13 Day Unforgettable Turkey & Gulet Cruise

Welcome to Turkey! On arrival make your own way to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you see fit. Tonight you will have a welcome meeting in your hotel reception at approximately 7pm. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum (entrance fees not included), Dolmabahce Palace (entrance fees not included) and the Hippodrome. We follow in the footsteps of the city's most famous ruler, Sultan Ahmed, and head to the district of Sultanahmet, within Istanbul's old city. The historic centre of Istanbul, here you'll explore the legacy of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Inspiring Highlights Old City St. Sophia Museum Blue Mosque Dolmabahce Palace Hippodrome Special InformationEntrance fees for St. Sophia Museum and Dolmabahce Palace are not included and can be arranged with your tour leader.

After breakfast, we make our way to one of the most emotionally poignant locations in Turkey, the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli. Our visit includes the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, and Johnston's Jolly, where we will take a moment of quiet reflection. From these vantage points, we will look down upon the rugged hills and gullies that became the final resting places for thousands of soldiers from both sides. As we explore the former battlefields, you will have the opportunity to view original trenches and tunnels used by the Turkish forces, adding depth to your understanding of the hardships faced during the campaign. After this moving visit, we will continue on to Çanakkale, where you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights ANZAC Cove Lone Pine Johnson's Jolly The Nek Chunuk Bair Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, depart from Çanakkale and head towards Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will have the chance to explore the ancient ruins of this legendary city, as well as the newly opened, award-winning Troy Museum (entrance fees not included), which brings the rich history of the site to life with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Next, we continue our journey to the charming village of Behramkale, where stone houses and narrow streets paint a picture of traditional Turkish village life. Take some time to wander through the village, soak in the beautiful scenery, and perhaps enjoy a relaxing cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. After exploring Behramkale, we head south to Kuşadası, where you will settle in for the evening. Inspiring Highlights Troy Behramkale Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Entrance fees for Troy Museum are not included and can be arranged with your tour leader or purchased locally.

After breakfast join a guided tour of Ephesus (entrance fees not included), once a thriving trade hub and center of religious significance. As you explore the ancient ruins, you'll discover marvels like the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the grand facade of the Library of Celsus, and the majestic amphitheatre where history was made. Next, we visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where fascinating artifacts from the ancient city bring its rich history to life, offering deeper insights into the daily lives and culture of its past inhabitants. Continuing with Turkey's rich traditions, we head to a carpet village, where you will learn about the intricate art of handwoven carpets and the factors that determine their value, a craft that has been passed down through generations. Finally, we make our way to Sirince for a wine tasting experience, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines, produced in the heart of Turkey's vinous landscape. Inspiring Highlights Ephesus Sirince Special InformationEntrance fees for Ephesus are not included and can be arranged with your tour leader or purchased locally.

After breakfast, we make our way to Fethiye, where you will board your traditional Turkish gulet—your home for the next few days as we explore the stunning Turkish Riviera. A gulet is a beautifully handcrafted wooden yacht, typically built in Bodrum or Marmaris, measuring between 20 to 30 meters in length. Constructed from mahogany, pine, and teak, these elegant vessels follow a Byzantine-era design, featuring a sharp bow, broad beam, and rounded aft. Designed for both comfort and style, they offer a truly authentic sailing experience. We set sail along the breathtaking coastline, stopping at Turunç Bay or Tarzan Bay, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters. From here, we cruise past a collection of idyllic islands before reaching Tersane Island, home to the ruins of an important historical shipyard, offering a glimpse into the region's maritime past. Relax, unwind, and take in the stunning views as we sail along this spectacular stretch of coast. Inspiring Highlights Turunç Bay or Tarzan Bay Tersane Island Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. Your cruise itinerary and stops are at the discretion of your captain and may vary due to weather or other factors.

After breakfast, we set sail for Hamam Bay, where you'll have the unique opportunity to swim among the ancient ruins of Roman baths, believed to have been built by Mark Antony as a gift for Cleopatra. The combination of history and natural beauty makes this an unforgettable experience. Next, we cruise to Sarsala Bay, a breathtaking cove surrounded by lush pine forests. From here, those seeking adventure can embark on a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, where remnants of inscribed walls from the 3rd century BC offer a glimpse into the region's storied past. Our final stop for the day is Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a celebrated Turkish painter and writer. Here, you can choose to swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the island, or simply relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Enjoy another evening onboard, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera. Inspiring Highlights Hamam Bay Sarsala Bay Bedri Rahmi Bay Special InformationYour cruise itinerary and stops are at the discretion of your captain and may vary due to weather or other factors.

Today, we continue our journey, cruising through the breathtaking Yassica and Gocek Islands. These small, unspoiled islets, many of which remain unnamed, offer secluded sandy beaches and calm, sheltered waters, making them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on deck as you soak in the serene surroundings. Before returning to Fethiye, we make a final stop at Red Island, where you can enjoy one last refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Turkish Riviera. Tonight, we dock in Fethiye's charming harbour, where you'll spend your final evening onboard the gulet, reflecting on the unforgettable sailing adventure of the past few days. Inspiring Highlights Yassica and Gocek Islands Red Island Special InformationYour cruise itinerary and stops are at the discretion of your captain and may vary due to weather or other factors.

After breakfast and disembarking our gulet, we journey to the breathtaking calcium travertine terraces of Pamukkale, a natural wonder known for its cascading white mineral pools. Often referred to as the “Cotton Castle,” these terraces have been formed over millennia by the region's thermal waters, creating a truly otherworldly landscape. Beyond its natural beauty, Pamukkale is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll explore well-preserved ruins, including a grand theater, ancient baths, and necropolis, offering insight into the city's rich Greco-Roman history. For a truly unique experience, take a dip in the thermal waters of Cleopatra's Pool, where you can swim among the submerged columns and ruins, just as the Romans once did, and enjoy the healing properties of these legendary hot springs. Inspiring Highlights Travertines Hierapolis Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. Entrance fees for Pamukkale (Hierapolis) are not included and can be arranged with your tour leader or purchased locally.

We will have an early departure from Pamukkale as we set off towards the breathtaking region of Cappadocia. Along the way, we stop in Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, the final resting place of Rumi, the renowned 13th-century Sufi poet and philosopher. This sacred site offers a fascinating insight into the Whirling Dervish tradition and the teachings of the Mevlevi Order. Continuing our journey, we visit Sultanhani Caravanserai (entrance fees not included), one of the best-preserved Seljuk caravanserais in Turkey. Built in the 13th century, this grand structure once served as a vital rest stop for traders traveling along the Silk Road. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, settle into your accommodation and enjoy an evening at leisure, taking in the otherworldly landscapes that make this region so unique. Inspiring Highlights Mevlana Museum Sultanhani Caravanserai Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Entrance fees for Sultanhani Caravanserai are not included and can be arranged with your tour leader or purchased locally.

This morning, we depart early for Ankara, the capital of Turkey and a city rich in history and political significance. Here, we visit Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary leader and founder of modern Turkey. This monumental complex stands as a powerful tribute to Atatürk's legacy, offering insight into Turkey's path to independence. After exploring Anıtkabir, we continue our journey back to Istanbul, arriving in the early evening. Inspiring Highlights Atatürk's Mausoleum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 9.5 hours.If you would prefer to fly on this day, please refer to the Add-Ons, Upgrades & Room Configuration section for more details. This option can be added during the booking process.

After breakfast, our tour through Turkey comes to an end. At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.