Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turquoise Coast
Turkey Private Journey
Overview
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 "Turkish Riviera" 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.
Arrive: Istanbul, Turkey
Depart: Istanbul, Turkey
Highlights
- Explore the Turquoise Coast aboard your own traditional gulet (sailing yacht) with private guide and crew
- Cappadocia, with its otherworldly landscapes
- Magnificently restored Ephesus, exotic Istanbul
Itinerary
Please note: This is a suggested itinerary. Cappadocia may be included before or after your cruise.
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.
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. Enjoy a whirling dervish “Sema” ceremony at the original 12th century Seljuk caravanserai of Saruhan. This dance of the whirling dervishes is inspired by Rumi, the mystic poet, and is part of Turkish culture.
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.
Visit the World Heritage Site of Aphrodisias before boarding your luxurious gulet (private yacht) for a cruise along the exquisite "Turkish Riviera". 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.
Visit Myra, where the tomb of St. Nicholas lies in a ruined Byzantine church, and the Antalya Museum, then return to Istanbul and depart.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2+, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is a relaxed cruising adventure, with hikes that should be fine 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, although all hikes are optional, should you prefer to relax on board the yacht.
We usually have seven hikes during the trip, 2-4 hours each, all with some uphill and downhill walking. Several hikes are of moderate difficultly, following coastal paths that can be steep and rocky. Even if you choose not to participate in the optional hikes, most visits to archaeological sites require walking or hiking on sometimes rocky, uneven paths. Having at least one hiking pole can be very helpful on the hikes as well. To ensure an enjoyable adventure in Turkey, you should make a special effort to be in good physical condition by engaging in a regular exercise regimen before the trip and bring lightweight hiking boots.
The climate along the Turquoise Coast is predominantly Mediterranean. Summers are hot and usually dry as the rainy season along the coast is November to March. It is generally quite warm even during rain showers. Normally there is not much wind, and the afternoon breezes arrive regularly to cool off the coastline. May and October departures may be cooler and we suggest bringing warmer clothing for these dates.
Our spacious gulets have shaded aft and fore decks with chaises that provide comfortable outdoor dining and lounging. Full air conditioning is available as an option for several hours in the evening, but the 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).
Ocean kayaks and paddleboards are available on board for exploring secluded coves and marine caves. 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 Cavurali has a crew of three and the larger gulets have a crew of four.
For trips with less than seven group members, 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 this type of journey. The Cavurali features four comfortable cabins with beautiful mahogany paneling and private bathrooms (two cabins have single beds and two have double beds). All cabins have en suite facilities, including a shower stall, and there are marine windows that open. For trips with more than seven group members, a larger six cabin yacht is used. They are generally about 90 feet in length with a 21-foot beam and are similar to the Cavurali in that they feature teak hulls and decks and mahogany interiors. All cabins have a private toilet and shower. Linens and towels are provided, including beach towels for swimming. We suggest you pack light because bunk and luggage space aboard is limited on all boats.
Meals on board have a wide variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables produced in Turkey and the bounty of fish in the Mediterranean, the Turks have developed a sumptuous and rich cuisine, influenced by its position as a cultural and geographical crossroads between Asia and Europe. We enjoy Turkish cuisine at its best aboard our yacht. In fact, for some trip members, meals on board become as much of a trip highlight as hiking and discovering ancient ruins!
Breakfasts include fresh yogurt, local honey, fresh-baked breads, eggs, and Turkish breakfast items such as feta cheese, olives, and sun-ripened tomatoes and cucumbers. Lunches and dinners offer an array of appetizers, a variety of salads and vegetable dishes (eggplant in olive oil is a favorite), plus a main entree of lamb, beef, chicken, or fish, grilled, baked, or prepared in other styles. Main dishes are often served with side dishes such as rice pilaf seasoned with currents or pine nuts. Some days, our crew fishes and serves us their “catch of the day.” Desserts include fresh fruits or assorted local pastries such as baklava (nuts and honey in puff pastry).
Thanks to the balmy Mediterranean climate, we enjoy our meals in the open air of the yacht’s deck, sitting around a large table under a shade awning, with the fragrant breezes blowing. On occasion, we eat a lunch or dinner at a local town we are visiting. Wine, beer, and sodas are available for purchase. You can run a tab for your drinks and pay at the end of the cruise in Turkish Lira, Euros or US Dollars (credit cards are not accepted on the gulet). Complimentary drinking water, coffee, and tea are provided.
Being able to swim is important on any boating trip, and the warm waters make this an ideal trip for those who like to swim and snorkel. While there is some snorkeling equipment available on board, we cannot guarantee the quality and the fit of the equipment. We highly recommend bringing your own snorkel and mask to assure a proper fit. To get on and off the boat, there is a gradual 45-degree incline on the suspended sea ladder that allows easy access. The dinghy can take up to five guests at a time and has an outboard engine.
Client Testimonials
"A terrific combination of sites and experiences. We loved the trip. The captain and crew were 'over the top.' We miss them!"
Dee and Lewis N.
Baltimore, MD
"In Mahmut, Wilderness provided us a magic lamp with a genie, because all our wishes were his command. He was truly amazing!"
Ellie L.
Eden Prairie, MN
"The entire trip was outstanding. Your guides were wonderful—accommodating and flexible as well as thoroughly informed. We learned a ton and had such fun in the process."
Marnie and John I,
Anchorage, AK
"Can't thank you enough for encouraging us to put aside our worries, and proceed with our planned trip to Turkey. All three guides were outstanding and the gulet with its crew couldn't have been nicer!!!! We were treated royally and infused with knowledge. Many, many, many thanks!"
Myra and Buzzy H.
Baltimore, MD
"This trip was our fifth trip with WT and it keeps getting better. We had a private group and our experience was simply wonderful."
Peter T.
Stockton, CA
"Overall great trip, hiking culture, scenic beauty, and excellent food."
Sam E.
Long Beach, CA
"Can another Wilderness Travel adventure live up to this one?!"
Susan C.
Colorado Springs, CO
"My husband and I just experienced a trip of a lifetime. From the mysticism of Istanbul to the magic of the Turquoise Coast, we will have memories that we will treasure for years to come. Thank you for your efforts in creating a dream trip and unforgettable experience in the beautiful country of Turkey."
Ticia H.
Corpus Christi, TX
"We have extremely fond memories of Turkey, its people, the food, and its culture. We learned so much on this trip and we are so glad you put together this itinerary. We loved every region of the country and your wonderful guides made that experience so much more meaningful."
Vivian K.
Pasadena, CA
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.