Turkey Private Journey

This Private Journey is an inspired Mediterranean sojourn that brings you sunny skies, a warm, translucent sea, pine-forested coasts scented by wild herbs, tiny seaside villages, and a dream world of astounding treasures: rock-cut Lycian tombs, ruined Byzantine monasteries, ancient Roman baths, and towering Greek amphitheaters. Sailing along the exquisite Turquoise Coast by private gulet (sailing yacht), you’ll head ashore for hikes, visits to archaeological sites, lunch with a farm family in a beautiful pastoral valley, a soak in thermal mud baths, and a chance to witness life in coastal villages. The pace is a relaxed one, with time each day for swimming, snorkeling, and pampering by your chefs, who serve mouth-watering feasts al fresco on deck. You will have a private guide with you in Istanbul, a private guide on the Turquoise Coast cruise, and a private guide in Cappadocia.

Itinerary at a Glance

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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 Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is 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.

Please note that the Cappadocia section of the itinerary may come before or after the cruise section, depending on your boat and your dates of travel.

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