Peten Travels Turkey | Discover Turkey By Land And Sea

Guests are met by the tour manager at the Atatürk Airport who arranges the transfer to your hotel and assists you through an easy check-in. Group participants meet each other and staff with a welcome drink before sitting down to dinner. (D)

DAY 2 / ON BOARD

On our first morning we take the short morning flight to Dalaman Airport on the Mediterranean coast and then we drive 30 minutes to Gocek where we board our gulet*. New friendships deepen with a welcome drink and exploration of our vessel. The boat's chef will prepare all meals onboard. We begin our journey and explore the famous 12 islands, one of which is Cleopatra's Island. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 / ON BOARD

Fethiye, a modern town built over ancient Telmessos, has the best harbor in Lycia and is protected by 12 isles. Towering over the city are the tombs cut over 2000 years ago from living rock. We visit the tomb of Aminats, who once ruled here, then drive high up into the pine forests to see the isolated site of Tlos. We put down our anchor at Gemile Island, an important trading port during the Byzantine period. The remains of the ancient city completely cover this small island and are visible beneath the water's surface along the shore. As we climb to the summit, we will pass the ruins of churches, small chapels, tombs and sarcophagi, while walking along an immensely covered walkway leading to the Byzantine basilica that once dominated the city. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 / ON BOARD

Our gulet takes us to the charming fishing village of Kalkan from where we travel by minibus to two important cities of the Lycian federation. In Xanthos, we view the fine theater, dominated by carved tombs. At the close of the 4th century B.C. nearby Patara became the capital of the Lycian Federation. Over the years, however, its once-bustling port was completely silted in and during those long centuries of neglect magnificent buildings were covered by the blowing sand. For the past several years, however, Turkish archaeologists have been excavating here and they are restoring the city to its former grandeur. Excavations so far show that the city was much more important than originally thought. The archaeologists have found a colonnaded street that is even wider than the one at Ephesus. Also uncovered are four Roman bath complexes, five Byzantine churches, incised stones with inscriptions telling of the distances to other Lycian cities, and a map created in stone. We gain an insider's view of the work being done here as we have the opportunity to walk through the ruins with a key member of the archaeological staff. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 / ON BOARD

The harbor of the picturesque village of Kaş is full of colorful fishing boats. Founded on the ruins of the Lycian city, Antiphellus, today's modern buildings are scattered among the ancient rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi. Today we will have time to visit the ancient theater, wander in the sleepy town square, or sit down to tea in one of the shore side gardens. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 / ON BOARD

The Mediterranean coast here is heavily indented and full of isolated caves and islets encompassing some of Lycian's most spectacular scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the countryside, many rising from the water in the coves. Aperlae can only be reached from the sea. It is encircled by a tall wall of perfectly carved stone blocks. Once the capital of a confederation of Lycian cities, today the city stands deserted but for the herds of goats wandering among the silent ruins. The sunken ancient harbor is partially visible beneath the turquoise waters. This morning, guests on board the gullet use binoculars to get the best view of the city and take time to snorkel over the harbor buildings. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 / ON BOARD

This part of the coast contains some of Lycia's more rugged scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the hills and valleys, and castles guard the sea channels. Explore the island of Kekova, a national park, featuring submerged ruins still visible beneath the crystal-clear waters and view the nearby, tiny town of Simena, built on the side of a steep hill crowned by a crusader's castle. The villagers' homes stand on the foundations of the ancient fortress, and as we climb to the summit we walk among ancient tombs now used for storage and animal shelters. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 / END CRUISE - ANTALYA

The Marmara Hotel (5-star) or Luxurious Renovated Mansion

Traveling distance: 170 km ~ 107 miles

The rhythm of the wine-dark sea, spectacular sunsets viewed over glasses of chilled wine, and the endlessly changing coastline will form the backdrop of our memories of this cruise as we bid our goodbyes to our delightful gulet. We know, though, that we are off to new adventures as we set off to explore the village of Demre. Here we visit the church dedicated to the 4th century bishop, who through his good works became known as St. Nicholas - Santa Claus. We continue to Myra, where in the pre-Christian era Lycians carved a huge necropolis of tombs in the cliff-face. We next explore the remote city of Arykanda, set on a pine-forested slope high in the Taurus Mountains. From its perch this truly magnificent city could control the ancient trade routes. Built of huge stone blocks, many of the monumental buildings still stand and contain remnants of intricate mosaic floors that remain visible even today. We visit a fascinating mountain village before we drive to our hotel in Antalya. Tonight's dinner is in an elegant outdoor restaurant tucked into the Roman walls with breathtaking views over the old port section of Antalya. (B, D)

DAY 9 / ANTALYA

The Marmara Hotel (5-star) or Luxurious Renovated Mansion

Traveling distance: 70 km ~ 44 miles

This morning we visit the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world, located in the ancient city of Aspendos. Having thoroughly tested the near perfect acoustics, we circle the ancient acropolis to see some remarkably well preserved sections of the aqueduct that supplied the ancient citizens with their water. We continue our drive through the magnificent scenery to the ruins of Selge. We press on while deep gorges draped in cypress and cedar recede into the distance, graduated by deepening shades of blue. Olive, maple, carob and Judas trees crowd the road and only gradually give way to oaks as we climb higher. (B, D)

DAY 10 / ANTALYA

The Marmara Hotel (5-star) or Luxurious Renovated Mansion

Traveling distance: 30 km ~ 19 miles

After our breakfast we begin the day's exploring. We travel the short distance to Perge, the city founded by Greek settlers following the Trojan War. Here we can explore the great theatre, stadium, enormous Hellenistic and Roman gates as well as a colonnaded street. We end the day at the Antalya Archaeological Museum and its newly opened Perge Hall. The museum was declared a European Museum of the Year in 1988. Our group of friends sits down to a fine dinner at an exclusive restaurant. (B, D)

DAY 11 / ANTALYA

The Marmara Hotel (5-star) or Luxurious Renovated Mansion

Traveling distance: 120 km ~ 75 miles

The next morning we breakfast and then begin our drive high up into the mountains of Pisidia until we come to the site of ancient Sagalassos. Far off the main tourist routes, Sagalassos has been extensively excavated in recent years by a team of Dutch archaeologists. Now visible are a library with mosaic flooring, temples, baths and the domestic houses of what was once the largest city in Pisidia. As impressive as the ruins, however, are the breathtaking views from 5,000 feet up into the mountains. We return to Antalya for this afternoon's walking tour of the kaleici (inner citadel/old city). This walk gives us the opportunity to study both the Ottoman and Roman architecture. This picturesque quarter of Antalya has won several national and international awards for its recent renovation. The charm of the ancient Roman and later Ottoman architectural styles has been carefully preserved, with outdoor cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops still housed in the old buildings along the twisting streets. We will see a beautifully decorated triple-arched monumental Roman Gate built into the city wall to celebrate Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 A.D. as well as the Karatay Medrese, (theological college) that exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carvings. You will also visit the elegant fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque, the 19th century Iskele Mosque built of cut stone, set on four pillars over a natural spring, and the wonderful Kaleiçi Museum. This will offer you a glimpse of Turkish life as it was lived in 19th Century Antalya. Our farewell dinner is at one of Antalya's well-known restaurants. (B, D)

DAY 12 / FLIGHT HOME

After breakfast we fly to Istanbul and guests are transferred to the international terminal for their return flights.
Trip limited to a maximum of 12 participants.

Bowing to Nature, we must remember that our itinerary aboard the yacht is dependent upon the weather.

Please Note: This tour is based on easy boat travel, but the itinerary also involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear is therefore essential! It should be pointed out that the tour might not be suitable for passengers who require assistance or who have difficulties with mobility. To enjoy this tour to the fullest you should enjoy hiking, good local food and cultural interaction.

TOUR DATES 2009 & 2010

May 22nd - June 02nd
September 04th - September 15th

TOUR PRICE

$6225 USD / £3145 GBP per person based on double occupancy (twin /double bedded room)
$520 USD / £262 GBP single room supplements at hotels
$987 USD / £498 GBP single cabin supplement (limited basis on the yacht)

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS PRICE?

Specialist leadership & contributions to academics from local universities and museum curators
6 nights on a luxurious gulet based on full board and local drinks
Traditionally authentic, special category hotels with local architectural ambience
All meals as noted in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Bottled mineral water during transportation by vehicle
All ground transportation by a/c, modern mini-van
All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary, parking fares and local taxes
Domestic flight fares from Istanbul to Dalaman and Antalya to Istanbul
Gratuities to hotel, restaurant staffs, boat crews
Meticulously prepared tour folder with maps and information to help participants get the most from the excursions

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

International outbound & return flight fares
Insurance of any kind
Beverages on the gullet
Excess baggage fees; airport taxes, cost of obtaining passport and tourist visa
Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, communication charges...
Gratuities to the specialist leader and driver

About our "gulet": A "gulet" is a traditional wooden Turkish yacht modified to accommodate passengers. The gulets comply with the high safety standards of the local government regulations, which are monitored thoroughly by the coast guard. Our gulet is a magnificent 38-metre vessel with 6 air-conditioned cabins beautifully finished with mahogany paneling. Each cabin has a private bathroom with a shower. There is plenty of room for relaxing and reading in the lounge or on the decks outside. A large kitchen and bar area is located towards the back of the gulet, and meals are served in a large open area at the stern. Canvas and sailcloth awnings cover the dining area and a portion of the foredeck thus providing shade for comfortable lounging.

Dress on board is informal. Our boat carries medical kits and has a basic library covering both the classics and the more modern.

Gulets are picturesque; the sails are rarely used for power and the motor is used most of the time. Our boats are quiet, and the captain will use the sails when possible.

AN PRE ISTANBUL EXTENSION TOUR TO PRECEDE THIS TOUR IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
Peten Travels reserves the right to change hotel accommodations if required. Please note that any changes are usually UPGRADES and are also at NO additional cost. Also domestic flight and ferry times within Turkey are subject to change.

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