Sail by Private Gulet from Ephesus to Antalya, with Hikes to Hidden Ruins
The Turquoise Coast
{"trip":{"TripID":10340,"Trip_Code":"TURKTURQ","Trip_Name":"The Turquoise Coast","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Istanbul, Turkey","End_Location":"Istanbul, Turkey","Number_Days":14,"Number_Nights":13,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"<p>Sun-drenched skies, a warm, translucent sea, a dream world of astounding Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures, bountiful, freshly made meals served on deck, and expert Trip Leaders who bring history alive—our idyllic voyages bring you all the delights of the Turquoise Coast. Traveling cove to cove by traditional gulet (wooden motor-sailing yacht)—and sailing, hiking, and swimming—is absolutely the best way to experience the “Turkish Riviera.” We'll snorkel above the ruins of ancient Aperlæ, hike to spectacular Lycian rock tombs, stroll the lanes of magnificent Ephesus, enjoy lunch with a family in Bezirgan village, and savor on-board cuisine that's beyond fabulous. Don't miss this trip—it will be one of the most delicious, fascinating, and relaxing vacations you can possibly have!<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p>Sun-drenched skies, a warm, translucent sea, a dream world of astounding Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures, bountiful, freshly made meals served on deck, and expert Trip Leaders who bring history alive—our idyllic voyage brings you all the pleasures of the Turquoise Coast. Traveling cove to cove by traditional gulet (motor-sailing yacht), we snorkel above the ruins of ancient Aperlae, hike to spectacular Lycian rock tombs, stroll the lanes of magnificent Ephesus, enjoy lunch with a family in Bezirgan village, and savor on-board cuisine that's beyond fabulous. Don't miss this trip—it will be one of the most delicious, fascinating, and relaxing vacations you can possibly have!<\/p>","ActivityHighlight":"6 days easy to moderate optional day hikes, 1-4 hours, some steep sections","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-TURKTURQ-small-ship-yacht-sailing-trip-turkey-coast-sunset.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/turkturq-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/Turkey\/turquoise-coast-cruise","ThisYear_Year":"2023","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"<p>$6995 (9-11 members)<br \/>$7295 (5-8 members)<br \/>$8295 (4 members)<\/p>","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"<p>Single supplement: $470 (Hotel only)<br \/>Single supplement: $1180 (boat only)<br \/>Internal airfare: $410 (subject to change)<\/p>","Price":"6995","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"<p>$7395 (9-11 members)<br \/>$7795 (5-8 members)<br \/>$8795 (4 members)<\/p>","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"<p>Single supplement: $470 (Hotel only)<br \/>Single supplement: $1990 (boat only)<br \/>Internal airfare: $410 (subject to change)<\/p>","PriceNextYear":"7395","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"<p><\/p>","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"<p><\/p>","PricingNotes":"<p><\/p>","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":6,"TripRatingName":"2+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":21,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Europe","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel (please plan to arrive in Istanbul by 1:30 pm). The one-hour drive brings us to our hotel located in The Old City, or Stamboul as it is sometimes known. This is the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine worlds and a great district to explore on foot. Many of its most famous sights are within easy walking distance of one another. After checking into our hotel, we set out to explore Topkapi Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire and home of the sultans for four centuries. The palace, a marvelous imperial labyrinth set on the tip of a peninsula where the Golden Horn joins the Bosphorus, was originally constructed in the 15th century, but most of the buildings we see today date from the 18th century. Of particular fascination is the Harem, the set of “forbidden” apartments where the Sultan's wives, concubines, and eunuchs lived. Topkapi is also the place to feast your eyes on the fabulous treasures of the sultans, from jewel-encrusted daggers to golden caskets to the 86-carat Spoonmakers Diamond. We'll walk to the Golden Horn to start our late afternoon sunset cruise on a private boat along the European and Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus to see yalis (waterside mansions) and the classic silhouette of Istanbul's skyline, then stop in for our Welcome Dinner in a seafood restaurant along the Bosphorus waterfront. Overnight at Hotel Levni in the heart of Istanbul's fascinating walking district.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our guided morning and afternoon explorations in Istanbul include the magnificent Haghia Sophia, once the largest enclosed space in the world and the greatest church in Christendom. Set atop a hill, the domed basilica of this 6th century cathedral, the Church of Holy Wisdom, was the dominant feature of the city's skyline until the 16th century. Memhet the Conqueror converted the Haghia Sophia into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and Ataturk converted it into a museum in 1935. It has now been converted back to a Mosque; please be advised entry is not allowed for anyone with bare shoulders or shorts. We then visit the restored Basilica Cistern, an underground chamber built by Justinian in AD 532 for storing the imperial water supply. We descend into the cistern and walk along platforms above reflecting pools, where soft lighting illuminates the hundreds of carved Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian columns that support the cistern roof. Heading to the Hippodrome, the center of life in Istanbul for more than 1,400 years, we can easily imagine the political intrigues that took place here as chariot teams vied for victory while racing around the rectangular arena (the various teams had political ties). We also visit Sultan Ahmet Camii, or the Blue Mosque, with slender minarets visible for miles around. It is known as the Blue Mosque for its blue-themed interior, replete with panels of floral-motif tiles (20,000 of them) and graceful arabesque stenciling. (Please note, the Blue Mosque is undergoing restoration and if not finished we will visit the Suleiman Mosque as an alternative, one of the most famous Mosques of the Ottoman period overlooking the Bosphorus.) After lunch, we stroll the labyrinthine alleyways of the Covered Bazaar, the oldest and most famous market in the world. We can watch artisans at work, peek through doorways to spy hidden treasures, and maybe try our hand at bargaining for a souvenir. Overnight at hotel.\r\nPlease note that the sites we visit in Istanbul can be very busy at times. Because of this we have a flexible approach so we can deliver the best experience possible by adjusting the order of the visits on Days 1 and 2. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure during your trip to Istanbul and Turkey.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Selcuk \/ Ephesus","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Izmir and drive to the town of Selcuk, our starting point for exploring fabulous Ephesus. Our first stop is at the impressive Ephesus Museum, where treasures of unearthed artifacts, marble statuary, and gladiatorial pieces are displayed. The statue of Artemis (Cybele), the mother goddess and principal deity of the city, is especially noteworthy. Following lunch in Selcuk, we'll explore Ephesus, declared capital of Roman Asia by Emperor Augustus, who turned it into a major trading and banking metropolis. In this remarkably well-preserved Roman city, where St. Paul preached, we walk among finely restored theaters and homes, stroll the marble-paved Arcadian way, and feel transported back to Roman times. The city's magnificently restored ruins include a library, temples, agoras, baths, brothels, marble streets, and amphitheaters. Under Roman rule, Ephesus allowed religious freedom for its inhabitants, and the result was a wonderful mixture of cultures. Our walking tour brings us an unforgettable glimpse into the world of ancient Rome. While in Ephesus, we also visit the Terrace Houses. These recently excavated houses where wealthy Romans lived offer a fascinating insight to the daily lives of their inhabitants as we walk through frescoed rooms and kitchens, private baths, and atriums. Upon exiting Ephesus, we head to the nearby site of the great Temple of Artemis, the largest Greek temple ever built. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but only one column now remains of the original temple. Overnight at our seaside hotel in Kusadasi, set on a peninsula overlooking the Aegean.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Kusadasi \/ Ekincik \/ Embark","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, you have the option to visit a weaving cooperative for a entertaining, hands-on, and educational demonstration of the local art (with options to shop, of course!). Those who may not be interested in weavings can take a short drive into the forested hills above Ephesus to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine believed to be Mary's final dwelling. We then head to the harbor of Ekincik to board our traditional wooden gulet, meet our captain and crew, and enjoy the first of many unforgettable meals aboard our boat. We may sail to a nearby cove where we can enjoy a swim before dinner. Overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Dalyan \/ Kaunos","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive to Dalyan and head out on a wonderful river boat excursion to see the beautiful Carian rock tombs built into the slopes above the village, then travel through the reedy inlets of the Dalyan River to visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples, Roman baths, and a Byzantine church. We'll enjoy a riverside lunch with a beautiful view and afterwards, we re-board our gulet and set out to a remote cove. Overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Ag Limani \/ Batik Hamam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise this morning to a beautiful cove called Ag Limani (“Harbor of Nets”) with time for a swim before our hike across a peninsula marked by the hidden ruins of Lydae, accessible only on foot. En route we may encounter a clan of Yoruk nomads and join them over some sage tea at their homestead. At the end of the hike, we descend to our gulet, which has come around to pick us up in Gocek Bay. In the afternoon, we are free to swim in the pretty setting of Batik Hamam (“Sunken Bath” in Turkish), a sheltered cove with a half-sunken ruin known as Cleopatra's Sunken Baths. This is a favored section of the coast for sailing and should the winds allow us, we will raise our sails and glide to a wilderness cove anchorage for the night. Overnight in a cove in Gocek Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Gemiler Island \/ Kaya Koy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our gulet brings us to Gemiler Island, where we head ashore for a short hike up to the striking Byzantine ruins of a 4th century monastic society dedicated to St. Nicholas and tucked amid olive trees. A one-hour hike brings us to the hilltop monastery where there are wonderful views down to the cobalt-blue lagoon below. We have time for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking along the island before lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Kaya Koy, an abandoned village that was originally home to around 3,000 Anatolian Greeks. The spoils of war and the “population exchanges” of the 1920s gave the inhabitants no choice but to relocate to mainland Greece. The site was reduced to an eerie ghost town following the mass exodus. After exploring the ruins, we hike back to our yacht, anchored in secluded Soguk Cove. The one-and-a-half-hour hike has some steep sections but is a very enjoyable outing with views of a fantastic seascape. The trail leads over terrain filled with aromas of wild-growing herbs including oregano, thyme, sage, and carob. Overnight on board.\r\nHiking Details: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Kalkan \/ Xanthos \/ Patara \/ Bezirgan \/ Kas","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"With an early departure, we skirt the Seven Capes and sail on to Firnaz Cove in Kalkan, a quaint town of traditional white-washed houses perched on a hill. Narrow winding streets lined with shops lead down to the charming marina and we'll dock to continue on to Xanthos, ancient capital of Lycia, virtually intact when British explorers arrived in 1838. Unfortunately, the British carted away many of the artifacts of Xanthos, now displayed at the British Museum. We explore the unique “Inscribed Pillar” with 250 lines of Lycian script, a language that stills remains mostly undeciphered. Two impressive pillar-tombs tower above the upper seats of the Xanthos theater. The Harpy Tomb got its name from reliefs of the winged figures around the top, which were originally thought to be harpies, female figures from Greek mythology who stole the daughters of King Pandareus to make them slaves of the Furies. Scholars now believe they are depictions of Sirens carrying away the souls of the dead to Hades. The other tomb, once bearing 6th century BC reliefs of wrestlers on a slab, confusingly also supports a 3rd century BC sarcophagus on its top, attesting to being re-used. The remains of an agora, basilica, monastery, and some Byzantine walls are also at this site. We drive to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, famous for its long, isolated, sandy beach. We have some free time here for a delightful swim, or to explore the fine ruins of a Greco-Roman theater, baths, and agora. This afternoon, we drive inland to Bezirgan, a traditional farming village in a lovely rural valley, for lunch prepared by a family in their home. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Turkish hospitality and get a glimpse into village life. A scenic drive brings us to Kas, a charming fishing village with a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, with time to shop in the town. From the harbor at Kas, we cruise to the tranquility of nearby Bayindir Cove for dinner and overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Aperlae \/ Kekova Island \/ Kalekoy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Kas, we make our way to the ancient city of Aperlae to snorkel above ruins long buried by the sea. Thousands of amphora pottery shards litter the bottom and the original harbor walls and foundation tiles are evident. Aperlae was a settlement famous for the export of the purple pigment extracted from the Murex snails found here in Roman times. The submerged ruins were discovered by an American couple on a sailing voyage in the 1970s and were surveyed in the 1990s by a team from Denver University. We continue to Kekova Island to see the mysterious submerged remains of a Byzantine city that lie along the edge of the island. Later, we enjoy a hike through farmlands and over an isthmus along village trails, and our gulet meets us on the other side of the peninsula at the water-locked village of Kalekoy (the modern name for ancient Simena). A conspicuous castle with a small rock-cut Lycian-era theater and Crusader fortifications looms over this timeless village. Overnight on board.\r\nHiking Details: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Myra \/ Arycanda \/ Finike","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"One of the delights of life aboard a gulet is enjoying a morning swim right from the boat, which is exactly what our plan is today. After lunch on board, a short sail brings us to Andriace, the ancient harbor for Myra. From here we take a motor launch to shore and meet our van, which takes us to the Lycian city of Myra, where we find some of the finest examples of Lycian funerary architecture set high on the hillsides. There is also a vast Roman amphitheater built into the cliff face with many of its carved friezes and cavernous tunnels (paradoi) intact. We visit the Church of St. Nicholas, known as the patron saint of children and sailors. Born about 300 AD, St. Nicholas is surrounded by legends, particularly of the miracles he performed in his lifetime that left him identified as Santa Claus or Father Christmas. We explore the superb yet less visited ruins of Arycanda, with its extensive remains of an agora, theater, stadium, ancient baths, and gymnasiums—all perched on a hillside in an alpine setting shaded under pines, with beautiful views down to the sea and toward the surrounding mountains. Archaeologist and author George Bean compared Arycanda favorably to Delphi, not just because of the state of stunning ruins but also for the sense of privacy and lack of crowds. We then drive the scenic coastal route to Finike and beyond into the mountains to a trout farm for a delicious dinner. Finike is a small town surrounded by citrus plantations, tea gardens, and hidden rocky bays. In this peaceful setting, we can try to imagine that this was the site of the Battle of the Masts in 655 AD, the first major naval victory of the Muslim Arabs over the Byzantines. Overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Olympos \/ Chimaera \/ Porto Genovese","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning's sail brings us across the Bay of Finike to Cape Gelidonya, the southernmost point of our voyage. The coastline from here to Olympos is among the wildest and most beautiful on the Turquoise Coast, undisturbed by any roads or settlements. We may stop at a wilderness cove to kayak or a swim en route to Olympos. Once there, we take a motor launch to the beautiful white-pebble beach lined with pine trees and pink oleander to start our excursion to the ruins. The site is buried in a forest of bay laurel trees and has a micro-climate of its own, with fresh water springs gushing along the trail. A monumental gateway to the ruined Temple of Hephaistos, a Byzantine aqueduct, baths, tombs, and a mosaic-clad church complex are all here. Following lunch and a swim, this afternoon we board the local form of transportation—a tractor-trailer—for a short ride to the trailhead for our 1.5-hour hike up a rocky path to Chimaera (or Chimera). In Greek legend (and as mentioned in Book 6 of Homer's Iliad), Chimaera was a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. Bellerophon, a handsome young Lycian hero flying on his winged horse, Pegasus, slew Chimaera with his arrows and buried the monster in boulders he hurled from above. The dozen flames bursting from the ground at this sacred site mark the site where the monster fell. We return to our gulet and sail a short distance to Porto Genovese, a beautiful wild cove, for our overnight anchorage with views of Mt. Olympos. Zoroastrian corsairs in the 1st century used this cove as headquarters as they competed for dominance against Christianity.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Maden Cove \/ Phaselis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We sail to Maden Cove for a relaxing morning of swimming, enjoy lunch on board, then sail on to Phaselis. This ancient city is a truly romantic place, set at the foot of Mt. Olympos on a Damascus pine\u2013studded peninsula and surrounded by three beautiful coves. The abundance of timber, a highly sought commodity in the Levant, and the fact that it offered a safe anchorage regardless of wind direction due to its three coves facing different directions, made Phaselis an ideal site. It was purchased from a shepherd and turned into a trade colony by Rhodian sea merchants. Since money did not exist in the 7th century BC when it was first established, the land was purchased for a quantity of dried fish. It is believed that Alexander the Great arrived here from sea, was given citizenship, and then persuaded to start his campaign against the Psidians of Termessos who had been ransacking Phaselitan territory. An optional one-hour hike coastal hike through the forest offering beautiful views brings us to Alacasu Cove, where we meet our boat for our final dinner on board.\r\nHiking Details: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Termessos \/ Antalya \/ Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast and good-byes to our captain and crew, we drive up to the immense Pisidian acropolis of Termessos, set high in a densely wooded, mountainous area. The impregnable walls and high peaks that surround this city so daunted Alexander the Great when he came through in 333 BC that he decided to just pass on by. We hike to the vast remains of the magnificent theater, agora, gymnasium, and odeon that lie in a jumble of massive carved stones. Farther along the valley, we find a series of carved sarcophagi in the vast necropolis. We then head to Antalya, a principal resort of the Mediterranean with a majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves and a backdrop of the towering Taurus Mountains. Since its founding in the 2nd century BC by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon, Antalya has had a vibrant history. Romans subsequently occupied the city, then later the Sel\u00e7uks, who built impressive mosques and minarets with elaborate tile decorations, marble pools, and stone carvings. After our festive Farewell Lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the city's exquisite Archaeological Museum and walk through Antalya's city gate (Hadrian's Gate), a stately structure of white marble constructed in honor of the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD. In the late afternoon, we fly to Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.\r\nHiking Details: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport for departing flights or join one of our trip extensions. We recommend spending extra time in Istanbul to explore this fascinating city.\r\nItinerary note: This is a representative itinerary. Our actual day-to-day itinerary will be flexible, and at the discretion of our captain and trip leader, to allow for local conditions and the particular interests of the group. This is an eastbound itinerary. Some departures may follow a westbound direction. Due to the number of sites visited on this trip, we most often motor between locations rather than putting up the sails. We try to do some sailing on each trip. However, this is primarily a cruise on a motor-sailboat and not a sailing trip.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel (please plan to arrive in Istanbul by 1:30 pm). The one-hour drive brings us to our hotel located in The Old City, or Stamboul as it is sometimes known. This is the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine worlds and a great district to explore on foot. Many of its most famous sights are within easy walking distance of one another. After checking into our hotel, we set out to explore Topkapi Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire and home of the sultans for four centuries. The palace, a marvelous imperial labyrinth set on the tip of a peninsula where the Golden Horn joins the Bosphorus, was originally constructed in the 15th century, but most of the buildings we see today date from the 18th century. Of particular fascination is the Harem, the set of “forbidden” apartments where the Sultan's wives, concubines, and eunuchs lived. Topkapi is also the place to feast your eyes on the fabulous treasures of the sultans, from jewel-encrusted daggers to golden caskets to the 86-carat Spoonmakers Diamond. We'll walk to the Golden Horn to start our late afternoon sunset cruise on a private boat along the European and Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus to see yalis (waterside mansions) and the classic silhouette of Istanbul's skyline, then stop in for our Welcome Dinner in a seafood restaurant along the Bosphorus waterfront. Overnight at Hotel Levni in the heart of Istanbul's fascinating walking district.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our guided morning and afternoon explorations in Istanbul include the magnificent Haghia Sophia, once the largest enclosed space in the world and the greatest church in Christendom. Set atop a hill, the domed basilica of this 6th century cathedral, the Church of Holy Wisdom, was the dominant feature of the city's skyline until the 16th century. Memhet the Conqueror converted the Haghia Sophia into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and Ataturk converted it into a museum in 1935. It has now been converted back to a Mosque; please be advised entry is not allowed for anyone with bare shoulders or shorts. We then visit the restored Basilica Cistern, an underground chamber built by Justinian in AD 532 for storing the imperial water supply. We descend into the cistern and walk along platforms above reflecting pools, where soft lighting illuminates the hundreds of carved Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian columns that support the cistern roof. Heading to the Hippodrome, the center of life in Istanbul for more than 1,400 years, we can easily imagine the political intrigues that took place here as chariot teams vied for victory while racing around the rectangular arena (the various teams had political ties). We also visit Sultan Ahmet Camii, or the Blue Mosque, with slender minarets visible for miles around. It is known as the Blue Mosque for its blue-themed interior, replete with panels of floral-motif tiles (20,000 of them) and graceful arabesque stenciling. (Please note, the Blue Mosque is undergoing restoration and if not finished we will visit the Suleiman Mosque as an alternative, one of the most famous Mosques of the Ottoman period overlooking the Bosphorus.) After lunch, we stroll the labyrinthine alleyways of the Covered Bazaar, the oldest and most famous market in the world. We can watch artisans at work, peek through doorways to spy hidden treasures, and maybe try our hand at bargaining for a souvenir. Overnight at hotel.\r\nPlease note that the sites we visit in Istanbul can be very busy at times. Because of this we have a flexible approach so we can deliver the best experience possible by adjusting the order of the visits on Days 1 and 2. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure during your trip to Istanbul and Turkey.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Antalya \/ Termessos","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight brings us to Antalya, a principal Mediterranean resort with a majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves and a backdrop of the towering Taurus Mountains. Since its founding in the 2nd century BC by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon, Antalya has had a vibrant history. Romans subsequently occupied the city, then later the Sel\u00e7uks, who built impressive mosques and minarets with elaborate tile decorations, marble pools, and stone carvings. In the hills above Antalya, we drive up to the immense acropolis of Termessos, one of the most enchanting sites in western Asia Minor. Set high in a densely wooded and mountainous area, this ancient theater has marvelous views. The impregnable walls and high peaks that surround this city so daunted Alexander the Great when he came through in 333 BC that he decided to just pass on by. We hike beneath a canopy of holly oak, wild pear, and pines and through a jumble of massive carved stones to the remains of the magnificent theater, agora, gymnasium, and odeon. Farther along the valley, we find a series of carved sarcophagi. We return to Antalya for lunch, then visit the city's exquisite Archaeological Museum and walk through Antalya's city gate (Hadrian's Gate), a stately structure of white marble constructed in honor of the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD. A scenic coastal drive brings us to Alacasu Cove, where we board our traditional wooden gulet, meet our captain and crew, and spend the night moored in the cove, or, depending on weather conditions and time, cruise at dusk and anchor at ancient Phaselis, allowing us to explore Phaselis early the next morning in good light and in privacy, before day-trippers arrive.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Phaselis \/ Maden Cove\/ Chimaera \/ Olympos \/ Porto Genoese","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Phaselis is truly a romantic place, set at the foot of Mt. Olympos on a Damascus pine\u2013studded peninsula and surrounded by three beautiful coves. The abundance of timber, a highly sought commodity in the Levant, and the fact that it offered a safe anchorage regardless of wind direction due to its three coves facing different directions, made Phaselis an ideal site. It was purchased from a shepherd and turned into a trade colony by Rhodian sea merchants. Since money did not exist in the 7th century BC when it was first established, the land was purchased for a quantity of dried fish. It is believed that Alexander the Great arrived here from sea, was given citizenship, and then persuaded to start his campaign against the Psidians of Termessos who had been ransacking Phaselitan territory. Phaselis is also mentioned in the Bible (Leviticus), forbidding Christians from wearing the hair of their heads in a \"sisoe,\" a hairstyle popular among Phaselitans. After exploring this beautiful ancient city, we sail to Maden Cove for lunch and a swim. In the afternoon, we board the local form of transportation—a tractor-trailer—for a short ride to the trailhead for our 1.5-hour hike up a rocky path to the eternal fires of Chimaera (or Chimera). In Greek legend (and as mentioned in Book 6 of Homer's Iliad), Chimaera was a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. Bellerophon, a handsome young Lycian hero flying on his winged horse, Pegasus, slew Chimaera with his arrows and buried the monsters with boulders he hurled from above. The dozen flames bursting from the ground at this sacred site today mark the site where the monster fell. Later, we take a motor launch to a beautiful white-pebble beach lined with pines and pink oleander to start our excursion in to the Olympos ruins. This site is buried in a forest of bay laurel trees and has a micro-climate of its own, with fresh water springs gushing along the trail. Here we find a monumental gateway to the ruined Temple of Hephaistos, a Byzantine aqueduct, baths, tombs and a mosaic-clad church complex. We return to our gulet and sail a short distance to Porto Genovese, a beautiful wild cove, for our overnight anchorage with views of Mt. Olympos. Zoroastrian corsairs in the 1st century used this cove as headquarters as they competed for dominance against Christianity.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Finike \/ Arycanda","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The coastline from Olympos to Finike is among the wildest and most beautiful sections of the Turquoise Coast, undisturbed by any roads or settlements. We leave Porto Genovese and round Cape Gelidonya, one of the southernmost points on this trip. Along the way, we visit Suluada Island for lunch and a swim, then cruise across the Bay of Finike. In this peaceful setting, we can try to imagine that this was the site of the Battle of the Masts in 655 AD, the first major naval victory of the Muslim Arabs over the Byzantines. Finike is a small town surrounded by citrus plantations, tea gardens, and hidden rocky bays. Once there, we head ashore and drive along narrow mountain roads to the starting point for our hike up to the superb ruins of Arycanda, complete with an agora, theater, stadium, ancient baths, and gymnasium—all perched on a hillside in an alpine setting with beautiful views down to the sea and toward the surrounding mountains. Archaeologist and author George Bean compared Arycanda favorably to Delphi, not just because of the state of stunning ruins but also for the sense of privacy and the lack of crowds. On the way back to the boat, we stop at a trout farm restaurant along the River Arycandus for a delicious country dinner. We then return to our gulet, awaiting us in the Finike marina.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":21,"DayTo":21,"Headline":"Myra \/ Gokkaya Bay \/ Kalekoy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A short sail brings us to Andriace, the ancient harbor for Myra. From here we take a motor launch to shore and meet a van to take us to the Lycian city of Myra, where we find some of the finest examples of Lycian funerary architecture set high on the hillsides. There is also a vast Roman amphitheater built into the cliff face with many of its carved friezes and cavernous tunnels intact. We visit the Church of St. Nicholas, known as the patron saint of children. Born about 300 AD, St. Nicholas is surrounded by legends, particularly of the miracles he performed in his lifetime which left him identified as Santa Claus or Father Christmas. We rejoin our gulet and cruise to Gokkaya Bay in Kekova Sound for lunch and a swim. Later, we head out on a two-hour hike over an isthmus and across farmlands along village trails to the village of Kalekoy (the modern name for ancient Simena). This timeless village, accessible only by sea, is a highlight, with breathtaking views from the Crusader-era castle overlooking the Kekova Sound and Lycian tombs and 1,500-year-old olive trees decorating the flanks. We clamber around Lycian sarcophagi and on the small rock-cut theater and have a chance to visit with local villagers. Our gulet meets us here and we cruise alongside Kekova Island to see the mysterious submerged remains of a Byzantine city that lie along the edge of the island. We overnight moored in a wilderness cove off Kekova Island.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":22,"DayTo":22,"Headline":"Aperlae \/ Kas","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise to the ancient city of Aperlae to swim, snorkel, and kayak above ruins long buried by the sea. Aperlae was a Roman-era center for the production of purple pigment extracted from the murex snails that live here. Broken amphorae and thousands of pottery shards litter the sea bed here, and we can see the sunken harbor walls and foundation tiles. These submerged ruins were discovered by an American couple on a sailing voyage in the 1970s and was surveyed by a team from Denver University in the 1990s. Following lunch, we round Cape Uluburun and continue to Kas, a lovely harbor and fishing village with a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Kas means “eyebrow” in Turkish, probably because of the shape of the bay it sits on. We stroll along the picturesque harbor and explore the Lycian rock tombs and the splendid ancient Greek theater overlooking the sea. Uzuncarsi, the cobbled market street of Kas, has many tastefully stocked shops for arts, crafts, jewelry, and textiles. Ottoman-style wooden houses with bougainvillea-clad balconies decorate the flanks of the street. The Hellenistic town of Antiphellus once stood here, and its splendidly preserved theater and temples remain. The Lycian rock tombs on the hillsides and the Greek isle of Megisti, a stone throw away over the sparkling Mediterranean, make a fine a backdrop in Kas. Dinner is on your own this evening. There are many good harbor restaurants and your Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations. Overnight on board in the harbor at Kas, where we can take advantage of the port's lively nightlife, or cruise to the tranquility of nearby Bayindir Cove.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":23,"DayTo":23,"Headline":"Kalkan \/ Xanthos \/ Patara","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We sail on to Kalkan, a quaint town of traditional white-washed houses perched on a hill. Narrow winding streets lined with shops lead down to the charming marina. We dock at Kalkan harbor and drive inland to Bezirgan, a traditional farming village in a lovely rural valley, for lunch prepared by a family in their home. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Turkish hospitality and get a glimpse into village life. We continue on to Xanthos, ancient capital of Lycia, virtually intact when British explorers arrived in 1838. Unfortunately, the British carted away many of the artifacts of Xanthos, now displayed at the British Museum. We explore the unique “Inscribed Pillar” with 250 lines of Lycian script, a language that stills remains mostly undeciphered. Two impressive pillar-tombs tower above the upper seats of the Xanthos theater. The Harpy Tomb got its name from reliefs of the winged figures around the top, which were originally thought to be harpies, female figures from Greek mythology who stole the daughters of King Pandareus to make them slaves of the Furies. Scholars now believe they are depictions of Sirens carrying away the souls of the dead to Hades. The other tomb, once bearing 6th century BC reliefs of wrestlers on a slab, confusingly also supports a 3rd century BC sarcophagus on its top, attesting to being re-used. The remains of an agora, basilica, monastery, and some Byzantine walls are also at this site. In the late afternoon, we drive to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, famous for its long, isolated, sandy beach. We have some free time here for a delightful swim, or to explore the fine ruins of a Greco-Roman theater, baths, and agora. We end the day with an optional hike on a rock path to Firnaz Cove with great views of the turquoise waters below, passing through a secret Roman aqueduct en route to our gulet awaiting us there (or drive back to Kalkan).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":24,"DayTo":24,"Headline":"Gemiler Island \/ Kaya Koy \/ Soguk Bay","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"With an early morning cruise rounding the wild Seven Capes, our gulet brings us to Gemiler Island. En route, and weather permitting, we may stop at Burguncuk Cove for a morning swim and breakfast. At Gemiler Island, we head ashore for a short hike up to the striking Byzantine ruins of a 4th century monastic society dedicated to St. Nicholas. The ruins are tucked amid olive trees and from the summit of the hill, there are stunning views of the cobalt-blue lagoon below. We have time for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking along the island before lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Kaya Koy, an abandoned village that was originally home to around 3,000 Anatolian Greeks. The spoils of war and the “population exchanges” of the 1920s gave the inhabitants no choice but to relocate to mainland Greece. The site was reduced to an eerie ghost town following the mass exodus. After exploring the ruins, we hike back to our yacht, anchored in secluded Soguk Cove. The three-hour hike has some steep sections but is a very enjoyable outing with views of a fantastic seascape. The trail leads over terrain filled with aromas of wild-growing herbs including oregano, thyme, sage, and carob. Overnight on board in Soguk Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":25,"DayTo":25,"Headline":"Ag Limani \/ Batik Hamam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise across Fethiye Bay this morning to a beautiful cove called Ag Limani (“Harbor of Nets”). After a swim, we hike across a peninsula marked by the ruins of Lydae, an unexcavated site reached only by sea. Once a Lycian outpost with spiritual importance, it is today inhabited only by Yoruk nomads. We may visit with the nomads over some sage tea, or clamber on the remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo. There are also Byzantine cisterns and monumental temple-tombs to explore. At the end of our hike, we arrive at Cleopatra's Sunken Baths in the southern reaches of Gocek Lagoon. This is also known as Batik Hamam (“Sunken Bath” in Turkish). Our gulet cruises around from Ag Limani to pick us up here. Following a late lunch, we have time for relaxing or swimming. This area usually has reliable winds, and if so, we raise our sails and glide to a wilderness cove for our overnight anchorage. Overnight in a cove in Gocek Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":26,"DayTo":26,"Headline":"Dalyan \/ Kaunos \/ Ekincik Bay","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise around the rough headland known as Disibilmez (“Never Seen a Female”) and arrive at Iztuzu, one of the few sandy beaches along the Turquoise Coast. Here we head by local boat through the reedy passages of the Dalyan River to visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples, Roman baths, and a Byzantine church. The area is famous for its prolific birdlife and is one of the few remaining egg-laying areas for loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. We can try an optional soak in natural hot springs and sulphur mud baths, then wash off with a brisk plunge in the fresh waters of Lake Koycegiz. We return to the town of Dalyan for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the river, enjoying a beautiful view of the Carian rock tombs built into the slopes above the city. Our afternoon hike of about 2.5 hours brings us to Ekincik through pine forests and olive groves to a spot where we rendezvous with our gulet. Overnight on board in Ekincik Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":27,"DayTo":27,"Headline":"Ephesus \/ Kusadasi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We disembark, bid goodbye to our captain and crew, and drive toward Kusadasi, our base for visiting Ephesus. After lunch, we explore Ephesus, declared capital of Roman Asia by Emperor Augustus, who turned it into a major trading and banking metropolis. In this remarkably well-preserved Roman city, where St. Paul preached, we walk among finely restored theaters and homes, stroll the marble-paved Arcadian way, and feel transported back to Roman times. The city's magnificently restored ruins include a library, temples, agoras, baths, brothels, marble streets, and amphitheaters. Under Roman rule, Ephesus allowed religious freedom for its inhabitants, and the result was a wonderful mixture of cultures. Our walking tour brings us an unforgettable glimpse into the Roman world. While in Ephesus, we also visit the Terrace Houses. These recently excavated houses where wealthy Romans lived offer a fascinating insight to the daily lives of their inhabitants as we walk through frescoed rooms and kitchens, private baths, and atriums. Upon exiting Ephesus, we head to the site of the great Temple of Artemis, the largest Greek temple ever built. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but only one column now remains of the original temple. We continue to Kusadasi for the night with overnight and dinner at our seaside hotel set on a peninsula overlooking the Aegean.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":28,"DayTo":28,"Headline":"Ephesus Museum \/ House of Mary \/ Sirince \/ Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We visit the impressive Ephesus Museum, where treasures of unearthed artifacts, marble statuary, and gladiatorial pieces are displayed. The statue of Artemis (Cybele), the mother goddess and principal deity of the city, is especially noteworthy. After our festive Farewell Lunch in the charming town of Sirince, with its Tuscan feel and famous wine and olive oil, we'll have time to visit a weaving cooperative for a entertaining, hands-on, and educational demonstration of the local art (with options to shop, of course!). Those who may not be interested in weavings can take a short drive into the forested hills above Ephesus to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine believed to be Mary's final dwelling. In the early afternoon, we transfer to the Izmir airport and fly to Istanbul. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":29,"DayTo":29,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport for departing flights.\r\nItinerary note: This is a representative itinerary. Our actual day-to-day itinerary will be flexible, and at the discretion of our captain and trip leader, to allow for local conditions and the particular interests of the group. This is a westbound itinerary. Some departures may follow an eastbound direction. Due to the number of sites visited on this trip, we most often motor between locations rather than putting up the sails. We try to do some sailing on each trip. However, this is primarily a cruise on a motor-sailboat and not a sailing trip.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Istanbul \/ Ephesus \/ Kaunos \/ Göcek (Eastbound Itinerary)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our Istanbul explorations include the amazing Topkapi Palace and a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. At breathtaking Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, we walk the marble-paved Arcadian Way, feeling transported back to ancient times. Along the Dalyan River, we visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples and Roman baths, and we board our gulet in the sailing haven of Göcek.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Lydæ \/ Kayaköy \/ Xanthos \/ Bezirgan \/ Kekova Island \/ Myra","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A high trail brings us to the hidden ruins of Lydæ, accessible only on foot, and we can take a swim in “Cleopatra's Sunken Baths.” On Gemiler Island, our path leads to a Byzantine monastery. We'll also walk to the eerie Greek ghost town of Kayaköy, enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local village, and at Kekova Island, see the submerged remains of a Lycian settlement. At Myra, we'll find fine examples of Lycian rock tombs set high on the hillsides.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Chimæra \/ Termessos \/ Antalya \/ Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Sailing to Cape Gelidonya, we contour the wildest part of the Turquoise Coast, with a hike to the legendary eternal flames of Chimæra and a visit to the haunting ruins of Termessos, a mountaintop acropolis. Depart on Day 14 via Istanbul, or join our extensions in Istanbul or Cappadocia.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"","docType":"1","FileName":""},{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/the-turquoise-coast-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/the-turquoise-coast-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/the-turquoise-coast-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike to hidden ruins, swim and snorkel in the warm 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","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":111,"Name":"Turkey","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":219,"Name":"Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":220,"Name":"Walking","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":228,"Name":"Small Ship Cruising","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850462,"First_Name":"Mehmet","Last_Name":"Ko\u00e7","BioShort":"As a 20-year veteran leader of The Turquoise Coast trip, Mehmet Koc's passion for archaeology and history—not to mention his local insight throughout Turkey—has our guests leaving with a deep connection to the mesmerizing region. Among Mehmet's favorite spots are the ancient sites of Termessos and Phaselis, for their dramatic settings in the mountains, and the landscape of Cappadocia, which he calls “a geological poem.” When not guiding, Mehemet enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and sailing.","BioLong":"As a 20-year veteran leader of The Turquoise Coast trip, Mehmet Koc's passion for archaeology and history—not to mention his local insight throughout Turkey—has our guests leaving with a deep connection to the mesmerizing region. As one client put it, “Mehmet represents the best in his own country. He was calm, personable, knowledgeable, and watchful over every detail.” He wants trip members to come away with a deep feeling not only for the historical treasures of Turkey, but also for its contemporary culture. Among Mehmet's favorite spots are the ancient sites of Termessos and Phaselis, for their dramatic settings in the mountains, and the landscape of Cappadocia, which he calls “a geological poem.” When not guiding, Mehmet enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and sailing."},{"GuideID":851314,"First_Name":"Ersin","Last_Name":"Ozdemir","BioShort":"After completing his degree in Archaeology at the University of Selcuk, Ersin taught high school for three years before finding his true calling as a tour guide. He has since spent nearly three decades as a professional tour guide in both Turkey and other countries. In addition to extensive reading, he has broadened his knowledge by attending seminars in the flora and fauna of Turkey as well as recent archaeological discoveries. “Guiding is my passion,” he says, “allowing me to share the culture, nature, and history of my native country with guests coming from all over the world.”","BioLong":"After completing his degree in Archaeology at the University of Selcuk, Ersin taught high school for three years before finding his true calling as a tour guide. He has since spent nearly three decades as a professional tour guide in both Turkey and other countries. In addition to extensive reading, he has broadened his knowledge by attending seminars in the flora and fauna of Turkey as well as recent archaeological discoveries. “Guiding is my passion,” he says, “allowing me to share the culture, nature, and history of my native country with guests coming from all over the world.”"},{"GuideID":850343,"First_Name":"Enver","Last_Name":"Lucas","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Enver Lucas is a man of two cultures, Turkish and American, with an equal love for both countries. Born in California to a Turkish mother and American father, he spent most of his childhood and early education in Turkey, went to college in California, then worked for 10 years in the beauty of Yosemite National Park, which inspired him to make a life around sharing the wonders of nature. Returning to Turkey, he studied archaeology and anthropology, then traveled extensively throughout Turkey, hiking, climbing, exploring, and ultimately penning the guidebook Trekking in Turkey. Enver has boundless energy and enthusiasm, with a gift for bringing history alive and a passion for sharing his phenomenal knowledge of Turkey's rich culture as well as its classical and maritime archaeology. His interests include scuba diving, photography, and mountain biking, and he's also an accomplished cook who loves to introduce travelers to the delights of Turkish cuisine. He makes his home with his wife and son along the storied Turquoise Coast in Turkey's southern Mediterranean."},{"GuideID":850639,"First_Name":"Sayat","Last_Name":"Turabik","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Sayat Turabik, born in Istanbul, is an Armenian Turk who lives on one of the tranquil Prince's Islands, just a ferry ride down the Bosphorus from Istanbul. Sayat headed to the University of Wolverhampton in England for college, earning his degree in business and information technology then going to Germany to study German language at the Goethe Institute. He spent nearly a year traveling in Latin America, teaching English to local children, and then returned to Turkey to begin a career as a tour leader. \"Being a professional guide gives me a chance to talk about my beloved country and its people, and at the same time introduces me to other people and cultures. Hearing trip members say \"I love this country\" is my biggest reward.\" Sayat speaks English, Spanish, and German and loves photography, volleyball, and off-the-beaten-path hikes in Turkey's mountains."},{"GuideID":851306,"First_Name":"Yunus","Last_Name":"\u00d6zdemir","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Combining his vast knowledge of archaeology with a passion for leading trips, Yunus has guided visitors from many countries around the world since 2003. After leading tours on Turkey's Lycian Way, he created and realized the idea of a long-distance walking route in the Caria region in southwestern Turkey. Yunus received a degree in Classical Archaeology from Akdeniz University in 2005 and has a master's degree in Cultural Heritage. For the past six years, he has lectured at Cappadocia University. He lives in Cappadocia with his wife and two children."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Abigail H.","GuestLocation":"Bowie, MD","GuestReview":"We would rate this as one of our top vacations, a perfect combination of relaxation, hiking, and history."},{"GuestNames":"Ann F.","GuestLocation":"Moss Beach, CA","GuestReview":"The trip was just superlative—there really is nothing to improve. "},{"GuestNames":"Ann S.","GuestLocation":"Los Alamos, NM","GuestReview":"This trip was fantastic, with excellent coordination of boat\/van\/walking itineraries—a trip you just couldn't do on your own. And the food was fabulous—both in cities and on the boat."},{"GuestNames":"Bruce N.","GuestLocation":"Oakland, CA","GuestReview":"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."},{"GuestNames":"Caroline S.","GuestLocation":"Dover-Foxcroft, ME","GuestReview":"This is a fabulous trip! The boat we were on was wonderful: great crew, great food, great guide, and amazing sites."},{"GuestNames":"Carolyn S.","GuestLocation":"Edmonton, Alberta","GuestReview":"This was an experience we won't forget. Traveling the Turquoise Coast via gulet was the only way to go. The captain and his crew, along with our excellent guide, made this trip close to perfect."},{"GuestNames":"Cindy C.","GuestLocation":"Santa Barbara, CA","GuestReview":"Just had a perfect time—an outstanding trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Claire G.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"This was truly a magical adventure. The visit to the rug weaving school, tea with the goatherder's family, and lunch with an extended family high in the mountains were amazing experiences. We visited many wonderful villages, markets, restaurants, and shops as well as ancient ruins. I felt I was really getting a taste of the culture and the history of the region."},{"GuestNames":"Darian M.","GuestLocation":"Eugene, OR","GuestReview":"This trip was relaxing, fun-filled, full of learning, and very well choreographed!"},{"GuestNames":"Dennis K.","GuestLocation":"Shaker Heights, OH","GuestReview":"A well designed trip through a beautiful and fascinating part of the world. We enjoyed every minute of it."},{"GuestNames":"Elizabeth F.","GuestLocation":"Aptos, CA","GuestReview":"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!"},{"GuestNames":"Ellen and Norman R.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"This trip was sensational in every way and even exceeded our high expectations. It opened our eyes to the rich and monumentally important history of Turkey, its blend of cultures, and delicious food. We loved the experience on the gulet, balanced with daily excursions on land. All in all, we had a blast!"},{"GuestNames":"Gary F.","GuestLocation":"Manhattan Beach, CA","GuestReview":"WT never ceases to amaze. This trip was more than we expected, with the perfect mix of culture, fun, food and drink."},{"GuestNames":"George E.","GuestLocation":"Pacific Palisdes, CA","GuestReview":"Really, really good. Have raved about it to friends."},{"GuestNames":"Jan B.","GuestLocation":"Mountain View, CA","GuestReview":"This was the most relaxing vacation we've ever been on. The gulet was extremely clean and the crew worked constantly to keep it that way. The food on board was fresh, creative, wholesome, and we looked forward to every meal!"},{"GuestNames":"Jerrold E.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"This was one of the best vacations we have had. I can't believe how good the quality of food was that came out of that little boat kitchen."},{"GuestNames":"Joan and George S.","GuestLocation":"Margate, NJ","GuestReview":"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."},{"GuestNames":"Joanna M.","GuestLocation":"Chiang Mai, Thailand","GuestReview":"Not knowing very much about the history and politics of Turkey, I was fascinated with the incredible archaeological sites where we were often the only visitors. The coast was lovely and being on a boat for nearly all the trip meant no packing and unpacking as on other travels, and the accommodation and food and the crew were very hospitable."},{"GuestNames":"Joanne G.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"The itinerary was fabulous and we enjoyed every minute of the trip. It's one of the best we have ever taken."},{"GuestNames":"John D.","GuestLocation":"Louisville, KY","GuestReview":"This was hands down the most enjoyable trip I have taken in years. The combination of sailing, hiking, exploration, and goofing off on the boat is unbeatable."},{"GuestNames":"Joni H.","GuestLocation":"Evergreen, CO","GuestReview":"This was the trip of a lifetime. I was treated like the sultan's wife. The gulet, the hikes, the food, the weather, the sea, snorkeling over sunken ruins—it was all wonderful."},{"GuestNames":"Judy S.","GuestLocation":"Bend, OR","GuestReview":"We loved the hikes, found the archaeological sites fascinating, and loved being on the boat (and the food on the boat was beyond fabulous!)."},{"GuestNames":"Katherine B.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"Mehmet was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and pleasant. The crew and food on the boat was excellent. And the itinerary was fantastic, with a great combination of sailing, hiking, and exploring ruins. Thanks for a great experience!"},{"GuestNames":"Lawrence G.","GuestLocation":"East Falmouth, MA","GuestReview":"A superb trip with an excellent guide. The boat crew was extraordinary. They pampered us, prepared wonderful meals, and simply could not have done more to ensure that every aspect of life on the boat was wonderful."},{"GuestNames":"Lee T.","GuestLocation":"Abbotsford, BC","GuestReview":"Best holiday ever. We saw and experienced more than we could have dreamed possible. We ran out of superlatives on the second day!"},{"GuestNames":"Lora D.","GuestLocation":"San Diego, CA","GuestReview":"This trip far exceeded my expectations. It is a must do for anyone who appreciates history, hiking and has a spirit of adventure. The food was 5 stars!"},{"GuestNames":"Lynn B.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"This is one of the most outstanding trips we have ever taken. The depth of information, the comfort of the boat, the culture we learned about...all added up to a perfect trip."},{"GuestNames":"Lynn C.","GuestLocation":"Bellevue, WA","GuestReview":"This trip was so good, we would like to do it again. We will certainly tell all of our friends that this is the ONLY way to go."},{"GuestNames":"Lynne R.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"The itinerary was excellent with a great mix of walking\/hiking, visiting archaeological sites and a wonderfully relaxing cruise."},{"GuestNames":"Madeleine G.","GuestLocation":"Bellevue, WA","GuestReview":"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 again. I like your style and small-group trips."},{"GuestNames":"Mary Beth P.","GuestLocation":"Arlington, MA","GuestReview":"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."},{"GuestNames":"Mary Lee C.","GuestLocation":"Santa Fe, NM","GuestReview":"The most interesting trip I've ever taken. I loved everything, and especially Turkey!"},{"GuestNames":"Neal F.","GuestLocation":"Reno, NV","GuestReview":"The captain and crew of the gulet were skilled, personable, and fun."},{"GuestNames":"Pam H.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"There is so much history in this beautiful land that I knew nothing about. Archeological sites, scenery, food, and people are all magical, and traveling by gulet adds another level of other-worldliness. No world traveler should miss this trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Paul M.","GuestLocation":"Richmond, VA","GuestReview":"Bravo WT! You have fine-tuned this adventure to perfection. It exceeded our every expectation."},{"GuestNames":"Paul P.","GuestLocation":"Scarsdale, NY","GuestReview":"Fantastic! Could not have asked for more."},{"GuestNames":"Sarah B.","GuestLocation":"Palo Alto, CA","GuestReview":"Extraordinary. An exceptional two weeks rich in natural beauty, history, culture, hiking, and great companions. I may never travel without WT again."},{"GuestNames":"Susie T.","GuestLocation":"Columbia, SC","GuestReview":"My husband and I travel A LOT and this was one of the best trips we have ever taken."},{"GuestNames":"Tom E.","GuestLocation":"Lawrenceville, NJ","GuestReview":"The trip exceeded my expectations. The optimum weather, outstanding boat and crew, and fun traveling companions allowed us to fully enjoy all the scenery and historical sites."},{"GuestNames":"Wendy H.","GuestLocation":"Beecroft, Australia","GuestReview":"The combination of sailing, swimming, and hiking in a sunny climate is hard to surpass. Couple this with historical sites that rival more well known places and a guide whose knowledge is astounding—the perfect trip!"}],"Extensions":[{"TripID":10340,"ExtensionTripID":10275,"Trip_Code":"CAPPADOC","Trip_Name":"Cappadocia Extension"},{"TripID":10340,"ExtensionTripID":10277,"Trip_Code":"ISTANBUL","Trip_Name":"Inside Istanbul Extension"}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10248,"Trip_Code":"PJTURKDI","Trip_Name":"Discover Turkey Private Journey"},{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10312,"Trip_Code":"GREEKISL","Trip_Name":"Hiking in the Greek Isles"},{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10317,"Trip_Code":"WAKECLEO","Trip_Name":"In the Wake of Cleopatra"},{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10242,"Trip_Code":"PJTURKEY","Trip_Name":"Turkey Private Journey"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73406,"ProductID":84297,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Turker Travel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Cappadocia Extension","Day":-3,"Sequence":3,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73406,"ProductID":84298,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Turker Travel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Inside Istanbul Extension","Day":-1,"Sequence":3,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71547,"ProductID":84804,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Levni","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Istanbul","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Hotel Levni (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>This hotel's location could not be better—it's within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel's front door). 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(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 <em>Cavurali<\/em> features four comfortable cabins with beautiful mahogany paneling and private bathrooms (two cabins have single beds and two have double beds, each with comfortable mattress toppers). 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, bow, and fore decks with chaises and floor cushions provide comfortable outdoor dining and lounging. Full air conditioning is available as an option, but the<em> Cavurali<\/em>'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). 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For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of the enclosed Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"Extra Service Request Form","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-05T11:55:42 --><p>Optional Donation: Your attached invoice includes an optional donation to Earthquake disaster relief AHBAP in the amount of $50.00 per person. You can learn more about this worthy project on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/donation\/Turkey-Donation-Earthquake.pdf\">our website<\/a>. Wilderness Travel strongly believes in preserving the environment and communities of the special places we visit, and we encourage you to join us in supporting this effort.<\/p>","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a nonrefundable deposit of $600 per person.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Turkey<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T13:37:38 --><p><strong>ADAPTERS:<\/strong> There are 220-volt electrical outlets in the cabins and bathroom, plus an outlet in the salon for charging batteries. You will need a plug adaptor with two round prongs. Most new electronics do not need a converter.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>ABOARD THE GULET:<\/strong> You will be cruising the Turquoise Coast of Turkey on a traditional Turkish-registered yacht, a motor-sailor called a \"gulet\". When possible we will take advantage of the winds to put up sails for our travel between islands and coves, but please be advised that due to limited time and a chock-full itinerary we normally motor to our next destination. Sails will be raised when conditions permit, and at the captain's discretion. Cabins are assigned upon arrival by way of lottery drawing. <br><br><strong>TIPPING IN TURKEY:<\/strong> Tips are not included in the cost of your trip, therefore you may want to reward your Trip Leader and boat crew for their excellent service. Please bring USD or Euros for this purpose.<br><strong><br>A current range of reference would be:<\/strong><\/p><p>For the boat crew, $90-$100 per trip member.<br>For the Trip Leader, $150-200 per trip member.<br><strong><br>ALCOHOL ONBOARD:<\/strong> Please note that alcohol and sodas are to be paid extra on the gulet. There is a bar bill that is tallied over the course of the cruise and it gets settled at the end. The bar tab must be paid in cash. Please bring enough USD, Euros or Turkish Lire with you to pay for this. You can bring your own alcohol onboard if you wish. There is no corkage fee. <br><br><strong>SNORKELING:<\/strong> Masks, snorkels and fins are provided on board. All equipment is disinfected after each use. However, if you want to be certain that you have a good fit, you may choose to bring your own equipment. <br><br><strong>KAYAKING:<\/strong> There is one double and one single Ocean Kayaks and two Wilderness Tarpon single kayaks along with a stand-up paddle board if you wish to enjoy during free time. <br><br><strong>YOGA:<\/strong> While there are no organized yoga sessions on this trip, there are four yoga mats on board for use on a first-come, first-served basis. <\/p><p><br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>ARRIVING IN ISTANBUL<\/strong><br>A complimentary transfer is provided from the Istanbul Airport to the Hotel Levni for all trip members. If you are arriving to a different airport, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost. Your WT representative will meet you outside of DOOR 8. As you come out of the luggage claim area, please turn left and keep walking past the escalators until you see DOOR 8 on your right. Please walk outside the terminal building through Door 8 and look for your name on the sign held up by the transfer agent. Note that the Istanbul Airport can be quite hectic. If you do not see our representative right away, please stay in the area right outside Door 8. <br><br>Please plan to meet in the lobby of Hotel Levni at 1:30 pm on Day 1 for our half day tour followed by Welcome Dinner and orientation.<br> <br><strong>INTERNAL FLIGHTS<\/strong>Please note that the internal air tickets for the trip will be issued in Turkey and handled by your Trip Leader. He will be in possession of the group's internal air tickets and will handle these for you as he facilitates check-in for all domestic flights. <br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>DEPARTING ISTANBUL<\/strong><br>A complimentary transfer will be provided from the hotel to the Istanbul Airport for departing flights on Day 14. If you are departing on a different day, or out of a different airport, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost.<\/p><p> <\/p><p> <\/p><p>If you have an early morning departure leaving Istanbul, we may book an airport hotel for your convenience on your last night in Istanbul and will provide an airport shuttle to transfer to the airport. <br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T13:24:20 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our local contact (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p> <\/p><p> <\/p><p>You can also reach your trip leader or office contact in Turkey via WhatsApp (once you are abroad, WhatAapp is easier and cheaper). If you don't already have WhatsApp on your phones, we highly encourage it; it is a free download. Note you do need to have data or be on WiFi to use WhatsApp. Be sure to let your cell phone carrier know that you will be traveling outside the US; some plans have free international roaming, but if not, there are data plans that you can set up, typically for minimal cost. 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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 call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. 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Overview
Sun-drenched skies, a warm, translucent sea, a dream world of astounding Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures, bountiful, freshly made meals served on deck, and expert Trip Leaders who bring history alive—our idyllic voyages bring you all the delights of the Turquoise Coast. Traveling cove to cove by traditional gulet (wooden motor-sailing yacht)—and sailing, hiking, and swimming—is absolutely the best way to experience the “Turkish Riviera.” We'll snorkel above the ruins of ancient Aperlæ, hike to spectacular Lycian rock tombs, stroll the lanes of magnificent Ephesus, enjoy lunch with a family in Bezirgan village, and savor on-board cuisine that's beyond fabulous. Don't miss this trip—it will be one of the most delicious, fascinating, and relaxing vacations you can possibly have!
Arrive: Istanbul, Turkey
Depart: Istanbul, Turkey
Highlights
- Hike to hidden ruins, swim and snorkel in the warm Mediterranean
- Discover amazing Ephesus, Lycian rock tombs, remote islands
- Enjoy gourmet cuisine prepared by on-board chefs and served al fresco
- Optional pre- or post-trip extensions to Cappadocia or Istanbul
Itinerary
Download Itinerary
Expand All Days
Our Istanbul explorations include the amazing Topkapi Palace and a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. At breathtaking Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, we walk the marble-paved Arcadian Way, feeling transported back to ancient times. Along the Dalyan River, we visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples and Roman baths, and we board our gulet in the sailing haven of Göcek.
A high trail brings us to the hidden ruins of Lydæ, accessible only on foot, and we can take a swim in “Cleopatra's Sunken Baths.” On Gemiler Island, our path leads to a Byzantine monastery. We'll also walk to the eerie Greek ghost town of Kayaköy, enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local village, and at Kekova Island, see the submerged remains of a Lycian settlement. At Myra, we'll find fine examples of Lycian rock tombs set high on the hillsides.
Sailing to Cape Gelidonya, we contour the wildest part of the Turquoise Coast, with a hike to the legendary eternal flames of Chimæra and a visit to the haunting ruins of Termessos, a mountaintop acropolis. Depart on Day 14 via Istanbul, or join our extensions in Istanbul or Cappadocia.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $600
150 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum fee: $600 per person
61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
60 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in hotels/shared yacht cabins
- All meals as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary
- A glass of wine or beer with Farewell Dinner
- Airport arrival transfers and departure transfers on Day 14
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Visa fees
- Transfers for departures other than Day 14
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Hotel Levni
Days 1-2 (2 nights)
This hotel's location could not be better—it's within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel's front door). Guest rooms are well appointed, with comfortable beds and modern furnishings, and there is a Turkish bath, heated indoor pool, and fitness center on site. The service here is exceptional—the friendly and helpful staff goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
Charisma Hotel
Day 3 (1 night)
The Charisma is set right on the beach, with ocean-swimming access from a private dock as well as a huge swimming pool and open-air restaurant facing the water. Spacious guest rooms have a sea view and a balcony for watching sunset over the Aegean.
Traditional Gulet
Days 4-12 (9 nights)
The yachts we charter are traditional wooden motor-sailers called gulets, especially designed for cruising this beautiful coastline. They are typically 90 feet in length with a 21-foot beam, twin masted, and feature teak hulls and decks and mahogany interiors. There are six double cabins, each with private toilet and shower. The food prepared and served on board features many local specialties, including fresh-caught seafood. To maximize time for exploration, we normally proceed under motor power. When conditions permit, and at the captain's discretion, sails will be raised. Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available to use. The gulets feature a crew of four, including the captain.Alternate Hotel: Traditional Gulet Cavurali
Hotel Levni
Day 13 (1 night)
This hotel's location could not be better—it's within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel's front door). Guest rooms are well appointed, with comfortable beds and modern furnishings, and there is a Turkish bath, heated indoor pool, and fitness center on site. The service here is exceptional—the friendly and helpful staff goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
1/4
Trip Leaders
Mehmet Koç
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Ersin Ozdemir
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Enver Lucas
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Sayat Turabik
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Yunus Özdemir
View ProfileWhat 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.
The spacious gulets have 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).
Four ocean kayaks (three single, one double) are available on board for exploring secluded coves and marine caves. A sailboard is also provided. 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.
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.
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.
For trips with seven group members or fewer, 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. Linens and towels are provided, including beach towels for swimming. We suggest you pack light because bunk and luggage space aboard is limited. There are 220-volt electrical outlets in the bedroom and bathroom (you will need a plug adaptor with two round prongs), plus an outlet in the salon that supplies power around the clock for charging batteries; it's a useful source when the generators are not on.
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.
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Client Testimonials
"We would rate this as one of our top vacations, a perfect combination of relaxation, hiking, and history."
Abigail H.
Bowie, MD
"The trip was just superlative—there really is nothing to improve. "
Ann F.
Moss Beach, CA
"This trip was fantastic, with excellent coordination of boat/van/walking itineraries—a trip you just couldn't do on your own. And the food was fabulous—both in cities and on the boat."
Ann S.
Los Alamos, NM
"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 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
"This was an experience we won't forget. Traveling the Turquoise Coast via gulet was the only way to go. The captain and his crew, along with our excellent guide, made this trip close to perfect."
Carolyn S.
Edmonton, Alberta
"Just had a perfect time—an outstanding trip!"
Cindy C.
Santa Barbara, CA
"This was truly a magical adventure. The visit to the rug weaving school, tea with the goatherder's family, and lunch with an extended family high in the mountains were amazing experiences. We visited many wonderful villages, markets, restaurants, and shops as well as ancient ruins. I felt I was really getting a taste of the culture and the history of the region."
Claire G.
Seattle, WA
"This trip was relaxing, fun-filled, full of learning, and very well choreographed!"
Darian M.
Eugene, OR
"A well designed trip through a beautiful and fascinating part of the world. We enjoyed every minute of it."
Dennis K.
Shaker Heights, OH
"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
"This trip was sensational in every way and even exceeded our high expectations. It opened our eyes to the rich and monumentally important history of Turkey, its blend of cultures, and delicious food. We loved the experience on the gulet, balanced with daily excursions on land. All in all, we had a blast!"
Ellen and Norman R.
New York, NY
"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
"Really, really good. Have raved about it to friends."
George E.
Pacific Palisdes, CA
"This was the most relaxing vacation we've ever been on. The gulet was extremely clean and the crew worked constantly to keep it that way. The food on board was fresh, creative, wholesome, and we looked forward to every meal!"
Jan B.
Mountain View, CA
"This was one of the best vacations we have had. I can't believe how good the quality of food was that came out of that little boat kitchen."
Jerrold E.
Seattle, WA
"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
"Not knowing very much about the history and politics of Turkey, I was fascinated with the incredible archaeological sites where we were often the only visitors. The coast was lovely and being on a boat for nearly all the trip meant no packing and unpacking as on other travels, and the accommodation and food and the crew were very hospitable."
Joanna M.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
"The itinerary was fabulous and we enjoyed every minute of the trip. It's one of the best we have ever taken."
Joanne G.
Denver, CO
"This was hands down the most enjoyable trip I have taken in years. The combination of sailing, hiking, exploration, and goofing off on the boat is unbeatable."
John D.
Louisville, KY
"This was the trip of a lifetime. I was treated like the sultan's wife. The gulet, the hikes, the food, the weather, the sea, snorkeling over sunken ruins—it was all wonderful."
Joni H.
Evergreen, CO
"We loved the hikes, found the archaeological sites fascinating, and loved being on the boat (and the food on the boat was beyond fabulous!)."
Judy S.
Bend, OR
"Mehmet was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and pleasant. The crew and food on the boat was excellent. And the itinerary was fantastic, with a great combination of sailing, hiking, and exploring ruins. Thanks for a great experience!"
Katherine B.
Denver, CO
"A superb trip with an excellent guide. The boat crew was extraordinary. They pampered us, prepared wonderful meals, and simply could not have done more to ensure that every aspect of life on the boat was wonderful."
Lawrence G.
East Falmouth, MA
"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
"This trip far exceeded my expectations. It is a must do for anyone who appreciates history, hiking and has a spirit of adventure. The food was 5 stars!"
Lora D.
San Diego, CA
"This is one of the most outstanding trips we have ever taken. The depth of information, the comfort of the boat, the culture we learned about...all added up to a perfect trip."
Lynn B.
Portland, OR
"This trip was so good, we would like to do it again. We will certainly tell all of our friends that this is the ONLY way to go."
Lynn C.
Bellevue, WA
"The itinerary was excellent with a great mix of walking/hiking, visiting archaeological sites and a wonderfully relaxing cruise."
Lynne R.
New York, NY
"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 again. I like your style and small-group trips."
Madeleine G.
Bellevue, WA
"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
"The most interesting trip I've ever taken. I loved everything, and especially Turkey!"
Mary Lee C.
Santa Fe, NM
"The captain and crew of the gulet were skilled, personable, and fun."
Neal F.
Reno, NV
"There is so much history in this beautiful land that I knew nothing about. Archeological sites, scenery, food, and people are all magical, and traveling by gulet adds another level of other-worldliness. No world traveler should miss this trip!"
Pam H.
Denver, CO
"Bravo WT! You have fine-tuned this adventure to perfection. It exceeded our every expectation."
Paul M.
Richmond, VA
"Fantastic! Could not have asked for more."
Paul P.
Scarsdale, NY
"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
"My husband and I travel A LOT and this was one of the best trips we have ever taken."
Susie T.
Columbia, SC
"The trip exceeded my expectations. The optimum weather, outstanding boat and crew, and fun traveling companions allowed us to fully enjoy all the scenery and historical sites."
Tom E.
Lawrenceville, NJ
"The combination of sailing, swimming, and hiking in a sunny climate is hard to surpass. Couple this with historical sites that rival more well known places and a guide whose knowledge is astounding—the perfect trip!"
Wendy H.
Beecroft, Australia
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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
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Traveling cove to cove by traditional gulet (wooden motor-sailing yacht)—and sailing, hiking, and swimming—is absolutely the best way to experience the “Turkish Riviera.” We'll snorkel above the ruins of ancient Aperlæ, hike to spectacular Lycian rock tombs, stroll the lanes of magnificent Ephesus, enjoy lunch with a family in Bezirgan village, and savor on-board cuisine that's beyond fabulous. Don't miss this trip—it will be one of the most delicious, fascinating, and relaxing vacations you can possibly have!<\/p>","Long_Description":"<p>Sun-drenched skies, a warm, translucent sea, a dream world of astounding Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures, bountiful, freshly made meals served on deck, and expert Trip Leaders who bring history alive—our idyllic voyage brings you all the pleasures of the Turquoise Coast. 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The one-hour drive brings us to our hotel located in The Old City, or Stamboul as it is sometimes known. This is the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine worlds and a great district to explore on foot. Many of its most famous sights are within easy walking distance of one another. After checking into our hotel, we set out to explore Topkapi Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire and home of the sultans for four centuries. The palace, a marvelous imperial labyrinth set on the tip of a peninsula where the Golden Horn joins the Bosphorus, was originally constructed in the 15th century, but most of the buildings we see today date from the 18th century. Of particular fascination is the Harem, the set of “forbidden” apartments where the Sultan's wives, concubines, and eunuchs lived. Topkapi is also the place to feast your eyes on the fabulous treasures of the sultans, from jewel-encrusted daggers to golden caskets to the 86-carat Spoonmakers Diamond. We'll walk to the Golden Horn to start our late afternoon sunset cruise on a private boat along the European and Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus to see yalis (waterside mansions) and the classic silhouette of Istanbul's skyline, then stop in for our Welcome Dinner in a seafood restaurant along the Bosphorus waterfront. Overnight at Hotel Levni in the heart of Istanbul's fascinating walking district.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our guided morning and afternoon explorations in Istanbul include the magnificent Haghia Sophia, once the largest enclosed space in the world and the greatest church in Christendom. Set atop a hill, the domed basilica of this 6th century cathedral, the Church of Holy Wisdom, was the dominant feature of the city's skyline until the 16th century. Memhet the Conqueror converted the Haghia Sophia into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and Ataturk converted it into a museum in 1935. It has now been converted back to a Mosque; please be advised entry is not allowed for anyone with bare shoulders or shorts. We then visit the restored Basilica Cistern, an underground chamber built by Justinian in AD 532 for storing the imperial water supply. We descend into the cistern and walk along platforms above reflecting pools, where soft lighting illuminates the hundreds of carved Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian columns that support the cistern roof. Heading to the Hippodrome, the center of life in Istanbul for more than 1,400 years, we can easily imagine the political intrigues that took place here as chariot teams vied for victory while racing around the rectangular arena (the various teams had political ties). We also visit Sultan Ahmet Camii, or the Blue Mosque, with slender minarets visible for miles around. It is known as the Blue Mosque for its blue-themed interior, replete with panels of floral-motif tiles (20,000 of them) and graceful arabesque stenciling. (Please note, the Blue Mosque is undergoing restoration and if not finished we will visit the Suleiman Mosque as an alternative, one of the most famous Mosques of the Ottoman period overlooking the Bosphorus.) After lunch, we stroll the labyrinthine alleyways of the Covered Bazaar, the oldest and most famous market in the world. We can watch artisans at work, peek through doorways to spy hidden treasures, and maybe try our hand at bargaining for a souvenir. Overnight at hotel.\r\nPlease note that the sites we visit in Istanbul can be very busy at times. Because of this we have a flexible approach so we can deliver the best experience possible by adjusting the order of the visits on Days 1 and 2. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure during your trip to Istanbul and Turkey.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Selcuk \/ Ephesus","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We fly to Izmir and drive to the town of Selcuk, our starting point for exploring fabulous Ephesus. Our first stop is at the impressive Ephesus Museum, where treasures of unearthed artifacts, marble statuary, and gladiatorial pieces are displayed. The statue of Artemis (Cybele), the mother goddess and principal deity of the city, is especially noteworthy. Following lunch in Selcuk, we'll explore Ephesus, declared capital of Roman Asia by Emperor Augustus, who turned it into a major trading and banking metropolis. In this remarkably well-preserved Roman city, where St. Paul preached, we walk among finely restored theaters and homes, stroll the marble-paved Arcadian way, and feel transported back to Roman times. The city's magnificently restored ruins include a library, temples, agoras, baths, brothels, marble streets, and amphitheaters. Under Roman rule, Ephesus allowed religious freedom for its inhabitants, and the result was a wonderful mixture of cultures. Our walking tour brings us an unforgettable glimpse into the world of ancient Rome. While in Ephesus, we also visit the Terrace Houses. These recently excavated houses where wealthy Romans lived offer a fascinating insight to the daily lives of their inhabitants as we walk through frescoed rooms and kitchens, private baths, and atriums. Upon exiting Ephesus, we head to the nearby site of the great Temple of Artemis, the largest Greek temple ever built. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but only one column now remains of the original temple. Overnight at our seaside hotel in Kusadasi, set on a peninsula overlooking the Aegean.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Kusadasi \/ Ekincik \/ Embark","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, you have the option to visit a weaving cooperative for a entertaining, hands-on, and educational demonstration of the local art (with options to shop, of course!). Those who may not be interested in weavings can take a short drive into the forested hills above Ephesus to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine believed to be Mary's final dwelling. We then head to the harbor of Ekincik to board our traditional wooden gulet, meet our captain and crew, and enjoy the first of many unforgettable meals aboard our boat. We may sail to a nearby cove where we can enjoy a swim before dinner. Overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Dalyan \/ Kaunos","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We drive to Dalyan and head out on a wonderful river boat excursion to see the beautiful Carian rock tombs built into the slopes above the village, then travel through the reedy inlets of the Dalyan River to visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples, Roman baths, and a Byzantine church. We'll enjoy a riverside lunch with a beautiful view and afterwards, we re-board our gulet and set out to a remote cove. Overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Ag Limani \/ Batik Hamam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise this morning to a beautiful cove called Ag Limani (“Harbor of Nets”) with time for a swim before our hike across a peninsula marked by the hidden ruins of Lydae, accessible only on foot. En route we may encounter a clan of Yoruk nomads and join them over some sage tea at their homestead. At the end of the hike, we descend to our gulet, which has come around to pick us up in Gocek Bay. In the afternoon, we are free to swim in the pretty setting of Batik Hamam (“Sunken Bath” in Turkish), a sheltered cove with a half-sunken ruin known as Cleopatra's Sunken Baths. This is a favored section of the coast for sailing and should the winds allow us, we will raise our sails and glide to a wilderness cove anchorage for the night. Overnight in a cove in Gocek Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Gemiler Island \/ Kaya Koy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our gulet brings us to Gemiler Island, where we head ashore for a short hike up to the striking Byzantine ruins of a 4th century monastic society dedicated to St. Nicholas and tucked amid olive trees. A one-hour hike brings us to the hilltop monastery where there are wonderful views down to the cobalt-blue lagoon below. We have time for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking along the island before lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Kaya Koy, an abandoned village that was originally home to around 3,000 Anatolian Greeks. The spoils of war and the “population exchanges” of the 1920s gave the inhabitants no choice but to relocate to mainland Greece. The site was reduced to an eerie ghost town following the mass exodus. After exploring the ruins, we hike back to our yacht, anchored in secluded Soguk Cove. The one-and-a-half-hour hike has some steep sections but is a very enjoyable outing with views of a fantastic seascape. The trail leads over terrain filled with aromas of wild-growing herbs including oregano, thyme, sage, and carob. Overnight on board.\r\nHiking Details: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Kalkan \/ Xanthos \/ Patara \/ Bezirgan \/ Kas","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"With an early departure, we skirt the Seven Capes and sail on to Firnaz Cove in Kalkan, a quaint town of traditional white-washed houses perched on a hill. Narrow winding streets lined with shops lead down to the charming marina and we'll dock to continue on to Xanthos, ancient capital of Lycia, virtually intact when British explorers arrived in 1838. Unfortunately, the British carted away many of the artifacts of Xanthos, now displayed at the British Museum. We explore the unique “Inscribed Pillar” with 250 lines of Lycian script, a language that stills remains mostly undeciphered. Two impressive pillar-tombs tower above the upper seats of the Xanthos theater. The Harpy Tomb got its name from reliefs of the winged figures around the top, which were originally thought to be harpies, female figures from Greek mythology who stole the daughters of King Pandareus to make them slaves of the Furies. Scholars now believe they are depictions of Sirens carrying away the souls of the dead to Hades. The other tomb, once bearing 6th century BC reliefs of wrestlers on a slab, confusingly also supports a 3rd century BC sarcophagus on its top, attesting to being re-used. The remains of an agora, basilica, monastery, and some Byzantine walls are also at this site. We drive to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, famous for its long, isolated, sandy beach. We have some free time here for a delightful swim, or to explore the fine ruins of a Greco-Roman theater, baths, and agora. This afternoon, we drive inland to Bezirgan, a traditional farming village in a lovely rural valley, for lunch prepared by a family in their home. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Turkish hospitality and get a glimpse into village life. A scenic drive brings us to Kas, a charming fishing village with a distinctive Mediterranean flavor, with time to shop in the town. From the harbor at Kas, we cruise to the tranquility of nearby Bayindir Cove for dinner and overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Aperlae \/ Kekova Island \/ Kalekoy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"From Kas, we make our way to the ancient city of Aperlae to snorkel above ruins long buried by the sea. Thousands of amphora pottery shards litter the bottom and the original harbor walls and foundation tiles are evident. Aperlae was a settlement famous for the export of the purple pigment extracted from the Murex snails found here in Roman times. The submerged ruins were discovered by an American couple on a sailing voyage in the 1970s and were surveyed in the 1990s by a team from Denver University. We continue to Kekova Island to see the mysterious submerged remains of a Byzantine city that lie along the edge of the island. Later, we enjoy a hike through farmlands and over an isthmus along village trails, and our gulet meets us on the other side of the peninsula at the water-locked village of Kalekoy (the modern name for ancient Simena). A conspicuous castle with a small rock-cut Lycian-era theater and Crusader fortifications looms over this timeless village. Overnight on board.\r\nHiking Details: 1.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Myra \/ Arycanda \/ Finike","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"One of the delights of life aboard a gulet is enjoying a morning swim right from the boat, which is exactly what our plan is today. After lunch on board, a short sail brings us to Andriace, the ancient harbor for Myra. From here we take a motor launch to shore and meet our van, which takes us to the Lycian city of Myra, where we find some of the finest examples of Lycian funerary architecture set high on the hillsides. There is also a vast Roman amphitheater built into the cliff face with many of its carved friezes and cavernous tunnels (paradoi) intact. We visit the Church of St. Nicholas, known as the patron saint of children and sailors. Born about 300 AD, St. Nicholas is surrounded by legends, particularly of the miracles he performed in his lifetime that left him identified as Santa Claus or Father Christmas. We explore the superb yet less visited ruins of Arycanda, with its extensive remains of an agora, theater, stadium, ancient baths, and gymnasiums—all perched on a hillside in an alpine setting shaded under pines, with beautiful views down to the sea and toward the surrounding mountains. Archaeologist and author George Bean compared Arycanda favorably to Delphi, not just because of the state of stunning ruins but also for the sense of privacy and lack of crowds. We then drive the scenic coastal route to Finike and beyond into the mountains to a trout farm for a delicious dinner. Finike is a small town surrounded by citrus plantations, tea gardens, and hidden rocky bays. In this peaceful setting, we can try to imagine that this was the site of the Battle of the Masts in 655 AD, the first major naval victory of the Muslim Arabs over the Byzantines. Overnight on board.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Olympos \/ Chimaera \/ Porto Genovese","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning's sail brings us across the Bay of Finike to Cape Gelidonya, the southernmost point of our voyage. The coastline from here to Olympos is among the wildest and most beautiful on the Turquoise Coast, undisturbed by any roads or settlements. We may stop at a wilderness cove to kayak or a swim en route to Olympos. Once there, we take a motor launch to the beautiful white-pebble beach lined with pine trees and pink oleander to start our excursion to the ruins. The site is buried in a forest of bay laurel trees and has a micro-climate of its own, with fresh water springs gushing along the trail. A monumental gateway to the ruined Temple of Hephaistos, a Byzantine aqueduct, baths, tombs, and a mosaic-clad church complex are all here. Following lunch and a swim, this afternoon we board the local form of transportation—a tractor-trailer—for a short ride to the trailhead for our 1.5-hour hike up a rocky path to Chimaera (or Chimera). In Greek legend (and as mentioned in Book 6 of Homer's Iliad), Chimaera was a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. Bellerophon, a handsome young Lycian hero flying on his winged horse, Pegasus, slew Chimaera with his arrows and buried the monster in boulders he hurled from above. The dozen flames bursting from the ground at this sacred site mark the site where the monster fell. We return to our gulet and sail a short distance to Porto Genovese, a beautiful wild cove, for our overnight anchorage with views of Mt. Olympos. Zoroastrian corsairs in the 1st century used this cove as headquarters as they competed for dominance against Christianity.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Maden Cove \/ Phaselis","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We sail to Maden Cove for a relaxing morning of swimming, enjoy lunch on board, then sail on to Phaselis. This ancient city is a truly romantic place, set at the foot of Mt. Olympos on a Damascus pine\u2013studded peninsula and surrounded by three beautiful coves. The abundance of timber, a highly sought commodity in the Levant, and the fact that it offered a safe anchorage regardless of wind direction due to its three coves facing different directions, made Phaselis an ideal site. It was purchased from a shepherd and turned into a trade colony by Rhodian sea merchants. Since money did not exist in the 7th century BC when it was first established, the land was purchased for a quantity of dried fish. It is believed that Alexander the Great arrived here from sea, was given citizenship, and then persuaded to start his campaign against the Psidians of Termessos who had been ransacking Phaselitan territory. An optional one-hour hike coastal hike through the forest offering beautiful views brings us to Alacasu Cove, where we meet our boat for our final dinner on board.\r\nHiking Details: 1 hour","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Termessos \/ Antalya \/ Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After breakfast and good-byes to our captain and crew, we drive up to the immense Pisidian acropolis of Termessos, set high in a densely wooded, mountainous area. The impregnable walls and high peaks that surround this city so daunted Alexander the Great when he came through in 333 BC that he decided to just pass on by. We hike to the vast remains of the magnificent theater, agora, gymnasium, and odeon that lie in a jumble of massive carved stones. Farther along the valley, we find a series of carved sarcophagi in the vast necropolis. We then head to Antalya, a principal resort of the Mediterranean with a majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves and a backdrop of the towering Taurus Mountains. Since its founding in the 2nd century BC by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon, Antalya has had a vibrant history. Romans subsequently occupied the city, then later the Sel\u00e7uks, who built impressive mosques and minarets with elaborate tile decorations, marble pools, and stone carvings. After our festive Farewell Lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the city's exquisite Archaeological Museum and walk through Antalya's city gate (Hadrian's Gate), a stately structure of white marble constructed in honor of the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD. In the late afternoon, we fly to Istanbul and transfer to our hotel. Dinner is on your own this evening.\r\nHiking Details: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":14,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport for departing flights or join one of our trip extensions. We recommend spending extra time in Istanbul to explore this fascinating city.\r\nItinerary note: This is a representative itinerary. Our actual day-to-day itinerary will be flexible, and at the discretion of our captain and trip leader, to allow for local conditions and the particular interests of the group. This is an eastbound itinerary. Some departures may follow a westbound direction. Due to the number of sites visited on this trip, we most often motor between locations rather than putting up the sails. We try to do some sailing on each trip. However, this is primarily a cruise on a motor-sailboat and not a sailing trip.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":15,"DayTo":15,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel (please plan to arrive in Istanbul by 1:30 pm). The one-hour drive brings us to our hotel located in The Old City, or Stamboul as it is sometimes known. This is the heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine worlds and a great district to explore on foot. Many of its most famous sights are within easy walking distance of one another. After checking into our hotel, we set out to explore Topkapi Palace, heart of the Ottoman Empire and home of the sultans for four centuries. The palace, a marvelous imperial labyrinth set on the tip of a peninsula where the Golden Horn joins the Bosphorus, was originally constructed in the 15th century, but most of the buildings we see today date from the 18th century. Of particular fascination is the Harem, the set of “forbidden” apartments where the Sultan's wives, concubines, and eunuchs lived. Topkapi is also the place to feast your eyes on the fabulous treasures of the sultans, from jewel-encrusted daggers to golden caskets to the 86-carat Spoonmakers Diamond. We'll walk to the Golden Horn to start our late afternoon sunset cruise on a private boat along the European and Asiatic shores of the Bosphorus to see yalis (waterside mansions) and the classic silhouette of Istanbul's skyline, then stop in for our Welcome Dinner in a seafood restaurant along the Bosphorus waterfront. Overnight at Hotel Levni in the heart of Istanbul's fascinating walking district.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":16,"DayTo":16,"Headline":"Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our guided morning and afternoon explorations in Istanbul include the magnificent Haghia Sophia, once the largest enclosed space in the world and the greatest church in Christendom. Set atop a hill, the domed basilica of this 6th century cathedral, the Church of Holy Wisdom, was the dominant feature of the city's skyline until the 16th century. Memhet the Conqueror converted the Haghia Sophia into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, and Ataturk converted it into a museum in 1935. It has now been converted back to a Mosque; please be advised entry is not allowed for anyone with bare shoulders or shorts. We then visit the restored Basilica Cistern, an underground chamber built by Justinian in AD 532 for storing the imperial water supply. We descend into the cistern and walk along platforms above reflecting pools, where soft lighting illuminates the hundreds of carved Doric, Ionian, and Corinthian columns that support the cistern roof. Heading to the Hippodrome, the center of life in Istanbul for more than 1,400 years, we can easily imagine the political intrigues that took place here as chariot teams vied for victory while racing around the rectangular arena (the various teams had political ties). We also visit Sultan Ahmet Camii, or the Blue Mosque, with slender minarets visible for miles around. It is known as the Blue Mosque for its blue-themed interior, replete with panels of floral-motif tiles (20,000 of them) and graceful arabesque stenciling. (Please note, the Blue Mosque is undergoing restoration and if not finished we will visit the Suleiman Mosque as an alternative, one of the most famous Mosques of the Ottoman period overlooking the Bosphorus.) After lunch, we stroll the labyrinthine alleyways of the Covered Bazaar, the oldest and most famous market in the world. We can watch artisans at work, peek through doorways to spy hidden treasures, and maybe try our hand at bargaining for a souvenir. Overnight at hotel.\r\nPlease note that the sites we visit in Istanbul can be very busy at times. Because of this we have a flexible approach so we can deliver the best experience possible by adjusting the order of the visits on Days 1 and 2. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to embrace a spirit of adventure during your trip to Istanbul and Turkey.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":17,"DayTo":17,"Headline":"Antalya \/ Termessos","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A morning flight brings us to Antalya, a principal Mediterranean resort with a majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves and a backdrop of the towering Taurus Mountains. Since its founding in the 2nd century BC by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon, Antalya has had a vibrant history. Romans subsequently occupied the city, then later the Sel\u00e7uks, who built impressive mosques and minarets with elaborate tile decorations, marble pools, and stone carvings. In the hills above Antalya, we drive up to the immense acropolis of Termessos, one of the most enchanting sites in western Asia Minor. Set high in a densely wooded and mountainous area, this ancient theater has marvelous views. The impregnable walls and high peaks that surround this city so daunted Alexander the Great when he came through in 333 BC that he decided to just pass on by. We hike beneath a canopy of holly oak, wild pear, and pines and through a jumble of massive carved stones to the remains of the magnificent theater, agora, gymnasium, and odeon. Farther along the valley, we find a series of carved sarcophagi. We return to Antalya for lunch, then visit the city's exquisite Archaeological Museum and walk through Antalya's city gate (Hadrian's Gate), a stately structure of white marble constructed in honor of the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD. A scenic coastal drive brings us to Alacasu Cove, where we board our traditional wooden gulet, meet our captain and crew, and spend the night moored in the cove, or, depending on weather conditions and time, cruise at dusk and anchor at ancient Phaselis, allowing us to explore Phaselis early the next morning in good light and in privacy, before day-trippers arrive.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":18,"DayTo":18,"Headline":"Phaselis \/ Maden Cove\/ Chimaera \/ Olympos \/ Porto Genoese","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Phaselis is truly a romantic place, set at the foot of Mt. Olympos on a Damascus pine\u2013studded peninsula and surrounded by three beautiful coves. The abundance of timber, a highly sought commodity in the Levant, and the fact that it offered a safe anchorage regardless of wind direction due to its three coves facing different directions, made Phaselis an ideal site. It was purchased from a shepherd and turned into a trade colony by Rhodian sea merchants. Since money did not exist in the 7th century BC when it was first established, the land was purchased for a quantity of dried fish. It is believed that Alexander the Great arrived here from sea, was given citizenship, and then persuaded to start his campaign against the Psidians of Termessos who had been ransacking Phaselitan territory. Phaselis is also mentioned in the Bible (Leviticus), forbidding Christians from wearing the hair of their heads in a \"sisoe,\" a hairstyle popular among Phaselitans. After exploring this beautiful ancient city, we sail to Maden Cove for lunch and a swim. In the afternoon, we board the local form of transportation—a tractor-trailer—for a short ride to the trailhead for our 1.5-hour hike up a rocky path to the eternal fires of Chimaera (or Chimera). In Greek legend (and as mentioned in Book 6 of Homer's Iliad), Chimaera was a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. Bellerophon, a handsome young Lycian hero flying on his winged horse, Pegasus, slew Chimaera with his arrows and buried the monsters with boulders he hurled from above. The dozen flames bursting from the ground at this sacred site today mark the site where the monster fell. Later, we take a motor launch to a beautiful white-pebble beach lined with pines and pink oleander to start our excursion in to the Olympos ruins. This site is buried in a forest of bay laurel trees and has a micro-climate of its own, with fresh water springs gushing along the trail. Here we find a monumental gateway to the ruined Temple of Hephaistos, a Byzantine aqueduct, baths, tombs and a mosaic-clad church complex. We return to our gulet and sail a short distance to Porto Genovese, a beautiful wild cove, for our overnight anchorage with views of Mt. Olympos. Zoroastrian corsairs in the 1st century used this cove as headquarters as they competed for dominance against Christianity.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":19,"DayTo":19,"Headline":"Finike \/ Arycanda","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The coastline from Olympos to Finike is among the wildest and most beautiful sections of the Turquoise Coast, undisturbed by any roads or settlements. We leave Porto Genovese and round Cape Gelidonya, one of the southernmost points on this trip. Along the way, we visit Suluada Island for lunch and a swim, then cruise across the Bay of Finike. In this peaceful setting, we can try to imagine that this was the site of the Battle of the Masts in 655 AD, the first major naval victory of the Muslim Arabs over the Byzantines. Finike is a small town surrounded by citrus plantations, tea gardens, and hidden rocky bays. Once there, we head ashore and drive along narrow mountain roads to the starting point for our hike up to the superb ruins of Arycanda, complete with an agora, theater, stadium, ancient baths, and gymnasium—all perched on a hillside in an alpine setting with beautiful views down to the sea and toward the surrounding mountains. Archaeologist and author George Bean compared Arycanda favorably to Delphi, not just because of the state of stunning ruins but also for the sense of privacy and the lack of crowds. On the way back to the boat, we stop at a trout farm restaurant along the River Arycandus for a delicious country dinner. We then return to our gulet, awaiting us in the Finike marina.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":21,"DayTo":21,"Headline":"Myra \/ Gokkaya Bay \/ Kalekoy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A short sail brings us to Andriace, the ancient harbor for Myra. From here we take a motor launch to shore and meet a van to take us to the Lycian city of Myra, where we find some of the finest examples of Lycian funerary architecture set high on the hillsides. There is also a vast Roman amphitheater built into the cliff face with many of its carved friezes and cavernous tunnels intact. We visit the Church of St. Nicholas, known as the patron saint of children. Born about 300 AD, St. Nicholas is surrounded by legends, particularly of the miracles he performed in his lifetime which left him identified as Santa Claus or Father Christmas. We rejoin our gulet and cruise to Gokkaya Bay in Kekova Sound for lunch and a swim. Later, we head out on a two-hour hike over an isthmus and across farmlands along village trails to the village of Kalekoy (the modern name for ancient Simena). This timeless village, accessible only by sea, is a highlight, with breathtaking views from the Crusader-era castle overlooking the Kekova Sound and Lycian tombs and 1,500-year-old olive trees decorating the flanks. We clamber around Lycian sarcophagi and on the small rock-cut theater and have a chance to visit with local villagers. Our gulet meets us here and we cruise alongside Kekova Island to see the mysterious submerged remains of a Byzantine city that lie along the edge of the island. We overnight moored in a wilderness cove off Kekova Island.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":22,"DayTo":22,"Headline":"Aperlae \/ Kas","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise to the ancient city of Aperlae to swim, snorkel, and kayak above ruins long buried by the sea. Aperlae was a Roman-era center for the production of purple pigment extracted from the murex snails that live here. Broken amphorae and thousands of pottery shards litter the sea bed here, and we can see the sunken harbor walls and foundation tiles. These submerged ruins were discovered by an American couple on a sailing voyage in the 1970s and was surveyed by a team from Denver University in the 1990s. Following lunch, we round Cape Uluburun and continue to Kas, a lovely harbor and fishing village with a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. Kas means “eyebrow” in Turkish, probably because of the shape of the bay it sits on. We stroll along the picturesque harbor and explore the Lycian rock tombs and the splendid ancient Greek theater overlooking the sea. Uzuncarsi, the cobbled market street of Kas, has many tastefully stocked shops for arts, crafts, jewelry, and textiles. Ottoman-style wooden houses with bougainvillea-clad balconies decorate the flanks of the street. The Hellenistic town of Antiphellus once stood here, and its splendidly preserved theater and temples remain. The Lycian rock tombs on the hillsides and the Greek isle of Megisti, a stone throw away over the sparkling Mediterranean, make a fine a backdrop in Kas. Dinner is on your own this evening. There are many good harbor restaurants and your Trip Leader will be happy to make recommendations. Overnight on board in the harbor at Kas, where we can take advantage of the port's lively nightlife, or cruise to the tranquility of nearby Bayindir Cove.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":23,"DayTo":23,"Headline":"Kalkan \/ Xanthos \/ Patara","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We sail on to Kalkan, a quaint town of traditional white-washed houses perched on a hill. Narrow winding streets lined with shops lead down to the charming marina. We dock at Kalkan harbor and drive inland to Bezirgan, a traditional farming village in a lovely rural valley, for lunch prepared by a family in their home. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Turkish hospitality and get a glimpse into village life. We continue on to Xanthos, ancient capital of Lycia, virtually intact when British explorers arrived in 1838. Unfortunately, the British carted away many of the artifacts of Xanthos, now displayed at the British Museum. We explore the unique “Inscribed Pillar” with 250 lines of Lycian script, a language that stills remains mostly undeciphered. Two impressive pillar-tombs tower above the upper seats of the Xanthos theater. The Harpy Tomb got its name from reliefs of the winged figures around the top, which were originally thought to be harpies, female figures from Greek mythology who stole the daughters of King Pandareus to make them slaves of the Furies. Scholars now believe they are depictions of Sirens carrying away the souls of the dead to Hades. The other tomb, once bearing 6th century BC reliefs of wrestlers on a slab, confusingly also supports a 3rd century BC sarcophagus on its top, attesting to being re-used. The remains of an agora, basilica, monastery, and some Byzantine walls are also at this site. In the late afternoon, we drive to Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas, famous for its long, isolated, sandy beach. We have some free time here for a delightful swim, or to explore the fine ruins of a Greco-Roman theater, baths, and agora. We end the day with an optional hike on a rock path to Firnaz Cove with great views of the turquoise waters below, passing through a secret Roman aqueduct en route to our gulet awaiting us there (or drive back to Kalkan).","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":24,"DayTo":24,"Headline":"Gemiler Island \/ Kaya Koy \/ Soguk Bay","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"With an early morning cruise rounding the wild Seven Capes, our gulet brings us to Gemiler Island. En route, and weather permitting, we may stop at Burguncuk Cove for a morning swim and breakfast. At Gemiler Island, we head ashore for a short hike up to the striking Byzantine ruins of a 4th century monastic society dedicated to St. Nicholas. The ruins are tucked amid olive trees and from the summit of the hill, there are stunning views of the cobalt-blue lagoon below. We have time for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking along the island before lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Kaya Koy, an abandoned village that was originally home to around 3,000 Anatolian Greeks. The spoils of war and the “population exchanges” of the 1920s gave the inhabitants no choice but to relocate to mainland Greece. The site was reduced to an eerie ghost town following the mass exodus. After exploring the ruins, we hike back to our yacht, anchored in secluded Soguk Cove. The three-hour hike has some steep sections but is a very enjoyable outing with views of a fantastic seascape. The trail leads over terrain filled with aromas of wild-growing herbs including oregano, thyme, sage, and carob. Overnight on board in Soguk Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":25,"DayTo":25,"Headline":"Ag Limani \/ Batik Hamam","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise across Fethiye Bay this morning to a beautiful cove called Ag Limani (“Harbor of Nets”). After a swim, we hike across a peninsula marked by the ruins of Lydae, an unexcavated site reached only by sea. Once a Lycian outpost with spiritual importance, it is today inhabited only by Yoruk nomads. We may visit with the nomads over some sage tea, or clamber on the remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo. There are also Byzantine cisterns and monumental temple-tombs to explore. At the end of our hike, we arrive at Cleopatra's Sunken Baths in the southern reaches of Gocek Lagoon. This is also known as Batik Hamam (“Sunken Bath” in Turkish). Our gulet cruises around from Ag Limani to pick us up here. Following a late lunch, we have time for relaxing or swimming. This area usually has reliable winds, and if so, we raise our sails and glide to a wilderness cove for our overnight anchorage. Overnight in a cove in Gocek Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":26,"DayTo":26,"Headline":"Dalyan \/ Kaunos \/ Ekincik Bay","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We cruise around the rough headland known as Disibilmez (“Never Seen a Female”) and arrive at Iztuzu, one of the few sandy beaches along the Turquoise Coast. Here we head by local boat through the reedy passages of the Dalyan River to visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples, Roman baths, and a Byzantine church. The area is famous for its prolific birdlife and is one of the few remaining egg-laying areas for loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean. We can try an optional soak in natural hot springs and sulphur mud baths, then wash off with a brisk plunge in the fresh waters of Lake Koycegiz. We return to the town of Dalyan for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the river, enjoying a beautiful view of the Carian rock tombs built into the slopes above the city. Our afternoon hike of about 2.5 hours brings us to Ekincik through pine forests and olive groves to a spot where we rendezvous with our gulet. Overnight on board in Ekincik Bay.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":27,"DayTo":27,"Headline":"Ephesus \/ Kusadasi","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We disembark, bid goodbye to our captain and crew, and drive toward Kusadasi, our base for visiting Ephesus. After lunch, we explore Ephesus, declared capital of Roman Asia by Emperor Augustus, who turned it into a major trading and banking metropolis. In this remarkably well-preserved Roman city, where St. Paul preached, we walk among finely restored theaters and homes, stroll the marble-paved Arcadian way, and feel transported back to Roman times. The city's magnificently restored ruins include a library, temples, agoras, baths, brothels, marble streets, and amphitheaters. Under Roman rule, Ephesus allowed religious freedom for its inhabitants, and the result was a wonderful mixture of cultures. Our walking tour brings us an unforgettable glimpse into the Roman world. While in Ephesus, we also visit the Terrace Houses. These recently excavated houses where wealthy Romans lived offer a fascinating insight to the daily lives of their inhabitants as we walk through frescoed rooms and kitchens, private baths, and atriums. Upon exiting Ephesus, we head to the site of the great Temple of Artemis, the largest Greek temple ever built. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but only one column now remains of the original temple. We continue to Kusadasi for the night with overnight and dinner at our seaside hotel set on a peninsula overlooking the Aegean.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":28,"DayTo":28,"Headline":"Ephesus Museum \/ House of Mary \/ Sirince \/ Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We visit the impressive Ephesus Museum, where treasures of unearthed artifacts, marble statuary, and gladiatorial pieces are displayed. The statue of Artemis (Cybele), the mother goddess and principal deity of the city, is especially noteworthy. After our festive Farewell Lunch in the charming town of Sirince, with its Tuscan feel and famous wine and olive oil, we'll have time to visit a weaving cooperative for a entertaining, hands-on, and educational demonstration of the local art (with options to shop, of course!). Those who may not be interested in weavings can take a short drive into the forested hills above Ephesus to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Christian shrine believed to be Mary's final dwelling. In the early afternoon, we transfer to the Izmir airport and fly to Istanbul. Dinner on your own. Overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":29,"DayTo":29,"Headline":"Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Transfer to the airport for departing flights.\r\nItinerary note: This is a representative itinerary. Our actual day-to-day itinerary will be flexible, and at the discretion of our captain and trip leader, to allow for local conditions and the particular interests of the group. This is a westbound itinerary. Some departures may follow an eastbound direction. Due to the number of sites visited on this trip, we most often motor between locations rather than putting up the sails. We try to do some sailing on each trip. However, this is primarily a cruise on a motor-sailboat and not a sailing trip.\r\n","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"Istanbul \/ Ephesus \/ Kaunos \/ Göcek (Eastbound Itinerary)","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our Istanbul explorations include the amazing Topkapi Palace and a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. At breathtaking Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, we walk the marble-paved Arcadian Way, feeling transported back to ancient times. Along the Dalyan River, we visit Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples and Roman baths, and we board our gulet in the sailing haven of Göcek.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Lydæ \/ Kayaköy \/ Xanthos \/ Bezirgan \/ Kekova Island \/ Myra","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A high trail brings us to the hidden ruins of Lydæ, accessible only on foot, and we can take a swim in “Cleopatra's Sunken Baths.” On Gemiler Island, our path leads to a Byzantine monastery. We'll also walk to the eerie Greek ghost town of Kayaköy, enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local village, and at Kekova Island, see the submerged remains of a Lycian settlement. At Myra, we'll find fine examples of Lycian rock tombs set high on the hillsides.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":14,"Headline":"Chimæra \/ Termessos \/ Antalya \/ Istanbul","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Sailing to Cape Gelidonya, we contour the wildest part of the Turquoise Coast, with a hike to the legendary eternal flames of Chimæra and a visit to the haunting ruins of Termessos, a mountaintop acropolis. Depart on Day 14 via Istanbul, or join our extensions in Istanbul or Cappadocia.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"","docType":"1","FileName":""},{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/the-turquoise-coast-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/the-turquoise-coast-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/portal\/the-turquoise-coast-predeparture.pdf"}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Hike to hidden ruins, swim and snorkel in the warm 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trip's scheduled dates","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"E","Description":"Optional travel insurance","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"E","Description":"Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"E","Description":"Visa fees","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":7,"Type":"E","Description":"Transfers for departures other than Day 14","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":1,"Type":"I","Description":"Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":2,"Type":"I","Description":"Accommodations in hotels\/shared yacht cabins","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":3,"Type":"I","Description":"All meals as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":4,"Type":"I","Description":"A glass of wine or beer with Farewell Dinner","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":5,"Type":"I","Description":"Airport arrival transfers and departure transfers on Day 14 ","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""},{"DisplaySequence":6,"Type":"I","Description":"All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary","Highlight":0,"AdditionalText":"","Category":"","ProductType":0,"ImagePath":"","ImageAltTag":""}],"destinations":[{"DestinationID":46,"Name":"Europe","Type":"Region"},{"DestinationID":111,"Name":"Turkey","Type":"Country"}],"activities":[{"ActivityID":217,"Name":"Cultural","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":219,"Name":"Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":220,"Name":"Walking","Primary":0},{"ActivityID":228,"Name":"Small Ship Cruising","Primary":0}],"guides":[{"GuideID":850462,"First_Name":"Mehmet","Last_Name":"Ko\u00e7","BioShort":"As a 20-year veteran leader of The Turquoise Coast trip, Mehmet Koc's passion for archaeology and history—not to mention his local insight throughout Turkey—has our guests leaving with a deep connection to the mesmerizing region. Among Mehmet's favorite spots are the ancient sites of Termessos and Phaselis, for their dramatic settings in the mountains, and the landscape of Cappadocia, which he calls “a geological poem.” When not guiding, Mehemet enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and sailing.","BioLong":"As a 20-year veteran leader of The Turquoise Coast trip, Mehmet Koc's passion for archaeology and history—not to mention his local insight throughout Turkey—has our guests leaving with a deep connection to the mesmerizing region. As one client put it, “Mehmet represents the best in his own country. He was calm, personable, knowledgeable, and watchful over every detail.” He wants trip members to come away with a deep feeling not only for the historical treasures of Turkey, but also for its contemporary culture. Among Mehmet's favorite spots are the ancient sites of Termessos and Phaselis, for their dramatic settings in the mountains, and the landscape of Cappadocia, which he calls “a geological poem.” When not guiding, Mehmet enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and sailing."},{"GuideID":851314,"First_Name":"Ersin","Last_Name":"Ozdemir","BioShort":"After completing his degree in Archaeology at the University of Selcuk, Ersin taught high school for three years before finding his true calling as a tour guide. He has since spent nearly three decades as a professional tour guide in both Turkey and other countries. In addition to extensive reading, he has broadened his knowledge by attending seminars in the flora and fauna of Turkey as well as recent archaeological discoveries. “Guiding is my passion,” he says, “allowing me to share the culture, nature, and history of my native country with guests coming from all over the world.”","BioLong":"After completing his degree in Archaeology at the University of Selcuk, Ersin taught high school for three years before finding his true calling as a tour guide. He has since spent nearly three decades as a professional tour guide in both Turkey and other countries. In addition to extensive reading, he has broadened his knowledge by attending seminars in the flora and fauna of Turkey as well as recent archaeological discoveries. “Guiding is my passion,” he says, “allowing me to share the culture, nature, and history of my native country with guests coming from all over the world.”"},{"GuideID":850343,"First_Name":"Enver","Last_Name":"Lucas","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Enver Lucas is a man of two cultures, Turkish and American, with an equal love for both countries. Born in California to a Turkish mother and American father, he spent most of his childhood and early education in Turkey, went to college in California, then worked for 10 years in the beauty of Yosemite National Park, which inspired him to make a life around sharing the wonders of nature. Returning to Turkey, he studied archaeology and anthropology, then traveled extensively throughout Turkey, hiking, climbing, exploring, and ultimately penning the guidebook Trekking in Turkey. Enver has boundless energy and enthusiasm, with a gift for bringing history alive and a passion for sharing his phenomenal knowledge of Turkey's rich culture as well as its classical and maritime archaeology. His interests include scuba diving, photography, and mountain biking, and he's also an accomplished cook who loves to introduce travelers to the delights of Turkish cuisine. He makes his home with his wife and son along the storied Turquoise Coast in Turkey's southern Mediterranean."},{"GuideID":850639,"First_Name":"Sayat","Last_Name":"Turabik","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Sayat Turabik, born in Istanbul, is an Armenian Turk who lives on one of the tranquil Prince's Islands, just a ferry ride down the Bosphorus from Istanbul. Sayat headed to the University of Wolverhampton in England for college, earning his degree in business and information technology then going to Germany to study German language at the Goethe Institute. He spent nearly a year traveling in Latin America, teaching English to local children, and then returned to Turkey to begin a career as a tour leader. \"Being a professional guide gives me a chance to talk about my beloved country and its people, and at the same time introduces me to other people and cultures. Hearing trip members say \"I love this country\" is my biggest reward.\" Sayat speaks English, Spanish, and German and loves photography, volleyball, and off-the-beaten-path hikes in Turkey's mountains."},{"GuideID":851306,"First_Name":"Yunus","Last_Name":"\u00d6zdemir","BioShort":"","BioLong":"Combining his vast knowledge of archaeology with a passion for leading trips, Yunus has guided visitors from many countries around the world since 2003. After leading tours on Turkey's Lycian Way, he created and realized the idea of a long-distance walking route in the Caria region in southwestern Turkey. Yunus received a degree in Classical Archaeology from Akdeniz University in 2005 and has a master's degree in Cultural Heritage. For the past six years, he has lectured at Cappadocia University. He lives in Cappadocia with his wife and two children."}],"guestreviews":[{"GuestNames":"Abigail H.","GuestLocation":"Bowie, MD","GuestReview":"We would rate this as one of our top vacations, a perfect combination of relaxation, hiking, and history."},{"GuestNames":"Ann F.","GuestLocation":"Moss Beach, CA","GuestReview":"The trip was just superlative—there really is nothing to improve. "},{"GuestNames":"Ann S.","GuestLocation":"Los Alamos, NM","GuestReview":"This trip was fantastic, with excellent coordination of boat\/van\/walking itineraries—a trip you just couldn't do on your own. And the food was fabulous—both in cities and on the boat."},{"GuestNames":"Bruce N.","GuestLocation":"Oakland, CA","GuestReview":"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."},{"GuestNames":"Caroline S.","GuestLocation":"Dover-Foxcroft, ME","GuestReview":"This is a fabulous trip! The boat we were on was wonderful: great crew, great food, great guide, and amazing sites."},{"GuestNames":"Carolyn S.","GuestLocation":"Edmonton, Alberta","GuestReview":"This was an experience we won't forget. Traveling the Turquoise Coast via gulet was the only way to go. The captain and his crew, along with our excellent guide, made this trip close to perfect."},{"GuestNames":"Cindy C.","GuestLocation":"Santa Barbara, CA","GuestReview":"Just had a perfect time—an outstanding trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Claire G.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"This was truly a magical adventure. The visit to the rug weaving school, tea with the goatherder's family, and lunch with an extended family high in the mountains were amazing experiences. We visited many wonderful villages, markets, restaurants, and shops as well as ancient ruins. I felt I was really getting a taste of the culture and the history of the region."},{"GuestNames":"Darian M.","GuestLocation":"Eugene, OR","GuestReview":"This trip was relaxing, fun-filled, full of learning, and very well choreographed!"},{"GuestNames":"Dennis K.","GuestLocation":"Shaker Heights, OH","GuestReview":"A well designed trip through a beautiful and fascinating part of the world. We enjoyed every minute of it."},{"GuestNames":"Elizabeth F.","GuestLocation":"Aptos, CA","GuestReview":"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!"},{"GuestNames":"Ellen and Norman R.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"This trip was sensational in every way and even exceeded our high expectations. It opened our eyes to the rich and monumentally important history of Turkey, its blend of cultures, and delicious food. We loved the experience on the gulet, balanced with daily excursions on land. All in all, we had a blast!"},{"GuestNames":"Gary F.","GuestLocation":"Manhattan Beach, CA","GuestReview":"WT never ceases to amaze. This trip was more than we expected, with the perfect mix of culture, fun, food and drink."},{"GuestNames":"George E.","GuestLocation":"Pacific Palisdes, CA","GuestReview":"Really, really good. Have raved about it to friends."},{"GuestNames":"Jan B.","GuestLocation":"Mountain View, CA","GuestReview":"This was the most relaxing vacation we've ever been on. The gulet was extremely clean and the crew worked constantly to keep it that way. The food on board was fresh, creative, wholesome, and we looked forward to every meal!"},{"GuestNames":"Jerrold E.","GuestLocation":"Seattle, WA","GuestReview":"This was one of the best vacations we have had. I can't believe how good the quality of food was that came out of that little boat kitchen."},{"GuestNames":"Joan and George S.","GuestLocation":"Margate, NJ","GuestReview":"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."},{"GuestNames":"Joanna M.","GuestLocation":"Chiang Mai, Thailand","GuestReview":"Not knowing very much about the history and politics of Turkey, I was fascinated with the incredible archaeological sites where we were often the only visitors. The coast was lovely and being on a boat for nearly all the trip meant no packing and unpacking as on other travels, and the accommodation and food and the crew were very hospitable."},{"GuestNames":"Joanne G.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"The itinerary was fabulous and we enjoyed every minute of the trip. It's one of the best we have ever taken."},{"GuestNames":"John D.","GuestLocation":"Louisville, KY","GuestReview":"This was hands down the most enjoyable trip I have taken in years. The combination of sailing, hiking, exploration, and goofing off on the boat is unbeatable."},{"GuestNames":"Joni H.","GuestLocation":"Evergreen, CO","GuestReview":"This was the trip of a lifetime. I was treated like the sultan's wife. The gulet, the hikes, the food, the weather, the sea, snorkeling over sunken ruins—it was all wonderful."},{"GuestNames":"Judy S.","GuestLocation":"Bend, OR","GuestReview":"We loved the hikes, found the archaeological sites fascinating, and loved being on the boat (and the food on the boat was beyond fabulous!)."},{"GuestNames":"Katherine B.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"Mehmet was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and pleasant. The crew and food on the boat was excellent. And the itinerary was fantastic, with a great combination of sailing, hiking, and exploring ruins. Thanks for a great experience!"},{"GuestNames":"Lawrence G.","GuestLocation":"East Falmouth, MA","GuestReview":"A superb trip with an excellent guide. The boat crew was extraordinary. They pampered us, prepared wonderful meals, and simply could not have done more to ensure that every aspect of life on the boat was wonderful."},{"GuestNames":"Lee T.","GuestLocation":"Abbotsford, BC","GuestReview":"Best holiday ever. We saw and experienced more than we could have dreamed possible. We ran out of superlatives on the second day!"},{"GuestNames":"Lora D.","GuestLocation":"San Diego, CA","GuestReview":"This trip far exceeded my expectations. It is a must do for anyone who appreciates history, hiking and has a spirit of adventure. The food was 5 stars!"},{"GuestNames":"Lynn B.","GuestLocation":"Portland, OR","GuestReview":"This is one of the most outstanding trips we have ever taken. The depth of information, the comfort of the boat, the culture we learned about...all added up to a perfect trip."},{"GuestNames":"Lynn C.","GuestLocation":"Bellevue, WA","GuestReview":"This trip was so good, we would like to do it again. We will certainly tell all of our friends that this is the ONLY way to go."},{"GuestNames":"Lynne R.","GuestLocation":"New York, NY","GuestReview":"The itinerary was excellent with a great mix of walking\/hiking, visiting archaeological sites and a wonderfully relaxing cruise."},{"GuestNames":"Madeleine G.","GuestLocation":"Bellevue, WA","GuestReview":"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 again. I like your style and small-group trips."},{"GuestNames":"Mary Beth P.","GuestLocation":"Arlington, MA","GuestReview":"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."},{"GuestNames":"Mary Lee C.","GuestLocation":"Santa Fe, NM","GuestReview":"The most interesting trip I've ever taken. I loved everything, and especially Turkey!"},{"GuestNames":"Neal F.","GuestLocation":"Reno, NV","GuestReview":"The captain and crew of the gulet were skilled, personable, and fun."},{"GuestNames":"Pam H.","GuestLocation":"Denver, CO","GuestReview":"There is so much history in this beautiful land that I knew nothing about. Archeological sites, scenery, food, and people are all magical, and traveling by gulet adds another level of other-worldliness. No world traveler should miss this trip!"},{"GuestNames":"Paul M.","GuestLocation":"Richmond, VA","GuestReview":"Bravo WT! You have fine-tuned this adventure to perfection. It exceeded our every expectation."},{"GuestNames":"Paul P.","GuestLocation":"Scarsdale, NY","GuestReview":"Fantastic! Could not have asked for more."},{"GuestNames":"Sarah B.","GuestLocation":"Palo Alto, CA","GuestReview":"Extraordinary. An exceptional two weeks rich in natural beauty, history, culture, hiking, and great companions. I may never travel without WT again."},{"GuestNames":"Susie T.","GuestLocation":"Columbia, SC","GuestReview":"My husband and I travel A LOT and this was one of the best trips we have ever taken."},{"GuestNames":"Tom E.","GuestLocation":"Lawrenceville, NJ","GuestReview":"The trip exceeded my expectations. The optimum weather, outstanding boat and crew, and fun traveling companions allowed us to fully enjoy all the scenery and historical sites."},{"GuestNames":"Wendy H.","GuestLocation":"Beecroft, Australia","GuestReview":"The combination of sailing, swimming, and hiking in a sunny climate is hard to surpass. Couple this with historical sites that rival more well known places and a guide whose knowledge is astounding—the perfect trip!"}],"Extensions":[{"TripID":10340,"ExtensionTripID":10275,"Trip_Code":"CAPPADOC","Trip_Name":"Cappadocia Extension"},{"TripID":10340,"ExtensionTripID":10277,"Trip_Code":"ISTANBUL","Trip_Name":"Inside Istanbul Extension"}],"SimilarTrips":[{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10248,"Trip_Code":"PJTURKDI","Trip_Name":"Discover Turkey Private Journey"},{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10312,"Trip_Code":"GREEKISL","Trip_Name":"Hiking in the Greek Isles"},{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10317,"Trip_Code":"WAKECLEO","Trip_Name":"In the Wake of Cleopatra"},{"TripID":10340,"SimilarTripID":10242,"Trip_Code":"PJTURKEY","Trip_Name":"Turkey Private Journey"}],"Specialists":[{}],"TripSegments":[{"VendorID":73406,"ProductID":84297,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Turker Travel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Cappadocia Extension","Day":-3,"Sequence":3,"Duration":4,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"<p><\/p>","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":73406,"ProductID":84298,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extension","Vendor":"Turker Travel","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Inside Istanbul Extension","Day":-1,"Sequence":3,"Duration":2,"PropertyDescription":"","ItinBlock":"","VendorPhoto":"","ProductPhoto":"","OnRequest":"Option","Overhead":false,"BookingNotes":"","TicketSession":"","TicketTimeOfDay":"","TicketRound":"","TicketCategory":"","TicketDate":"","TicketLocation":"","NotTicketOnly":false,"Inactive":false},{"VendorID":71547,"ProductID":84804,"SelectType":"Optional","ChoiceGroup":0,"ProductType":"Extra Hotel Night","Vendor":"Hotel Levni","Address1":"","Address2":"","City":"Istanbul","State":"","Postal":"","Product":"Pre-Trip Extra Services: Hotel Levni (DATES, 1 night)","Day":0,"Sequence":20,"Duration":1,"PropertyDescription":"<p>This hotel's location could not be better—it's within close walking distance to all the major sights (you can see the outer walls of the Topkapi Palace from the hotel's front door). 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(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 <em>Cavurali<\/em> features four comfortable cabins with beautiful mahogany paneling and private bathrooms (two cabins have single beds and two have double beds, each with comfortable mattress toppers). 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, bow, and fore decks with chaises and floor cushions provide comfortable outdoor dining and lounging. Full air conditioning is available as an option, but the<em> Cavurali<\/em>'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). 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For more information, please see the \"Visas\" section of the enclosed Pre-Departure Information.","Custom_Welcome_Email_Send_List":"Extra Service Request Form","Custom_Welcome_Insurance_Intro":"We recommend you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect your travel investment against the unexpected. ","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-05T11:55:42 --><p>Optional Donation: Your attached invoice includes an optional donation to Earthquake disaster relief AHBAP in the amount of $50.00 per person. You can learn more about this worthy project on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/donation\/Turkey-Donation-Earthquake.pdf\">our website<\/a>. Wilderness Travel strongly believes in preserving the environment and communities of the special places we visit, and we encourage you to join us in supporting this effort.<\/p>","Custom_Final_Docs_Letter_Send_List":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a nonrefundable deposit of $600 per person.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Turkey<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T13:37:38 --><p><strong>ADAPTERS:<\/strong> There are 220-volt electrical outlets in the cabins and bathroom, plus an outlet in the salon for charging batteries. You will need a plug adaptor with two round prongs. Most new electronics do not need a converter.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>ABOARD THE GULET:<\/strong> You will be cruising the Turquoise Coast of Turkey on a traditional Turkish-registered yacht, a motor-sailor called a \"gulet\". When possible we will take advantage of the winds to put up sails for our travel between islands and coves, but please be advised that due to limited time and a chock-full itinerary we normally motor to our next destination. Sails will be raised when conditions permit, and at the captain's discretion. Cabins are assigned upon arrival by way of lottery drawing. <br><br><strong>TIPPING IN TURKEY:<\/strong> Tips are not included in the cost of your trip, therefore you may want to reward your Trip Leader and boat crew for their excellent service. Please bring USD or Euros for this purpose.<br><strong><br>A current range of reference would be:<\/strong><\/p><p>For the boat crew, $90-$100 per trip member.<br>For the Trip Leader, $150-200 per trip member.<br><strong><br>ALCOHOL ONBOARD:<\/strong> Please note that alcohol and sodas are to be paid extra on the gulet. There is a bar bill that is tallied over the course of the cruise and it gets settled at the end. The bar tab must be paid in cash. Please bring enough USD, Euros or Turkish Lire with you to pay for this. You can bring your own alcohol onboard if you wish. There is no corkage fee. <br><br><strong>SNORKELING:<\/strong> Masks, snorkels and fins are provided on board. All equipment is disinfected after each use. However, if you want to be certain that you have a good fit, you may choose to bring your own equipment. <br><br><strong>KAYAKING:<\/strong> There is one double and one single Ocean Kayaks and two Wilderness Tarpon single kayaks along with a stand-up paddle board if you wish to enjoy during free time. <br><br><strong>YOGA:<\/strong> While there are no organized yoga sessions on this trip, there are four yoga mats on board for use on a first-come, first-served basis. <\/p><p><br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>ARRIVING IN ISTANBUL<\/strong><br>A complimentary transfer is provided from the Istanbul Airport to the Hotel Levni for all trip members. If you are arriving to a different airport, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost. Your WT representative will meet you outside of DOOR 8. As you come out of the luggage claim area, please turn left and keep walking past the escalators until you see DOOR 8 on your right. Please walk outside the terminal building through Door 8 and look for your name on the sign held up by the transfer agent. Note that the Istanbul Airport can be quite hectic. If you do not see our representative right away, please stay in the area right outside Door 8. <br><br>Please plan to meet in the lobby of Hotel Levni at 1:30 pm on Day 1 for our half day tour followed by Welcome Dinner and orientation.<br> <br><strong>INTERNAL FLIGHTS<\/strong>Please note that the internal air tickets for the trip will be issued in Turkey and handled by your Trip Leader. He will be in possession of the group's internal air tickets and will handle these for you as he facilitates check-in for all domestic flights. <br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>DEPARTING ISTANBUL<\/strong><br>A complimentary transfer will be provided from the hotel to the Istanbul Airport for departing flights on Day 14. If you are departing on a different day, or out of a different airport, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost.<\/p><p> <\/p><p> <\/p><p>If you have an early morning departure leaving Istanbul, we may book an airport hotel for your convenience on your last night in Istanbul and will provide an airport shuttle to transfer to the airport. <br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T13:24:20 --><p>If friends or family wish to contact you during the trip, we encourage them to call, text, or email you directly. Another option is to reach you by calling the hotel (please see the enclosed Hotel List). If they are unable to reach you directly, please instruct them to call our office in Berkeley, California, and we will get a message to you as soon as possible. If they need to reach you outside of our office hours, we ask that they reach out to our local contact (contact information is listed below) and also leave a message with our Berkeley office, so that we can follow up with our team on the ground.<\/p><p> <\/p><p> <\/p><p>You can also reach your trip leader or office contact in Turkey via WhatsApp (once you are abroad, WhatAapp is easier and cheaper). If you don't already have WhatsApp on your phones, we highly encourage it; it is a free download. Note you do need to have data or be on WiFi to use WhatsApp. Be sure to let your cell phone carrier know that you will be traveling outside the US; some plans have free international roaming, but if not, there are data plans that you can set up, typically for minimal cost. Please be sure you have given our office your cell phone number in order for us to advise your trip leader. <\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T13:24:54 --><p><strong>TURKER TRAVEL<\/strong><br \/>Attn: Enver Lucas<br \/>(+90) 532-477-2642<br \/>enver@turkertravel.com.tr<br \/><\/p>","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T13:25:11 --><p><strong>TRIP LEADER <\/strong><br \/>Mehmet Koc <br \/>(+90) 532-275-6710 <br \/><\/p>","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T11:57:18 --><p><strong>VISA:<\/strong> US citizens are required to have a visa to visit Turkey. The process has become incredibly easy through an online, eVisa system launched by Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs at <em>www.evisa.gov.tr.<\/em> Your eVisa will be valid for dates of your choosing. Your stay cannot exceed 90 days. The cost is $50 and you can print your eVisa in less than 10 minutes. This document will be stamped upon your arrival to Turkey.<\/p>","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-12T11:57:47 --><p><strong>CARRY-ON: <\/strong>Valuable or essential items, such as well broken-in hiking boots, camera equipment, binoculars, prescription medications, your CDC vaccination card, and any paperwork required to enter Turkey, should be hand carried on your flights to avoid loss or damage. <\/p>","Custom_name_slug":"turkey-turquoise-coast-cruise-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Cruise the brilliant coast of Turkey in a traditional \"gulet\" yacht. Glories of Rome, Greece, and Lycia along the Aegean coast, day hikes, unrivaled ruins, and cultural visits.","Custom_List_Description":"Explore the brilliant coast of Turkey in a traditional \"gulet\" yacht. Glories of Rome, Greece, and Lycia along the Aegean coast, day hikes, unrivaled ruins, and cultural visits.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Turquoise Coast Tour | Cruise Turkey Aboard a Gulet","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Istanbul Airport (IST)<br><strong>Suggested Date & Time:<\/strong> Day 1, by 12:00 pm <br><br><strong>Meeting Place:<\/strong> You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Hotel Levni in Istanbul at 1:30 pm on Day 1 for a half-day tour followed by our Welcome Dinner and orientation. <br><br>A complimentary transfer is provided from the Istanbul Airport to the Hotel Levni for all trip members arriving on Day 1. If you are arriving on a different day, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost. Your Trip Leader or a WT representative will meet you outside the customs area at Gate 8 and will be holding a Wilderness Travel sign. Note that the Istanbul airport can be quite hectic. If you do not see our representative right away, please stay in one place outside the customs processing area so he or she can find you. <br><\/p><\/body>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-24T16:30:29 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Istanbul Airport (IST)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time: <\/strong>Day 14, anytime<br \/><br \/>On Day 14, a complimentary transfer will be provided from the hotel to the Istanbul Airport for departing flights on Day 14. If you are departing on a different day, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost.<\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-05-17T11:36:56 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Turkey. There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found on Exito's website at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the US. <br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip and have reviewed your proposed air schedule with our office.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule so we can reserve your airport transfers.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"Sail by Private Gulet from Ephesus to Antalya, with Hikes to Hidden Ruins","Custom_Lodging":"9 nights aboard yacht (single cabins available), 4 nights first-class hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 2 dinners","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"6 days easy to moderate optional day hikes, 1-4 hours, some steep sections","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"<p>This trip is rated <strong>Level 2+, Easy to Moderate,<\/strong> 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.<\/p>","Custom_Terrain":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T18:25:43 --><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"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.","Custom_Accommodations":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T10:28:43 --><p>The spacious gulets have 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). <\/p><p>Four ocean kayaks (three single, one double) are available on board for exploring secluded coves and marine caves. A sailboard is also provided. 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. <\/p><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_Cuisine":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T18:24:51 --><p>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! <\/p><p>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). <\/p><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T18:23:52 --><p>Swimming<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T18:24:04 --><p>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.<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-09T18:24:16 --><p>Boats<\/p>","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>For trips with seven group members or fewer, 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. Linens and towels are provided, including beach towels for swimming. We suggest you pack light because bunk and luggage space aboard is limited. There are 220-volt electrical outlets in the bedroom and bathroom (you will need a plug adaptor with two round prongs), plus an outlet in the salon that supplies power around the clock for charging batteries; it's a useful source when the generators are not on.<\/p><p>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.<\/p><\/body>","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. 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 call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:34:09 --><p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br \/>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>At time of reservation: $600<br \/>150 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<br \/><br \/><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Minimum fee: $600 per person<br \/>61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br \/>60 days or less: 100% of trip cost<\/p><p><em>*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.<\/em><\/p>"}}