The southwest Turkish Coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas is a land of myth, history and legendary hospitality, with a centuries-old tradition of boat travel. The words of Homer and the Greek myths come to life as we stand on the deck of our traditional wooden yacht and imagine the life of seafarers past. On this romantic voyage of history and hedonism, we travel aboard an elegant gulet (a locally-built yacht) with double bed cabins and private bathrooms. On board and ashore we feast on Epicurean delights. On crystal blue seas beneath towering mountains descending sharply into the waters, we visit quaint Turkish villages, hidden rock coves, wooded inlets and magnificent ruins of the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We anchor in remote, sheltered bays embraced by the sun, walk along quiet paths to small villages, and exploring regions where tourists are unknown. There is plenty of time to swim & snorkel in warm, clear waters. Some nights we dock or moor in small port towns, strolling the waterfront and savoring local color in neighborhood cafes From the harbors of antiquity we sail to tranquil villages decorated with mosques and minarets, and meet friendly residents. Our walks into the interior take us to isolated villages and scenic wonders. Private guided excursions in ancient ruins teach us about the history, customs and daily lives of the people who once lived here. We join those who now inhabit this beautiful country to enjoy Turkey’s unparalleled mix of culture and history. ITINERARY DAY 1 ISTANBUL Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we stroll along the streets of this glamorous city. After a glimpse of the old city, we get back to our hotel for a welcome cocktail and then go to a traditional spot for our welcome dinner. DAY 2 ISTANBUL In the morning, we start to visit the glorious highlights of Constantinople. We visit Topkapi Palace, and then walk to the other splendid relics such as 400-year-old Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), and 2000-year-old Roman Hippodrome and the Underground Cistern and visit the Hagia Sophia Church, miraculously built in the first half of the 6th century, by Emperor Justinianus. Sites visited: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, and Roman Hippodrome and Haghia Sophia. DAY 3 FLIGHT TO ANTALYA Drive to Boat in Finike (2 hour drive), Board Boat (6 Nights on Turkish Gullet (Traditional Sailing Vessel) DAY 4 SIMENA From now on we use our beautiful gullet as our floating hotel. We visit two interesting sites in the morning. First the very impressive rock-cut tomb necropolis and the 2nd century theater of Myra and then the Church of St. Nicholas ( Santa Claus). In the afternoon we cruise to a well preserved cove then hike to the remote and impressive citadel of Crusaders located on the acropolis of Lycian site of Simena. We tie to this little ancient village for the night. Extracurricular activities: Hike to Simena 1,5 h Sites visited: Church of St. Nicholas, Myra, Simena DAY 5 KALKAN We slowly cruise along the sunken island of Kekova and look at the 2000 years old ruins submerged into the water. Then we cruise to snorkel over the sunken ruins of Aperlai, and then to Kas, a sleepy Meditarrenean village with white washed houses and begonvillas. Return to boat anchored near Kalkan, by a 1h. hike in the afternoon. Extracurricular activities: Snorkelling over the sunken ruins of Aperlai. Sites visited: Kekova, Aperlai, Kas DAY 6 GEMILER ISLAND In the morning we take a minibus to the deserted Greek town of Kaya, which was abandoned by 1930s as a result of the population exchange treaty between Turkey and Greece. After exploring this ghost town, we hike to meet our boat in Soguksu Cove. There is a short hike on the Gemiler Island where we can see the Byzantine ruins and watch the sunset. Extracurricular activities: Hike from Kaya to Soguksu 1,5 h, hike to Gemiler Island for sunset 1 h RT Sites visited: Kaya, Gemiler Island DAY 7 AGALIMANI COVE In the morning we cruise to Batik Hamam (Sunken Bath) cove which has a Roman bath about 5 feet under water – where Mark Anthony is said to have wooed Cleopatra. From here we walk through pine forests enjoying spectacular views of the Mediterranean, to visit the Lycian site of Lydae which is accessible only on foot. We descend to our boat to anchor for the night in Agalimani Cove. 2,5 h Extracurricular activities: Hike from Batik Hamam to Agalimani, sail Sites visited: Lydae DAY 8 CAUNUS – EKINCIK Morning sail to Iztuzu Beach, well-known as the place where the rare sea-turtle species Caretta Carettas lay their eggs. We board a fishing boat and cruise up the Dalyan River to Dalyan, through a maze of bamboo and cattails. Visit the magnificent 4th C. rock cut tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos. Late afternoon hike to Ekincik Cove to meet the boat and enjoy our last night on the boat with your crew. 3 h Extracurricular activities: Hiking from Caunus ancient site to Ekincik Cove. Sites visited: Caunus ancient site, Dalyan Town DAY 9 EPHESUS AREA We disembark in Marmaris and drive to Ephesus area, which is in the heart of ancient civilisations. Settle in the 250 years old village cottages in Sirince village, restored in a heavenly way by the Nisanyan family. Start exploring the vicinity. Overnight Hotel Extracurricular activities: walk Sites visited: Sirince visit and maybe more depending on time. DAY 10 Ephesus to ISTANBUL: FLIGHT NEEDED: Izmir to Istanbul We check out go to explore the king of the ancient sites : Ephesus. We also see the Archaeological Museum. We can absorb and enjoy this site, despite the madding tourist crowds. As well, we visit the Basilica and Tomb of St John, and The Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Take the late afternoon flight to Istanbul and check into our hotel. Enjoy the farewell dinner at a great spot. Extracurricular activities: Farewell dinner. Sites visited: Ephesus ancient city, Ephesus Museum, Basilica and Tomb of St John, Isabey Mosque and The Temple of Artemis. DAY 11 END OF TOUR Details: DATES : May 21-31, 2010 (in Turkey) PRICE: $4300 pp/do based on final group numbers & boat selection. No Single Supplement available at this time. DURATION : 10 nights / 11 days STARTING POINT : Istanbul Ataturk Airport ENDING POINT : Istanbul Ataturk Airport RATING : Cultural / Easy hiking/Active Cruise Internal Flights Needed: Istanbul to Antalya/ Return Dalaman to Istanbul Price includes : * Quality accommodation in small charming hotels. * All meals with great representation of Turkish Cuisine. * Local drinks, such as wine, beer and beverages on the boat. * All bus, minibus transportation in Turkey. * Certified professional guide from Turkey & Escorted by Kathy Dragon * Parking fees, guide’s expenses, etc. * Entrance fees to museums and archeological sites. does not include : All air fares to, from and within Turkey. personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, tips.
Cappadocia Hiking Pre-Tour
The Essence of the Program:
We start with exploring legendary Constantinople, masterpieces of the last two millenniums, walk the timeless streets, eating at exotic places, staying at the Sultan's neighborhood. Exploring some of the world's strangest scenery, in Cappadocia, where the roads take us to a surrealistic landscapes of volcanic chimneys, excavated for use as houses by early Christians, gorges, vineyards, elaborately carved and frescoed rock churches and entire underground cities.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 CAPPADOCCIA
This morning we take a short flight to Cappadocia located in the center of Turkey. This unusual landscape is a geological and historical wonder composed of extensive underground cities (churches, schools, frescos, homes, ventilation systems etc.) carved into eerily eroded volcanic tuff. After checking into our hotel, we walk to Uchisar Castle, an impressive rock formation long use by locals as a castle. It offers a superb panorama of the surrounding area. We continue to hike through the Love Valley, famous for its magical fairy chimneys as well as explore the Goreme Open Air Museum with its excellent examples of Byzantine rural art. (B,L,D)
Extracurricular activities: Hiking 3-4 hours a day, visiting local workshops , winery
Sites visited: Goreme Open air Museum, Derinkuyu underground city.
DAY 2 CAPPADOCCIA
We start our day with a hike through the picturesque Red Valley. With its high walls and narrow canyons, it may remind you of the American Southwest. Our hike passes ancient monasteries and churches as we make our way back towards Goreme. This area of Cappadocia is well known for its pottery, and this afternoon we may stop to visit a local studio to learn more about this ancient art. (B,L,D)
Extracurricular activities possible: Visiting local pottery
Sites visited: Red Valley, Goreme.
DAY 3 CAPPADOCCIA
Cappadocia has dozens of subterranean towns, but the most impressive are Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. These elaborate settlements are up to eight stories deep (only yet partially excavated) with a tangle of tunnels leading to churches, private living quarters, storage areas, deep water wells, carved chimneys for air shafts and even wine producing chambers. There is one tunnel nearly 6 miles long that connects the two underground cities. Up to 60,000 people lived here for months underground. The determination and motivation behind the creation of these subterranean fortresses is nearly inconceivable. Next, itís off to the beautiful stream-lined canyon of the Ilhara Valley for an afternoon of hiking. This narrow canyon is simply delightful with dozens of hidden, Byzantine churches, along with their original frescos, to explore along the way. After lunch in the valley at a small cafe situated on the banks of the river, we head back on a different track. (B,L,D)
Extracurricular activities: Hike the Ihlara Valley.
Sites visited: Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City.
DAY 4 CAPPADOCIA
Morning hike if time is available, transfer to the airport, return flight NAV to Istanbul mid-day.
NOTE: The days in Cappadocia can be enhanced with Cultural Folk Show, balloon ride, horseback riding depending on schedule and availability.
Costs: Based on Group Size. Minimum number to operate trip= 4 guests
4 guests $995/pp land cost
8 Guests: $795/pp land cost
Single Supplement Charge: $95
The cost includes:
3 nights Boutique Hotel Accommodations, 3 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, Entrance fees,Certified professional guide, Guide's air, hotel, meals etc, Bus transportation,Parking fees,wine at sunset, etc.The cost does not include. Airfare to/from Cappadoccia,drinks, extra excursions, personal expenses.