Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from USA

An overnight flight to Istanbul.

Day 2: Arrive Antalya   (D)

Arrive Istanbul and then connecting flight to Antalya. After a short flight, you will be met at Antalya Airport and transferred to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

Day 3: Antalya – Perge- Aspendos  (B,D)

This morning, you'll see the ramparts, Hadrian's Gate, slender minarets, and restored harbor area. Then visit the Archaeological Museum of Antalya. The artifacts here trace the path from the Stone and Bronze ages, through the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and up to the Ottoman Empire. You'll also see Ottoman ethnographic exhibits. The museum is one of Turkey's largest, and has nearly 5,000 works of art on exhibit.

Later, you will discover Aspendos, an ancient city dating to the fourth and fifth centuries BC. Here is the stunning ancient theater in Turkey—so well-preserved that you can see the names of Roman spectators carved into the backs of the seats—a bit of ancient graffiti. Not far from the theater are the remains of a large aqueduct from ancient times. You'll also visit Perge, where St. Paul gave some of his first sermons. Originally settled by the Hittites in 1500 BC, Perge thrived during the Roman Empire. The ruins here, which include a theater and stadium, create an excellent impression of how an ancient city looked and felt.

Day 4: Antalya- Fethiye - Blue Cruise  (B,D)

This morning, we will drive to Fethiye. Along the way we visit Demre to tour the striking Roman ruins at nearby Myra and visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas. After lunch in Demre we continue the drive along the Turquoise Coast to the resort town of Fethiye and embark our cruise. Dinner and overnight onboard.  

Day 5: Blue Cruise (B,L,D)

After breakfast leaving Fethiye marina and sailing towards to the Gocek Islands (not port). Today cruising the many  Göcek Bays, we will pass between these beautiful scenery and islands and after swimming breaks overnight here with an excellent view.

Day 6: Blue Cruise  (B,L,D)

Setting sail after breakfast, there’ll be plenty of time for swimming breaks at bays and passing front of Turunç bay then Paradise Island. The overnight is spent in the natural bay before arriving in Marmaris for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Marmaris - Kusadasi   (B,D)

After breakfast in Marmaris, it’s time to say farewell to your crew. Upon arrival at Kusadasi, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8: Kusadasi – Ephesus (B,D)

After breakfast we’ll first visit the Artemission Temple which is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia and one of the best preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean dated back to 2000 years. Afternoon visit House of Virgin Mary. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Kusadasi – Izmir –Istanbul (B)

Transfer to Izmir Airport for our short flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, explore the famous Topkapi Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans, with its jewel encrusted treasury and elegant four courts. Transfer to hotel at the end of the tour. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 10: Istanbul (B)

Today we will visit the main sights around Sultanahmet Square, including the famous Hagia Sophia Museum, once the largest church in the world for 1000 years, and decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Then visit the Blue Mosque, designed with 6 delicate minarets and a striking blue Iznik tiled interior. Nearby, take a stroll through the site of the ancient Hippodrome, once the sporting ground of chariots and political riots, and see the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and Fountain of Wilhelm II. Finally, visit the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop or haggle with local merchants over unusual antiques, colorful spices, beautiful jewelry and richly textured fabrics. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 11: Departure   (B)

 Transfer to Istanbul Airport.