Travel to Turkey: Voyaging Among the Dodecanese of Turkey and Greece

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Voyaging Among the Dodecanese of Turkey and Greece

			DAYS: 12 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $4195 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Istanbul Bodrum Kos Nissiros Tilos Symi Knidos Ephesus ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

It is only by sailing the idyllic coasts of ancient Caria and island hopping the Greek and Turkish Dodecanese that the startling cultural and natural beauty of the region can truly be appreciated. We walk into a volcano, snorkel and hike stunning coastlines, and meander amidst the local orchids of Tilos, always catching glimpses of a history that produced many of the tragedies, triumphs, comedy and disasters of classical western culture. For it was along our route that Brutus met with his conspirators to concoct his Shakespearian betrayal of Julius Caesar and where Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra paused on their classically-fateful last visit to Rome. We explore Greek and Turkish villages, discover ancient ruins, sample delectable Turkish and Greek cuisine and sipping excellent wine, ouzo and raki aboard our Phoenician-style gulet, all the while pondering how one region can offer so much.

DAY 1 :  ISTANBUL
Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel in the Old City where we meet our guide. We take an afternoon stroll before dinner at an open-air terrace restaurant. Its an authentic introduction to typical and exotic Turkish cuisine and culture, and the view from our restaurant is unbeatable overlooking the Bosphorus, the Topkapi Palace, Suleimans Mosque, Goldern Horn, Galata Tower, Spice Market and the Bosphorus Bridge. Overnight at the Sultanahan Hotel (or similar), a former Ottoman government building converted to a historic hotel with tall ceilings and decorated with original ethnographic Oriental etchings. [D]

DAY 2 :  ISTANBUL
Today we spend the entire day exploring the grandeur of Istanbul. In the morning we visit a selection of splendid relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, including Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Roman Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and, if time permits, the Kapali Carsi (covered bazaar). Around sunset we hop onto a commuter ferry, joining local Istanbulis as they return home from work; a journey that reveals palaces, lavishly restored antique homes and embassies on both the European and Asian banks of the Bosphorus. This evening we take dinner at a traditional Turkish fish restaurant with a creative menu and lively gypsy Roma music. Overnight at the Sultanahan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]

Hike and sail the idyllic coasts of ancient Caria island hopping the Greek and Turkish Dodecanese.

DAY 3 :  BODRUM
This morning we transfer to Istanbul's domestic airport for our flight to Bodrum. On arrival at Milas Airport (BJV), we drive the 40 miles to our gullet, moored in Bodrum's extensive harbor, and embark aboard. Bodrum, once called Halicarnassus, is the birthplace of the ancient Hellenic historian Herodotus. Halicarnassus was the major city of the ancient province of Caria. Today, Bodrum's unique architecture, historical pedigree, modern seaside taverns and vibrant nightlife have made it one of the busiest coastal resorts in Turkey and a popular spot for wealthy Turks, retired artists, and visitors alike. We visit Bodrum's tomb of King Mausolus at Halicarnassus. The king's tomb was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the word "mausoleum" derives from the king's name. We also visit the Templar Castle of the Knights of St. John and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the world's best. Overnight aboard gulet in Bodrum Harbor. [BD]

DAY 4 :  KOS
This morning we sail for an hour and a half to the Greek Island of Kos and proceed through Greek customs. We are now in Greece. Kos has a history that stretches far back through the Mediterranean civilizations. We first visit the pretty harbor and the center of town. From here, we walk to the Asclepieion, an ancient temple where, in the 5th century BCE, Hippocrates started the famous medical center dedicated to Asclepius, the God of Health. We visit the Tree of Hippocrates, under which Hippocrates taught students the medicine Greeks had distilled from Persian and earlier sources. Kos' Asclepieion was once one of the major health centers of the ancient world. We take an easy three mile walk along the ruins and explore the modern town of Kos. In the late afternoon, we return to our gulet. Overnight aboard gulet in Kos. [BLD]

	Hiking in the crater of Nissiros Volcano.

DAY 5 :  NISSIROS - TILOS
Early in the morning we sail to Nissiros (or Nisyros), a small island in the middle of the Dodecanese complex, where we disembark and board vehicles for the half hour drive to the active Nissiros Volcano. It is said that the island of Nissiros was born after a series of successive eruptions, which is unique in Greece. The volcano most certainly provided the raw materials for the formation of the island. We drive to the rim of the crater and embark on a scenic walk into the caldera (easy trail; 1 hour) and study the steam vents and the bubbling pools of sulphur-water. Returning to our gulet, we reboard and sail to Tilos. Tilos is a volcanic island with more than a dozen secluded beaches. It is studded with historic castles built to control the strategic routes across this part of the Aegean Sea. Geological diversity and the isolated location of the island present a remarkable and distinctive flora and birdlife. Tilos itself has twenty-eight varieties of orchids alone, eight of which are considered rare. With sixteen different biotopes and the significant diversity of species on Tilos, the island has been registered as an EU Special Protection Area. We finish the day by enjoying the beaches and hiking scenic paths (3-4 miles). Overnight aboard gulet in Tilos. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  TILOS - SYMI
Cruising to the south side of the Isle of Symi we disembark for the short walk to the 18th century Panormitis Monastery located on Panormitis Monastery Bay. After visiting the monastery and grounds, we hike two miles to a beautiful cove where we meet our gulet and sail to Symi, a small town well-known for its spectacular Neo-Classical harbor. As we approach by sailing up the inlet, we are surrounded on both sides of the steep hills by multiple tiers of houses, some white and some pastel yellow, but virtually all with Neo-Classical pediments a reminder of the 19th century when Symi was one of Greeces most prosperous islands. We have time to explore the harbor, streets and shops before returning to our gulet for dinner. Overnight aboard gulet in Symi. [BLD]

Cruising to our next hidden cove and village.

DAY 7 :  SYMI - KNIDOS
Today we sail almost due north to the Turkish peninsular town of Dacta, where we go through customs and re-enter Turkey. Then we sail due west, across the deep blue waters of the Aegean, before turning inland and east to hug the northern coast of the peninsula until we reach the Turkish town of Knidos. After lunch on board, we explore the extensive ruins at Knidos, where Sostratos, the architect of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and Eudoxus, the astronomer who first calculated Earth's circumference, were both born.  Knidos was one of the most visited Aegean harbors of the Greek and Roman periods, and the old town extends for four miles along the water front. Much of historic Knidos survives, including several ruined temples, two theaters, and fortified walls with the old avenues crossing perpendicularly. We spend the night either in the harbor or at a nearby picturesque bay. Overnight aboard gulet in Knidos. [BLD]

DAY 8 :  KNIDOS - SELIMIYE
Walking from Knidos to the village of Turgut where they grow peanuts and produce honey, we visit one of the village homes to share sage-tea and honey with a local family. The villagers are predominantly bee-keepers, and we have an opportunity to buy local honey for the rest of our voyage. After strolling through this lovely village, we reboard our gulet and cruise to Selimiye, a  sleepy fishing village with a small harbor, a few gift shops and restaurants. Overnight aboard gulet in a cove near Selimiye. [BLD]

	Village woman shows her spinning and weaving skills.

DAY 9 :  SELIMIYE - SERCE COVE
After a relaxed morning walk in Selimiye we set sail for Bozburun. There are many quiet coves with crystal clear waters to choose from, and we explore the most attractive sites for a cool swim before lunch. We disembark in the afternoon and take a short drive to Taslica village. The road rises steeply, and the sea and coastal views are spectacular. Taslica village is famous for its "one thousand donkeys" and ancient wells. From Taslica village we hike (5 miles) on an ancient paved track through an equally ancient Carian site called Phoenix and on to the Fjords of Serce. The surface of the two mile segment of our route from Taslica to Carian glitters in the Mediterranean sun, the path  polished by over 2000 years of foot traffic. We meet up with our boat at Serce Cove, a well protected natural harbor where ships have sought shelter for millennium. One unlucky ship that sank here in the 6th century is exhibited in the Bodrum Museum. Overnight aboard gulet in Serce Cove. [BLD]

DAY 10 :  SIRINCE VILLAGE
We disembark in Marmaris or Gocek and drive (4 hours) 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 historic Nisanyan Houses, boutique guest houses in the village. [BLD]

DAY 11 :  EPHESUS - ISTANBUL
Today we walk throughout the impressive ruins of Ephesus with our specialist guide. Romans of the 1st and 2nd centuries ACE 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, an agora, stadium, shops and houses, and the ornate two-story Library of Celsus. The Temple of Diana, another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was located in Ephesus, but unfortunately very little remains of the temple. We visit Selcuk Museum and proceed to Izmir for a late afternoon flight to Istanbul. Farewell dinner at a lively traditional fish market restaurant. Overnight at the Sultanahan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]

DAY 12 :  DEPART OR BEGIN EXTENSION
Transfer to Istanbul airport for international flights home or begin post trip extension. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kurt Kutay 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Adrian Chalker 1(800)345-4453