|
|
Home > Destinations > Mediterranean > Turkey > Turquoise Coast Odyssey
Turquoise Coast Odyssey
Hike through lush pine forests to ancient Byzantine churches, fortified Crusader castles, Roman baths and theatres, Ottoman mosques, palaces and harem quarters. Swim in crystalline waters and snorkel over sunken ruins as we cruise between Finike and Marmaris in Turkish gulets, hand-built, wooden sail-motor yachts featuring ample deck space and plenty of delectable Turkish cuisine. Apart from the cruise you will be the guests of a village family in the Taurus mountains, eating and sleeping in the local tradition. Travel inland on the Anatolian plains to Cappadocia, one of the most enchanting regions of Turkey. Visit underground cities, some 12-stories deep, which served as safe havens during the earliest years of Christianity. Hike among fairy-tale chimneys, through tunnels to hidden churches and among rural, traditional Anatolian villages. World travelers returning from our Turquoise Coast voyages routinely conclude that this was the best trip they have ever taken!
DAYS 1-2 : ISTANBUL
Upon arrival meet and transfer to an historical hotel in the Old City. Afternoon stroll; welcome dinner at a 500-year-old Ottoman soup kitchen. Day 2 spend the entire day exploring the historic grandeur of exotic Istanbul. Visit the splendid relics of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires: Aya Sophia, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace. Afternoon boat ride up the Bosphorus passing palaces and lavishly restored antique homes and embassies. Overnight two nights at Sultanahan Hotel (or similar). [D Day 1; BLD Day 2]
DAYS 3-4 : CAPPADOCIA
Fly to Kayseri and drive to the fairy-tale land of Cappadocia. Spend two days exploring the region, hiking among fairy chimneys, vineyards and rural villages. Wander through the Goreme Open Air Museum and visit a local potter in his cave-like workshop. At a carpet-weaving co-op, learn about dyeing, spinning, design and weaving of Turkish carpets and kilims. Explore underground cities that served as safe havens for thousands of early Christians. Overnight two nights in Elkep Evi, a restored cave house with spectacular views of the valley. [BLD]
DAY 5 : VILLAGE HOME-STAY
Drive to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes. Continue to the remote mountain village of Urunlu via Beysehir Lake on seldom-used back roads. Black goat-haired yurts of Yuruk nomads can be seen in the green meadows surrounded by cedar-covered mountains. Urunlu is a traditional community rarely visited by western travelers. Villagers who participate with us in this authentic cross-cultural encounter have recently added beds, new plumbing and more privacy so you feel comfortable as their guests. Village homestay. [BLD]
DAY 6 : ANTALYA - ASPENDOS
Scenic morning drive over the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Coast, stopping at Aspendos, the best preserved and one of the largest Roman theaters in the world. Relax and explore the old town of Antalya or, if time permits, drive to Termessos National Park for a hike up to the Pisidian site at the foot of Mount Gulluk (3 hrs hike roundtrip). The mountaintop Roman Theatre and necropolis are stunning. Dinner and overnight at the historic Dogan Hotel in the heart of Antalya's old district near the harbor. [BLD]
DAY 7 : CHIMAERA - ARYCANDA
Early morning drive to Cirali village, home of the fire-breathing monster at the foothills of Mount Olympos. Hike through the forest to the to the Eternal Fires of the Chimaera (1.5 hrs) where the mythologial hero Bellerophon, riding his winged white horse Pegasus, killed the three-headed monster Chimaera. Today, 15-20 gas-produced flames burn perpetually from holes in the ground. After lunch drive to Finike to board a traditional Turkish gulet. Late afternoon walking excursion to the remote site of Arycanda, built into the steep, densely forested mountainside. The Greek theater, odeon and Roman baths are the most extravagant of their kind. Bring your favorite poem to demonstrate your oratory skills in the intimate odeon. Return to the gulet for overnight on board. [BLD]
DAY 8 : MYRA - KEKOVA
Sail to Andriace to the ruins of Myra and then the Church of St. Nicholas (3rd century). Myra boasts one of the most colossal and well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, complete with stone masks of the performers lying about. Explore 4th C. BC Lycian house-tombs carved out of the rock with richly-decorated facades. In the afternoon cruise to a well-preserved cove, then hike to Kalekoy (Simena), a pastoral village crowned by a Crusader castle with dozens of impressive Roman sarcophagi strewn around its base. Our yacht anchors near this little ancient village and we watch the sunset over Kekova Bay. Overnight on board. [BLD]
DAY 9 : APERLAI - KAS
Cruise Kekova Sound to Aperlai, a 4th C Lycian city whose walls and sarcophagi are scattered over the hillsides and in the bay. Snorkel over sunken ruins. Sail to the charming Mediterranean village of Kas, with its well-preserved Greek theater and narrow streets with bougainvillea flowing over wooden balconies of white-washed houses. After touring the village return on foot (1 hr) to the boat anchored near Kalkan. Overnight on board. [BLD]
DAY 10 : KAYA KOY - GEMILER ISLAND
Morning drive by minibus up to Kaya Koy, an abandoned Greek ghost town. Over 600 abandoned homes once belonged to Greeks who were subject to a population exchange treaty between Turkey and Greece in 1930. After exploring this ghost town hike to meet the boat in Soguksu Cove for swimming and leisure. Before dusk hike (1 hr) on Gemiler Island to the 6th C. ruins of a Byzantine monastic society. Overnight on board at Gemiler Island. [BLD]
DAY 11 : CLEOPATRA'S BATHS - LYDEA
Morning cruise to Turquoise Cove, a serene inlet in Fethiye Bay where we visit the Sunken Baths of Cleopatra. Swim and snorkel, searching for sponges, octopus and fish. After lunch, hike from Hamam Cove to Lydea (3 hrs), an ancient Lycian Oracle reached only by trail. This is one of the most spectacular hikes of the trip over high, rocky ridgetops with pine forests, shepherds' homesteads, and the aroma of natural herb gardens of oregano, thyme and sage lingering in the air. Anchor for the night in Agalimani. Overnight on board. [BLD]
DAY 12 : DALYAN - 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 through a maze of bamboo and cattails to Dalyan. Visit the magnificent 4th C. rock cut tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos. Late afternoon hike (3 hrs) to Ekincik Cove to meet the boat and enjoy a special night of celebration with your crew. Overnight on board. [BLD]
DAY 13 : SIRINCE VILLAGE
Disembark in Marmaris or Gocek and drive (4 hrs) to Sirince Village, located in the beautiful agricultural hills east of Ephesus. A walk around town reveals its lovely architecture, tea gardens, and handicrafts. You may also have the opportunity for local wine-tasting. Dinner and overnight at the historical Nisanyan Evleri (or similar). [BLD]
DAY 14 : EPHESUS - ISTANBUL
After an introductory visit to the Museum, we tour the splendid ruins of Ephesus with a specialist guide. Romans of the 1st and 2nd C. AD brought the greatest level of prosperity to Ephesus, which became the capital of the Roman world in Asia. The excavated city winds its way up a hillside, with colonnaded avenues, ancient temples, agora, stadium shops and houses, and the ornate two-story Library of Celsus. Proceed to Izmir for a late afternoon flight to Istanbul. Farewell dinner at a lively traditional spot in the fish market. Overnight at a historic guest house in Sultanahmet (or similar). [BLD]
DAY 15 : DEPART OR BEGIN EXTENSION
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for international flights home, or begin post trip extension. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 15 | Grade: II (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $4695 per person. Land cost based on Group Size & Season | Group Size | 4-5 | 6-7 | 8-12 | Land cost per person | $6595 | $5340 | $4695 | Domestic airfare | $350 | $350 | $350 |
|
| Single Supplement: $400 (click for info) | *Trips in which yacht voyage is between Jun 15 - Sep 15 add $300 per person high season supplement.
Single supplement based on availability. Single room in hotels only: $400. Private yacht cabin $500 additional if available or $1050 in order to guarantee private cabin if the group is full and no empty cabin is otherwise available. Local flights in Turkey add $350. | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | Jun 13 - Jun 27, 2008
Aug 15 - Aug 29, 2008
Sep 19 - Oct 3, 2008
(and on request) | (Available upon request) |
|
| | | Included: Services above including accommodations and transportation within Turkey as specified; first-class Turkish gulet with private facilities in each cabin; English-speaking driver/guide throughout trip; guided tours and excursions with entrance fees as noted; meals as specified [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]; port fees in Turkey; services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation and tour operations; Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: International and domestic flights in Turkey; visas for Turkey; airport departure taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; bottled beverages & alcoholic drinks; medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation; any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. | | | Trip Notes: Alternative dates for this itinerary may be arranged for private group departures of 6 or more travelers. | |
|
