Best of Turkey by Gulet Small Group

Location: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star

Meals: ,No Meals,

Location: Istanbul

After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,

Location: Gallipoli

Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel - 5 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,Dinner,

Location: Troy, Kuşadası

You may have heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt film, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the seaside town of Kusadasi.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel - 4 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,Dinner,

Location: Ephesus Archeological Site, Fethiye

Our first stop today is the spectacular, well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the afternoon we will depart for Fethiye where we will embark on our traditional Turkish gulet boat and sail to amazing Yassica Islands for a swim. We will have dinner and stay overnight on our boat.

Accommodation: ,Turkish Traditional Gulet

Meals: ,Breakfast,Dinner,

Location: Bedri Rahmi Koyu, Cleopatra's Baths

After breakfast at Yassi Islands we will cruise to Tersane for a swimming break and lunch. We will then sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for another swimming stop. We’ll sail to yet another amazing spot at Sunken Bath area for dinner and place for our Gulet to spend a night. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay, due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath.

Accommodation: ,Turkish Traditional Gulet

Meals: ,Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner,

Location: Fethiye, Boncuklu koyu

Another day in paradise! After breakfast, we will anchor at Boncuklu Bay for our last swimming break and lunch. We will the make our way to Fethiye for you to explore its shops and buzzing atmosphere. After dinner back on the boat, get amongst Fethiye famous nightlife.

Accommodation: ,Turkish Traditional Gulet

Meals: ,Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner,

Location: Pamukkale

It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel - 4 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,Dinner,

Location: Cappadocia

Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,Dinner,

Location: Cappadocia

Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,Dinner,

Location: Ihlara

This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.

Accommodation: ,Hotel,

Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Star

Meals: ,Breakfast,

Location: İstanbul

Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).

Accommodation: ,

Meals: ,Breakfast,