17 Day Antiquities Of Turkey With Gulet Premium Small Group Tour
This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Return international airfares included
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, the fairy chimneys and underground cities of Cappadocia, Hadrian’s Gate, sailing the Aegean Coast on a traditional gulet, visiting legendary Troy and the cliffs of Gallipoli
✓ Small group touring, no more than 16 people
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
✓ Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia
✓ 12 nights in 4, 5-star and boutique accommodation
✓ 3 nights sailing the Turkish Riviera on a traditional Turkish gulet
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 9 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by expert, English-speaking guide throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing, including all entry fees as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated, air-conditioned transportation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Your premium small group tour through Turkey awaits! Your holiday will begin with your flight to Istanbul. Prepare to receive a warm welcome to this continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Upon arrival into Istanbul you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your 5 star hotel to relax after your journey.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. 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 hotels discretion.
This morning your guide will meet you in the lobby for a welcome meeting, where you'll discuss the trip ahead and meet your fellow travellers.
Afterwards, we start our journey by following 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.
Take in the majesty of the sixth-century Hagia Sophia, whose stunning construction is said to have changed the history of architecture. When not erecting splendid buildings, the Byzantine Emperors loved a bit of entertainment, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople was their stadium. Inspect some of the decorative statues and obelisks that remain, harking back to a time when this space would play host to thousands of chariot racing fans. Witness the majesty of the Blue Mosque, and spend time meandering through the narrow lanes that burrow through the huge Grand Bazaar, packed with more than 3000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles, books and spices.
Tonight, your guide will take you to his favourite restaurant to have a real meyhane (Turkish tavern) experience at the heart of Istanbul!
This morning you will be transferred to the airport to fly to Cappadocia. After you settle to your beautiful rooms at your hotel, your guide will then take you on a leisurely hike of the beautiful surrounding valley. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before your walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You'll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys made from tuff – a light, porous rock formed by consolidaed volcanic ash – as well as man-made cave chapels from early Christian times.
You will enjoy your first Inspiring Taste with a local specialty called a Pottery Kebab – Cappadocia's traditional, must-try dish, prepared in a clay pot.
In the evening, your guide will take you to a beautiful lodge to watch the spiritual Mevlevi, or Whirling Dervish Ceremony – an 'active meditation' that is said to show devotion to god, and a practice that been recognised by UNESCO.
Today, we visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Prepare to be blown away by this vast subterranean site, which comprises ancient dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground, extending to a depth of approximately 60 metres.
Later in the afternoon we'll visit Kizil Irmak, or the Red River of Cappadocia, famous for its clay, which is still used to make magnificent pieces of art today. You’ll learn about this ancient craft when we visit a local potter.
We leave Cappadocia today and head towards the Mediterranean coast. The drive is long, but it's also incredibly scenic. We'll enjoy a pit stop in Konya to try the local food before continuing to the jewel in the Mediterranean crown – Antalya. The ancient city is the eastern gateway to Turkey's southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its magnificent blue waters. Remnants from Antalya's time as a major Roman port remain: from Hadrian’s Gate, built to honour the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 CE, to the 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, which boasts stunning harbour views.
This morning you’ll enjoy a walk to see Hadrian’s Gate, the old Roman Harbours and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean before enjoying lunch. We will then be travelling on to the Greek ghost town of Kayakoy, which is said to be the setting for Louis de Bernières' novel Birds Without Wings. Stroll around and take in the eerie atmosphere. From here we continue to Fethiye, a beautiful town surrounded by pine forests and dotted with islands.
This morning will be at your leisure. After lunchtime, we will board a traditional Turkish sailboat known as a gulet – your home for the next three days. A gulet is a wooden yacht usually built in Bodrum or Marmaris in Turkey that measures 20 to 30 metres in length on average. Handcrafted from mahogany, pine and teak, the gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times, with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded aft. They are stylish, graceful, fitted for comfort and full of character. We cruise in style along the spectacular coastline of Turkey for the next three days on a journey that promises Kodak moments at every turn.
PLEASE NOTE - These traditional gulets boats are not meant to be luxurious, but the cabins are very comfortable and nicely appointed with private ensuites. Aircon is turned on at certain times and most of your time will be spent on deck enjoying the view and the ocean breeze. Sailing on a gulet is a unique and memorable way to spend three nights and whilst discovering stunning bays!
IMPORTANT: Electricity supply is very limited and so aircon is turned on at certain times. The electricity of most yachts runs at 12 V/24 V. Please consider this if you wish to bring battery-operated equipments. Electrical appliances may only be connected while the yacht is tied up to land.
After breakfast onboard, we'll sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for our very first swimming stop. In the afternoon, we'll sail to Tersane Bay where you can disembark the gulet and enjoy the serenity of a hidden, untouched beach.
After another breakfast onboard, we'll sail to Gocek – a magnet for high-end yachts and yet another beautiful town on the Aegean Coast. We will then continue along the coast where we’ll be sailing, swimming and enjoying the crystalline water of the Turkish Riviera for the rest of the day.
This morning we leave our beautiful Gulet and drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight.
We will visit Hierapolis and travertines. Travertines phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-colored stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems.
Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath center. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis.
Enjoy a glass of wine on the top of the travertines, while watching an amazing sunset.
This morning enjoy some free time before departing from Pamukkale and heading to Kusadasi, which is approximately 3-hours drive.
Our day will start with an orientation walk around the town of Selcuk, which lies at the base of the partially restored ancient Ayasuluk Fortress. Here, you'll visit the last remaining fragments of the Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – as well as a Roman and Byzantine aqueduct.
This afternoon, visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Marvel at the vast amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and wander through the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. After Ephesus, we drive to Sirince village to join a very special cooking class led by an amazing cook, Mujde!
The highlight for today is a visit to the legendary city of Troy. You’ll see the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse as you learn about the groundbreaking archaeological digs and how the site has baffled historians. At lunch time, we pay a visit to a weavers' association in Bergama and see first-hand how Turkish carpets are made and enjoy your local lunch out there. You will continue to Canakkale after your visit to Bergama.
After breakfast we will travel to the Gallipoli peninsula, where we'll visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. From here, we'll head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. We'll spend a moment in quiet contemplation, looking down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. We’ll tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Afterwards, we continue on to Istanbul.
Nothing beats home cooking, especially Turkish home cooking. Join this Istanbul tour to be treated to a feast at a local family's home.
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Turkey.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Arrive home today, with memories to last a lifetime.
For further information on your gulet cruise, click HERE. Please note that multiple gulets are in operation from our departure point - the link is for reference only and may not represent the exact sailing boat that you will experience.
PLEASE NOTE - These traditional-style gulet boats are not meant to be luxurious, but they are very comfortable and an exceptional way to spend three nights. All cabins are nicely appointed and have private ensuites. Most of your time will be spent on deck enjoying the view.
No drinks are included as part of our package, however drinks may be purchased on board. Some Gulets provide drinks packages however, each gulet is privately owned so options provided will differ from ship to ship. Please enquire with your guide on tour.
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Sights
To enhance your journey, we're offering guests 2 bonus sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 3 options (details listed under 'Optional Tours').
Inspiring Tastes
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This package is a flight inclusive package
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour, your Tour Leader will suggest contributing towards a ‘tipping kitty’ which can then be used to tip local guides, hotel staff, driver, etc. You will have complete visibility over amounts tipped and any funds left will be distributed back to travellers. This tipping kitty is not mandatory, however, over time we’ve found it frees travellers from the stress of keeping the right change at hand and not knowing appropriate tipping amounts. We suggest EUR2-4 for hotel staff, local guides and the driver (suggestions are per person per day).
Please note that this tipping is not for your Tour Leader. If you are happy with the service provided by your Tour Leader we recommend tipping EUR3-5 per person per day.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,872.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.safetravel.govt.nz for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Maximum of 14 people
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
To enhance your journey, we're offering 2 free sightseeing experiences out of a choice of 3 options, listed below. Guests can also purchase any of the remaining two sightseeing experiences (cost is per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
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