Aegean Express & Gulet Cruise - 9 Days

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, please make your way to your hotel in the city. This evening, join us for a welcome meeting with your tour guide. Overnight accommodation in Istanbul at a four-star hotel.

After breakfast, we embark on a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the unique city that bridges two continents. We'll explore the striking Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, and visit the St Sophia Museum, a magnificent architectural marvel that has served as both a church and a mosque.Next, we tour Dolmabahce Palace, an opulent symbol of the Ottoman Empire, followed by a stop at the historic Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise. This scenic journey takes you along the waterway dividing Europe and Asia, offering breathtaking views of both shores.

We will spend the night in Istanbul at a four-star hotel, with breakfast included.

Today, we visit the poignant WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. Our journey includes Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, and Johnston's Jolly. You'll also have the chance to explore the original trenches and tunnels, offering a profound glimpse into history.

We depart from Canakkale and journey to the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore the ruins and visit the new, award-winning Troy Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the city's storied past. Our next stop is the charming village of Behramkale, known for its stone houses and narrow streets that showcase traditional Turkish village life.You will have the opportunity to wander through the village, enjoy the picturesque views, and perhaps savour a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. Following our time in Behramkale, we travel south to Kusadası.

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of Ephesus, a pivotal ancient trade and religious centre. We'll explore remarkable sites such as the Temple of Artemis, the stunning Library of Celsus, and the impressive amphitheatre. Our visit continues at the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artefacts vividly recount the city's storied past. Discover the intricate art of carpet weaving at a traditional village, learning about the craft's time-honoured techniques and valuation. Later, we'll journey to Selçuk for an engaging wine tasting experience.

Today, we begin with a showcase of locally crafted leather goods. Afterwards, we travel to Fethiye to embark on your gulet trip, boarding at Fethiye Harbour around 15:00. We'll enjoy swimming and snorkelling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay, then cruise past various islands en route to Tersane (Dockyard) Island. Here, you can explore the ruins of a Greek town and a historic naval shipyard.

After breakfast, we set off for Hamam Bay. Here, you can swim amidst the ancient ruins of Roman Baths, a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. Our journey then takes us to Sarsala Bay, a stunning area surrounded by pine trees. From here, you have the opportunity to embark on a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, known for its 3rd-century BC inscribed walls. Our final stop today is Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a renowned Turkish painter. Dive into the pristine waters or explore the island at your leisure.

Today, we sail toward Fethiye, navigating by the Yassica and Gocek Islands. These largely unnamed islets provide safe anchorage and boast secluded sandy beaches—ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply basking in the sun whilst admiring the stunning scenery. We make a final stop to swim at Red Island before heading back to Fethiye. We will stay overnight on a traditional Gulet, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

Our tour concludes after breakfast, when we bid farewell to our new friends.