The Turquoise Coast

This inspired Mediterranean journey brings 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. We sojourn along the exquisite Turquoise Coast by private gulet (sailing yacht), heading ashore for hikes, visiting archaeological sites, lunching with a farm family in a beautiful valley, soaking in thermal mud baths, and witnessing life in coastal villages. The pace is delightful, with time each day for swimming, snorkeling, and pampering by our chefs, who serve mouth-watering feasts al fresco on deck. Our Trip Leaders are engaging, energetic, and knowledgeable traveling companions who share with us the best hiking trails and bring the world of the ancients to life. Our journey begins and ends in Istanbul, fabled capital of Byzantium and home to the Topkapi Palace, for four centuries the bejeweled residence of the sultans.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Istanbul

In Istanbul, heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires, we visit places like the magnificent Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cisterns, with lunch at the wonderful Topkapi Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. One evening we enjoy a sunset cruise on a private boat along the European and Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus to see the famed silhouette of Istanbul’s skyline.

Days 3-5
Ephesus / Marmaris / Kaunos / Ekincik Bay

In Ephesus, the remarkably well-preserved Roman city where Marc Antony romanced Cleopatra and St. Paul preached, we stroll the marble-paved Arcadian Way and feel transported to the glory days of Roman times. Boarding our comfortable, elegant gulet in Marmaris, we set off on our voyage along the coast. Threading the reedy inlets of the Dalyan River to Kaunos, we explore this ancient harbor city of Greek temples, Roman baths, and even a Byzantine church.

Days 6-7
Lydae / Fethiye

From a secluded cove, we hike across a peninsula to the hidden Roman ruins of Lydae, accessible only on foot. Cruising to the bay of Batik Hamam, we enjoy an afternoon swim among half-sunken ruins. At Fethiye, we hike among Lycian rock tombs that were carved into a cliff face in the 4th century BC.

Days 8-10
Kaya Koy / Kalkan / Xanthos / Patara / Kas

Our yacht brings us to Gemiler Island, where we hike up to the striking Byzantine ruins tucked amid the pine trees. We return to the boat and continue to Olu Deniz, a beautiful cobalt-blue lagoon beneath a pine-forested mountain. After a hike to the eerie Greek ghost town of Kaya Koy, abandoned in 1924, we meet local farmers in a lovely rural valley, explore the Lycian ruins at Xanthos, visit Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, and stroll around the lively harbor and fishing village of Kas, with its Roman amphitheater and countless kilims on display.

Days 11-16
Aperlae / Myra / Chimaera / Antalya / Termessos / Istanbul

At Aperlae we snorkel above ruins long buried by the sea, explore the rock-cut tombs at ancient Myra, hike to the legendary eternal flames of Chimaera, and visit Olympos and Phaselis. From Antalya, we explore haunting Termessos, an immense acropolis set in the mountains. Depart Istanbul on Day 16, or join our Cappadocia or Inside Istanbul Extension.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate. This is a relaxed cruising adventure, with hikes that should be “easy-to-moderate” for the average active traveler. The hikes are a focus of the trip, often bringing us 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. We usually have seven hikes during the trip, 2 to 4 hours each, all with some uphill and downhill walking. Please note that several hikes are of moderate difficultly, following coastal paths that can be steep and rocky; for these hikes, you should be a fit walker and should have lightweight hiking boots. Being able to swim is important on any boating trip. 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 yachts we use for our Turquoise Coast program are the finest in Turkey. Traditional wooden motor-sailers called gulets, they are typically 90 feet in length with a 21-foot beam, which makes them wonderfully stable and comfortable for cruising. They are twin masted, with teak hulls and decks and mahogany interiors. To maximize time for exploration, we normally proceed under motor power. When conditions permit, and at the captain's discretion, sails will be raised.

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, coffer, and tea are provided. This is not a luxury cruise aboard a big cruise ship, but it’s easy to adjust to yacht life, and we think you’ll find this to be one of the most pleasant and relaxing journeys imaginable.

Explanation of Trip Levels