12 DAYS ACTIVE TURKEY

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, connect your flight to Antalya, a city where the sea, sun, history and nature commune in harmony.

Met by your guide and transfer to the hotel to rest after today’s long journey.

Full Day Essential Antalya Tour

The first stop will be Hadrian’s Gate that dates back to 130 AD, built to celebrate the arrival of Emperor Hadrian and is the last gate that remains standing in this ancient city. Once you make your way past the triple-arched gate, be led to Old Harbour where you can see the Clock Tower, Fluted Minaret, and the ancient harbour. You will enjoy the narrow street of the old city.

Continue to the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of the largest museums in Turkey where you will be able to admire the artifacts preserved from the ancient civilizations of Lycia, Rome and Byzantine.

This afternoon visit Duden Waterfall , falls into the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs at an altitude of 40 meters. Lower Düden waterfall is also the symbolic natural beauty of Antalya.

Transfer approx. 45km for 1hr to hotel in Kemer.

Full Day Tour of Lycian Marine Time Harbour Cities – Phaselis and Olympos

Today’s tour begins with a transfer to the ancient city of Phaselis which was an important harbour of eastern coast of Lycia established in the 7^th century BC. Following this site, the tour will continue to the Uupinar River for lunch.

The next stop is Olympos located on the seashore, it was a maritime trading city and a member of the Lycian Union.  The afternoon will be spent on hiking to Cirali in the Taurus Mountains (distance: 8km, level: moderate, descent), which is part of the Lycian Way, Turkish’s first long-distance walking trail. The views from the mountain top are fabulous. The Mediterranean Sea stretches as far as you can see on one side, while the other side is a carpet of forest crowned by the snow-covered peaks of the Olympos Bey Mountains. Discover flames produced by natural gas coming from the rocks burning for thousands of years.

Full Day Taste Hiking Along the Lycian Way

After breakfast, transfer to Myra, one of the leading Lycian Union cities sits on the banks of the River Myros. Visit the ancient Greek amphitheatre (the largest in Lycia) and see the plethora of rock-cut tombs above the theatre.

Next arrive at the ancient city of Xanthos.  Dates to 3,000 BC, it was the capital of the Lycian Union, the world’s first federative republic. As the administrative center of the Lycian during antiquity, it is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site. After a brief by your guide, immerse in the city’s magic with a lot of photo opportunities.

Start hiking from Xanthos to Letoon (distance: 6km, level: moderate, descent),  which was built for the Mother Goddess Leto, and used to be administered by Xanthos thus also listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a romantic site and many of the monuments arise from standing water which provides lush vegetation. 

Leaving Letoon and its magnificent temples behind, we visit Patara, the second capital of Lycia, the birthplace of the sun god Apollo and Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus). At the archaeological site, you can see dozens of unique historical ruins of the ancient city including the theatre and Entrance Gate.

Continue drive approx. 75km for 1hr to Fethiye.

Full Day Fethiye Exploration

Today, pick up the ancient cobbled road that connects Fethiye and Kayakoy.  Visit the spectacular Tomb of Amyntas, an ancient Greek rock-hewn tomb in ancient Lycia.  Continuing Kayakoy.

From here we trek around the abandoned town of Kayaköy. The trek continues to the ridge above Kayaköy then descends on a spectacular footpath with excellent sea views. Arrive at the Lagoon of Oludeniz and can reward ourselves with a dip in the sea. Then walk the final 2km along the quiet lagoon road to the centre of Oludeniz, where to be picked up by the driver. (distance: 6km, level: moderate, descent) .

This afternoon, drive a short distance to Faralya Village which is perched on the edge of the famous butterfly valley. From here, start another trek to Kabak, known as Turkey’s most guarded travel secret for its stretch coastline (distance: 6km, level: moderate, descent).

Optional:  Paragliding from Mt. Babadag （Own expenses）

Just 30 minutes from Fethiye, Mt. Babadag ( Father Mountain, 2000m above sea level) is Turkey’s top paragliding destination, known as the highest commercial take-off site in the world. Experience exciting 360 degrees turns, you will have enough time to enjoy bird’s-eye views of stunning famous Blue Lagoon and gently land on the Oludeniz beach.

Full Day Tour to Daylyan and Kaunos

This morning, drive approx. 60km or 1 hr to Dalyan.  The town itself has strict building regulations which keeps the feeling of a traditional fishing village. Dalyan Canal weaves its way past the village on its way from Koycegiz Lake to the beach.

Across the canal we find the ruins of Kaunos, with a Roman theatre, fortifications, basilica and many other sites to be seen. Time permits, you may also try the Mud Baths or Thermal Springs.

Continue driving approx. 200km for 3 hrs to Bodrum, the sophisticated sail and party capital of the Aegean.

Full Day Bodrum Highlights Tour

Today, embark on a visit of the iconic Castle of St. Peter (closed Mon) which also houses the award-winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology displaying amazing finds from underwater excavations along the Turkish coast, including the famous Uluburun Shipwreck, one of the earliest and richest wrecks ever discovered.

Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, or the foundations of it. The mausoleum was destroyed in an earthquake and the remaining rubble used by the Knights Hospitaliers in the building of the Castle of St. Peter, and much of the statues and reliefs were transferred to the British Museum.

Half Day Ancient Kings Road Walk

Drive for approx. 1.5 hr to Bafa Lake  at 676m, begin your walk from the western end of the lake, which used to be the ancient port of the city of Herakleia, partly follows the Ancient Kings’ Road to the Besparmak Mountains. We go up to 933m with great views over Bafa Lake.  Then we descend to Kapikiri.  Discover prehistoric cave paintings, frescoes from the early Christian period, and monastic ruins. The route can be adjusted from 5.5 to 10km to meet your fitness.

Return to Bodrum, relax for the rest of the day.

Full Day Private Chartered Cruising Around Bodrum Peninsula
The Aegean region of Turkey offers classical history as well as natural beauty in equal measure. On this fabled coastline, picturesque bays, traditional Turkish gulets sail between islands, and villagers still practice age-old artisanal crafts.

Spend a day cruising around Turkey’s glorious Bodrum Peninsula on a private wooden boat or motor yacht. Soak up the scenery from out on deck and admire the region’s sun-drenched shoreline framed by forests and hills. The route taken on the relaxing cruise includes several stops for swimming, snorkeling and walking, plus a visit to Kara Ada, a gorgeous yachting island that’s known for its mineral-dense waters.

Transfer to Bodrum airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Arriving into Istanbul, we drive 44km or about 1 hour into the city centre.

Half Day Istanbul’s Old Town

We dedicate the afternoon to explore the Sultanahmet historic district, visit the ancient Hippodrome of Constantine, and the 6^th-century Hagia Sophia (closed on Mon), the fascinating Blue Mosque, and explore the largest underground water cistern in Istanbul, Basilica Cistern.

Begin your day admiring some of the very finest Byzantine mosaics and frescoes at the Church of St. Savior in Chora.  If interested, you may stock up on organic dried apricots and hazelnuts at the Spice Bazaar! Visit the largest mosque complex of the Ottoman empire – the Suleymaniye Mosque.

We will visit the Topkapı Palace (closed on Tue) before the full crowd arrives, once the centre of power of the Ottoman and now a fantastic museum. Explore the King’s & Queen’s Chambers as well as Harem (closed on Tue).

In the afternoon, enjoy a 1.5hr private motor yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, marvel at gorgeous palaces, impressive castles and restored Ottoman villas and residence of Istanbul’s elite.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel before the transfer to Istanbul Airport for your onward journey.

Devote a full day to exploring the Christian world in Fener & Balat, and a tour of Ottoman architecture from the historical districts of Suleymaniye to Vefa, ending at Casaba Paxar.

Fener was a district of prominent and predominantly Romaic (Greek Orthodox) families up to the beginning of the 20th century. Balat is located on the southern shores of the Golden Horn, one of the Jewish districts where Jews were re-settled during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Synagogues, Armenian, Bulgarian and Romaic churches, Byzantine remnants and holy springs.The Pierre Loti Café, atop the hill overlooking the shrine, is a wonderful place to enjoy an alternative view of Ä°stanbul.

After lunch, visit the largest mosque complex of the Ottoman empire – the Suleymaniye Mosque, and walk in and around Vefa and try out a popular beverage – Boza. Stroll around the large Fatih complex, which includes Roman columns, Byzantine churches, Gothic cisterns, and large mosques.

Cross Bosphorus Straight to visit Galata Tower, considered among the oldest towers in the world traced back to the early 6^th century, after many times of damages and repairs, the 9-floor cone-shaped tower showcases both the Genoese character and Ottoman characters.

This afternoon, visit one of the largest palaces in Turkey, Dolmabahçe Palace (closed Mon & Thu), with its eclectic influences of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and Ottoman architectures.  Enjoy free time strolling along the Istiklal Street, from ancient monuments to shopping malls and cafes, the neighborhood has it all!

Watch the mystical ritual of the Melvevi Order, whose whirling dance has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.  The ceremony is a journey through man’s spiritual ascent to “perfection” through mind and love.

The Ottoman Turks inherited the Roman bath concept – architecture and tradition. The public hammam is still a major part of Turkish culture, a spa of sorts for both cleansing and relaxing.

A 30-minute helicopter tour gives you a bird’s eye view of the Golden Horn, the Historical Peninsula and the lifeline of Istanbul – the Bosphorus.

4D LUXURY GULET CRUISE – MARMARIS TO FETHIYE

Board your boat at Bodrum/Gocek/Marmaris in the afternoon. Sail to Marmaris (if boarding at Bodrum/Gocek), and perhaps spend a few hours exploring the vibrant town at leisure. Return to the gulet in time for dinner on board and then spend your evening doing whatever you please. Marmaris is popular for its lively nightlife, so you may wish to head into town if you want to party your night away.

Leave Marmaris after breakfast and sail east. Moor up on the coastline of the sun-drenched Ekincic Gulf, and enjoy some free time to swim in the sea, or wander around the forest-fringed shores.

Enjoy a tour to the nearby Dalyan and the popular ‘turtle beach’ – known for its large population of Loggerhead sea turtles. The tour includes a ride by piyade (small boat) to the beach, free time for swimming, and then a trip to Dalyan’s ancient rock tombs of Kaunos and mud baths.

You may then explore Dalyan village at leisure, before returning to your gulet by piyade in time for dinner.

Start cruising in the early morning and enjoy breakfast on board as you leave the waters of Ekincic Gulf. Your destination is Turkey’s stunning Oludeniz Bay, a destination that’s graced thousands of idyllic Mediterranean postcards. Dock near its gloriously sandy beach for lunch, and take a swimming break in the turquoise sea before continuing your cruise.

Sail across the bay to nearby Gemiler Island, a secluded place scattered with Byzantine ruins, and spend your afternoon exploring at leisure. Perhaps follow in the footsteps of the ancient Christian pilgrims who once came to the island, and pay a visit to the ruins of the Church of St Nicholas – one of the island’s top attractions. Return to your boat for dinner and relax in the evening.

Leave Gemiler Island after breakfast and then sail across the sea to Turunç Pınarı, another of southwest Turkey’s tranquil and beautiful bays. Known locally as ‘Osman’s place,’ Turunç Pınarı’s main claim to fame is its flower-fringed beach that is inaccessible to land travelers. Soak up the peace and quiet while sunbathing on the beach, and then enjoy your tour’s final lunch before sailing back to Fethiye.

Upon docking at Fethiye harbor, transfer to Dalaman Airport (approx. 1h15m drive) for your flight.