Europe & Africa / Turkey
Turkey Turquoise Coast Multisport Tour
Hike, Raft, Sail, Snorkel, Kayak and Tour Antiquities along Turkey's Aegean Coast
Get ready for the travel experience of a lifetime! The Turkish people are unsurpassed in their hospitality, the food is to die for, the coastline is a dream and the country is filled with timeless villages, magnificent scenery and amazing historic sites which transport you to the glory and splendor of the ancient world.
Days 1-2: Istanbul
If time permits following your arrival, enjoy a taste of Istanbul with a visit to the Grand Bazaar whose 4000 shops offer everything imaginable. The next day includes multiple stops--the Roman Hippodrome and Egyptian obelisk; Hagia Sophia, one of the world's great marvels of religious architecture; Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans; Basilica Cistern with its 336 carved marble columns; and the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and stunning cascade of domes.
Days 3-4: Ephesus-Temple of Artemis-House of the Virgin Mary-Hierapolis
Begin with a flight and transfer to Ephesus, arguably the best preserved ancient city in the world, where Marc Anthony romanced Cleopatra and St. Paul preached the new religion of Christianity. Visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the largest Greek temple ever built and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Aphrodisias is one of the most stunning restorations in Turkey and its Stadium and Temple of Aphrodite are remarkable.
Days 5-6: Dalyan River-Dalaman River
Next up is a cruise on the Dalyan River, beginning near a nesting area for endangered loggerhead turtles and following the river's circuitous route through the vast reed beds of the Dalyan Delta Nature Preserve. After our cruise we stop for a relaxing soak in the hot spring and mud baths at Ilica. We thrill to the Class III and IV rapids while rafting the Dalaman River--a spectacular limestone canyon and refreshing crystal clear water all make for an unforgettable day.
Days 7-9: Kaunos-Turquoise Coast-Tomb Bay-Cleopatra's Bath-Lydea-Gemiler Bay
Tour the ruins of the ancient city and rock tombs of Kaunos with its well excavated Roman bath, theatre, agora and Byzantine church. Then board our private gulet in the seaside town of Gocek for our exploration of the famed "Turquoise Coast" and its pine-clad jewel, the Gulf of Fethiye. Sail to delightful Tomb Bay where the ancient baths are still evident among the olive trees and oleander. Visit Cleopatra's Bath, where she is said to have honeymooned with Marc Antony in 32 B.C. and then hike to the hilltop site of rarely visited ancient Lydea with its mausolea, agora foundations, statue remnants, Corinthian column sections, and inscribed pedestals. From the beach at Gemiler Bay, explore by kayak the stunning coastline of Gemiler Island, stopping to swim and snorkel along the way.
Day 10: Dalaman-Istanbul
Transfer to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul and homeward flights.