13D Wonders of Turkey with Gulet

Price from NZD 3885 per person on Twin sharing basis

Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale – Troy – Selcuk/Kusadasi – Fethiye – Gulet – Pamukkale – Konya – Cappadocia – Ankara – Istanbul

This 13-day tour, starts and ends in Istanbul, Turkey. It includes tours of Istanbul's Old City, the Gallipoli WW1 battlefields, ancient Ephesus, the Calcium Terraces at Pamukkale, An Underground city in Cappadocia and incorporates 3 days and nights on a wooden Turkish gulet, swimming, sunning and enjoying the blue Mediterranean Sea.

Itinerary

Day 1

Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! You will make your own way to arrival hotel in Istanbul and your tour guide will held a welcome meeting for tonight.

Day 2

Istanbul Old City (B)

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Dolmabahce Palace and the Hippodrome. Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 'Half day Bosphorus cruise'.

Day 3

Istanbul – Canakkale (B/D)

One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

Day 4

Canakkale – Selcuk (B)

Depart from Çanakkale and head towards Troy, where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award-winning Troy Museum. We continue on to the old village of Behramkale, a picturesque settlement with stone houses and narrow streets that offer a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. You will have time to explore the village, take in the beautiful scenery, and perhaps enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. From Behramkale, we head south to Kuşadası.

Day 5

Selcuk – Ephesus – Selcuk (B)

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus, once a bustling trade hub and religious center. Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from the site of the Temple of Artemis to the grand facade of the Library of Celsus and the impressive amphitheater. We will also visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artifacts from the ancient city bring its history to life. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we will learn how carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Afterward, we head to Sirince for a wine tasting experience.

Day 6

Selcuk – Fethiye – Gulet (B/D)

Today, we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to Fethiye for your Gulet trip. Boarding in Fethiye Harbour around 15:00. We enjoy some swimming and snorkeling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay. We'll cruise past several islands towards Tersane Island (Dockyard Island), where the ruins of a former Greek town and a once important naval shipyard may still be explored.

Day 7

Gulet – Gocek Bay – Gulet (B/L/D)

After breakfast we depart for Hamam Bay. Enjoy a swim in the ancient ruins of these Roman Baths built by Mark Antony as a gift for Cleopatra. We then cruise to Sarsala Bay, a striking pine-surrounded bay, from which you can take a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, notable mostly for inscribed walls dating from the 3rd century BC. Bedri Rahmi Bay is our next stop, named after a famous Turkish painter. Jump in the clear blue water or explore the island.

Day 8

Gulet – Fethiye – Gulet (B/L/D)

Today we cruise towards Fethiye, passing the Yassica Islands and Gocek Islands. Most of these small islands are un-named but offer safe anchorage and secluded sandy beaches. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just soaking up some sun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A final stop and swim at Red Island before returning to Fethiye.

Day 9

Gulet – Pamukkale (B/D)

This morning we will be heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

Day 10

Pamukkale – Konya (B)

Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!

Day 11

Konya – Cappadocia (B)

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys and explore the many levels of an underground city.

Day 12

Cappadocia – Ankara – Istanbul (B)

Early morning departure to the nation's capital, Ankara, where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul.

Day 13

Istanbul (B)

After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends.

Includes: 13 nights’ accommodation, meals, transfers & tours in airconditioned vehicles, English speaking guide, monuments entrances

Small group tour operated is by Fez Travel Turkey

Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.

Start Dates:

2025:   Aug 4, 11, 18, 25; Sep 1, 8, 22, 29; Oct 6, 13

2026:   May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25; Jun 1, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29; Jul 6, 9, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 6, 10, 17, 24, 31; Sep 7, 10, 14, 21, 24, 28; Oct 5, 12