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

Boarding starts at 15:30 from Bodrum Harbour. Guests who arrive early may leave their luggage at the Barbaros Yachting Office. 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 Bodrum, Kos, Leros

This morning we will cruise to Kos (Cos), the birth place of Hippocrates, 'the Father of Medical Sciences'. Kos is the second largest island of the 12 Dodecanese islands and 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 swim in Lambi Beach which is very close to Kos Harbour. In the afternoon we'll cruise to Leros. Leros is a mountainous, green island with high cliffs and many small bays and villages. After a swimming break in Xerakampos, we will anchor at Lakki Harbour or Agia Marina Port located in east. It's worth to visit Platanos, the main city of Leros with steep stairs, narrow streets, and flower gardens. From Platanos you can take the steps leading up the Castle of Leros climbing 300 steps! Rent a bike or explore this island by foot; both options will be unique experiences in this beautiful Dodecanese island.

Day 11 Leros, Levita/Amorgos

Early morning we pull anchor and start the sail to Amorgos. Amorgos is one of the popular islands in Greece with white houses, crystal clear water and a peaceful atmosphere. It is no coincidence that Luc Besson chose to shoot the first part of the film "The Big Blue" here. Once only visited by young travellers, Amorgos has become quite a "trendy" island since the film was released, and it is no surprise that you will find more adventurous people here than usual. The coastline is 112 kms long, surrounded by impressive mountains and rocky hills and the island is one of the best spots to taste traditional Greek cuisine and wine. Evening free to visit the island on your own. Depending on the weather/wind conditions we may sail to Levita instead of Amorgos. Levita is also a popular island on the Aegean Sea famous for its white houses, long beaches and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 12 Levita/Amorgos, Santorini

As the sun comes up we head for the magic summer madness of Santorini. It has been said that the sunsets in Santorini are the best in the world. From the Caldera, watch breathtaking views of the volcano & neighbouring islands. Santorini is one of the major tourist attractions of Europe with its marvellous climate and perfect observation conditions, you will experience a wild beauty created from a volcano that lies in the middle of the bay. Today you will have free time to explore the island.

Day 13 Santorini, Ios

Early this morning we pull anchor and start the sail to Ios. A lazy day ahead filled with sun tanning, listening to music and on board meals. We stop at an ideal swimming spot on the way to Ios - the famous tourist destination. Visitors come for its golden beaches and the characteristic Aegean architecture. Ios is well known as the party island with the lively atmosphere and the endless fun. The capital is built at the point where the ancient city was, where white houses unfold and its windmills and narrow small roads can be seen on the hill tops. We remain floating in the bay over night.

Day 14 Ios, Naxos

Today we depart Ios for Naxos. The island of Naxos is the largest and most central island in the Cyclades. Approaching the island by boat, you can see two small islands to the left and right of the harbor, one with the little church of Myrtidiotissa, and the other called Palatia which is linked to Naxos Town. The imposing gate, Portara is ab ancient marble temple dedicated to Apollo. Ligdamis ordered this to be built in the god's honor in the 6th century B.C After the orientation walk in this impressive island you will have more free time to explore the town and to swim in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea – with an optional excursion.

Day 15 Naxos, Paros, Mykonos

Departing from Naxos in the small hours of the morning we head for Paros. The first thing you notice when in Paros is the blue transparent sky floating inside dazzling white sunlight. Look on the island for the white Cycladic houses built next to the Aegean Sea. The two large natural bays of the islands Parikia and Naoussa, have beautifully protected sandy beaches. After a break in Paros we will sail to Mykonos; it is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from the entire globe. Here the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades islands give way to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches.The capital Hora, with its colourful harbour in which little fishing boats nest happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from that of the majority of Aegean island towns. Mykonos is spread out over a flat area, and the whitewashed streets stand as brilliant white cubic houses with stepped walls for sitting on.

Day 16 Mykonos (Nearest airport Mykonos)

Our trip will end here (11:00am) in the stunning waters of Mykonos. After an on board breakfast we say goodbye to our new friends, and disembark the vessel.