Explore Turkey's Turquoise Coast by Land & Water - 12 Days

Highlights

• Explore the cities of Istanbul, Fethiye, and Bodrum at your own pace
• Visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Dolchiste, Perge, and Aspendos
• Sail across the Mediterranean Sea aboard a Turkish yacht or "gulet"
• Get adventurous with paragliding and scuba diving, or chill on the beach

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in İstanbul, Explore the City 

Welcome to Turkey's largest city, İstanbul! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. İstanbul is often called "the bridge between Europe and Asia," as it's the only city in the world located on two continents. Check into your hotel and start exploring the city on your own. Visiting the historic district, Sultanahmet, by yourself is easy, as it's full of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. If you enter the Blue Mosque, built in the 17th century, you can admire the intricate blue tiles lining the walls, which gave the structure its name.

When you get hungry, visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 stalls across 61 streets, there are plenty of dishes to taste and souvenirs to purchase. Try tantuni, minced meat in vegetables, or a classic doner kebab. If you still have time, you can take a sunset boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Admire the shores of both the European and Asian sides of the city as the sun sets around you. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants along the strait, then head back to your hotel to rest.

Day 2: Fly to İzmir, Visit Urlice Vineyards, Transfer to Alaçatı

Today, you'll head to the airport for a domestic flight to İzmir, a city on the Aegean Sea. Meet your guide outside the airport to transfer to Urlice Vineyards, a family-owned and operated boutique winery. This is where you'll take a tour of the winery and learn about the ancient viticultural techniques they use to keep their vineyards free of chemicals. Taste some of the delicious wines they produce, such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and shiraz, and then pick a glass to pair with housemade pizza for lunch.

Afterward, you'll get back on the road and continue to the charming seaside town of Alaçatı, where you'll settle into your hotel for the evening. 

Day 3: Transfer to Kuşadası via the Ruins of Ephesus 

Meet your driver this morning and hit the road toward the historically rich Ephesus region. Start with a visit to Isabey Mosque, a simple but beautiful landmark built by Selçuk Turks overlooking the Basilica of St. John. Learn about Islam and how it compares to Christianity at this very special point where artifacts from both religions remain. Visit the Temple of Artemis next, built in 550 BCE to honor the Greek goddess. It was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but now only has a few columns remaining.

Continue to the village of Çamlık and stop at Can Carpet, a small atelier, where they still use the traditional dye extraction method from plants to create their carpets. Share a traditional lunch with the workers, then learn about the dying process with a demonstration. You can also observe women making traditional one-of-a-kind carpets available for purchase. In the afternoon, you'll reach the star attraction: the ruins of Ephesus. This ancient city was established by the Greeks in the 11th century BCE before it fell under Roman rule in 129 BCE. You can see the combination of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations in the architecture that's left.

Explore the ruins of landmarks like the Trajan Fountain, Celsus Library, and the Great Theater, which could previously hold 24,000 spectators. You'll also visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to learn more about the ancient city's history and view some of the excavated items. End the day at the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary. Pay your respects in the church or sacred spring nearby that's said to possess healing properties. Afterward, you'll continue to Kuşadası, a beach town on the western Aegean coast, for the night.

Day 4: Transfer to Bodrum via Lake Bafa Nature Park

Today, you transfer to Bodrum, another stunning seaside town, but on the way, stop at Bafa Lake Natural Park. This pristine natural reserve offers a mesmerizing combination of ancient ruins, diverse wildlife, and pristine lake waters that used to be connected to the Aegean Sea. The tranquil lake, surrounded by the Latmos mountains, provides a picturesque backdrop for hiking, boating, and bird-watching. You may see birds like the fish eagle, Dalmatian pelican, or pygmy cormorant, so keep your eyes peeled. 

After this nature excursion, stop in the village of Kapıkırı to get to the ruins of Herakleia scattered across the village. Once a thriving Greek city and a center of culture and commerce, it's now an archaeological site full of well-preserved columns, temples, and rock-cut tombs that stand as a testament to the city's former glory. Now that you've worked up an appetite, stop at Agora Pension, a local restaurant that serves homemade food—primarily olive oil dishes with regional herbs. After lunch, continue to your hotel in Bodrum. Stay in and relax for the night, or head out and enjoy the town's vibrant nightlife.

Day 5: Historical Tour of Bodrum, Free Time to Explore

Bodrum, known for its iconic medieval castle, effortlessly blends its ancient past with a contemporary atmosphere. Explore the area today with a historical tour along the peninsula. Listen as your guide tells you stories of mythological heroes, wars, and monarchs that used to reside here. Stop at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Built between 353 and 351 BCE, it's now the tomb of Mausolous, ruler of the ancient district of Caria. Visit Bodrum Castle next, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century in a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. 

End the historic tour at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the largest museum of its kind in the world. View a remarkable collection of artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Following the tour, enjoy some leisurely free time around town. Check out the covered Bodrum Bazaar to do a little shopping. It's much smaller than the Grand Bazaar in İstanbul, but you can find great clothing and souvenirs, such as Turkish carpets or jewelry. If you're tired of walking, just relax on Yahşi Beach and order a cocktail from one of the many bars along the shore.

Day 6: Transfer to Fethiye, Explore the City

Transfer three hours down the scenic Turquoise Coast to Fethiye, a port city known for its archaeological wonders, pristine beaches, and towering mountains. Once you're settled in, head out to explore the city's Old Town of Paspatur on your own. Walk down the narrow, winding streets, enter charming shops, or dine at one of the many cafés and restaurants. If you haven't tried Turkish coffee yet, this is a great place to do so. Keep an eye out for the Eski Cami (Old Mosque), which showcases the Ottoman-style architecture that's popular in this region.

Once you've explored Paspatur, take a short hike up to the Tomb of Amyntas, one of the numerous rock tombs carved into the steep southern hills of Fethiye by the Lycians in the fourth century BCE. When you're ready for dinner, make your way back down the hill to the Fethiye Fish Market. Sample seafood fresh from the Mediterranean at one of the many restaurants in the market. You can even choose from the day's fresh catch yourself. Once you've had your fill of seafood, head to ECE Marina to watch the fishing boats coming in or catch an evening cruise on Fethiye Bay to end the night.

Day 7: Embark on a Gulet Cruise, Optional Paragliding Excursion 

Get your swimsuit ready as you embark on a four-day yacht tour today. A driver will take you to Fethiye Harbor to board a gulet, a Turkish-style wooden yacht. Sail to Butterfly Valley, home to over 136 different butterflies and moths. Here, you can swim, have lunch, and hike to a waterfall if you're up for the adventure. Don't worry; the next stop is Ölüdeniz, the famous blue lagoon, home to one of the most popular beaches in Turkey, so you have plenty of time to relax. Ölüdeniz Beach is in a crescent-shaped bay with shallow waters, making it a great place to swim. 

If you're feeling adventurous, you can choose to paraglide over the turquoise beach instead of getting back on the gulet. Take off from Babadağ, Fethinye's highest mountain and one of the highest commercial launch sites in the world at 6,561 feet (2,000 m). Strap on to your guide and run off a gentle slope to start your flight over one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Get a bird's-eye view of the turquoise water, feel the rush of wind against your face, and embrace a sense of awe for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Those who didn't opt for paragliding can continue to St. Nicholas Island next and disembark for the night. You may have heard of St. Nicholas before by his more well-known nickname, Santa Claus. This island was named after him as it's thought to be his resting place. Although it's a tiny island, there's plenty to do here. Explore the ruins scattered across the island or one of the five Greek churches dating back to the fourth and sixth centuries CE. End your day with a view of the sunset over the glittering Mediterranean Sea.

Day 8: Cruise to Kaş, Optional Scuba Diving 

Wake up for breakfast and a swim in Aquarium Bay, then cruise on to Kaş, a small fishing village with some of the best shopping in the area. Disembark and visit one of the many local shops known for selling handmade silver jewelry, Turkish carpets, local clothing, and glass artwork to pick up a gift for yourself or your loved ones back home. Head back to the harbor dotted with colorful boats to visit one of the many waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood.

Those looking for an underwater adventure can choose to go scuba diving this afternoon off the south coast of Kaş. Discover what the Mediterranean Sea looks like from below, exploring either a cave or the wreck of a World War II military aircraft. If you're not afraid of tight spaces, you can even swim through the Dakota aircraft—the cockpit is still intact, so you can see where the pilot sat over 70 years ago. Return to Kaş for the night.

Day 9: Cruise to Kekova, Admire Dolchiste & Explore Kaleköy

Today, you'll sail to Kekova, a region of small islands and bays. On Kekova Island's northern shores, you'll find the sunken ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient Lycian settlement that was destroyed by an earthquake in the second century CE. The ruins are protected, so swimming is forbidden here, but you can enjoy views of the underwater city from the boat since the water is so clear.

You can also enjoy the beauty of Kekova's land, as your captain will anchor at the ancient city of Simena, now known as Kaleköy. This small village has a rich history, which you can picture from the impressive ruins of the island's castle and fortress, dating back to the fourth century BCE. Walk to the top of the ruins along a winding, cobbled path for panoramic views over the village, island, and Dolchiste. 

Day 10: Disembark the Gulet, Transfer to Antalya

Enjoy a relaxing final day aboard the gulet with one last swim before cruising to Üçağız. Say goodbye to the crew as you disembark and transfer to Antalya, the capital and largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast. You can relax at the hotel or explore the city on your own. Start in the historic center of Kaleiçi, wandering the narrow cobblestone streets full of charming restaurants and shops. To learn more about the city's history, view the many archaeological artifacts at the Antalya Museum. 

Those who just want a lazy day can relax on Konyaaltı Beach, west of the town center. Rent sun loungers and an umbrella to enjoy picturesque views of the coastline and nearby mountains. End your night with dinner at the old harbor, surrounded by towering cliffs, boats bobbing on the turquoise waters, and the old city walls. If you're not ready to return to the hotel just yet, stop by one of Antalya's many rooftop bars, like Asmani Bar & Terrace, to enjoy a drink with views.

Day 11: Visit the Ancient Cities of Perge & Aspendos

Head 30 minutes outside of Antalya to Perge, an ancient city that was once the capital of Pamphylia. The city was originally founded by the Hittites around 1500 BCE, but it was later controlled by the ancient Greeks and then the Romans, who had the greatest architectural and cultural influence. The Roman influence is obvious as you walk along the cobblestone roads lined with colonnades, and admire the stadium where gladiators used to fight and explore the remnants of Roman baths.

Visit the nearby Greco-Roman city of Aspendos next to see one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Although it was built in the second century CE, the amphitheater has stood the test of time, so you can still enter and surround yourself with stone tiers that once accommodated thousands of spectators viewing gladiatorial contests and dramatic performances. End the day at Manavgat Falls to enjoy the idyllic scenery of the region and dine on the riverbank.

Day 12: Depart Antalya

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