Explore Turkey's Turquoise Coast by Land & Water - 13 Days

Highlights

• Get around Istanbul, the bridge between Asia and Europe, at your own pace
• Cruise down the Turquoise Coast in a gulet, a traditional Turkish yacht
• Add adventure to your trip with optional paragliding, scuba diving, and hiking
• Visit the famous ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus and Aspendos 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in İstanbul, Self-Guided Exploration

Welcome to Turkey and the bustling city of İstanbul, the bridge between Europe and Asia! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. Once you're settled in, head out to explore the city on your own. You can stroll the streets of Sultanahmet, the historic district where many of the city's landmarks are located. Walk past buildings dating back to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, such as the Blue Mosque, one of the most notable heritage sites in the city. Enter and admire the intricate blue tiles lining the interior, which gave the building its name. 

Another good way to see the city is by boat. Hop on a private boat or public ferry down the Bosphorus Strait to see both the Asian and European sides of the city. Watch as historic palaces, mosques, and mansions pass you by, then disembark and head to the Grand Bazaar when you get hungry. Walk among the alleyways of one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Look for souvenirs or try an array of Turkish street food, such as kebabs or pide, a Turkish pizza. End the night with a drink from a meyhane, a traditional Turkish tavern. 

Day 2: Fly to İzmir, Transfer to Selçuk via Vineyard Tour

Say goodbye to İstanbul as you catch a one-hour flight to İzmir, a city on the Aegean coast. Meet your guide outside the airport to transfer to Urlice Vineyards, a family-owned and operated boutique winery. Tour 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. End your visit with a lunch of homemade pizza paired with a glass of wine, then transfer to the beach town of Alaçatı and settle into your hotel for the evening. 

Day 3: Transfer to Kuşadası via Çamlık & Ephesus

Today, you'll head inland to Selçuk, home to the historical Ephesus region. Start your day 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 a few columns remain.

Head to the village of Çamlık next and stop at Can Carpet, a small atelier still using 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. Visit the ruins of Ephesus in the afternoon. 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, Celsius Library, and the Great Theater, which could previously hold 24,000 spectators. Visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to learn more about the ancient city's history and view some excavated items. End the day at the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary and St. John. Pay your respects in the church or sacred spring nearby that's said to possess healing properties. After a full day of exploring, head to Kuşadası, a beach town on the western Aegean coast, for the night.

Day 4: Transfer to Bodrum via Lake Bafa Nature Park

Transfer 2.5 hours to another quaint seaside town today called Bodrum. 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 Beşparmak (or 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 escape, stop in the village of Kapıkırı to visit 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 only makes 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

Today, you'll discover more of Bodrum on 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 335 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. It now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, the largest museum of its kind in the world.

Enter and view a remarkable collection of artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Following the tour, enjoy some leisurely free time exploring the 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. End the day at Bar Street, a lively avenue full of bars and clubs. 

Day 6: Transfer to Fethiye, Explore the Port City on the Turquoise Coast

Leave one coastal city for another as this morning, you transfer to Fethiye, a port city on the Turquoise Coast. After settling in, head out on your own to explore Paspatur, the Old Town of Fethiye. 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 Camii (Old Mosque), which showcases the Ottoman-style architecture that's popular in this region. Enter and admire the stained glass windows and impressive domes, then sit in the tranquil courtyard to reflect.

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, head 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 a cruise of Fethiye Bay to end the night.

Day 7: Start Your Four-Day Gulet Cruise, Optional Paragliding Excursion 

Pack your bags and put your swimsuit on, as today you embark on a four-day yacht tour. 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'll 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 (Father Mountain), 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 birds-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 & Explore, Optional Scuba Diving Excursion 

Enjoy breakfast on the boat as you sail to Aquarium Bay for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. After a refreshing swim, cruise 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 to see where the pilot sat over 70 years ago in the still-intact cockpit. After your underwater exploration, return to Kaş for the night.

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

Set sail for Kekova, a region of small islands and bays, this morning. 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. 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 (Castle Village). 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 a panoramic view of the village, Kekova Island, and Dolchiste. 

Day 10: Disembark the Gulet, Transfer to the Hidden Paradise of Çıralı

Day 11: Free Day in Çıralı, Join a Jeep Safari or Climb Yanartaş 

You have a free day to explore the area at your own pace or join one of the many available tours. One popular option is a Jeep safari to Olympos National Park. An experienced driver will take you off-road, starting at the iconic Olympos Chimera Statue, an impressive sculpture symbolizing three ancient gods. Continue to the Ulupinar Rock-Cut Tombs, ancient burial chambers with intricate carvings, before taking a detour to the Kemar Canyon to admire its unique geological formations. End your safari at Gelidonya Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Another popular activity is hiking up Mount Chimaera, now known as Yanartaş, to see the natural flames emerging from the rocky mountainside. It's a moderate trek, entirely uphill, so ensure you wear your best hiking shoes. As you ascend, you'll see small pockets of flame peaking out, fueled by methane gas seeping from the earth. It typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach the summit, where you can enjoy more eternal flames, which have been burning for centuries. Head down the mountain and return to your treehouse hotel for the night.

Day 12: Transfer to Antalya, Visit the Ancient Ruins of Perge & Aspendos

Say goodbye to Çıralı as you transfer to the largest city on the Turquoise Coast, Antalya. Leave your bags at the hotel and head back out to Perge, an ancient city that was once the capital of Pamphylia. The city was initially 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. 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. Return to your hotel in Antalya for the night.

Day 13: Depart Antalya

It's time to say goodbye to Turkey! At the appointed time, a driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the airport for your flight home. Before this happens, you can explore a bit more of Antalya on your own. A great idea is to visit Düden Park to see a waterfall cascading into the Mediterranean Sea or visit one of the many charming shops in Kaleiç, the city's historic district, for some last-minute souvenirs. When it's time, return to your hotel to meet your driver. Safe travels!