Aegean Express & Gulet Cruise - 9 days Tour by On The Go Tours

9 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Highlights

Istanbul – Marvel at the Blue Mosque’s striking interior and explore the grandeur of Dolmabahce Palace

Gallipoli – Reflect at ANZAC Cove and walk through original WWI trenches and memorial sites

Troy – Visit the ancient ruins and explore the award-winning Troy Museum

Behramkale – Stroll through a traditional village with stone houses and scenic views over the Aegean

Ephesus – Tour the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Artemis at this legendary Roman city

Selcuk – Enjoy a guided wine tasting and learn the intricacies of Turkish carpet weaving

Tersane Island – Swim among ruins and discover remnants of an old Greek naval base

Hamam Bay – Snorkel near submerged Roman baths gifted to Cleopatra by Mark Antony

Gocek Islands – Cruise among remote islets and relax on secluded beaches ideal for swimming

Selcuk – Enjoy a guided wine tasting and learn the intricacies of Turkish carpet weaving

Tersane Island – Swim among ruins and discover remnants of an old Greek naval base

Hamam Bay – Snorkel near submerged Roman baths gifted to Cleopatra by Mark Antony

Gocek Islands – Cruise among remote islets and relax on secluded beaches ideal for swimming

Itinerary

Set off on a nine-day adventure from Istanbul to Fethiye, blending ancient wonders with coastal charm. Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and consider a scenic Bosphorus cruise before delving into the moving Gallipoli battlefields. Wander through the ruins of Troy and soak up village life in Behramkale. Discover the grandeur of Ephesus, sample local wines, and see traditional carpet weaving. Then switch gears with a relaxing gulet cruise, swimming in crystal-clear bays, visiting ancient ruins, and enjoying delicious meals onboard. This tour offers a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty—ideal for curious travellers.

day 1 - Welcome to Turkey!

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, please make your way to your hotel in the city. This evening, join us for a welcome meeting with your tour guide. Overnight accommodation in Istanbul at a four-star hotel.

OverNight:Istanbul

day 2 - Discover Istanbul

After breakfast, we embark on a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the unique city that bridges two continents. We'll explore the striking Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and six minarets, and visit the St Sophia Museum, a magnificent architectural marvel that has served as both a church and a mosque.Next, we tour Dolmabahce Palace, an opulent symbol of the Ottoman Empire, followed by a stop at the historic Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise. This scenic journey takes you along the waterway dividing Europe and Asia, offering breathtaking views of both shores.

We will spend the night in Istanbul at a four-star hotel, with breakfast included.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Istanbul

day 3 - Gallipoli Battlefields

Today, we visit the poignant WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. Our journey includes Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, and Johnston's Jolly. You'll also have the chance to explore the original trenches and tunnels, offering a profound glimpse into history.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Canakkale

day 4 - Troy & Behramkale to Selcuk

We depart from Canakkale and journey to the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we will explore the ruins and visit the new, award-winning Troy Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the city's storied past. Our next stop is the charming village of Behramkale, known for its stone houses and narrow streets that showcase traditional Turkish village life.You will have the opportunity to wander through the village, enjoy the picturesque views, and perhaps savour a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at a local café. Following our time in Behramkale, we travel south to Kusadası.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Selcuk

day 5 - Ephesus & Wine Tasting

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of Ephesus, a pivotal ancient trade and religious centre. We'll explore remarkable sites such as the Temple of Artemis, the stunning Library of Celsus, and the impressive amphitheatre. Our visit continues at the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artefacts vividly recount the city's storied past. Discover the intricate art of carpet weaving at a traditional village, learning about the craft's time-honoured techniques and valuation. Later, we'll journey to Selçuk for an engaging wine tasting experience.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Selcuk

day 6 - Leather Workshop & Gulet Cruise

Today, we begin with a showcase of locally crafted leather goods. Afterwards, we travel to Fethiye to embark on your gulet trip, boarding at Fethiye Harbour around 15:00. We'll enjoy swimming and snorkelling in Turunc Bay or Tarzan Bay, then cruise past various islands en route to Tersane (Dockyard) Island. Here, you can explore the ruins of a Greek town and a historic naval shipyard.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Gulet Cruise (Tersane Island)

day 7 - Tersane to Bedri Rahmi Bay

After breakfast, we set off for Hamam Bay. Here, you can swim amidst the ancient ruins of Roman Baths, a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. Our journey then takes us to Sarsala Bay, a stunning area surrounded by pine trees. From here, you have the opportunity to embark on a 45-minute hike to an ancient Lycian town, known for its 3rd-century BC inscribed walls. Our final stop today is Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a renowned Turkish painter. Dive into the pristine waters or explore the island at your leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Gulet Cruise (Bedri Rahmi)

day 8 - Gocek Islands & Red Island

Today, we sail toward Fethiye, navigating by the Yassica and Gocek Islands. These largely unnamed islets provide safe anchorage and boast secluded sandy beaches—ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply basking in the sun whilst admiring the stunning scenery. We make a final stop to swim at Red Island before heading back to Fethiye. We will stay overnight on a traditional Gulet, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Gulet Cruise (Red Island)

day 9 - Departure from Fethiye

Our tour concludes after breakfast, when we bid farewell to our new friends.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

4 nights accommodation in 4-5 star hotels ad 4 nights on a Gulet cruise.

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners

Transport

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned vehicle & Gulet boat

Guide

Escorted by an English speaking tour guideServices of the Captain and supporting crew during the Gulet Cruise

Others

Wine Tasting on day 5

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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