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Take it slow and enjoy the beauty of Turkey at a relaxed pace. Starting and finishing in the thriving city of Istanbul, this exploration of Turkey will take you far, far back in time with relaxing additions such as time to swim and explore on a luxury gulet cruise around Turkey and have days to wander historic cities like Antalya and Fethiye where beautiful old towns and picturesque beaches will welcome a moment of peace. Explore, learn and find yourself in the magic of Turkey where ancient civilisation thrived and history lingers in the ruins of time's past.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrival in IstanbulWelcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at the airport in Istanbul, you will meet your driver to be transferred to your hotel in the city centre. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Istanbul or to relax after your flight. You can stroll around the Grand Bazaar, visit the Blue Mosque or the Hagia Sophia, considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
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Day 2 - Guided Tour of IstanbulToday, you'll have a guided day tour of the city, including lunch. Start off with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Old Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Byzantine Hippodrome, where emperors once saw chariot races. You'll then go to the Hagia Sophia museum, a place of worship for 900 years, and finish the day at the lavishly appointed Topkapi Palace.
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Day 3 - Bosphorus CruiseThis morning, your driver will transfer you to Istanbul airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival at Kayseri airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. You'll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend as you wish. You may want to explore the area on your own or simply relax at your hotel.
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Day 4 - Fly to CappadociaThis morning, your driver will transfer you to Istanbul airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival at Kayseri airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. You'll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend as you wish. You may want to explore the area on your own or simply relax at your hotel.
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Day 5 - North Cappadocia TourEarly this morning, you'll have the chance to jump in a hot air balloon to see Cappadocia from the sky as the sun rises. Either way, you'll start the day by hiking in the Rose Valley. You'll then continue to Cavusin one of the oldest settlements of Cappadocia, the underground city of Kaymakli and Ortahsir, with its unique castle.
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Day 6 - South Cappadocia TourEarly this morning, you'll have the chance to jump in a hot air balloon to see Cappadocia from the sky as the sun rises. Either way, you'll start the day by hiking in the Rose Valley. You'll then continue to Cavusin one of the oldest settlements of Cappadocia, the underground city of Kaymakli and Ortahsir, with its unique castle.
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Day 7 - Relax in Cappadocia and Fly to AntalyaToday, you'll have the day to explore the charming city and beautiful coastline of Antalya. The pearl of the Turkish riviera, Antalya has a way of seducing people into staying a little longer. Whether its the scenic harbourfront, the beautiful beaches or the ancient ruins that surround the town, there is always something for everyone. Explore on your own or arrange a tour out of the town today!
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Day 8 - Free Day to Explore AntalyaToday, you'll enter ancient Pamphylia. Perge is a grand exhibit of what an ancient Greek and Roman city looked like. Records date it back as far as 4 BC and it was one of the leading cities of Pamphylia. Side is its largest port, probably first colonised in 7th BC. Coming from Cyprus, St.Paul would have entered the ancient port en route to Perge. Manavgat Waterfall is where you will take a nice cool rest. Aspendos is famous for its ancient Roman theatre which is the best-preserved in the world.
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Day 9 - Full-Day Perge, Aspendos and Side TourToday, you'll enter ancient Pamphylia. Perge is a grand exhibit of what an ancient Greek and Roman city looked like. Records date it back as far as 4 BC and it was one of the leading cities of Pamphylia. Side is its largest port, probably first colonised in 7th BC. Coming from Cyprus, St.Paul would have entered the ancient port en route to Perge. Manavgat Waterfall is where you will take a nice cool rest. Aspendos is famous for its ancient Roman theatre which is the best-preserved in the world.
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Day 10 - Board Your Luxury Gulet Cruise, Turkey in MarmarisMake your own arrangements for the bus to Marmaris. You will have time to visit the old town and bazaar of Marmaris with its small streets and hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants. The castle of Marmaris lies on the old town hill and offers a beautiful view across the harbour. At the marina, board your luxury gulet cruise in Turkey at 3.30 pm. Relax with a welcome drink and spend this evening dining and socialising with cruise passengers.
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Day 11 - Ekincik Gulf and Dalyan on the CruiseThe cruise will move towards Ekincik Gulf where we will anchor. You'll be taken from the yacht with a smaller boat called a 'Piyade’ which will bring you into the green delta of Dalyan through the Lycian rock tombs. You may see the Caretta-Caretta turtles on the way if you are lucky! You will have a swimming stop at a unique place called Caretta-Caretta beach. Before you return to the cruise, you'll stop for a mud bath and have time to visit the village of Dalyan.
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Day 12 - The Sunken Bath and Tersane IslandWe will cruise earlier this morning to reach the world-famous Gocek Gulf. We will anchor at Sunken Bath for breakfast and a swimming break. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay with thanks to the beautiful underwater ruins. Then, we will cruise to Tersane Island. This naturally protected harbour was used as a shipyard in Byzantine and Ottoman times. We will anchor for dinner at Kizil Island.
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Day 13 - Dock in Fethiye and ExploreWe will arrive at Fethiye Harbour early in the morning. After breakfast on board, disembark the gulet at around 10.30 am and transfer to your hotel in the city. You'll have the afternoon to explore Fethiye. This is a beautiful town that often missed off of the tourist map. With beautiful beaches and a harbour, you'll enjoy exploring this little-known part of Turkey with all its charms.
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Day 14 - Explore Fethiye and Travel to KusadasiYou'll have all of the morning to continue to enjoy Fethiye, you may wish to visit one of the beaches further afield to swim and relax! You'll be ready to leave in the early afternoon when you will travel to Kusadasi, a gateway into the many different eras that Turkey has lived through.
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Day 15 - Guided Tour of The City of EphesusAbsorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the site of Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. With its well preserved collonaded Arcadian Way, Hadrians Temple, Celsus Library, market and theatre, this archaeological site takes you a step back in time. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. You'll finish the day at the last home of the Virgin Mary.
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Day 16 - Priene, Miletus and Didyma TourAfter a 2-hour drive, you'll reach Priene, one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. The city is the oldest example of geometric city planning. Next up is Miletos, an important town that provided the alphabet for the rest of the Classical world. We'll finish the day at Didyma's Temple of Apollo, where well-known oracles made this one of the most sacred places in Antiquity and considered to be the finest Temple of Apollo around.
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Day 17 - Explore Pergamon, Troy and Reach CanakkaleDepart early to make the most of the day. We will explore Pergamon, featuring the dramatic “Akropol” theatre, Troy which was the location of the Trojan War in the 13th century and then reach Canakkale where some of the most pivotal moments of the Gallipoli Campaign in WW1 took place. You'll have the remainder of the day to relax in the town.
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Day 18 - Gallipoli Tour and Return to IstanbulThis morning, cross the Dardanelles for today’s tour of Gallipoli and the Kabatepe Museum. This is where the Anzac forces repelled the British and French onslaught, securing freedom for what is today modern Turkey. On the tour, you will visit Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, Anzac Cove and The Nek. In the afternoon, return to Istanbul.
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Day 19 - A Day to Explore IstanbulThis city is packed to the brim with activity: markets, museums, historic monuments and unique shopping experiences - this only scratches the surface! It's up to you how you spend your day. Among the many things you could do, the Basilica Cistern, one of the ancient moments of Istanbul and the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, an architectural and archaeological wonder, are recommended.
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Day 20 - Free Time to Explore IstanbulTake a day at leisure in the city. Explore the alleys and open courtyards of the city where quaint coffee shops and curio corners present a truly unique day exploring. Why not do as locals do and sit for a Turkish coffee to soak up the atmosphere? Another suggestion is to experience a traditional Turkish Bath in the Old City or to visit Dolmbahce Palace.
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Day 21 - Explore from IstanbulTo make the most of Istanbul, you have to do as locals do. Whether that's visiting the market in the morning or relaxing on a terrace with a coffee to take a break, this is how you will get acquainted with the city. Today, you could take a break from the city just as locals do, by visiting Prince's Islands. Filled with beautiful towns, the islands have been Turkish people's break from the hustle of Istanbul for centuries. You can explore on foot or by bicycle.
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Day 22 - Departure from Istanbul!This morning, after breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Turkey. You'll be transferred to the airport when you're ready.
What's included
21 nights accommodation
21 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 2 dinners
Airport transfers
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What you might consider
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International Flights
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Trekking permits
Gallery
