Istanbul to Antalya with 3-Night Gulet Cruise

When you arrive in Turkey, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel. You can check in and unwind or explore the city until you gather with your guide and the rest of the group in the hotel lobby at 7:00 PM. From there, we’ll enjoy an evening stroll through Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, taking the second-oldest metro in the world. After touring panoramic Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, prepare to experience the Magic of Turkish Tavern Night in the historic Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage) and immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening. The Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage) was built initially on the site of the Naum Theatre, which was destroyed by fire in 1870; it was transformed into a bustling passage filled with flower shops by Russian emigres in the early 20th century. Today, it is a lively spot known for its restaurants, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere. The architecture is striking, with a blend of European styles reflecting its storied past. Prepare to enjoy a delightful selection of traditional mezes, tasty kebabs, and enticing desserts crafted from fresh ingredients and treasured recipes. After a couple of rounds of the Turkish drink Raki, you’ll be ready to groove to the rhythms of street musicians. Later, feel free to mingle and bond with the group at a relaxed gathering in local bars.

Today, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Istanbul's captivating old city. After breakfast, get ready to be enchanted by the timeless allure of this historic metropolis. Our adventure will lead us through the city's ancient core. We will visit iconic sites like the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the beautiful Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Market via tram and walking. This will be a lengthy walking tour; please make sure to bring comfortable shoes and clothing.

At day’s end, we’ll enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise to take in the scenic vistas; your guide will provide intriguing insights about the beauty and significance of the Bosphorus. This will also be a great chance to bond with fellow travellers in a relaxed atmosphere, nurturing a sense of community and shared experience.

The itinerary for today will take us to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where we will gain insight into the bloody battles and glorious struggles of both sides that took place for eight and a half months, commencing on 25 April 1915. Our experienced guide will provide an informative and engaging narration as we visit the battlefields, where birds now replace bullets in the blue sky.

Our itinerary includes the main landing beaches, such as ANZAC Cove, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, which attracts thousands of visitors annually, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, where the August Offensive took place, and The Charge at The Nek, which was depicted in Peter Weir's Gallipoli movie.

In the morning today, we will explore the Ancient City of Troy. You will have the opportunity to visit the Trojan Horse, Sacrificial Altars, the 3,700-year-old city walls, and the Houses of Troy I.

Then, we will depart for the ancient city of Pergamon. The tour will include visits to unique sites such as the Temple of Athena, the Acropolis, the Ancient Library of Pergamum, the Altar of Zeus, the lower Agora, the Gymnasium situated on terraces, the Hellenistic Theater, and the Temple of Dionysus (the god of wine).

After that, we'll head to the Ephesus region for an overnight stay. After checking into the hotel, you'll have some free time to relax.

This morning, a full-day tour with an early start is scheduled. You are to be picked up from your hotel to explore the Wonders of Selcuk and the Ancient City of Ephesus. Dating back to the 10th century BC, Ephesus is one of the world's most beautifully preserved ancient cities.

It encompasses the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Temple of Hadrian. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to view the Library of Celsus. In the afternoon, we will depart for Fethiye. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and, optionally, visit the fish market for dinner in the city center.

Regarding the Gulet Cruise section of the tour: You have the option to choose between the regular group or the 18–39 group on Gulets. Please note that entrance fees are not included, and cruises are non-tour-guided, as our captain and crew operate them instead. Guests will need to be at Fethiye Harbour at around 10.00 am. If you require directions, our staff will be happy to help. You will be checked into your gulet, where you will get the chance to meet your crew. We’ll depart from Fethiye Harbour. Our first stop is Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi), a hidden gorge surrounded by cliffs up to 350 meters high. Accessible only by boat and home to many butterfly species, especially the Jersey Tiger, it’s the perfect spot for lunch, swimming, and an optional hike to the waterfall. We then visit Oludeniz, home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, which is often referred to as the most photographed beach in Europe, ideal for swimming and relaxation. it’s a paradise for swimming, paragliding, and soaking in some of Turkey’s most iconic coastal scenery.

In the evening, we anchor at St. Nicholas Island, where ancient ruins and a hilltop view offer one of Turkey’s most memorable sunsets.

Early in the morning, we sail to Aquarium Bay for breakfast and a swim before heading south. Our next stop is Kas, a town with roots in Lycian, Roman and Ottoman cultures, which has grown from a fishing village into a charming destination. Its harbour and 2,400-year-old marble streets invite leisurely exploration, with shops famous for jewellery and crafts. Just beyond the town, the ancient theatre offers sweeping sea views.

We then continue to Kekova and anchor in Kocakari Bay for the night.

After breakfast in Kekova, we sail past the 2,400-year-old Sunken City, where ancient walls and harbours lie just below the turquoise waters. Next is Kalekoy (Ancient Simena), a small village of fewer than 50 houses, accessible only by boat or on foot. Explore Lycian sarcophagi, wander bougainvillaea-lined paths, and climb to Simena Castle for stunning views before enjoying the village’s famous homemade ice cream.

In the afternoon, we anchor in peaceful Gokkaya Bay, ideal for swimming and relaxation. Optionally, you could visit the Smugglers Inn Bar at night. This rustic bar is located on a remote island and is only accessible by boat. It offers a unique atmosphere under the stars, complete with music and dancing.

On the last day, enjoy a relaxed morning with time for a swim before breakfast. After disembarking at Cayagzi Harbour in Demre, you will be dropped off in Antalya, where your tour ends. As you pick, you can be dropped off at your hotel, the airport, or the bus station in Antalya.

Note: Please contact us if you would like assistance arranging a flight ticket to Istanbul.