LUXURY GROUP JOURNEY
The Historic Coast of Turkey by Gulet
My Dream Trip by
Thor Forsberg, Europe Destination Manager
Discover the Turquoise Coast of Turkey on this luxurious cruise journey aboard a Turkish gulet (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 towns. Begin and end your travels in the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, where East meets West, on the shores of the Bosphorus.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old city. Sultanhan Hotel (Double Room) – 3-nights
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the old city. Sultanhan Hotel (Double Room) – 3-nights
Day 2
Classic Istanbul
Depart with your expert local guide to begin your exploration of Istanbul. 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 Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. (B)
Depart with your expert local guide to begin your exploration of Istanbul. 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 Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest markets. (B)
Day 3
Culinary Istanbul
Begin your exploration of the cuisine of Istanbul 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 food stores of local merchants, and sample their traditional goods. Continue your culinary discoveries at renowned Ciya Restaurant, where you will meet Chef Musa (if he’s available), and enjoy a number of salads and other delicacies. Before an independent dinner, taste some Turkish wines at a fashionable bar near Galata Tower. (B, L)
Begin your exploration of the cuisine of Istanbul 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 food stores of local merchants, and sample their traditional goods. Continue your culinary discoveries at renowned Ciya Restaurant, where you will meet Chef Musa (if he’s available), and enjoy a number of salads and other delicacies. Before an independent dinner, taste some Turkish wines at a fashionable bar near Galata Tower. (B, L)
Day 4
To Fethiye / Board your gulet
After a flight from Istanbul to Dalaman, travel to Fethiye to meet your traditional Turkish gulet. Stop in the market first, if you like, to pick up your favorite alcoholic beverage or some snacks to enjoy while cruising. Then board your ship, raise anchor and sail to a secluded bay for the evening. Gulet (Cabin Suite) – 5-nights (B, D)
After a flight from Istanbul to Dalaman, travel to Fethiye to meet your traditional Turkish gulet. Stop in the market first, if you like, to pick up your favorite alcoholic beverage or some snacks to enjoy while cruising. Then board your ship, raise anchor and sail to a secluded bay for the evening. Gulet (Cabin Suite) – 5-nights (B, D)
Day 5
Gemiler Island
After breakfast, cruise to Gemiler Island and go ashore to visit Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek town. Late this afternoon, follow the stone paths used by Byzantine monks to the summit of the island for spectacular sunset views of the Mediterranean. (B, D)
After breakfast, cruise to Gemiler Island and go ashore to visit Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek town. Late this afternoon, follow the stone paths used by Byzantine monks to the summit of the island for spectacular sunset views of the Mediterranean. (B, D)
Day 6
Kaunos ruins / Carian Cliff Tombs / Dalyan village
Cruise to the mouth of the Dalyan River and board a small boat to travel to the Roman ruins of Kaunos. Nearby, visit the 6th-century B.C. 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 there are hot springs and mud baths. Return to your gulet just in time for cocktail hour. (B, D)
Cruise to the mouth of the Dalyan River and board a small boat to travel to the Roman ruins of Kaunos. Nearby, visit the 6th-century B.C. 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 there are hot springs and mud baths. Return to your gulet just in time for cocktail hour. (B, D)
Day 7
Lydea / Cleopatra’s bath
Early this morning, cruise to the secluded bay of Agalimani, a perfect spot for breakfast. Then embark on a 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, you can go on a hike into the nearby pine forests if you like. Do some stargazing tonight from your secluded spot in a lovely bay. (B, L, D)
Early this morning, cruise to the secluded bay of Agalimani, a perfect spot for breakfast. Then embark on a 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, you can go on a hike into the nearby pine forests if you like. Do some stargazing tonight from your secluded spot in a lovely bay. (B, L, D)
Day 8
Fethiye / Gocek
Disembark in Fethiye to visit the famed fish market and have lunch; perhaps choose some 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 sunset over the gently bobbing ships. (B, L)
Disembark in Fethiye to visit the famed fish market and have lunch; perhaps choose some 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 sunset over the gently bobbing ships. (B, L)
Day 9
Disembark / Istanbul
Bid farewell to your crew and disembark your gulet. Transfer to the Dalaman airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel near the famed Taksim Square. Tonight, celebrate your journey through Turkey at a festive farewell dinner. Central Palace (Standard Room) – 1-night (B, D)
Bid farewell to your crew and disembark your gulet. Transfer to the Dalaman airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel near the famed Taksim Square. Tonight, celebrate your journey through Turkey at a festive farewell dinner. Central Palace (Standard Room) – 1-night (B, D)
Day 10
Depart Istanbul
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight (B)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight (B)
Extend Your Journey
Journeys:
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 (traditional Turkish wooden boat)
- 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
Travel Details & Dates:
10 DAYS & 9 NIGHTS
Istanbul, Turquoise Coast Cruise & Istanbul
2012 Dates:
Sep 4-15
Internal Air
Sep 4-15
Internal Air
Prices From:
$8,150
$385
$8,150
$385
Note:
Internal airfare subject to change without notice. Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
Internal air (priced separately) luxury hotels, all meals, gratuities (except for your tour escort), all transfers, sightseeing, and is fully escorted.