Istanbul to Fethiye With Cruise - 15 Days

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. You might choose to visit bustling Taksim Square, take a walk along the Bosphorus, or enjoy some local cuisine in one of the city's many rooftop restaurants.

Our day begins with a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents. We visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles and six minarets, followed by the former church and mosque, now a museum, the Hagia Sophia – a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.

At Topkapi Palace, the opulent seat of Ottoman sultans for 400 years, we explore the historic Hagia Irene and the secluded Harem quarters. We also take time to walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once a grand stadium for chariot races in Byzantine times.

In the afternoon, you may wish to join an optional 'Half-day Bosphorus Cruise', where you can admire the palaces, mansions and minarets that line both the European and Asian shores.

Today we travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of profound national significance for both Turkey and the ANZAC nations. Our guided tour includes Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, dedicated to Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought here during WW1.

We visit ANZAC Cove, where the troops first landed, and explore The Nek and Johnston's Jolly, where preserved trenches and tunnels help bring the realities of the conflict to life.

Leaving Canakkale, we head to the legendary city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and setting of Homer’s epic, The Iliad. Here, ancient city walls and reconstructions help evoke the story of the Trojan War.

We continue to Behramkale (Assos), a picturesque village perched on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. With its cobbled streets, traditional stone houses and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a charming glimpse into rural Turkish life. You will have free time to wander, take in the scenery, and perhaps enjoy tea at a local café. We then travel south to the coastal town of Kusadasi.

Step back in time as we explore the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We walk along its marble-paved streets, see the Great Theatre where St Paul once preached, and admire the elegant facade of the Library of Celsus.

We then visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later, we explore the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, home to a remarkable collection of artefacts from the site. A visit to a local carpet village rounds off the day, where you can observe the traditional process of Turkish carpet weaving.

his morning, we stop at a local centre showcasing quality leather goods. We then travel inland to Pamukkale, where surreal white travertine terraces cascade down the hillside. These calcium-rich formations, created by mineral springs, have been a spa destination since Roman times.

We explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved theatre, Roman baths, and extensive necropolis. There's also the opportunity to bathe in the warm waters of Cleopatra's Pool, among submerged columns from the Roman temple that once stood nearby. In the afternoon, we continue to Fethiye on the Turquoise Coast.

Today is free for you to enjoy Fethiye at your own pace. You might explore the marina, browse local markets, visit the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs, or take a water taxi to the nearby beaches. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting make Fethiye a perfect spot to unwind.

In the late afternoon, we board our traditional Turkish gulet at Fethiye Harbour. After settling into your cabin, there's a pre-cruise briefing followed by a welcome dinner aboard. This is a great opportunity to meet your fellow passengers and crew.

Today we cruise along the coast, stopping at the iconic Oludeniz Beach, known for its turquoise lagoon, and then Butterfly Valley, a protected nature reserve home to diverse flora and fauna. You can swim, relax, or hike into the valley. In the evening, we anchor near St Nicholas Island, where you can explore Byzantine ruins at sunset.

We begin the day in the quiet bay of Yesilkoy before continuing to the town of Kas, a laid-back harbour village with whitewashed houses, boutique shops and coastal charm. After time to wander and enjoy lunch, we sail to Limanagzi Bay for a refreshing swim.

Our route takes us to Cayagzi near Demre. An optional excursion offers the chance to visit Myra, with its ancient Lycian rock tombs, and the Church of St Nicholas, said to be the resting place of the real Santa Claus. Later, we hike up to the castle at Simena for panoramic views over Kekova Bay. In the water below, you’ll see a Lycian sarcophagus and remains of an ancient settlement.

A short cruise brings us to the Sunken City of Kekova, where you can glimpse submerged foundations and staircases through the crystal-clear water. We stop at Tersane Bay for a swim and lunch. In the afternoon, we cruise on to Gokkaya, a peaceful bay surrounded by hills, where we anchor for the evening.

After breakfast, we sail to Firnaz Bay for a swim, then visit the pretty town of Kalkan. Enjoy a couple of hours to explore its cobbled streets and terraced cafes. We then return to Yesilkoy for another swim before settling in for the evening.

This morning we arrive at Camli Burun, a secluded bay known for its pine-clad hills and tranquil waters. After a relaxed breakfast and swim, we continue to Boncuklu Bay. Depending on conditions, we spend the night here or return to Fethiye Harbour for our final evening on board.

After breakfast, we disembark around 09:00 am. A transfer will take you to Dalaman Airport for your onward journey.