• 10 Days / 9 Nights
• Rating : 15

Turkey Tour Plus Bodrum Blue Cruise

10-Day Turkey Voyage: A Vibrant Tapestry of History with Ancient Heritage, Nature with Wild Landscapes, and a Enjoy Blue Cruise Aboard a Traditional Turkish Gulet Yacht 

Dive into a mesmerizing 10-day voyage through Turkey’s kaleidoscope of wonders, where ancient history, surreal landscapes, and the shimmering turquoise waters of the Aegean converge. This meticulously crafted itinerary, blending cultural immersion with a soul-soothing Blue Cruise aboard a traditional wooden Turkish gulet yacht, promises an unforgettable adventure. From the minaret-studded skyline of Istanbul to the fairy-tale chimneys of Cappadocia and the sun-kissed bays of the Turquoise Coast, this journey is designed to captivate your senses and nourish your soul. The crowning jewel is a 4-day full-pension cabin charter cruise from Bodrum to Marmaris, where you’ll sail aboard a handcrafted gulet, basking in the serenity of secluded coves and starlit nights. For those lingering in Bodrum, we’ve sprinkled in vibrant suggestions to enrich your experience. Let us weave this tapestry of discovery for you, ensuring every moment sparkles with wonder.

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – The Eternal City of Two Continents (No Meals)
Your adventure unfolds as you land in Istanbul, a city where the Bosphorus weaves a thread between Europe and Asia, and history whispers in every cobblestone. Our warm team greets you at Istanbul Airport, whisking you to your 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of the city. With the day at your leisure, stroll the lively streets of Sultanahmet or Taksim, where the aroma of roasted chestnuts and simit fills the air. Savor a traditional Turkish dinner—perhaps iskender kebab or mantı drizzled with yogurt—at a nearby eatery. Rest and recharge for the journey ahead. Overnight in Istanbul.

Optional Evening Activities (additional cost):
Dervish Dance Ceremony (1 hour): Witness the mesmerizing whirling dervishes, a Sufi ritual of spiritual devotion, in a historic tekke, where their flowing robes spin in harmony with the universe.

Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner (3 hours): Glide along the Bosphorus under a canopy of stars, dining on grilled seafood and meze as Istanbul’s illuminated mosques and palaces shimmer against the night sky.

Historical Note: Istanbul, once Constantinople, was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, a melting pot of faiths and cultures. Its mosques and bazaars reflect centuries of Islamic artistry and commerce.

Day 2: Istanbul’s Historical Peninsula & Flight to Cappadocia (Breakfast)

Awaken to the soulful adhan echoing across Istanbul. After a sumptuous breakfast of fresh börek, olives, and Turkish tea, check out and store your luggage at the hotel. Set forth on a guided walking tour through the Historical Peninsula, where Istanbul’s imperial past comes alive.

Hippodrome: Stand where Roman chariots once raced, now adorned with the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, silent witnesses to millennia.
Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque): Marvel at this 17th-century masterpiece, its six slender minarets framing a cascade of domes. Inside, over 20,000 İznik tiles glow in sapphire and turquoise, their Quranic calligraphy bathed in light from 260 stained-glass windows.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: Step into this architectural titan, a 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned mosque in 1453. Its colossal dome, adorned with Islamic calligraphy and Christian mosaics, soars 56 meters, a testament to divine harmony. Offer a prayer in its sacred space.
Topkapi Palace (closed Tuesdays): Explore the opulent home of Ottoman sultans, where lush courtyards lead to the Harem and Treasury. The Chamber of Sacred Relics, housing the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) cloak and sword, radiates spiritual reverence.
Grand Bazaar ( Closed on Sundays): Conclude in this labyrinthine market, where 4,000 shops brim with spices, carpets, and gold. Haggle for a handwoven kilim or sip çay with a local merchant.

Return to your hotel, then transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, settle into your cave-style boutique hotel, a nod to the region’s ancient troglodyte dwellings. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Architectural Insight: The Blue Mosque’s tiles and Hagia Sophia’s dome reflect Ottoman ingenuity, blending Persian and Byzantine influences to create spaces of ihsan (excellence), uplifting worshippers for centuries.

Day 3: Cappadocia’s Lunar Landscapes & Hot Air Balloon Adventure (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride (200-250 EUR, weather permitting), drifting over Cappadocia’s otherworldly valleys as dawn paints the fairy chimneys in hues of rose and gold. After breakfast, dive into a full-day tour blending the region’s natural and historical marvels.
Göreme Open-Air Museum: Wander among cave churches carved by early Christians, their frescoes of biblical scenes vivid despite centuries. The Dark Church dazzles with its well-preserved colors, a testament to faith in adversity.
Uçhisar Fortress: Ascend this natural rock citadel for panoramic views of pigeon valleys and volcanic peaks, sculpted by the ancient eruptions of Mounts Erciyes and Hasan.
Avanos: Explore this pottery town along the Kızılırmak River, where artisans craft ceramics as their ancestors did. Try your hand at a potter’s wheel for a tactile connection to history.
Underground City: Descend into one of Cappadocia’s 36 subterranean cities, like Kaymaklı, carved by Hittites and later used by Christians fleeing persecution. Marvel at the ingenuity of these hidden refuges.
Artisan Workshops: Visit ateliers crafting carpets, onyx, and turquoise jewelry, where traditional techniques meet modern artistry. Enjoy lunch featuring testi kebab, a savory stew cooked in a clay pot.
Return to your hotel for a hearty dinner, perhaps çömlek kuru fasulye (bean stew), and rest under Cappadocia’s starlit sky. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Historical Connection: Cappadocia’s cave churches, dating to the 4th century, sheltered early Christians, while its underground cities reflect the resilience of communities preserving their faith, echoing Islamic values of perseverance.

Day 4: Konya’s Mystical Heritage & Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, bid farewell to Cappadocia and journey by private vehicle to Konya, the 11th-century capital of the Seljuk Empire and a cradle of Sufi mysticism. (Note: From here until the Blue Cruise, the program is private.)
Sultanhanı Caravanserai: Pause at this 13th-century Seljuk masterpiece, a Silk Road haven for camel caravans. Its ornate portal, adorned with geometric muqarnas, reflects Islamic architectural splendor.
Mevlana Mausoleum: Visit the turquoise-domed tomb of Mevlana Rumi, the 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic whose teachings of love and tolerance resonate globally. The museum, housing his manuscripts and dervish artifacts, invites reflection.
Lunch: Savor Konya’s culinary gems, like etliekmek (flatbread with minced meat) or fırın kebab, slow-cooked lamb that melts in the mouth.
Continue to Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” where travertine terraces gleam like frozen waterfalls. Check into your thermal hotel, where you can soak in mineral-rich hot springs under the stars. Enjoy a dinner of local specialties, such as gözleme (stuffed flatbread). Overnight in Pamukkale.
Spiritual Note: Rumi’s philosophy, rooted in Islamic mysticism, emphasizes the soul’s journey to divine unity, a theme that resonates with pilgrims seeking spiritual depth post-Umrah.

Day 5: Pamukkale’s White Terraces, Ephesus’ Ancient Glory & Arrival in Bodrum (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, explore Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where nature and history intertwine.
Hierapolis: Wander the ruins of this Roman city, with its well-preserved theater and sprawling Necropolis, home to over 150,000 tombs. Bathe in the Antique Pool (optional), where Cleopatra once swam amid fallen columns.
Travertine Terraces: Stroll barefoot along the calcium terraces, their milky pools reflecting the sky, a surreal landscape formed over millennia.
Enjoy lunch, perhaps çöp şiş (grilled skewers), then drive 3.5 hours to Ephesus, one of the ancient world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Historical Connection: Ephesus, a hub of early Christianity, hosted apostles and councils, while Pamukkale’s Hierapolis was a center of healing and faith, reflecting the region’s layered spiritual heritage.

Ephesus: Step into this Greco-Roman marvel, where the Celsus Library’s ornate facade rivals modern architecture. Admire the Hadrian Temple’s intricate reliefs, the grand Theater, and the Terrace Houses with their vivid mosaics. Visit the Church (Cottage) of the Virgin Mary, site of the 431 CE Third Ecumenical Council, and the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site where she is believed to have lived her final days.

Basilica of St. John: Explore the 6th-century ruins where St. John the Evangelist is buried, its marble columns evoking early Christian devotion.

In the evening, transfer to Bodrum, the glittering jewel of the Turquoise Coast. Check into your 4-star hotel and rest by the Aegean’s embrace. Overnight in Bodrum.

Bodrum Suggestions:
Bodrum Castle & Museum of Underwater Archaeology: Explore this 15th-century fortress, built by the Knights of St. John, housing treasures from ancient shipwrecks.

Bodrum Marina: Dine at a waterfront restaurant, savoring fresh kalamar tava (fried calamari) or levrek (sea bass), with views of sleek yachts.
Bodrum Amphitheater: Attend a concert or simply admire this 4th-century BCE venue, carved into a hillside with views of the Aegean.

Days 6-10: Blue Cruise Aboard a Turkish Gulet – A Voyage of Serenity (Full Pension)

Prepare for the pinnacle of your journey: a 4-day Blue Cruise aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, a handcrafted wooden yacht that blends rustic charm with modern comfort. This cabin charter (shared with other travelers) sails from Bodrum to Marmaris, anchoring in pristine bays along the Gulf of Gökova. Alternatively, opt for a Fethiye to Olympos route, exploring Antalya’s dramatic coastline. Below, we detail the Bodrum-Marmaris itinerary, infused with vivid imagery and the gulet’s unique allure.

Day 6: Boarding the Gulet in Bodrum (Breakfast, Dinner)

After a leisurely breakfast, take a morning stroll through Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of historian Herodotus and home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the bustling Bodrum Bazaar for last-minute souvenirs—think evil-eye charms or handmade leather sandals—or sip naber (pomegranate juice) at a seaside café.

In the afternoon, step aboard your gulet yacht at Bodrum’s marina, where polished teak decks and billowing sails evoke the romance of Ottoman seafaring. These traditional vessels, crafted by Aegean artisans, feature cozy cabins with en-suite bathrooms, a spacious sundeck with cushioned loungers, and a shaded dining area. Meet your crew—captain, chef, and deckhands—who ensure a seamless voyage. Savor a welcome dinner of meze (hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and eggplant dip), grilled fish, and baklava, as the gulet anchors in Bodrum’s harbor. Fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves. Overnight aboard in Bodrum.

Gulet Charm: Gulets, rooted in Turkey’s maritime heritage, were once used for fishing and trade. Today, their warm wood interiors and intimate size (6-12 cabins) offer a bespoke sailing experience, perfect for unwinding after cultural explorations.

Day 7: Bodrum to Çökertme Bay – A Symphony of Blues (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Awaken to the scent of brewed çay and a sunrise over Bodrum’s castle. After breakfast—think fresh tomatoes, feta, and warm pide—the gulet sets sail for Çökertme Bay in the Gulf of Gökova. As you cruise, the Aegean’s waters shift from sapphire to aquamarine, their clarity revealing darting fish below. Lounge on the sundeck, book in hand, or dive into the sea during a swim stop, feeling the cool embrace of the gulf.

Anchor in Çökertme, a tranquil cove framed by olive groves and craggy hills. Enjoy lunch aboard—perhaps köfte (meatballs) with bulgur salad—then swim, snorkel, or paddleboard in the bay’s glassy waters. As evening falls, dine under a canopy of stars, savoring karides güveç (shrimp casserole) and Turkish wine. The crew may share tales of the coast’s pirate past, adding magic to the night. Overnight aboard in Çökertme.

Natural Splendor: The Gulf of Gökova, a protected marine area, dazzles with its biodiversity—dolphins may even trail your gulet—while Çökertme’s serenity evokes the Quranic imagery of nature as a sign of divine beauty.

Day 8: Çökertme to Akbük and Söğüt – Coastal Poetry (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sail onward along the Gulf of Gökova, where pine-clad hills kiss the shore, their emerald hues mirrored in the sea. Stop at Akbük Bay, a hidden gem where turquoise waters lap against a pebbled beach. Swim or kayak to a secluded cove, feeling like an explorer in an untouched Eden. Lunch aboard features zeytinyağlı yaprak sarma (stuffed vine leaves) and fresh salads, paired with chilled rakı or fruit juice.

Continue to Söğüt, a rustic village bay where the sea glows with bioluminescence at dusk, a natural spectacle that feels like sailing through a starry sea. Dine on levrek izgara (grilled sea bass) and muhammara (spicy walnut dip), as the mountains’ silhouettes fade into twilight. Share stories with fellow travelers or strum a guitar with the crew, embracing the gulet’s communal spirit. Overnight aboard in Söğüt.

Cultural Note: Söğüt’s fishing heritage and simple tavernas reflect Turkey’s coastal lifestyle, where hospitality and fresh seafood are sacred traditions, echoing Islamic values of generosity.

Day 9: Söğüt to Cleopatra Island and English Harbour – Mythic Shores (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Cruise to Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island), a historical gem where legend claims Cleopatra bathed in its mineral-rich waters. Walk the island’s ancient theater and Byzantine ruins, then swim in the Cedar Cave, where warm springs bubble from rocks, said to enhance beauty. The beach’s unique oolitic sand, protected by law, sparkles like pearls under the sun.
Sail to English Harbour, a secluded bay nestled amid pine forests and the Kiran Mountains. Named for British ships that hid here during World War II, its emerald waters invite snorkeling and reflection. Enjoy a farewell dinner of adana kebab, creamy cacık, and fırın sütlaç (baked rice pudding), toasting to the journey’s memories. Sleep under a velvet sky, lulled by the gulet’s gentle sway. Overnight aboard in English Harbour.
Historical Connection: Cleopatra Island’s ruins, including a 2nd-century BCE theater, link to the Hellenistic era, while its mineral springs echo ancient wellness practices, akin to Islamic traditions of healing through nature.

Day 10: Karacasöğüt to Marmaris & Return to Istanbul (Breakfast)

Savor a final breakfast aboard—fresh figs, honeycomb, and menemen (scrambled eggs with peppers)—as the gulet cruises to Karacasöğüt, a serene bay near Marmaris. Disembark in Marmaris, a vibrant port framed by citrus groves and a medieval castle. Transfer to Dalaman Airport for your flight to Istanbul, where our services conclude. Carry the glow of the Turquoise Coast with you, a treasure trove of memories.
Optional Extension: Extend your journey with Fethiye’s Lycian rock tombs, Antalya’s ancient theaters, or a Fethiye-Olympos Blue Cruise, exploring sunken cities and rugged cliffs. Contact us to customize.

Package Details & Price

Price: $2,290 USD per person (double occupancy); 200-250 EUR for optional hot air balloon ride.
Inclusions:
Guided day trips as outlined, with expert English-speaking guides.
Accommodation in 4-star boutique hotels (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Bodrum) and private cabins on the gulet (en-suite).
Full pension on the Blue Cruise (breakfast, lunch, dinner); breakfast and specified meals elsewhere.
Domestic flights (Istanbul-Cappadocia, Dalaman-Istanbul).
All transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.
Entrance fees to sites and museums.
Local taxes.

Exclusions: International flights, personal expenses, drinks on the gulet (except water/tea/coffee), tips, optional activities.
Gulet Details: Shared cabin charter (6-12 cabins), with air-conditioned cabins, daily housekeeping, and a crew of 3-4. Vegetarian/halal meals available on request.
Minimum Group Size: 2 for land tours; cruise operates with mixed groups.

Why Choose This Journey?
This itinerary is a symphony of Turkey’s treasures, offering:
Cultural Riches: From Istanbul’s mosques to Ephesus’ ruins, explore a crossroads of Islamic, Christian, and Greco-Roman heritage.
Natural Wonders: Drift over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, soak in Pamukkale’s white terraces, and sail the Aegean’s pristine bays.
Gulet Serenity: The Blue Cruise, aboard a traditional wooden yacht, offers intimate, unhurried exploration, with swim stops and gourmet meals.
Bodrum’s Allure: A vibrant coastal hub with history, beaches, and nightlife, perfect for pre- or post-cruise adventures.

Booking & Customization
Contact us at [insert contact details] to reserve your spot or tailor the itinerary—add Antalya’s waterfalls, Fethiye’s paragliding, or a Greek Islands cruise. Our team ensures a seamless experience, blending spiritual reflection with coastal bliss. Step into this radiant journey, where Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and ancient wonders await. C’mon, let’s sail!