| Cost From: | $5795 |
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| Length: | 16 days |
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| Activity: | Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
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| Difficulty: |
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Best holiday ever. We saw and experienced more than we could have dreamed possible. We ran out of superlatives by the second day!L. Treolar—Abbotsford BC
This inspired Mediterranean sojourn offers sunny skies, warm translucent seas, tiny seaside villages, hikes in pine forests scented by wild herbs, and a dream world of astounding treasures: rock-cut Lycian tombs, ancient Roman baths, and towering Greek amphitheaters. We journey along the exquisite Turquoise Coast by private gulet (motor-sailing yacht), heading ashore for daily hikes, witnessing life in coastal villages, and visiting dazzling archaeological sites including Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in the world. Every day includes time for swimming, snorkeling, and pampering by our chefs, who serve mouth-watering feasts on deck. Our knowledgeable Trip Leaders are fantastic traveling companions who introduce us to the best hiking trails and bring the world of the ancients to life.
$5795 (11-12 guests)
$6095 (9-10 guests)
$6395 (7-8 guests)
Single supplement: $325
(hotels only)
Single supplement (on boat): $1250 (limited availability)
Internal airfare: $390 (subject to change)
*High season surcharge: $850
Inside Istanbul extension from: $1190
Cappadocia extension from: $1295
Prices are for 2009 dates
Jul 9-24, 2009 Edip Ozgur
Sep 10-25, 2009 Edip Ozgur
Sep 17-Oct 2, 2009 Sayat Turabik
Sep 24-Oct 9, 2009 Mehmet Koc
Oct 1-16, 2009 Edip Ozgur
May 13-28, 2010
May 20-Jun 4, 2010
Jun 3-18, 2010
Jun 17-Jul 2, 2010
Jul 1-16, 2010
Aug 26-Sep 10, 2010
Sep 9-24, 2010
Sep 16-Oct 1, 2010
Sep 23-Oct 8, 2010
*Sep 10-25 and Sep 24-Oct 9, 2009 are Westbound Itineraries
The US Dollar has strengthened against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! Here's how it works: we will purchase the Euros for your trip when you sign up, which lets us lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To receive the discount, the first deposit on the trip ($500 per person) is non-refundable. If you prefer to have your deposit be fully refundable up to 90 days before departure, you can sign up at the regular published rate for the trip.
To find out the current discount available at today’s rate, please call us at 1-800-368-2794 or send us an email.
Reading list, click here.
Our journey begins in Istanbul, fabled capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires and home to the Topkapi Palace, bejeweled residence of the sultans for four centuries. We explore on foot and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus in this fascinating city. Our hotel in the walking district has views from its rooftop restaurant of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Blue Mosque.
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 back to Roman times. In Marmaris, with its natural harbor filled with colorful boats bobbing at their moorings, we board our traditional wooden gulet and set off into the blue waters. The next day we cruise the reedy inlets of the Dalyan River to Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples, Roman baths, and even a Byzantine church. Afterwards, we can try an optional soak in natural hot springs.
From the beautiful cove called Ag Limani, we hike across a wildflower-covered peninsula marked by the hidden ruins of Lydae, accessible only on foot. At the end of the hike, we descend to our yacht, which greets us in the bay of Batik Hamam, where we can enjoy an afternoon swim. At Fethiye, we explore the open-air market and hike among Lycian rock tombs that were carved into a cliff face in the 4th century BC.
Our yacht brings us to Gemile Island, where we head ashore for a hike up to the striking Byzantine ruins tucked in amidst the pine trees. We descend back to the boat and continue to Olu Deniz, a beautiful cobalt-blue lagoon beneath a pine-forested 6,000-foot mountain. After a hike to the eerie Greek ghost town of Kaya Koy, we explore the Lycian ruins at Xanthos, and visit Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, and Kas, with its Roman amphitheater and kilim shops.
We hike to Gokkaya Bay, climb up to the Crusader castle at ancient Simena, visit the legendary eternal flames of Chimaera, and explore Olympos, Phaselis, then Antalya, with its lively bazaars. Depart from Istanbul on Day 16, or join our Cappadocia or Inside Istanbul Extensions.
In the Anatolian heartland, hike in Cappadocia, with its magical landscape, frescoed Byzantine cave churches, welcoming villages, and unique traditional art forms, from pottery to weaving.
Please call us or download the Full Trip Brochure for more information about our extensions
We cruise aboard a traditional Turkish-registered yacht called a gulet, a wooden motor-sailing vessel about 60-70 feet long, with a wide beam for stability and comfort above and below deck. If possible, the Captain will put up the sails to aid the motor for travel between islands, but limited time and a chock-full itinerary means that most frequently you use only the motor to get to your next destination. Our boats have 6 double cabins, some with two beds, some with one double bed. Each has a private bathroom and shower.
Note: The hotels and lodges listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
