Turkey Private Journey

Poised between East and West and full of wondrous treasures of the Greek and Roman worlds, Turkey is a magical destination. Explore dazzling Istanbul, the breathtaking ruins of Ephesus, and the surreal fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, then set out for an enchanting Mediterranean odyssey on a turquoise sea aboard your own private yacht.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Day 1 (Eastbound)
Treasures of Istanbul

A guided walking tour includes the renowned Topkapi Palace, a marvelous labyrinth of harem quarters and displays of bejeweled sultans’ treasures, the monumental Haghia Sophia, and the ethereal Blue Mosque, with its slender minarets visible for miles around. Cap the day with a sunset ferry ride on the Bosphorus.

Days 2-3
Fairytale Cappadocia

With its dreamlike landscape of tufa towers, Cappadocia is simply breathtaking. Explore lovely villages and Byzantine cave churches adorned with stunning frescoes, head underground to visit an ancient troglodyte city, and hike in the Goreme Valley, with its moonscape of fanciful “fairy chimneys” and rock outcrops.

Day 4
Ephesus

Ancient capital of Roman Asia, magnificent Ephesus is one of the best preserved cities in the world. Walk down Marble Street, where the ruts of chariot wheels can still be seen, visit the striking Library of Celsus, with its elegant two-story facade, and feel transported back to the glory days of Rome.

Days 5-9
Aphrodisias / Turquoise Coast

Explore mountain-ringed Aphrodisias, then board your luxurious gulet (private yacht) for a cruise along the exquisite Turquoise Coast. With your guide, explore such sites as the haunting theater ruins of Xanthos and the Crusader castle at Simena, have lunch with a local family, and wander the kilim markets of Kas. Life on board is sheer delight with swimming, snorkeling, and daily culinary feasts.

Days 10-11
Myra and Antalya

Visit Myra, where the tomb of St. Nicholas lies in a ruined Byzantine church, and the Antalya Museum, then return to Istanbul and depart.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extension:

• Inside Istanbul Extension (3 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate. This is a relaxed cruising adventure, with hikes of 2-3 hours a day that should be “easy-to-moderate” for the average active traveler. The hikes are a focus of the trip, often bringing you to small villages or off-the-beaten-path ruins accessible only on foot. All hikes are optional, should you prefer to relax on board the yacht. The warm waters make this an ideal trip for those who like to swim and snorkel, and being able to swim is important on any boating trip, although full safety gear is provided. To ensure an enjoyable adventure in Turkey, all participants should make a special effort to be in good physical condition by engaging in a regular exercise regimen before the trip.

The yacht we use is the Cavurali, a classic 65-foot single-masted yacht with beautiful handmade teak hull and decks that is ideal for a journey with friends or family. (Note: for groups of nine people or more, we charter a larger gulet. Please call us for details.) Smaller and more intimate than the traditional wooden motor-sailers used on our group departures, the Cavurali features four comfortable cabins with beautiful mahogany paneling and private bathrooms (two cabins have single beds and two have double beds). Linens and towels are provided, including beach towels for swimming. We suggest you pack light because bunk and luggage space aboard is limited. Spacious shaded aft and fore decks with chaises provide comfortable outdoor dining and lounging. Full air conditioning is available as an option, but the Cavurali’s natural ventilation is usually sufficient even during hot mid-summer days (many trip members enjoy sleeping out on the deck under the stars for fresh air, as the locals do). The food prepared and served on board is exceptionally good and beautifully prepared, often supplemented with fresh-caught seafood. Wine, beer, and sodas are available for purchase. Complimentary drinking water, coffee, and tea are provided.

Explanation of Trip Levels