The Turquoise Coast
Explore the Ancient Treasures and Seaside Villages of Mediterranean Turkey
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5995 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 16 days |
| Arrive: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Depart: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Lodging: | 11 nights aboard yacht, 4 nights first-class hotels, single cabins available describe |
| Meals: | All meals included |
| Activity: | Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Easy to moderate optional day hikes
|
Highlights
- Experience majestic Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world
- Hike through beautiful pine forests to little-visited ruins, ancient Greek and Roman amphitheaters, and Lycian cliff tombs
- Swim and snorkel over hidden sunken ruins
- Superb Trip Leaders who are informative, energetic, and fun
- Enjoy the good life aboard the finest gulet yachts in Turkey
Extraordinary. An exceptional two weeks rich in natural beauty, history, culture, hiking, and great companions. I may never travel without WT again.Sarah B.—Palo Alto, CA
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Our sojourn along the Turquoise Coast is an inspired one, with sun-drenched skies, warm translucent seas, coastal hikes to seaside villages, and a dream world of astounding archaeological treasures, from rock-cut Lycian tombs to soaring Greek amphitheaters. Cruising along this exquisite coast aboard a delightful gulet (motor-sailing yacht), we head ashore to hike in the countryside, explore fascinating ruins from ages past, including dazzling Ephesus—one of the best preserved classical sites in the world, swim and snorkel in secluded coves, and indulge in delightful feasts fit for a sultan. Our expert Trip Leaders have a wonderful gift for bringing the world of the ancients to life—and ensuring we enjoy every moment of the present!
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-2
Istanbul
Our journey begins in Istanbul, fabled capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and home to the Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans for four centuries. We explore the city on foot and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus.
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 kilim shops.
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 Extensions.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Inside Istanbul Extension (3 days)
- Cappadocia Extension (5 days)
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.
Departures & Leaders
Sep 1-16, 2010 Murat Tiryaki
Sep 9-24, 2010 Edip Ozgur
Sep 16-Oct 1, 2010 Mahmut Turhanoglu
Sep 23-Oct 8, 2010 Mehmet Koc
May 12-27, 2011
May 19-Jun 3, 2011
Jun 2-17, 2011
Jun 16-Jul 1, 2011
Jul 7-22, 2011
Aug 25-Sep 9, 2011
Sep 1-16, 2011
Sep 8-23, 2011
Sep 15-30, 2011
Sep 22-Oct 7, 2011
Oct 6-21, 2011
*July departures are High Season
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2011
$5995 (11-12 members)
$6295 (9-10 members)
$6595 (7-8 members)
*High season surcharge (July): $900
Hotel single supplement: $350
Boat single supplement: $975
Internal airfare: $460 (subject to change)
Extension Costs
Inside Istanbul Extension
from: $1190
Cappadocia Extension
from: $1295
more on pricing
Tour Cost Includes:
- expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- accommodations in hotels/shared yacht cabins
- welcome and farewell dinners and all meals on the cruise
- yacht staff
- entrances to museums and sites
- airport transfers for those arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 16
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal flights, transfers for independent arrival or departure, meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, any additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, passports, visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Ayasofya Konaklari Hotel
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),
Day 15 (1 night),
Istanbul, Turkey
Set on a pedestrian-only cobblestone lane between the Haghia Sofia and the Topkapi Palace, the Ayasofya Konaklari is within walking distance of ...
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Kismet Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Kusadasi, Turkey
Situated on the tip of a peninsula with commanding views of the Aegean, the Kismet is an excellent base for exploring nearby Ephesus. Guest rooms ...
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Turkish Gulet
Days 4 to 14 (11 nights), Turquoise Coast, Turkey
The yachts we charter for our Turquoise Coast program are traditional wooden motor-sailers called gulets, especially designed for cruising ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Inside Istanbul Extension (3 days)
- Cappadocia Extension (5 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Mehmet Koc, a native of Istanbul, graduated from the University of Bosphorus in Tourism and Travel Management and from Anadulo University in Economics. A professional guide since 1989, he has explored and traveled extensively in Turkey and western Europe. With his passion for archaeology, ...
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Edip Ozgur is a graduate of Istanbul University‘s School of Prehistory and Archaeology with a specialty in Greek and Roman antiquities. After completing his military service, he lived in London for 18 months as a representative of Turkey‘s Ministry of Culture and Department of ...
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Murat Tiryaki, born and raised in Ankara, was trained as an electronics engineer but has been a passionate traveler all his life and a full-time guide for the last 18 years. When not guiding, he is a part-time university instructor in the tourism field. He also founded the guides' association in ...
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Mahmut Turhanoglu graduated from Tarsus American College and studied TV Broadcasting at the University of Anadolu. He later worked for five years as a producer of television commercials. In 1986, he had the opportunity to work and travel with British author and explorer Tim Severin on a research ...
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Client Comments
Extraordinary. An exceptional two weeks rich in natural beauty, history, culture, hiking, and great companions. I may never travel without WT again.Sarah B., Palo Alto, CA
It was a perfect trip - the organization, timing, food, accommodations, and especially the itinerary. Informative and great fun. I could not have asked for more.Joan and George S., Margate, NJ
Best holiday ever. We saw and experienced more than we could have dreamed possible. We ran out of superlatives on the second day!Lee T., Abbotsford, BC
Great combination of interesting sites, education, activities, swimming, comfortable accommodations, great fresh food, and a nice small group with a terrific leader. I’m hooked and planning on traveling with WT gain. I like your style and small-group trips.Madeleine G., Bellevue, WA
WT never ceases to amaze. This trip was more than we expected, with the perfect mix of culture, fun, food and drink.Gary F., Manhattan Beach, CA
This is a fabulous trip! The boat we were on was wonderful: great crew, great food, great guide, and amazing sites.Caroline S., Dover-Foxcroft, ME
What a treat. Our first WT trip but it won’t be our last. The number of veteran WT travelers on our trip speaks very highly of your company.Bruce N., Oakland, CA
This trip was relaxing, fun-filled, full of learning, and very well choreographed!Darian M., Eugene, OR
This trip was fantastic. The boat was beautiful and the crew and their service first-rate. I heard that this is one of your most popular trips—now I know why.Mary Beth P., Arlington, MA
Really, really good. Have raved about it to friends.George E., Pacific Palisdes, CA
The hiking was incredible, the food was out of this world, and the variety of activities and locations made for a first-rate trip. Life on the boat was wonderful!Elizabeth F., Aptos, CA
Just had a perfect time—an outstanding trip!Cindy C., Santa Barbara, CA
The most interesting trip I've ever taken. I loved everything, and especially Turkey!Mary Lee C., Santa Fe, NM
Fantastic! Could not have asked for more.Paul P., Scarsdale, NY




