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Home > Destinations > Mediterranean > Turkey > Turquoise Coast Odyssey
Turquoise Coast Odyssey
Our Turquoise Coast Odyssey is among the best tours to Turkey. We walk through historic Istanbul, hike among fairy chimneys, underground cities and hidden churches of Cappadocia, and voyage along the Mediterranean coast among ancient sites, small white-washed resort towns, and rural villages where traditional life prevails. We overnight in a restored Ottoman home in the heart of a small village, stay in a boutique cave hotel, and voyage in a luxuriou Pheonician-style gulet. You'll relax, read, swim, snorkel and kayak in crystalline blue waters with optional day hikes to ancient sites only accessible on footpaths from the sea. Join one of our scheduled departures in Spring or Fall, or charter a private gulet with family or friends. By virtue of our own Kutay family Turkish heritage, we are received as friends and family by our exceptional Turkish guides who share their personal insights into history, political affairs, and everyday life.
DAY 1 : ISTANBUL
Arrive and transfer in to our hotel where our guide will escort us on an afternoon stroll through the old city to stretch our legs after the long flight. We walk to a local restaurant for an introduction to authentic Turkish cuisine. The commanding view overlooks the Golden Horn, Galata Tower, the ferries and bridges of the Bosphorus, and the distinctive Istanbul skyline of mosques and minarets. Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar), a former Ottoman government building converted to a hotel with genuine historic ambiance of lofty ceilings and decorated with ethnographic Oriental etchings. [D]
DAY 2 : WALKING TOUR OF ISTANBUL
We spend the day with our specialist guide exploring Istanbul's Sultanahmet District. We visit Aya Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cisterns, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, the spice market and the Grand Bazaar. As the sun sets, we hop on a commuter ferry, joining local Istanbulis' returning home from work. Crossing the Bosphorous we find ourselves at the exact spot where Europe and Asia meet. On both sides of the river are lavish palaces, restored antique homes and embassies, all indicative of the city's centuries of international commerce and political prominence. This evening we take dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant with a creative menu. Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]
DAY 3 : 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 at Elkep Evi, a restored boutique cave hotel with spectacular views of the valley. [BLD] Drive: Kayseri to Urgup 40 mi, 50 min
DAY 4 : CAPPADOCIA
Today we can walk short distances or hike for several hours through rock dwellings and hidden churches of the remote valleys in these unearthly canyon lands. The itinerary is flexible with a support vehicle so participants discuss individual options. We visit the village of Avanos to enjoy local fruits, wines and other specialties for a picnic lunch. At the world-famous master potters workshop of Chez Galip we learn about pottery-making, the origin of the potters wheel invented in Anatolia, and have a chance to throw our own pots. In the afternoon, we descend into the honeycombed Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground cities people of Cappadocia could escape from marauding invaders and survive for 6 months 150 feet down. Overnight Elkep Evi (or similar). [BLD]
DAY 5 : EPHESUS TOUR - SIRENCE VILLAGE
We catch the early morning flight to Izmir via Istanbul and drive to the Ephesus area. Today we walk throughout the impressive ancient city of Ephesus with our specialist guide. One of the most impressive Roman ruins and important coastal cities, Ephesus attracted the worlds merchants, artists and statesmen for centuries. Here we visit the relics of Hellenistic, Roman, biblical, Byzantine and Ottoman interests such as the ancient residential area rarely seen by most visitors, the Archeological Museum, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Drive up into the hills to overnight in the village of Sirince, a cool mountain retreat used by ancient residents of Ephesus. Today, its cobblestone streets, stone cottages and charming inhabitants offering guests homemade fruit wine, herbal soaps, olive oil and delicious natural foods and an opportunity to experience rural village life of Turkey. Overnight in historic former Ottoman-style residences converted to private boutique guest houses at Nisanyan Houses or Gullu Konaklari. [BLD] Drive: Izmir to Sirence 45 miles
DAY 6 : BOARD GULET - CAUNOS HIKE
Arise early at your leisure and take stroll amongst local residents starting their day with the smell of baked goods and sounds of goat herds headed to pasture. After a delicious, fresh breakfast we drive south to meet our captain and crew in Ekincik to embark on our gulet cruise. In the afternoon, we board a fishing boat and motor to Iztuzu Beach, well-known as the place where the rare sea-turtle species Caretta Carettas lay their eggs. Then cruise up the Dalyan River through a maze of bamboo and cattails. Visit the magnificent 4th C. rock cut tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos. We hike to Candir Iskelesi to reunite with the boat and enjoy our first night on board. Overnight aboard gulet. [BLD] Drive 2 hours; Hike 2.5 hours
DAY 7 : FETHIYE - HIKE TO LYDEA
Morning voyage to Agalimani Cove, a serene turquoise inlet in Fethiye Bay where we hike to Batik Mamam, sunken Roman baths about five feet underwater where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra were said to have spent time. Swim and snorkel through the ruins looking for sponges, octopus and fish. After lunch we hike from Hamam Cove to Lydea, an ancient Lycian oracle only accessible on foot. This route offers one of the most spectacular hikes of the trip over coastal promontories covered in pine forests amongst shepherds' homesteads with the aroma of natural herb gardens of oregano, thyme and sage lingering in the air. Anchor for the night in Agalimani Cove aboard gulet. [BLD] Hike 2.5 hours
DAY 8 : KAYA KOY-GEMILER ISLAND
We visit the ancient necropolis of Telmessus (Fethiye) to see the spectacular temple type rock-cut tombs. A short 15-minute drive takes us to Kaya Koy a Greek ghost town of over 600 abandoned homes of former Greek residents who were subject to a population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1930. After exploring this ghost town we hike to meet the boat in Soguksu Cove where we spend the afternoon at leisure swimming and relaxing on board. Before dusk we take a short hike to watch the sunset from the top of Gemiler Island at the ruins of a 6th C. Byzantine Monastery. Overnight aboard gulet at Gemiler Island. [BLD] Hike 2 hours
DAY 9 : KALKAN AND KAS - LUNCH WITH VILLAGE FAMILY
We set out very early to cruise down the coast and into the harbor of the coastal vacation town of Kalkan. We hike to a panoramic lookout where we meet our land transport and drive inland to a small Lycian village in the country. We walk through the village and are invited as guests in a local home for a delicious typical Turkish lunch. It is a short drive to Kas, a charming Mediterranean seaside village with its well-preserved Greek theater, narrow cobblestoned streets and white-washed houses festooned with colorful bougainvillea and wooden balconies. After free time to walk and shop, we meet for sunset to sip Turkish wine at the ancient theatre or at our favorite bar overlooking the harbor for sunset. Overnight aboard gulet. [BLD] Drive 1.5 hours
DAY 10 : APERLAI - KEKOVA BAY - SIMENA VILLAGE
We cruise to Aperlai, a 4th C. Lycian city whose remains are scattered over the hillsides and underwater in the bay. Snorkeling in the crystal clear waters we can see marble columns, paved floors, walls, and a church foundation of a city submerged over 1600 years ago. We cruise into the nearby Kekova Sound to a well preserved cove to enjoy a leisurely kayak 2-3 hours on crystal clear waters over the sunken ruins of this ancient island. Its a short hike to Simena, a pastoral village crowned by a Crusader castle where dozens of impressive Roman sarcophagi are strewn around its base. We anchor under the shadow of this ancient village and watch the sun set over Kekova Bay. Overnight aboard gulet at Kekova Bay. [BLD]
DAY 11 : DISEMBARK GULET - MYRA - ANTALYA
After a morning swim we cruise to Cayagazi where we disembark, say goodbye to our crew and take a short drive to visit the ruins of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas (3rd C. ACE). Myra boasts one of the most colossal and well-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world complete with relics of the stone masks of the performers. We explore the 4th C. BCE Lycian house-tombs carved out of the rock amidst richly-decorated facades on a high cliff above. Later we drive to Antalya to spend the night in the historic part of this ancient city. Walk around the old town and enjoy a sea-food dinner overlooking the ancient harbor and the pine forest mountains of Olympos National Park. Overnight Dogon Hotel in the ancient city. [BLD] Drive 90 miles, 2 hours.
DAY 12 : DISEMBARK GULET - ISTANBUL
We disembark this morning and transfer for mid-morning flight from Dalaman to Istanbul. Enjoy a free afternoon for walking and shopping before our farewell dinner at a lively traditional restaurant. Overnight at the Sultanahan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]
DAY 13 : 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: 13 | Grade: II (click for grades definition) | 2010 Price: From $4395 per person. Land cost based on Group Size & Season | Group Size: | 5-7 | 8-9 | 10-12 | Land cost: | $5095 | $4595 | $4395 | Domestic Airfare: | $450 | $450 | $450 |
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| Single Supplement: $395 (click for info) | *Single supplement for hotels only, and based on availability. Guaranteed private gulet cabin on request based on availability at additional supplement of $1200, otherwise there is no charge if you are in a single cabin by default. Rates based on Cevri II gulet charter. Domestic flights in Turkey subject to change until purchased. | | | | | 2010 Departure Dates | 2011 Departure Dates | | | Sep 14 - Sep 26, 2010
Oct 12 - Oct 24, 2010
(and on request) | May 24 - Jun 5, 2011
Jun 21 - Jul 3, 2011
Sep 13 - Sep 25, 2011
Oct 11 - Oct 23, 2011
(and on request) |
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| | | 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 ($20 payable upon arrival); 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. | |
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