2025 - Ancient Turkey & Gulet

2025 - Ancient Turkey & Gulet

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16 Days From

$2771

2025 - Ancient Turkey & Gulet

16 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Fethiye, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Laodicea, Ephesus, Fethiye, Kas, Kekova, Demre, Oludeniz

Tour operator:

Fez Travel

Tour code:

ATTB

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

Activities:

Walking, Wine Tasting

From: $2771

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich history and stunning landscapes of Turkey and Russia with the "2025 - Ancient Turkey & Gulet" tour. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Experience the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, including the Goreme Open Air Museum and the underground city of Kaymakli. Discover the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the serene beauty of Pamukkale's travertines. Delight in a Gulet cruise along the Turkish coast, visiting secluded bays, the sunken city of Kekova, and the charming village of Kas. Enjoy wine tasting in Sirince and indulge in Turkish culinary delights with onboard cooking classes. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and relaxing coastal adventures, all guided by a professional English-speaking tour guide.

Highlights

  • Istanbul - Old City - UNESCO Heritage site

  • Istanbul - St. Sophia Museum

  • Istanbul - Blue Mosque

  • Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Hagia Irene and Harem)

  • Istanbul - Hippodrome

  • Istanbul - Dolmabahce Palace

  • Goreme - UNESCO Heritage site

  • Goreme - Open Air Museum (Dark Church)

  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli - Underground City

  • Sultanhani Caravansary

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Levni Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)

Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul.

Day 2 : Istanbul Old City

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Levni Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) , Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome.

Day 3 : Istanbul Bosphorous Cruise

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Accommodation Name: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.

Day 4 : Cappadocia, Goreme, Underground City

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Accommodation Name: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers. a night you won't forget!

Day 5 : Sultanhani Caravansary, Konya

Location: Konya

Accommodation: Novotel Konya (4 star)

Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Cappadocia we head south, towards Konya, along the ancient Silk Road, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, just as the ancient traders did. Once in Konya we tour the Mevlana Museum and the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.

Day 6 : Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation: Adem Pira Hotel (4 star)

Accommodation Name: Adem Pira Hotel (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.

Day 7 : Laodicea, Kusadasi

Location: Laodicea

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Day 8 : Ephesus, Sirince

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus a once a bustling trade hub and religious center, Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from site of the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus's grand facade and the grand amphitheatre.
Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
We continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Here we will visit a local vineyard and learn about local production techniques. You will taste 3 local wines from the region at the garden of the vineyard before continuing on to Fethiye.

Day 9 : Fethiye, St. Nicholas Island

Location: Fethiye

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We begin with a pre-cruise information session and then boarding the Gulet at Fethiye Harbour at 10:30 am and set sail on an unforgettable journey.
Our first stop is Butterfly Valley, where you can swim in the Mediterranean or hike to a nearby waterfall. Keep an eye out for the diverse moths and butterflies that inhabit this beautiful spot.
After lunch on board, we'll head to Oludeniz, the famous Blue Lagoon. An option this afternoon, for an adrenaline rush, is to paraglide from Babadag Mountain, soaring 2,000 metres above the beach and lagoon. As evening approaches, we'll anchor by St. Nicholas Island. Explore its ancient ruins and take in a breathtaking sunset.

Day 10 : Kas

Location: Kas

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At dawn, we'll sail past Patara towards Hidayet Bay, where breakfast awaits. Enjoy a swim before we continue to the charming fishing village of Kas, known for its handicraft shops and ancient theatre.
Many guests enjoy lunch in town, followed by an on-board Cooking Class where you'll learn to make Turkish cheese rolls and pancakes, then savour your creations. You can then enjoy brunch with what you have cooked in the Cooking Class.
In the late afternoon, we'll head to a secluded bay between Kas and Kekova, where we'll anchor for the night.

Day 11 : Sunken City Of Kekova

Location: Kekova

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's journey begins at the Sunken City of Kekova, a 2,000 year old ruin submerged by a 2nd century earthquake. While we'll cruise past for a closer view, swimming and snorkelling are not allowed here.
In the afternoon, we'll anchor nearby, giving you the chance to explore Kekova Island and visit Simena Castle, where stunning views of the bay await.

Day 12 : Demre

Location: Demre

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast will be served after an early morning swim, and we'll begin cruising towards Demre Harbour at 11:00 am. We'll arrive before midday and guests who are interested can take a trip to the nearby Lycian tombs in Demre. Or there is enough time to explore the place before returning to the Gulet yacht for lunch.
If guests want to visit Myra and St. Nicholas Church by car, they should inform their captain beforehand. Please note that this visit will incur an additional fee.
In the afternoon, we will anchor near Kekova again so guests can either climb up to Simena Castle or explore the sarcophagus that rests on the water's edge to the east of town. Later, we will head to Aquarium Bay for 5 o'clock tea. Our final destination for the day is Kocakari Bay, where we will spend the night.

Day 13 : Kas, Firnaz Bay

Location: Kas

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day as we sail back to Kas, where you can indulge in some more shopping or relax at a local cafe. Many guests like to have lunch in town before joining our afternoon Cooking Class on board, learning to make Turkish cheese rolls and pancakes, which you'll then savour for brunch.
Later, we'll continue cruising to the serene Firnaz Bay near Kalkan, where we'll spend another enchanting night on the water.

Day 14 : Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz, St. Nicholas Island

Location: Oludeniz

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early to soak in the magical beauty of the Mediterranean at sunrise as we sail towards Butterfly Valley. Take the chance to do whichever activity you missed during our last visit, whether it's swimming or hiking, while enjoying the picturesque Oludeniz Beach. For those seeking another thrill, paragliding will also be available. We'll then anchor at St. Nicholas Island to take in its stunning sunset views.

Day 15 : Fethiye

Location: Fethiye

Accommodation: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Accommodation Name: Gulet (Gulet Cabin)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Savour a relaxed start to your final day onboard, with a morning swim and breakfast before we set off along the coast. We'll make a stop at one of the bays near Fethiye for a last swim before arriving back at Fethiye Harbour after lunch, around 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It's time to bid farewell to the crew and fellow travellers as you continue your journey through Turkey.

Day 16 : Fethiye

Location: Fethiye

Meals Included: Breakfast

We disembark at approximately 09:00 am after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour

    A professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

    Travel in comfort with transportation provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.

  • Wine Tasting

    Enjoy a wine tasting experience during the tour.

  • Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise

    Experience a cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

  • Domestic flight between Istanbul and Cappadocia and transfers

    Domestic flight and transfers between Istanbul and Cappadocia are included.

  • Transportation by Gulet boat

    Travel by Gulet boat is included in the itinerary.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to various sites are included in the tour.

  • Services of Captain and supporting crew

    The services of a captain and supporting crew are included during the Gulet cruise.

  • Tips except Driver and Guide

    Tips are included except for the driver and guide.

  • Tips except Captain and Gulet crew

    Tips are included except for the captain and Gulet crew.

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What's Not Included

  • Suggested optional activities

    Optional activities suggested during the tour are not included.

  • Tips - Driver and Guide

    Tips for the driver and guide are not included.

  • Tips - Captain and Gulet crew

    Tips for the captain and Gulet crew are not included.

  • Visit to Myra and St. Nicholas Church

    The visit to Myra and St.

    Nicholas Church by car incurs an additional fee.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 12 dinners

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles, domestic flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia, and a Gulet boat for the cruise. Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and seamless transfers throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of comfort and tradition with stays at the Port Bosphorus Hotel, Gamirasu Hotel, Novotel Konya, Adem Pira Hotel, Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, and Marina Boutique Hotel, featuring boutique and 4-star accommodations. Enjoy unique Gulet cabin stays during the cruise portion of the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides a mix of accommodations including boutique hotels such as the Port Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, the Gamirasu Hotel in Cappadocia, and the Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel in Kusadasi. During the Gulet cruise, accommodation is provided in Gulet cabins.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a Turkish folklore evening in Cappadocia and paragliding from Babadag Mountain in Oludeniz. Additionally, guests can choose to visit Myra and St. Nicholas Church by car during the cruise, which incurs an additional fee.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 12 dinners. Meals are provided at various points throughout the tour, including on the Gulet cruise.

  • What is the transportation method between Istanbul and Cappadocia?

    The tour includes a domestic flight between Istanbul and Cappadocia, along with transfers.

  • What activities are available during the Gulet cruise?

    During the Gulet cruise, guests can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. There are also opportunities for hiking, exploring ancient ruins, and participating in a cooking class to learn how to make Turkish cheese rolls and pancakes.

  • Is there a guide provided for the duration of the tour?

    Yes, a professional English-speaking tour guide is provided for the duration of the tour.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies, however, we adhere to recommended health & safety guidelines on all our tours.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Please contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to let you know what is possible and any associated price changes.

Reviews of this operator

Ania Afz (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with...

08-Aug-2024

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with Mr. Goku Pamir was an amazing experience. He was professional, knowledgeable and understanding. Our group was able to add some places, thanks to him arranging it for us and adding a boat and House of Mother Mary for us. We even saw mulana Rumi's place and learned about Sufi dance , which is the best. He surprised our group with 4D theatre at the library of Celsius and showed us original Carpet, Silk, and Leather makers. Overall, it was a wonderful experience because he stopped at the best food places for breaks frequently and even gave us a small keychain as a reminder gift or souvenir besides the gifts Fez gives us. Fez travels offers wifi and charging ports in their bus which is a life saver. Hotels and places visited were all beautiful and I recommend visiting Turkeye with Mr. Goksu Pamir. Thanks.

shahid siddiqui (Google Reviewer)  

I gathered wonderful memories of...

15-Jul-2023

I gathered wonderful memories of Turkey. Fez Travel Turkey with an intelligent, knowledgeable guide Göksu Parmir made this possible. Excellent transport, Excellent places of stay, excellent selection of Restaurants starting from Istanbul to Cappidocia with a perfect humble driver Mr Saifi. Guide plays a very important role. Guide Göksu had a wonderful Knowledge of place and it's history.

Jan Runnalls (Google Reviewer)  

Did a 13 day tour...

19-Oct-2024

Did a 13 day tour of Turkey with 3 days onboard a Gulet in October 2024. What an amazing experience ! Our guide Fa was amazing ! I don’t think I’ve ever met a guide to beat him !! He was so knowledgeable, so friendly, and so helpful ! He organised so many little extras. He found a laundry for us, helped buy stamps and post postcards, organised a trip to a pharmacy and then read the medicine boxes for us. He organised a WhatsApp group so we could share photos and information. Our driver Han supported all these extra trips and activities including the pharmacies !! Brilliant !! Highly recommend Fez Travel and I hope you are lucky enough to have Fa and Han for your tour !!

Theresa Martinovich (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the Magic Carpet...

09-Sep-2023

Just completed the Magic Carpet Tour of 11 days with Fez. The accomodation, food and driver were excellent. Our guide Tamer was like a walking encyclopedia of knowkedge and was extremely kind and caring to all members of the group, responding to our every whim and wish. The accomodation far, far exceeded our expectations. We loved every minute.

Al Reid (Google Reviewer)  

Our guide Can was brilliant....

14-Sep-2024

Our guide Can was brilliant. Very well organised. He was Turkish so knew so much information and tips. We were always in the right place at the right time and avoided crowds all the time. Our driver Cengiz was also fantastic, very safe and careful.

Amrita V (Google Reviewer)  

I did a Turkey Highlights...

09-Jan-2023

I did a Turkey Highlights 10 day tour in Sept 2021. It was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide— Chagmn. He was extremely knowledgeable and well-read. Fez travel organized everything extremely well and food was simply amazing. It was a great experience to learn the history and see it alive in Turkey. Highly recommend the tour to everyone. Here are a few photos of the highlights of the trip. Must do things include: Epephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Hagia Sophia

Michael Oon (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Travel has organised for...

05-May-2018

Fez Travel has organised for us one of the best tours that we had. Together with our guide – Serdar Ozkan, we travelled some 3,300km around Turkey following the itinerary. As a private group, we could alter the programme. Serdar could feel the mood of the group and altered the schedule appropriately but more importantly, took us to where the best food available. This arrangement together with the excellent driving of the long distances, the suitable accommodation and interesting sites made this trip of a life time. One aim was to see the Tulips in Istanbul. The date of 13th April was suggested. Had we arrived earlier, the tulips would not have been in bloom. When we returned to Istanbul on the 20th, the tulips had withered. This is an example of their recommendations. For us, what was promised was delivered with a smile. Thank you Fez Travel.

Laurel Siokos (Google Reviewer)  

Recently we completed a 17...

22-May-2024

Recently we completed a 17 day tour with Fez and then a separate private tour Fez organised and personalised to our needs. We found the whole experience smooth and professionally planned. We had wonderful guides beginning with Fatih Carsi, who we found to be extremely knowledgeable, with deep insight on the significance and history of each site visited. We travelled in a small group which made our experience all that more personal. As we were doing an extended tour we left our group and travelled on with Zeynup, who also was extremely knowledgeable,warm and engaging.Our driver Metin was kind and personable. Zeynup went to great lengths and was very patient assisting us with a difficult hotel management and staff in a particular location. The next leg of our journey we were shown around by another wonderful guide Fatma, a bright and enthusiastic local, who proudly showcased Cappadocia to us. We met with Birhat in Van ,another local guide who was easy to connect with on a personal level and between him and Sal, our entertaining driver we experienced a beautiful region of Turkey together. Nothing was too much trouble, from frequent photo stops to impromptu roadside snowball fights.Lots of fun was had along the way. Halil and Hakan, our driver took over for the next stage of our experience. This team were consumate professionals and a pleasure to spend time with. Halil was not only informative but was an exceptional communicator on many levels. We will remain friends with Halil and do our best to connect again in person on our next adventure. Last but definitely not least was Korkut, Mr. Go the Extra Mile. Korkut made the closing stage of our Fez Turkish tour unforgettable,going well beyond the call of duty making sure we will never forget the sights we saw our our amazing adventure in this wonderful country. Truly the world largest open air museum ,but more than that people who will forever remain Our Heart.

Dee Carty (Google Reviewer)  

We took Colours of Tyrkey...

22-Dec-2023

We took Colours of Tyrkey tour in May22. There was no problem contacting Canan Kararrsian prior to the tour but we had no feedback or response to the long email we sent outlining our difficulties and grievances. There were problems every step of the way. The letter we sent is too long to attach here but issues like being called at 4am for an internal flight arriving 4 hrs before departure. No luggage allowance booked. Coach with only 2 of us on board constantly under repair for days and eventually broke down on the way to the airport...............and so on. We would not have felt so aggrieved if we had a response to our complaint. We are seasoned travellers and are tolerant of hic- ups. We have never made a complaint before. Booking my current trip has prompted my review.

Jane S (Google Reviewer)  

I wouldn’t recommend this company....

09-Oct-2024

I wouldn’t recommend this company. The tour guide was poor at explaining sites, he also was aggressive with some of the people on the tour. Scam company - if you didn’t pay for the hidden extras then you’d have a tour of being driven around to pushy sales companies to try and get you to buy things. Food places were gross at times, often gas stations (there were other options around too) but clearly commission based. Don’t use this company

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Fez Travel requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of fez travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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