Turkey: Treasures of Turkey (trip)

Turkey: Treasures of Turkey

  • Istanbul, Turkey
  • Active & Adventure
Turkey: Treasures of Turkey , Turkey, Mediterranean

from $5,195* per person14 DaysMay, September, October
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 4
Operator: Mountain Travel Sobek 12 people max

This trip through Turkey's wonders starts with a fascinating land tour of the country's most important historical and cultural sites, and ends with a delightful cruise aboard a gulet along Turkey's incredibly beautiful Turquoise Coast. Absorb the country's vast history, from the Roman atmosphere at Ephesus, to the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia, and explore Istanbul's spice markets, bazaars, and silk workshops. You'll swim and kayak in warm, jewel-blue waters; feast on lavish spreads served on the open deck; and sleep peacefully at night while anchored in placid, pine-scented coves. Emphasizing both Turkey's history and its enchanting present-day wonders, our adventure showcases the very best of the country.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Relax aboard a Turkish gulet on a 6-day cruise along the celebrated Turquoise Coast
  • Visit ancient cities of historical interest, including Ephesus, Myra, and Xanthos
  • Dine on fantastic Turkish cuisine, shop at spice markets and village bazaars
  • In-depth historical tour of Istanbul, gateway to the Orient
  • Explore Cappadocia's volcanic tufa, fairy chimneys, and underground cities

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Turkey: Treasures of Turkey , Turkey, Mediterranean

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Special information

  • May accommodate certain types of disabilities. Contact the operator for more information.

Itinerary

   
      Day 1 : Arrive in Istanbul

      Meet in Istanbul, Turkey.
    
      Day 2 : Istanbul – Bosphorus

      Ferry ride on the Bosphoros, the narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia, and to a traditional spice market.
    
      Day 3 : Istanbul – Old Town

      Sightseeing in Istanbul, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
     
     Day 4 : Cappadocia

      Fly to Kayseri and drive to Cappadocia, one of the most beautiful and unusual spots in the world. Explore the pointed rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys.
   
      Day 5 : Cappadocia

      Visit the Göreme Valley's Open Air Museum, with its preserved frescoes, and an underground clay pottery workshop.
   
      Day 6 : Konya

      Drive to Konya, where we'll visit the 13th century shrine of the Whirling Dervishes.
    
      Day 7 : Gulet Cruise

      Head to the coastal city of Antalya. Board the gulet and cruise to a small cove for overnight.
    
      Day 8 : Demre – Simena – Kash

      Cruise to Myra (Demre) and visit its ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the limestone cliffs. Continue to Simena (Kale), a village reached only by foot or by sea, and explore its hilltop castle. Cruise to Kash and anchor in a nearby cove.
    
      Day 9 : Xanthos

      Short cruise to Kalkan, then explore the ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, a dramatic site with ruins perched high on the hillside. Afternoon hike to a Roman aqueduct.
    
      Day 10 : Levissi Ghost Town

      Hike to the ghostly remains of Levissi, abandoned by its Greek residents in 1923. Explore the extensive Byzantine ruins on Ship Island.
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      Day 11 : Goçek Bay

      Walk to the Lydia Peninsula on an ancient stone path through red pine forest with spectacular views of the coves below, ending at the Bay of Goçek where Cleopatra used to bath.
    
      Day 12 : Goçek – Kusadasi

      Cruise to Goçek, disembark, and drive to Kusadasi.
    
      Day 13 : Ephesus – Istanbul

      Visit Ephesus, one of the greatest and best preserved cities of antiquity. Drive to Izmir and fly to Istanbul.
    
      Day 14 : "Gule Gule" (Go happily)

      Depart Istanbul.

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