WONDERS OF TURKEY WITH GULET TOUR by Fez Travel

Destination
Starts at

Istanbul

Destination
Ends at

Istanbul

Destination
Duration

13 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 16

Destination
Physical Rating

easy Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

This 13-day tour of the best sights of Turkey begins and ends in Istanbul and spans two continents, while taking in some of the country’s most stunning sights. Included in that is a visit to Istanbul's Old City at the beginning of the trip, followed by a tour of the Gallipoli WW1 battlefields.

More historical exploration takes place at the fascinating ancient archaeological site of Ephesus, home of the famous Temple of Artemis. Other spectacular cultural relics from the past can be seen at the ancient UNESCO World Heritage city of Troy, home to the award-winning Troy Museum, and the silk road at Konya.
 
Some of Turkey’s breath-taking natural sights are also on offer, including the Calcium Terraces at Pamukkale, and the underground city at Cappadocia.
 
However, the jewel in the crown of this trip comes in the form of three nights on a wooden Turkish gulet, a magnificent boat on which you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and simply enjoying the sights and relaxation of the Mediterranean Sea.
 
The trip will conclude with a visit to the capital Ankara before finishing back in Istanbul. 

Trip Highlights

  • Take in the sights of the unique Istanbul, where eastern and western culture meet to create a special atmosphere like nowhere else.
  • Wander through the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia as hundreds of colourful hot air balloons rise into the sky above you.
  • Explore Greek ruins and swim in turquoise waters as you sail through some of Turkey's most fascinating and amazing natural landscapes. 

Your Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Welcome to Istanbul!

    Welcome to Istanbul! You will make your own way to arrival hotel in Istanbul and your tour guide will held a welcome meeting for tonight.

    Accommodation

    - Nidya Hotel Galataport or similar

  2. Day 2 Istanbul Old City

    After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Yerebatan Underground Cistern and the Hippodrome. Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with an optional 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.

    Accommodation

    - Nidya Hotel Galataport or similar

    Activities Included
    • - City tour of Istanbul, visit to Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Yerebatan Underground Cistern and Hippodrome
    Optional Activities
    • Optional 1 Hour Bosphorus Cruise
  3. Day 3 Gallipoli Battlefields

    One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

    Accommodation

    - MD Barbaros Hotel or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Visit of WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli
  4. Day 4 Troy - Assos - Kusadasi

    Depart from Canakkale and head towards Troy, where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award-winning Troy Museum. We continue on to Assos, taking in the views from the Temple of Athena, overlooking the Aegean and the Greek island of Lesbos. At the ancient harbour, you will have free time to wander the charming streets, maybe grab yourself a meal at a harbourside seafood restaurant. From Assos we head south to Kusadasi.

    Accommodation

    - Cella Boutique Hotel or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Visit of Troy, visit to Temple of Athena, transfer to Kusadasi
  5. Day 5 Kusadasi - Ephesus - Sirince

    Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. We will also enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods. Tonight, we will visit a local vineyard and learn about local production techniques. You will taste 3 local wines from the region at the garden of the vineyard before returning to your hotel.

    Accommodation

    - Cella Boutique Hotel or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Guided tour of Ephesus, visit to Temple of Artemis, visit of Sirinice, wine tasting
  6. Day 6 Fethiye - Gulet

    Today, we will head to Fethiye for your gulet trip. Boarding in Fethiye Harbour around 15:00. We enjoy some swimming and snorkeling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay. We'll cruise past several islands towards Tersane Island (Dockyard Island), where the ruins of a former Greek town and a once important naval shipyard may still be explored.

    Accommodation

    - Gulet Cabin - overnight in Tersane Island or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Board Gulet cruise, overnight in Tersane Island
  7. Day 7 Gulet - Gocek Bay

    After breakfast we depart for Hamam Bay. Enjoy a swim in the ancient ruins of these Roman Baths built by Mark Antony as a gift for Cleopatra. We then cruise to Sarsala Bay, a striking pine-surrounded bay, from which you can take a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, notable mostly for inscribed walls dating from the 3rd century BC. Bedri Rahmi Bay is our next stop, named after a famous Turkish painter. Jump in the clear blue water or explore the island.

    Accommodation

    - Gulet Cabin - overnight in Bedri Rahmi Bay or similar

    Activities Included
    • -  Swim in ancient ruins of Roman Baths, cruise along Sarsala Bay, Hike (45 mins) to Lycian town
  8. Day 8 Gulet - Fethiye

    Today we cruise towards Fethiye, passing the Yassica Islands and Gocek Islands. Most of these small islands are un-named but offer safe anchorage and secluded sandy beaches. Perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just soaking up some sun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A final stop and swim at Red Island before returning to Fethiye.

    Accommodation

    - Gulet Cabin, overnight in Fethiye Harbour or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Snorkeling, swim in Red Island
  9. Day 9 Pamukkale - Hierapolis

    This morning we will be heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

    Accommodation

    - Adempira Hotel or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Visit to HIerapolis
  10. Day 10 Silk Road - Konya - Cappadocia

    Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening!

    Accommodation

    - Remus and Romolus Hotel or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Visit of Sultanhani Caravasary and Mevlana Museum
    Optional Activities
    • - Folklore Night
  11. Day 11 Cappadocia - Goreme - Underground City

    Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.

    Accommodation

    - Remus and Romolus Hotel or similar

    Activities Included
    • - Visit of Goreme Valley Open Air Museum
  12. Day 12 Ankara

    Early morning departure to the nation's capital, Ankara, where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul.

    Accommodation

    - Nidya Hotel Galataport

What's included

  • Hotel as per itinerary, Gulet cruise
  • 12 Breakfasts, 2 lunch and 5 dinners
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide on the land section of the tour
  • Gulet Cruise (3 nights)
  • Wine tasting - 3 local wines
  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
  • Transportation by Gulet boat
  • Tips except Captain and Gulet crew
  • Services of Captain and supporting crew

What's not included

  • Flights to and from the destination
  • Airport transfers
  • Visas
  • Compulsory Travel Insurance
  • Hotel Transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section above)
  • Entrance Fees
  • Suggested optional activities
  • Tips - Captain and Gulet crew
  • Tips - driver, guide, Gulet captain and crew

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Rating:
Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star
4.5/5
feefo logo yellow
Independent Service Rating based on 128 verified reviews.
Read all reviews
Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award
Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star
Well organised and well executed intense experience. Truly enjoyable.
Every aspect of the trip was planned and executed in the finest of detail. It is a very high paced trip that covers fantastic cultural aspects. Fantastic tour guide in Juno.
Rene - Dec 20, 2024
Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star
Great value with fun people
We loved this trip!! It included so much for the price- definitely a great deal compared to other companies. And our fellow travelers were lovely people who really enhanced the experience! However, the anticipated activity level listed in the description did not at all match the actual requirements.
Jessica - Dec 18, 2024
Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star Rating Star
Morocco Oct 2024
This trip and the company behind it were truly exceptional. From the outset, the office staff provided excellent support, addressing all my inquiries and facilitating a seamless booking process. The on-site team, including our guide Hamid and our driver, were remarkable; their service exceeded all expectations. Some of our most unforgettable moments were spent with local families who prepared extraordinary lunches for us. The picturesque landscapes, the warmth of the locals, and the delicious cuisine all contributed to a wonderful experience. As someone who had never participated in a group tour before, I initially had some reservations, but this journey turned out to be extraordinary.
Ann - Dec 14, 2024

Accommodation

Accommodation Notes


This itinerary has a mix of 4 star standard hotels and cabin in a gulet style boat.

Please note that for this itinerary, we are unable to offer twin-share rooms. So if you are travelling on your own, you must book a single room. The cost for the single is from USD460.


Important Info

  • The New Zealand government asks that their citizens that are travelling register themselves via the following website.  https://register.safetravel.govt.nz/login
  • The Australian government asks that their citizens that are travelling sign up for their Smartraveller newsletter via the following website.https://subscription.smartraveller.gov.au/subscribe
  • Group Size: Minimum Group Size of 2. Maximum Group size of 16
  • Age: Minimum Age of 12. Whilst there is no maximum age set, it is assumed that the customer is fit enough to take part in the activity or tour. Health documents may be requested.
  • Single travellers are obliged to pay Single Supplement and will have the hotel room and/or gulet cabin to themselves
  • Gulet itineraries are subject to change without notification. The captain of the craft will decide the program at the time
  • This tour is an 'On Request' tour. That means that we need to confirm availability before confirming the booking.
  • From 2024 onwards this tour will also include a visit to the new, award-winning, Troy Museum while we are at Troy.
  • 2025 itinerary:   - Bergama/ Pergamon will be replaced with a visit to the ancient site and harbour at Assos
  • - Topkapi Palace, which is closed Tuesdays, replaced with the Basilica Underground Cistern
  • Instead of travelling between Cappadocia and Istanbul by bus, an optional morning flight from Kayseri (Cappadocia) to Istanbul is available at extra cost. Please contact us for a quote.
  • The tour guide does not accompany the group during the gulet section of the tour.
  • Please note that for this itinerary, we are unable to offer twin-share rooms. So if you are travelling on your own, you must book a single room. The cost for the single is from USD460.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

•  A non-refundable deposit of USD 250 is required to secure your space at the time of booking.

 Your final balance is due 60 days before departure

Cancellation conditions apply as per below:


 - More than 43 days before departure: A 250 USD deposit will be held.

 - 42 to 29 days before departure: A 25% cancellation fee applies.

 - 28 to 14 days before departure: A 50% cancellation fee applies.

 - 13 to 3 days before departure: A 100% cancellation fee applies.

 - 2 days to the day of departure: A 100% cancellation fee applies.

Cancellation policy For Gulet Trips:


 - More than 61 days before departure: Deposit amount will be held.

 - 60 to 31 days before departure: Cancellation fee will be 25% of the Gulet cruise cost .

 - 30 to 16 days before departure: Cancellation fee will be 50% of the Gulet cruise cost.

 - 15 days to the day of departure: Cancellation fee will be 100% of the Gulet cruise cost .


For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.



Terms & Conditions

Read our Terms and conditions page for more detials