Bodrum

Bodrum is the spectacular meeting place of the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas. Clear, warm, tideless water is an irresistible magnet for holidaymakers who can swim, dive and snorkel to their hearts content.
A medieval castle, built by the Knights of Rhodes, guards the entrance to Bodrum’s harbour. Ferries travel the short distance between here and the Greek island of Kos daily. However, lovers of nightlife should pack their dancing shoes and stay awhile. Bodrum’s after dark culture is almost infamous!

Marmaris

For a touch of sophistication, look no further than the resort centre of Marmaris. Life here centre’s around the sea – Marmaris is an extremely popular port for international yachts.
The rich history of Marmaris as an important stage on the trade route to Egypt initially put it on the map. Today, travellers love the ambience and scenery of this northern part of the Turquoise Coast. The remains of a 16th century citadel also attract photographers and those with an interest in archaeology.

Ankara

Prior to 1923, visitors to the site of Turkey’s capital, Ankara, would have found themselves in Angora, where the distinctive long haired goats were raised for their fleece, which was subsequently knitted into fluffy jumpers.
Since Kemal Ataturk rebelled in the early 1920’s and chose this spot for the capital, the main business of Ankara has been government related. That said, there are a number of attractions which will very pleasantly fill a half or full day.
One can easily take in Hisar, the Byzantine citadel, perched on a hilltop in the city’s east, along with the nearby Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. A visit to Ataturk’s mausoleum will complete a tour of the major spots.

Izmir

Alexander the Great staked a claim to locate Turkey’s third largest modern city, Izmir. Kadifekale, “Velvet Castle”, the fortress built for him, overlooks the city.
Both culturally and historically diverse, Izmir can offer travellers anything from camel bridles to casinos.
Your taste buds will thank you for taking time to sample lokma, the city’s signature pastry dish.

Ephesus

Ephesus is one of the highlights of any trip to Turkey. There are few other places where one can have so vivid a visual experience of a city of classical antiquity. Ephesus is one of the grandest and best preserved archaeological sites in the world. Following the death of Christ, it is said the Virgin Mary lived her final years in a small house on Bulbukdagi (Mt Nightingale).
Aside from this historic site, the marble-lined streets, half buried homes and overgrown market places make this picturesque town unforgettable.

Selcuk

A quaint little country town, close to the site of Ephesus.

Pamukkale

The aura of ethereal beauty in Pamukkale is explained in the translation “Cotton Castle”. The stunning effect of fairy castles is created by warm calcified pools cascading down the mountainside, making it look as if it were wrapped in candy floss. We may have enjoyed the same spectacle in New Zealand’s central North Island, had Mt Tarawera not erupted!
The area is also home to several significant ruins, among them Hierapolis – a city founded in 190BC, home of the Temple of Apollo and wonderful thermal baths. Aphrodisias can also be explored – a city with a stadium capable of seating 30,000 people.

Kusadasi

Bird Island is a lovely port built along the shores of a glittering bay. The terraced town overlooks one of the most beautiful inlets in the Aegean. Kusadasi is the entry port to Turkey for many travellers via the daily ferry from Samos in Greece.

Canakkale

Romantic and historical battles mark the evolution of the city of Canakkale, on the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean. Figures such as Agamemnon, Achilles and Ulysses feature in the history books. Nearby is Troy. Across the straits of the Dardanelles is Gelibolu Peninsular National Park – Gallipoli.

Gallipoli

ANZAC DAY – April 25th
23rd April: Travel by comfortable coach from Istanbul to Canakkale. This evenings briefing includes the Four Corners documentary “Fatal Shore” and Peter Weir’s movie “Gallipoli” starring Mel Gibson.
24th April: Cross the Dardanelles and drive to Gallipoli. Visit the Kabatepe war museum, Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial and cemetery, the original tunnels and trenches at Johnston Jolly (Turkish and Allied) the Nek cemetery, Chunuk-Bair, New Zealand Memorial and cemetery.
25th April: Departing at 02.30, cross the Dardanelles to Eceabat by ferry and drive to ANZAC Cove. Participate in the Dawn service and the international and national ceremonies (Turkish/International, Australia and New Zealand)
26th April: This morning depart for a guided tour of Troy. In the afternoon return to Istanbul, or travel on to Selcuk for an additional charge.
This package includes all transportation, 3 nights’ hotel accommodation with Turkish breakfasts and dinners, two guided tours with English speaking guide and entrances fees, lunch on Anzac Day, videos – please note this itinerary is subject to change without notification.

Gulet Cruising

To explore the lovely Turquoise Coast by traditional gulet is one of the best possible holidays afloat. And the most affordable way to do this is by Cabin Charter. If you are a party of 8-14 persons a private charter is the way to go, but if you are just a couple, a small group of friends or even a single traveller you book just a cabin (or several) as if you are booking a hotel room.
This is called Cabin Charter.
The typical gulet cabin charter cruise departs on a one week cruise on a Saturday or Sunday. We detail below a typical (and our most popular) cruise itinerary. Part week cruises are also available.
Your boat. A beautiful, traditional, wooden, sailing yacht. 4 to 10 Cabins, lounge/dining room (although dining and lounging is usually outside) A galley, bar and all the necessary gear and of course – safety equipment. Snorkelling gear is available.
Your cabin. Will have a double bed, wardrobe lockers, private bathrooms with w.c., hot and cold water/shower. They don’t have air-conditioning – if it gets hot you take your bed onto the deck.
Your meals. Full-board, All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, tea/coffee are included in the price (drinks available but extra).
Your crew. Typically three crew members including the skipper. English, or an attempt at English, will be spoken.
Your travel companions. People from many different countries, languages and cultures.
The itinerary. Is subject to changes at the Skipper’s discretion based on weather, sea conditions and local regulations.

Day One: Embark in Marmaris
Boarding starts at 15:30 from Marmaris Harbor. Dinner on board and an overnight stay in Marmaris Port. Marmaris was built upon one of the ancient Karian cities called Phyckos, and has been under the rule of many different civilizations. The most valuable work of art that you can see today is Marmaris Castle dating from 1577. There is also a mosque and an 8-room caravansary covered with arches from the Ottoman Period. The ruins of the Antique times lie on Asar Hill; a small, low hill located on the northern side of the city.
Day Two: Ekincik Gulf – Dalyan
After your breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and the boat. The cruise will move towards Ekincik Gulf. You may join our optional Dalyan Tour from here. You will be taken from your yacht by a small boat called “piyade”. You will arrive at Caretta-Caretta (turtle) Beach and take a swimming break here. You will enjoy the natural beauty of the delta as you cruise along the river. You will see the ancient Rock Tombs and finally arrive at mud baths to relax and be rejuvenated. A fishing village called Dalyan will be our final destination after we return to our yacht by piyade.

Day Three: Sunken Bath – Tersane Island – Kizil Island
Because of the wavy seas of Disibilmez and Kurtoglu capes that we have to cross, we will cruise earlier than the other days and reach the world-famous Gocek Gulf. We will anchor at Sunken Bath for breakfast and swimming break. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath. Then we will cruise to Tersane Island. This naturally protected harbour was used as the shipyard in Byzantine and Ottoman times.
Day Four: Feithye
Arrive at Fethiye Harbor early in the morning. Fethiye, which was known as Telmessos in the ancient times, was an important city situated on Lycia’s western border with Caria. It is believed that the city’s name comes from Apollo’s son Telmessos. As the name suggests, the city was the city of light and was famous for its prophets. We also offer the option of a jeep safari tour in Fethiye. For those who will not join the Safari, the boat will cruise to Samanlik Bay for lunch and swimming. The boat will anchor at Ece Saray Marina for dinner and overnight stay. Our guests who have joined mini tour from Marmaris will disembark here.
Day Five: Goceck Islands – Yassica Islands
The new guests for mini tour must embark the boat at 09:00 a.m. from Ece Saray Marina.
Depart from Fethiye Harbour for Gocek Island. While moving through uniquely beautiful islands, we finally anchor at Yassica Islands. Lunch will be taken in this beautiful chain of little islands. Snorkeling in the crystal clear water is recommended. Dinner and overnight in a bay amongst the islands of Gocek.
Day Six: Bedri Rahmi Bay – Sarsala – Aga Limani
After breakfast, sail to the spectacularly stunning Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a famous Turkish artist and then to Sarsala Bay. Cruise to Aga Limani before lunch. Overnight stay in this lovely bay.
Day Seven: Kumlubuk Bay – Cennet Island – Marmaris
Depart early for Kumlubuk Bay with swim stops along the way. Kumlubük – meaning sandy cove – lies within sight of the harbour of Marmaris but is cut off from it by a forbidding set of limestone mountains. The 2-mile-long beach of black sand remains uncrowded. Behind it, a handful of farmhouses stick out of the citrus gardens. The ruins of ancient Amos lie undisturbed in the bush on top of a cliff on the edge of the village.. Tea is served somewhere in the vicinity of Cennet Island. Afterwards we sail to Marmaris port to overnight and perhaps to experience the lively night life.

Day Eight: Disembark Marmaris
Leave the boat with your precious memories after breakfast.