on this evening that is possible, just note your preferences

Breakfast, check out and transfer to Izmir Airport for departure on most suitable 1 hour domestic flight to Istanbul. Arrive and proceed to international departures - end of services.
*Should you have more time available we can arrange travel on to any other area of Turkey you might prefer
*If you are planning to head to Greece we can make alternative arrangements - just let us know