Walk & Sail the Turquoise Coast
12 days Sailing Vacation in Turkey with a unique gulet cruise
Walk & Sail the Turquoise Coast in this relaxed paced trip by private gulet yacht - Enjoy a sailing vacation on sapphire seas anchoring in idyllic coves for swimming and snorkeling... With your guide, go ashore to explore scented pine forests, tiny villages and ancient city ruins dotted along the centuries old Lycian Way - from Greek & Roman cities to Byzantine monasteries, Crusader Castles and Lycian Tombs... On board relax in peace and tranquility and enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine served on deck; Starts and ends in Istanbul...
Brief Itinerary - Walk & Sail Turkey - 12 days / 11 nights
Day 1 - Arrive Istanbul. Day 2 - Istanbul Old City Tour.
Day 3 - Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise. Day 4 - Fly to Izmir, Ephesus Tour.
Day 5-11 - Walk & Sail the Turquoise Coast by gulet yacht, from Gocek to Kas.
Day 11 - St. Nicolas Church - Phaselis - Antalya - Fly to Istanbul. Day 12 - Departure.
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Route Map - Walk & Sail Turkey
Full Detailed Itinerary - Walk & Sail Turkey
(Suitable for families and small pre-formed groups. If you have a pre-formed group we can also customize a tour for you separately - please email us )
Day 1 Istanbul (D)
Arrival. Airport transfer to your hotel. Brief orientation and welcome dinner where you will meet your guide for the trip. Overnight in Istanbul.
 Day 2 Istanbul (B, L)
Old City Tour:
Discover the oriental character of old Istanbul in a guided tour of Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans, the Hagia Sophia Museum, a Byzantine masterpiece, and the elegant Blue Mosque of striking Iznik tiles. After lunch we take a stroll in the ancient Hippodrome, host of ancient gladiators and chariot races and visit the atmospheric Underground Basilica Cistern. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 Istanbul (B, L)
Bosphorus Yacht Cruise & Grand Bazaar:
After a feast for the senses exploring the Spice Market’s display of sweets and spices, embark on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise by Private Yacht cruising by ornate waterfront palaces, great Ottoman mosques and the beautiful wooden houses of the Pashas. Lunch at one the Bosphorus waterfront restaurants. Later on we head to the dazzling Grand Bazaar, to browse the labyrinth of over 4000 colorful shops. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 Istanbul – Izmir – Ephesus (B, L, D)
Ephesus Tour:
Stroll the marble paved avenue of Ancient Ephesus - one of the most beautifully preserved ancient Greco Roman cities in the world. Reflect on the power of the Romans as you pass the great marble library, theatre, baths and rich mosaics. After a visit the House of Virgin Mary, you will also experience traditional Aegean village life at one of the most picturesque old hilltop villages at Sirince...Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 5-11 Gocek - Antalya (B, L, D)
Walk & Sail the Turquoise Coast
 In Gocek, we board our 'gulet' or traditional wooden sailing yacht and set off to experience what the undeniable allure of the Mediterranean's Turquoise Coast is all about. Over the next six days, you will enjoy an unforgettable walk and sail cruise, sailing on impeccably clear waters and calm bays, combined with exciting walks ashore on parts of the centuries old Lycian Way.
A Typical Day: Each day the gulet will sail or cruise a little further eastwards and anchor at a different sheltered cove. Then you have the option of staying aboard for sunbathing, swimming or relaxing, or going ashore with your guide for some of the most incredible coastal walks in Turkey, among pine forests and green pastures meeting local villagers and exploring ancient city ruins, castles and tombs from ancient Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Crusader times, set against stunning natural scenery and sea views. On your return to the gulet in a calm bay, enjoy the opportunity to refresh and cool off in crystal clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling and then relax over a delicious meal served al fresco on deck. Your friendly crew will make sure you feel at home so sit back and enjoy a gentle sea breeze and the stunning scenery!
 Route Places & Activities: Snorkeling over the Underwater Ruins of Aperlae, swimming in Oludeniz, exploring ancient Kaunos near Dalyan, Lydae and Patara, the Gocek Islands, Saklikent Gorge, Kekova Island, the ‘Sunken City’, Phaselis, Church of St. Nicolas and the picturesque coastal villages of Kas, Kale, Kalkan and Simena…
Day 12 Istanbul (B)
Departure or Istanbul/Cappadocia Extension.
Additional Trip Information:
Tour Cost:
This trip is available as a private charter for pre-formed groups of 6 people and above. Please email us for rates and details.
Included Services:
- 11 nights accommodation at selected hotels and on board the gulet.
- All transportation required conducted by private A/C comfortable new model vehicles.
- All tours and gulet shore excursions by private experienced licensed tour guide.
- Meals, where indicated in the itinerary with this legend:
B: Breakfast
L: Lunch
D: Dinner
- The Private Bosphorus Cruise is conducted by motor-yacht, with skipper and petrol.
- All entrance fees to the touristic sites mentioned.
- All necessary taxes, petrol and parking fees.
- All airport transfers.
Yacht Selection for the Group:
As there is a huge variety in the type of sailing yachts available, we recommend you to contact us beforehand with the specifications of your group and your schedule, so that we can present you with the optimum selection of yachts, from which to make your choice.
Trip Schedule:
Guaranteed group departures in June and October 2008, or according to your request for private charters for pre-formed groups.
Extensions:
Istanbul and Cappadocia extensions available upon request.
Daily Walks:
All of the walks mentioned on this trip are very pleasant easy and moderate walks that involve some gentle uphill and downhill walking of about 1-2 hours. They do not consist of any hill climbing or dangerous paths and do need any advanced hiking skills or physical strength. Always led by your experienced guide, the aim of the walks is to view interesting villages, nature and places of historical interest as another activity aside to being on the boat. Comfortable walking shoes are advised. All trips ashore are optional and you can choose to stay on board the boat if you prefer.
Swimming:
Daily swimming stops are made with plenty of time to swim in calm and safe sheltered bays close to the gulet. Snorkeling equipment is also available. The ability to swim is important for any boat trip.
Trip & Sailing Notes:
The daily itinerary is flexible to weather and local conditions or interests of the group on board. Wind permitting, we will try to put up the sails for some sailing, however please note that due to the number of sites visited in the itinerary, we will mostly be cruising using the motor for this trip.
The Gulet Yacht:
The Blue Voyage is taken aboard a 'gulet' - a traditional pine wood yacht, with a pointed fore and round aft, with a double or single mast. The recommended occupancy for the cruise is between 6 to 12 people. We use modern gulets that are very comfortable and are equipped with all necessary amenities including air-conditioning. All cabins have private ensuite bathrooms and A/C.
Arrival & Departure:
This trip starts in Istanbul but depending on airline schedules, your pre-formed group can arrive a day or two earlier/later and we can arrange extra nights before/after the trip if necessary. Please note that we arrange packages within Turkey and so we do not arrange international flights.
Safety:
All yachts are fully equipped with necessary safety measures and equipment on board.
Climate:
The weather during the cruise in the Mediterranean will be mostly hot and dry in the summer with some gentle winds and cooling afternoon breezes.
 Email us for more details
Other Tour Packages:
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Walk and Sail Cruise Turkey (12 days)
