Day 1 Istanbul

At the terminal keep your eyes open for the Travel Talk sign, as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our Istanbul hotel. Gather round in the hotel lobby at 6:00pm as we meet both the other tour members and the guide. Listen up for a fast and informal meeting with the leader including registration and a short brief about the adventures ahead and some country info. Click for the arrival details

Day 2 Istanbul

After breakfast we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We stroll through the old town visiting Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum.

Day 3 Gallipoli

Today we depart Istanbul for the shores of Gallipoli. We visit all the important memorial sites in the region including the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.

Day 4 Troy, Pergamum, Selcuk

After breakfast we head to the ancient city of Troy, the setting of Homer's epic, Iliad, involving a giant wooden horse. We then continue to Pergamum, and the remains of the Temple of Athena, Temple of Trajan, library and theatre cut into the hillside. In the evening we arrive in Selçuk.

Day 5 Ephesus, Marmaris

The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus, will be our first stop. In the afternoon we depart for Marmaris where we can explore the buzzing tourist and resort town!

Day 6 Marmaris, Dalyan, Fethiye

After breakfast we make our way to Dalyan, a small town in the south-western coast popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty. We join a boat trip to visit the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and we then continue to Iztuzu beach, homeland of world famous Caretta Caretta turtles. After a fantastic boat travel we reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye, the “traveller’s paradise” on the Mediterranean coast.

Day 7 Fethiye, Oludeniz

This morning we set out for Kayakoy, the interesting old Greek town famous for its stone houses. We then make our way to Oludeniz. Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport activities. Here you can relax on the exquisite beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding and microlighting. Late in the afternoon we depart for our overnight stay in Fethiye.

Day 8 Fethiye, Saklıkent, Pamukkale

After visiting the huge canyon of Saklikent Gorge we head to Pamukkale meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, this is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine’s, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years.

Day 9 Pamukkale, Bodrum, Embark Gulet

On the first day, our boat will be anchored at Bodrum Port for dinner and overnight stay. Bodrum has a history that goes back to the 12th century B.C. The city which was called 'Halicarnassus' was the birthplace of Herodotus; the 'Father of History' who lived in the 5th century B.C. The 'Mausoleum' of King Mausolus (350 B.C.) which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World is in this city. The only structure that survived from the Classical Era is the Amphitheatre. It is one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia with a capacity of 13.000 guests, and is still hosting many shows and concerts for the art-lovers of Bodrum. Another place that you should visit whilst in Bodrum is the landmark of the city 'Castle of Saint Peter'. It is one of the best preserved pieces of architecture with a history that dates back to the middle Ages. 'Myndos Gate' through which Alexander the Great entered Halicarnassus is another place that you should not miss.

Day 10 Cos ( Kos )

Whilst you have breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary. After the paper work at customs is completed we will cruise to Kos Island. Asclepion, known to be the birth place of Hippocrates, 'the Father of Medical Sciences', is located here. All the East- Mediterranean people with health problems were treated in Kos (İstankoy). Kos; the second largest island of the 12 islands (Dodecanese islands) has a very mild climate and very fertile lands. The island houses a 560-year-old tree, a 211-year-old fountain and a 290 km long beach. You may take a quick swim in Lambi Beach which is very close to Kos Harbour. Cos is one of the islands with the best night life. Nafklirou, a street full of bars, is always crowded, colourful, and full of life.

Day 11 Gyali - Nissiros

Early in the morning we will cruise to Gyali Island and have a swimming break. There is no settlement and only pumice stone remains on this little volcanic island. We will cruise to Nisiros. The volcano on Nisiros island- which means 'the place with figs'- in the Aegean Sea- erupted in 1422 and is still active. Nikea village located on the side of the crater is constituted with white streets and a mosaic-style square. You can take an optional bus tour to the crater which is still active and you will see the gases coming from the underground. Dinner and overnight stay will be on in this little, peaceful island.

Day 12 Simi

We will set sail for Simi Island early in the morning and arrive at the Monastry of Panormitis which is located in the southern part of Simi. It is possible to visit the Monastery and the Museum on this well-protected and peaceful bay. After having a swimming break on the eastern shores of the island, we will anchor at the port early in the evening. You can see the shore-side with its neo-classical houses and the peripheral districts. You are going to adore Simi for its pine and oak forests and unique bays.

Day 13 Rhodes

We will cruise to Rhodes early in the morning. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The island is a very popular holiday place as it has one of the best-protected and the largest European Medieval city and has warm weather 300 days of a year. Rhodes has been home for many civilizations; starting with the knights of St.John in the Middle Ages, then Ottomans and Italians; thus the island has a unique historical harmony and beauty. The main port of Rhodes is the Rhodes Town which bears the same name as the island. The other very touristic areas of Rhodes island are; Lyndos and Kamiros. The city, which is still surrounded by 12 meter-thick city-walls, gives you the feeling of travelling back to Medieval times especially when you walk around its narrow, stone-paved roads. After dinner, our guests are highly recommended to enjoy a Rhodes night out.

Day 14 Datça - Palamutbükü - Knidos (Cnidus)

We return to Turkey via Datça. Whilst your captain completes the port formalities, you may have a walk along Datca Harbour. After lunch we cruise to Palamutbükü for a swim stop. Today, our last stop will be Knidos (Cnidus) for dinner and overnight stay. Cnidus was a developed city in science, art and architecture. Eudoxos, a very popular astronomer and maths professor; Dr. Euryphon; Polygontos, a poular painter; Skopas and Bryaksis of Faros, the most famous sculptors of the era; Sostrates, the architect of Alexandrian light house -one of the seven wonders of the World-and Ktesias the doctor who saved the life of a Presian king from a disaster lived on this island. Dr. Euryphon and his students founded the second largest medical sciences school in Cnidus. The island also homes the largest sun clock of its time which was erected by Eudoksos. Knidos was the home for Aphrodite's monument and at those times the city was famous for brothels and became popular for sailors and Arabic tradesmen. You may take a walk on the shore to see the ruins.round its narrow, stone-paved roads. After dinner, our guests are highly recommended to enjoy a Rhodes night out.

Day 15 Poyraz Harbour - Meteor Bay - Bodrum, Istanbul

We will start to cruise early in the morning to Karaada (Black Island). Breakfast and a swimming stop will be at Poyraz Bay which is located on the northern side of the island. This is such a nice bay with its turquoise-blue waters. We will be anchoring at Meteor Bay for lunch which is located on the southern side of the island. There is a meteor hole here and this is how the bay got its name. Here you may jump over the platform into the deep water. You may also take a walk through the underwater caves which are very near to Meteor Bay for a small local fee. In the afternoon we'll disembark cruise boat in Bodrum and night drive by inter-city bus to Istanbul.

Day 16 Istanbul

Our trip ends at the bus terminal in Istanbul.