Ancient Ruins & Secluded Coves Along the Turkish Riviera!
Join us to explore Turkey’s southern coast, one of the Mediterranean’s finest jewels. This 2-week journey begins and ends in Istanbul and includes over a week aboard a traditional gulet that cruises the Turquoise Coast from Ekincik to Antalya. Along the way we’ll snorkel through crystal-clear water, hike to Roman ruins only accessible on foot, kayak along rugged coastline, and take off-the-beaten-path excursions—a river boat ride and a mud bath visit among them.
Overview
Sun-drenched skies, a warm, translucent sea, a dream world of astounding Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures, fantastic meals served on deck, a small group (maximum 14!), and expert Trip Leaders—these are the delights of our Turquoise Coast journey. Traveling cove to cove by traditional gulet (wooden motor-sailing yacht), we’ll hike to spectacular Lycian rock tombs and fascinating ruins accessible only on foot or by boat, stroll the lanes of magnificent Ephesus, and savor on-board cuisine that’s beyond fabulous. Don’t miss this trip—it is one of the most delicious, fascinating, and relaxing vacations you can possibly have!
Highlights
- Enjoy special explorations in Istanbul, including a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
- Sail and hike to hidden Greek and Roman ruins accessible only by boat and foot, including swimming over underwater ruins!
- Explore unforgettable Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia, on a private walking tour
- Savor bountiful meals prepared by our talented on-board chefs and served al fresco
- Join our pre- or post-trip extensions to Cappadocia or Istanbul
DISCOVER THE TURQUOISE COAST
Your Own Traditional Gulet
Spend 9 nights aboard a 14-guest wooden gulet that cruises cove to secluded cove along Turkey’s southern coast. We’ll kayak and snorkel directly off the boat, head ashore for daily hikes, and enjoy freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine on the shaded deck.
Insider’s Experience of Istanbul
We begin our journey with two days in Istanbul—visiting some of the world’s most famous mosques (the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), along with the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. We even take a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus strait.
Remote Ancient Sites
We explore the off-the-beaten-path ruins, too, like Lydae, hidden in coastal hills and only accessible by foot, and Gemiler Island, rich with Byzantine monastic ruins. We’ll see submerged ruins through the clear turquoise water, too, like those at Aperlae and Kekova Island.
Ephesus in Depth
We spend a day strolling the marble-paved streets of Ephesus with a private guide. Capital of Roman Asia, this ancient city has fantastic ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Beyond the Ruins
We’ll get a taste of Turkish life beyond the tourist sites—enjoy lunch in a family home in the village of Bezirgan, see the haunting ghost town of Kayaköy, dine on locally fished trout, and visit the therapeutic, mineral-rich Dalyan mud baths.
Guides Who Wrote the Book
Our Turkey Trip Leaders bring our trips to vivid life—and these experts in their field all call Turkey home. One wrote the guidebook Trekking in Turkey, one has guided with WT for 30 years, and others have degrees in subjects like archaeology and tourism.
When to Go
In the late spring months of May and June you’ll find comfortable weather and less crowded ruins. We avoid the peak temperatures and crowds of July, and pick back up in August for long, warm days and September for slightly fewer tourists. And while the weather cools in October, the sea retains its warmth, making it a fantastic shoulder month.
Make it Private
Choose your own dates, your own group, and even your own gulet with our Turkey Private Journey. This 9-day trip includes 5 nights aboard a private boat, with daily activities tailored to your group’s interests, plus time in Cappadocia to see the fairy chimneys and hot-air balloons. You’ll also have the option to lengthen your stay in iconic Istanbul.
