Overview
Sun-drenched skies, a warm, translucent sea, a dream world of astounding Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures, expert Trip Leaders who bring history alive—our idyllic journey reveals all the enchantments 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 farm family in Bezirgan, and savor on-board cuisine that’s beyond fabulous. Don’t miss this trip!
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
Days 1-4
Istanbul / Ephesus / Kaunos / Gocek (Eastbound)
Our insider’s experience of Istanbul brings us to its Ottoman gems, including the amazing Topkapi Palace, and we cruise by private boat at sunset along the Bosphorus. At astounding Esphesus, we walk the marble-paved Arcadian Way, feeling transported back to ancient times. Traveling by local boat along the Dalyan River, we explore Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with Greek temples, Roman baths, and a Byzantine church, then board our elegant gulet in the sailing haven of Gocek.
Istanbul / Ephesus / Kaunos / Gocek (Eastbound) - Days 1-4
Hotel Levni
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights),Day 13 (1 night), Istanbul, Turkey
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), Kusadasi, TurkeyThe 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.
Kismet Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Kusadasi, TurkeySituated on the tip of a peninsula with commanding views of the Aegean, the Kismet is an excellent base for exploring nearby Ephesus. Guest rooms feature private balconies overlooking the bay, and there are pool, garden, and beach areas where you can relax and enjoy the sunset. This welcoming hotel has hosted such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth and Jimmy Carter.
La Vista Hotel
Day 3 (1 night), Kusadasi, TurkeyThis boutique hotel, built in 2010, has a great location with sweeping views of the sea. The rooms are well appointed and comfortable. The hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the blue Aegean is a great spot for unwinding after a day of exploring at glorious Ephesus.
Days 5-8
Lydae / Kaya Koy / Xanthos / Patara / Kas
We hike across a peninsula marked by the hidden ruins of Lydae, accessible only by foot, swim in “Cleopatra’s Sunken Baths,” then head to Gemiler Island for a hike to the striking Byzantine ruins of a 4th century monastery dedicated to St. Nicholas. We stroll in the eerie Greek ghost town of Kaya Koy, then enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a family in the farming village of Bezirgan. After visiting ancient Xanthos, a World Heritage Site, we relax with a swim in azure seas at Patara before continuing to the harbor town of Kas, with its charming streets lined with pink bougainvilleas.
Days 9-10
Aperlae / Myra
At Aperlae, we see the mysterious submerged remains of a Byzantine city, and at Myra, we’ll find fine examples of Lycian rock tombs set high on the hillsides.
Days 11-14
Chimaera / Termessos / Antalya / Istanbul
Sailing across the Bay of Finike to Cape Gelidonya, the southernmost point of our voyage, we contour a coastline that is among the wildest and most beautiful on the Turquoise Coast. We hike to the legendary eternal flames of Chimaera, visit haunting Termessos, a mountain-top acropolis, and depart Istanbul on Day 14, or join our “insider’s” extensions to Istanbul or Cappadocia.
Chimaera / Termessos / Antalya / Istanbul - Days 11-14
Hotel Levni
Day 13 (1 night), Istanbul, TurkeyThis 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.
The Turquoise Coast
