Best of Turkey by Gulet
from $1180/per person
Discover Western Turkey and cruise through the Mediterranean in our 12 day tour. Similar to the Best of Turkey by Land, this amazing gulet option offers you the choice to mix it up and relax in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Discover the wonders of Istanbul, Gallipoli and the history of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus and then immerse yourself in the natural healing powers of Pamukkale. The tour is not complete until you have journeyed into the magical world of Cappadocia.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited have always been our utmost priority.
We are committed to ensuring your peace of mind with our enhanced Safe Travels protocols
and Special Flexible Conditions, so
that you can book and travel with confidence. We have also recevied the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel
and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted
health and hygiene global standardised protocols.
Starts in / Ends in
Istanbul / Istanbul
Average Tour Group Size
Avr. Group Size
35-40
Why You’ll Love This Tour
- Feel the beating heart of Istanbul from your hotel in the old town beside monumental landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia. Join an optional Bosphorus Cruise to watch Europe and Asia unfold on your sides.
- Stay in hand-picked, centrally located and authentic 5 & 4-Star hotels, and travel in private modern coaches with an expert local guide throughout your trip.
- Travel with an expert local guide throughout your trip, get the best introduction and insights into Turkish culture.
- Visit the shores of Gallipoli to honour the fallen during one of the greatest battles of WWI & tour famous ancient cities in Anatolia; Troy, Pergamum, Asklepion and Cappadocia.
- Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus delving into ancient times and soak in the gorgeous Library of Celsus.
- Enjoy the pristine bays and turqouise waters of Fethiye, cruising in a premium gullet with ensuite facilities for 3 days with all meals covered.
- Walk among cottonlike pools of travertine in Pamukkale and soak in the magical landscape of Cappadocia with options for an unforgettable hot-air ballooning adventure and Turkish Bath.
- No night drives; however some long rides are required to cover all these incredible places. You may check other tour options in Turkey for alternative routes including flights.
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The Asklepion is a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asclepius, the god of healing. It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital.
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The exterior features a beautiful cascade of domes and six minarets and blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior giving the building its unofficial but commonly used name.
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A region of exceptional natural and man-made wonders. Take the chance to discover underground cities carved into rock, fairy chimneys and many more...
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Home of the famous Caretta Caretta turtles. Take the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and then a fantastic boat trip is to take you to Iztuzu beach.
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The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus embarks you on a journey to ancient times while roaming the streets.
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Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Anzac Cove, Johnston's Jolly, North Beach, Ari Burnu, Hell Spit, Brighton Beach, Shrapnel Valley, Artillery Raod, Quinn's Road and more…
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The Hagia Sophia, among the Seven Wonders of the World, awaits you with all its magnificence. The hundreds of years old structure will fascinate you on sight.
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Home of the world-famous travertines, the cotton castle. You will witness the unusual and beautiful scenery just near the ancient city of Hierapolis, the ancient cure center.
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Home of the Sultans, heart of the Ottoman Empire… Roam through the royal palace of the Ottomans and follow their footsteps to see their most valued treasures.
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The legendary city where you can outline layers of ruins of cities built on top of each other and visit the famous Trojan horse, awaits you.
ITINERARY
1
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.
- Accommodation
Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
- Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
- Optional Activities
Group Dinner
2
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.
- Accommodation
Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast
- Included Activities
Sightseeing of Blue Mosque
Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
- Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise - EUR 10
- Entrance Fees
Blue Mosque - Free
Hagia Sophia - Free
Topkapi Palace Museum 100 TL
3
Day 3: Gallipoli
Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
- Accommodation
Kolin Hotel - 5 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
- Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches
4
Day 4: Troy, Kusadasi
You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.
- Accommodation
Marina Hotel - 4 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
- Included Activities
Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City
- Entrance Fees
Troy Ancient City - 50 TL
5
Day 5: Ephesus, Fethiye, Gulet, Yassı Islands
Our first stop today is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon we will depart for Fethiye where we will embark on our traditional Turkish gulet boat and sail to amazing Yassica Islands for a swim. We will have dinner and stay overnight on our boat.
- Accommodation
Turkish Traditional Gulet
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
- Included Activities
Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
- Entrance Fees
Ephesus Ancient City - 100 TL
6
Day 6: Gulet Cruise, Gocek Gulf, Tersane, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sunken Bath/Cleopatra
After breakfast at Yassi Islands we will cruise to Tersane for a swimming break and lunch. We will then sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for another swimming stop. We’ll sail to yet another amazing spot at Sunken Bath area for dinner and place for our Gulet to spend a night. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay, due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath.
- Accommodation
Turkish Traditional Gulet
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Included Activities
Gulet Cruise on the Mediterranean
Bedri Rahmi Bay
Cleopatra/Sunken Bath
7
Day 7: Gulet Cruise, Boncuklu Bay, Fethiye Marina
Another day in paradise! After breakfast, we will anchor at Boncuklu Bay for our last swimming break and lunch. We will the make our way to Fethiye for you to explore its shops and buzzing atmosphere. After dinner back on the boat, get amongst Fethiye famous nightlife.
- Accommodation
Turkish Traditional Gulet
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Included Activities
Gulet Cruise on the Mediterranean
Boncuklu Bay
Fethiye Marina
8
Day 8: Fethiye Marina, Pamukkale
It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.
- Accommodation
Hierapark Hotel - 4 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
- Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
- Entrance Fees
Pamukkale White Terraces - 80 TL
9
Day 9: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).
- Accommodation
Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
- Included Activities
Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City
Sightseeing of Ihlara Valley
- Optional Activities
Turkish Bath Experience - 130 TL
- Entrance Fees
Derinkuyu Underground City - 50 TL
10
Day 10: Cappadocia
Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.
- Accommodation
Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
- Included Activities
Goreme Open Air Museum Visit
Sightseeing of Cavusin
Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley
Sightseeing of Uchisar
- Optional Activities
Turkish Night Show - 160 TL
Hot Air Balooning - 195 EUR
- Entrance Fees
Goreme Open Air Museum - 75 TL
11
Day 11: Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
- Accommodation
Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Star
- Meals Included
Breakfast
12
Day 12: Istanbul
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).
All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement needs only be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. The supplement must be paid in addition to the tour fee. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Please select your date below to book
Start
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Status
Price ($)
All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing
to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to
availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement needs only be paid if the
passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. The supplement must be paid in addition to
the tour fee. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date,
regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
The tour price and the local payment cover the following services:
Accommodation
5 and 4 star hotels | Gulet cruise from Fethiye in ensuite cabins.
Airport Transfer
From Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on day 1)
Meals
11 breakfasts | 2 lunches | 8 dinners
Transportation
Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus
Guide
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
What is not included in the tour price?
- Any flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips & gestures
- Visa fees
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Hotels are subject to change depending on the group size.
LEGACY OTTOMAN HOTEL - ISTANBUL
KOLIN HOTEL - CANAKKALE
The 5-star hotel in Gallipoli is a perfect place to relax and prepare for the upcoming big tour. The large swimming pool and the delicious open buffet add up to the comfortable rooms they offer.
MARINA HOTEL - KUSADASI
This hotel has a seafront location in the Aegean coast, only 250 metres from the beach. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and a terrace with panoramic views of the sea and Kusadasi Marina. The air-conditioned rooms of Marina Hotel Kusadasi include a minibar and an LCD TV with satellite channels.
HIERA PARK DELUXE HOTEL - PAMUKKALE
This hotel offers an absolute relaxation with it’s hot thermal pools & spa center.
GULET CRUISE
Turkish Traditional Gulet
AVRASYA HOTEL - CAPPADOCIA
Tour Review Scores And Breakdown
At Travel Talk we do not only provide excellent value for premium adventures, but also strive to exceed expectations in every aspect of our trips, which is reflected in an enviable 98.9% customer satisfaction for 2018. We believe that our affordable tours, quality accommodation, transportation and sightseeing tours combined with likeminded people, passionate tour leaders and the overall atmosphere of a Travel Talk tour have made these results. However, we are never ones to rest on our laurels, and we continually try to improve on this year after year; and what do we get out of this? The satisfaction of our travellers!
If you are one of our previous travellers and wish to share your experience with others please fill in the form below. Thanks!
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M. Cheung
Mustafa was such a funny + helpful guide. He would have to be one of best tour guides I’ve ever had. He had a lot of knowledge of every place we went to. Thank Mustafa for an epic trip!!
J. Ellis
I absolutely loved our 12 day Turkey tour. Mustafa was an amazing guide and really put in so much effort and time with our group.
M. Degier
Mustafa was the best tour guide I’ve ever had. He knew every detail of the tour and was able to answer every question. He was so organised with our lunch breaks by taking orders and calling ahead so our food was ready when we arrived. All in all an absolute legend and would recommend this tour because of Mustafa!
N. Mason
Really enjoyable tour with a good mix it history, fun and naturel features! Thank you Mustafa for being such a great guide! I would recommend this tour to other like-minded travellers.
T. Beamish
Mustafa, thank you! Our adventures and many laughs around Turkey were unforgettable and that is because of you! So many incredible memories that I will treasure.
E. Holmes
I had a really enjoyable time on the tour including beautiful experiences and sightseeing. Thank you to our wonderful guide Mustafa for being so knowledgeable, funny and helpful. No problem was to big or small – he would solve it. Our driver was also great and always felt safe with his driving. 10/10!
S. Hall
“Mustafa was an amazing guide – couldn’t ask for better. His “”dosage”” of information was perfect, good amount of history delivered at the correct times , and always with a spice of humour. Great tour itinerary overall too. The bus driver was a good guy too. Very safe and timely.”
J. Smith
Had an amazing time – no complaints. Mustafa was amazing 10/10!
A. Young
Mustafa is a great guide and passionate about his job and country. Made the tour that much more enjoyable.
A. McNab
Everything was great and Mustafa was the best guide I could have asked for. So attentive, kind and caring. He knows so many things and is so passinate about his job.