Turkish Delights
Sailing South to Dalaman

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

After relaxing into your hotel, join together this evening with your Big Journey Company Tour Director for dinner and to meet the rest of your tour group.

Today we enjoy a city tour of Istanbul, taking in some of the most spectacular sites the ancient city has to offer.

We will see the Hippodrome, once the social center of Constantinople, as Istanbul was once known. Built by the Romans in the 3rd Century AD, only fragments are left of this once grand stadium that held 100,000 spectators for events, chariot races and executions.

We also visit the Blue Mosque - one of the most important temples in the world. Named for the blue Iznik tile work that decorates its interior, the Blue Mosque can be seen from all over the Sultanahmet district.

Lunch today is an opportunity to experience the best examples of the Ottoman cuisine, before continuing to explore Istanbul. We visit the dramatic and beautiful Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th Century as a water reservoir for the city and then explore the famous Old Spice Market, where you can find a vast diversity of spices, sacks of henna and, of course, the world’s very best Turkish delight.

This evening, we will dine at a local restaurant where you can experience a good introduction to traditional meyhane culture as your foodie tour guide will accompany you and guide you through this experience. You will taste the famous Turkish alcoholic drink Raki with an explanation on its history and production. The Lion's Milk, as its often called, will be served with a selection of traditional mezze, seasonal fresh fish and a Turkish cheese platter to enjoy.

Today we walk in the footsteps of Sultans, exploring the Topkapi Palace and its exhibits from the Ottoman Empire, one of world history's mightiest and longest-lasting dynasties! This Islamic-run empire ruled large areas of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and North Africa for more than 500 years.

We will complete our tour at the Grand Bazaar. First started in 1455 under Mehmet the Conqueror, it was added to many times over the centuries. The end result is an enormous labyrinth of covered streets lined with thousands of shops selling, for example, hand-woven carpets and kilims, gold and silver jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, leather goods, fine antiques and illuminated manuscripts. A great place to practice your bargaining skills!

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Istanbul at leisure, or perhaps visit a famous Turkish bath!

This morning, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for our flight down the coast to to Izmir.

On arrival at Izmir, we travel to Selcuk and the ancient city of Ephesus. Settled nearly 3,000 years ago, Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Much has been done to restore the white marble streets, theatres, baths, gymnasium, market and beautifully carved library.

Over a barbeque lunch prepared by the ladies of the village showcasing local Turkish cuisine, before we continue on to Bodrum for the rest of the evening.

Bodrum, enjoys a picturesque setting on the Aegean coast. Named Halicarnassus in ancient times, it was the birthplace of Herodotus and the home of one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

After checking in to our hotel, the evening is at leisure.

This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Bodrum, exploring the Castle of St. Peter, which dates from the time of the Crusades and now houses the Museum of Nautical Archaeology and Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

We will also visit the ancient site of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Built in 255 BC by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and the ruins were then used in building of the Halicarnassus Castle.

We enjoy lunch before heading to the port to board our private gulet and begin our cruise. A traditional sailing vessel from the southwestern coast of Turkey, the gulet boats are built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris.

We’ll be able to anchor in secluded bays where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea. Today we sail to Aga Limani where we’ll anchor overnight.

This morning we arrive at the Ancient Greek city of Knidos.

Once upon a time, visitors to the city were welcomde by the sculptor Praxiteles’ famous statue, The Aphrodite of Knidos. The area is still occupied by many ancient remains. With its rich history and a multitude of stories to tell, the ancient city is a highlight of our day today.

Lunch back on board is followed by an afternoon at leisure for swimming, kayaking, sunbathing.

This evening, we overnight anchorage at Palamutbuku Cove.

Today we have the opportunity to enjoy two small shore excursions, visiting quaint coastal villages.

The first is a visit to the small, secluded fishing village of Bozburun. In ancient times, Bozburun was famous for its marble quarries, but today there are only about 2,000 residents and the area is now famous for its thyme honey.

Afterwards, we motor to the ancient once-fortified port of Loryma. Here we disembark at a small dock with a dry landing. You can walk up to the top of the hill (about 15 mins walk) for panoramic views of the old ruined Rhodian fortress, where visitors from the Greek island of Rhodes once built a trading town.

This morning, our gulet will dock directly in the marina in Marmaris.

Marmaris is a large modern port town with a covered bazaar and lots of dockside cafes and restaurants. Spend your time at leisure in this Mediterranean idyll, strolling along the seafront promenade and through the vibrant town center.

Late afternoon, we set sail for Ekincik, a popular and protected stopping place for yachts and gulets alike.

Our first stop of the day is the tiny village of Ekincik. Surrounded by forested hills and family-run farms, this rustic piece of paradise is the ideal place to step ashore.

We return to the gulet for lunch onboard before cruising to Dalyan. The Dalyan River Delta is too shallow for our gulet to enter, so local river boats will collect us to cruise up the mouth of the Dalyan River to Kaunos.

Dating back to the 10 centry BC, the ancient city of Kaunos was an important seaport. Access is on foot from the jetty, via a rocky but fairly level path going steadily upward. Our visit will take in the remains of the large theatre, Roman baths and temples to various Greek and Roman deities.

Once back aboard, we cruise to a nearby viewpoint to see the impressive Lycian tombs, carved into the cliff face above before we reach our overnight anchorage within sight of Dalyan.

This morning, we enjoy breakfast on board as we weigh anchor and head for Aga Limani Bay.

Disembarkation here will involve a dry landing on the rocky, gravel beach. Those who wish to explore further on foot can take a very rocky path leading steadily uphill for about 1 mile to a hilltop with the Roman and Byzantine ruins of ancient Lydae.

Here, hikers will be rewarded for their efforts with a truly lovely view of the local coast before returning to the beach. (Approx. 45 mins’ hike each way).

We return to the boat for lunch aboard and for the opportunity for an afternoon swim at one of the nearby coves, such as Bedri Rahmi or Boynuz Buku before overnighting at Yassicalar Island and enjoying our Farewell dinner with the onboard crew.

After breafkast, we bid a fond farewell to our Aegean cruise this morning and disembark in Gocek, noted for its fine harbour.

From here we travel to Dalaman Airport for our flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival back in Istanbul, we check in to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before we our rejoin together for one farewell dinner to round off our time in Turkey.

After breakfast it is time to check out as we say farewell to Turkey. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight home.