Welcome to Turkey!

Your 11-day Mediterranean Encounters Tour begins with a warm welcome to Fethiye, a stunning harbor town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

🚐 Arrival & Transfer Service

Upon arrival, you will be met by our transfer service and taken directly to your hotel. We offer pick-up from:

• Fethiye Harbour (for those arriving by sea).
• Dalaman Airport (for international & domestic flights).
• Fethiye Bus Station (for those arriving by coach).

After check-in, take the evening to relax and explore Fethiye at your own pace. Stroll along the marina, visit the old town (Paspatur), or enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner by the sea.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Fethiye

Today is your first full day in Turkey, giving you the chance to explore Fethiye and its surroundings at your own leisure. Whether you prefer adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from.

🌿 Optional Activities in Fethiye:

🚙 Jeep Safari – Embark on an off-road adventure through stunning landscapes, visiting sites like Saklıkent Gorge, Tlos, and Yakapark.
🪂 Paragliding Over Oludeniz – Experience one of the world’s most famous paragliding locations, soaring above the Blue Lagoon with panoramic views of the coastline.
💦 Mud Baths & Dalyan River – Relax in natural mud baths and thermal waters before cruising along the Dalyan River, spotting the famous Lycian Rock Tombs.
🏚️ Visit Kayakoy Ghost Town – Take a short local bus ride to explore this abandoned Greek village, a fascinating open-air museum with a unique atmosphere.
🏖️ Relax at the Blue Lagoon – Spend a laid-back day at Oludeniz Beach, famous for its turquoise waters and stunning scenery.

🍽️ Evening Recommendation: Fethiye’s Infamous Fish Market
For a truly local dining experience, head to the Fethiye Fish Market:
Choose from freshly caught seafood.
Have it cooked to your preference at a nearby restaurant.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live music and local hospitality.
Alternatively, explore the seafront restaurants along Fethiye Marina for a variety of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Fethiye

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Fethiye and transferred to the harbor, where you will check in to one of our Alaturca Gulets for an unforgettable 4-day cruise along the stunning Mediterranean coastline.

🚢 Day of the Gulet Cruise – Highlights & Activities
🦋 Butterfly Valley – Your first stop is the stunning Butterfly Valley, a hidden cove home to a variety of butterflies, lush greenery, and a cascading waterfall. You’ll have time to:
Swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Hike up to the small waterfall (if conditions allow).
Relax on the sandy beach, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

🌊 Oludeniz & The Blue Lagoon – One of Turkey’s most famous and breathtaking beaches. Spend time here:
Swimming in the turquoise waters.
Taking in the majestic views of Babadag Mountain.
Optionally, try paragliding from the mountain for an epic aerial view! (Extra cost, but highly recommended!).

🌅 St. Nicholas Island – The Perfect Sunset Spot
Your gulet will anchor down at St. Nicholas Island for the night.
Climb to the top of the island, where you can explore ancient Byzantine ruins and take in one of the best sunsets of the entire cruise.

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise Experience
Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Spend the night rocked to sleep by the gentle waves, under a starry Mediterranean sky.

Wake up to another beautiful morning on the Mediterranean, with the sound of gentle waves and the fresh sea breeze.

🚢 Gulet Cruise Highlights for the Day
🌊 Morning Swim & Breakfast Stop – Begin your day with a refreshing dip in the sea, followed by a traditional Turkish breakfast on deck.
🏝️ Midday Swimming & Lunch Stop – Along the way to Kas, the gulet will stop at secluded bays, where you can:
Swim in turquoise waters.
Snorkel to discover colorful marine life.
Relax under the Mediterranean sun.

🏡 Afternoon: Explore the Beautiful Town of Kas
Upon arriving in Kas, you’ll have free time to explore this charming seaside town known for its laid-back atmosphere, historic streets, and vibrant shopping scene.
💎 Shopping in Kas – Known as one of the best places in Turkey for jewelry, Kas is home to many handcrafted silver and gemstone shops—perfect for finding unique souvenirs.
🌿 Stroll the Cobblestone Streets – Wander through narrow alleys lined with bougainvillea-covered houses, boutique stores, and cozy cafés.
☕ Relax in a Café by the Marina – Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or a refreshing Ayran (yogurt drink) while watching the boats bob in the harbor.

🏛️ Optional Activities in Kas:
Visit the Ancient Theatre – A well-preserved Lycian amphitheater with stunning sea views.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling – Kas is a top destination for underwater adventures, with shipwrecks, caves, and vibrant marine life (extra cost).

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise
Return to the gulet for dinner, enjoying another peaceful night at sea.
Spend the evening relaxing on deck, sharing stories under a star-filled sky.

Another breathtaking day on the Mediterranean awaits as you sail past ancient ruins, sunken cities, and historic fortresses along Turkey’s stunning coastline.

🚢 Gulet Cruise Highlights for the Day
🏛️ Sailing Past the Sunken City of Kekova
This submerged Lycian city, once part of an ancient settlement, was lost to the sea after a powerful earthquake centuries ago.
The ruins of stone houses, staircases, and archways can still be seen beneath the crystal-clear waters.
Your gulet will slow down to allow for a closer look, giving you time to admire this UNESCO-protected site.

🏝️ Exploring Kekova Island & Simena Castle
The gulet will anchor down on the opposite side of Kekova, where you can step ashore and explore.
Optional Activities on Kekova Island:Walk among ancient Lycian tombs, carved directly into the hillside.
Climb to Simena Castle, a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views over the coastline.
Explore the charming village of Kalekoy, a small, boat-access-only settlement filled with traditional houses and local cafés.

🌊 Swimming & Relaxation
After exploring Kekova, return to the gulet for some leisurely swimming and sunbathing before continuing the cruise.

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise
Enjoy another delicious onboard dinner while taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Spend the evening stargazing from the deck, soaking in the peacefulness of the Mediterranean.

This morning, you bid farewell to your gulet and set off for Olympos, a unique destination where history, nature, and beach life blend seamlessly.

🚍 Transfer from the Gulet to Olympos
After breakfast on board, disembark from your gulet.
Travel by bus to Olympos, located within a protected national park along the Mediterranean coast.

🏛️ Explore the Ancient Ruins of Olympos
Wander through the overgrown ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos, where moss-covered stone pathways, temples, and sarcophagi create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.
Visit the ancient theater, Byzantine church remains, and tombs, including the famous Sarcophagus of Captain Eudemos, an ancient ship captain.

🌊 Relax on Olympos Beach
After exploring the ruins, follow the path down to Olympos Beach, where the crystal-clear waters and soft pebbles make for a perfect place to swim and relax.
Optional water activities such as snorkeling or paddleboarding are available.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Olympos
Check into your treehouse-style accommodation or a charming guesthouse.
Spend the evening relaxing in Olympos’ laid-back bohemian atmosphere, with bonfires, hammocks, and beachside cafés.
Optionally, take a night tour to the Chimera (Yanartaş), where natural flames rise from the rocks, a phenomenon that has burned for thousands of years.

Today is your final day on the Mediterranean coast, giving you a chance to relax, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy one last swim in the crystal-clear waters before heading to Istanbul.

☀️ Free Day in Olympos – Suggested Activities
🏖️ Relax on Olympos Beach – Enjoy the laid-back vibes, take a refreshing swim, or simply sunbathe on the pebbled shore with a beautiful backdrop of rugged cliffs and pine forests.

🏛️ Explore More of Olympos Ruins – If you haven’t yet, take some extra time to wander through the ancient Lycian ruins, which offer a unique, jungle-like atmosphere.

🔥 Visit the Eternal Flames of Chimera (Yanartas) (optional morning or late afternoon tour) – Hike up to see mystical flames emerging from the rocks, a natural gas phenomenon that has burned for thousands of years.

🚣‍♂️ Optional Adventure Activities – If you’re feeling more active, consider:
Sea kayaking along the coast to discover hidden coves.
Rock climbing in the surrounding cliffs for an adrenaline rush.

🚌 Evening Transfer to Antalya & Overnight Bus to Istanbul
In the early evening, you will depart from Olympos, heading to Antalya.
Board your overnight bus to Istanbul, a comfortable, direct journey that will take you to Turkey’s cultural and historical heart by morning.

🌙 Overnight Bus Journey to Istanbul

After your overnight bus journey, you will arrive in Istanbul, Turkey’s vibrant and historic metropolis. Upon checking in to your accommodation, take the day at your own pace—whether that means resting, exploring, or indulging in some local flavors.

🌍 Free Day in Istanbul – Suggested Activities

🏛️ Get a Sneak Peek of the Historic Sites – Take a walk through the Sultanahmet district, where you can get an outside view of famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace before your official tour begins.

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenir Hunting –
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest markets, filled with spices, carpets, jewelry, and handcrafted goods.
Visit the Spice Bazaar to sample Turkish delights, dried fruits, and traditional teas.

🌊 Relax Along the Bosphorus –
Take a leisurely walk along the Eminonu waterfront and watch the boats sail across the Bosphorus.
Try the famous Balik Ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) from the stalls by the water.

🏘️ Explore Istanbul’s Hidden Gems –
Wander through Balat & Fener, the city’s most colorful neighborhoods, known for their vibrant houses, antique shops, and historic churches.
Head to Karakoy for trendy cafés and a modern artsy vibe.

🍽️ Indulge in Turkish Cuisine –
Visit a traditional lokanta (local eatery) and try dishes like Iskender Kebab, Meze platters, and Baklava.
Experience Turkish coffee at a historic café or try a Rooftop restaurant with a view.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul
Rest up for tomorrow’s full-day historical tour of Istanbul!

Today, embark on a guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, where centuries of history, culture, and architecture blend seamlessly. You will be picked up from your accommodation and set off to explore the grand sites of this mystical city.

🏛️ Highlights of the Istanbul Tour:

🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) – One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its breathtaking blue Iznik tiles and grand domes. (Note: Due to Friday prayers, entry may be restricted.)

⛪ Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) – A mesmerizing architectural wonder that has stood as a church, mosque, and now a mosque again for centuries. Marvel at its massive dome, ancient mosaics, and stunning Ottoman calligraphy.

🏰 Topkapi Palace – Enter the grand residence of Ottoman Sultans, filled with treasures, religious relics, and spectacular gardens. Visit the Sultan’s private chambers, the Imperial Harem, and the dazzling jewel collections. (Note: Closed on Tuesdays.)

🛍️ Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar Tour:

🛒 Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) – One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops offering:
Handmade jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and antiques.
Unique souvenirs and Turkish textiles.
A lively atmosphere filled with bargaining and local craftsmanship. (Note: Closed on Sundays.)

🌿 Spice Bazaar (Mısır Carsisi) – A paradise of spices, dried fruits, Turkish delights, and traditional teas. Stroll through this aromatic marketplace, sampling treats and picking up souvenirs.

💡 Our Recommendation:
After the tour, if you still have energy, we highly recommend returning to the Spice Bazaar for a deeper dive into its flavors, scents, and hidden cafés. You’ll be on your own, but it’s a fantastic way to spend a relaxed afternoon.

📝 Important Notes:
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Blue Mosque may not be accessible during Friday prayers.
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🚐 Pick-Up Information:
Pickups are available from central hotel areas including:
Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, Taksim.
If staying outside these areas, an extra charge may apply—please check with our crew.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul.

Today, embark on a scenic and cultural journey through Istanbul, combining a Bosphorus cruise, palace visits, and breathtaking viewpoints for a truly memorable experience.

🏛️ Morning: Dolmabahçe Palace Tour
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Dolmabahçe Palace, a magnificent royal residence that reflects the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire’s final era.
Built between 1842-1853, this palace is a blend of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles.
Last six Ottoman Sultans resided here before the fall of the empire.
In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk used this as his summer residence until his passing in 1938.
Marvel at the crystal chandeliers, gold-adorned ceilings, grand halls, and luxurious Ottoman-European interiors.
(🛑 Note: Dolmabahçe Palace is closed on Mondays. On those days, the tour begins at 11:30 AM instead of 9:30 AM.)

🚢 Midday: Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Between Continents
After the palace tour, board your Bosphorus cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia, while admiring the stunning architecture and historical landmarks.

🌊 Highlights Along the Bosphorus:
🏯 Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary tower that has served as a lighthouse, hospital, radio station, and now a museum & restaurant.
🏰 Kucuksu Palace – A small yet grand hunting lodge, built by Sultan Abdulmecid, where you’ll stop for a 1-hour visit.
🏨 Ciragan Palace – A magnificent Sultan’s palace turned luxury hotel, partially rebuilt after a fire in 1910.
🕌 Ortakoy Mosque – Known for its pink mosaics and waterside location, a stunning sight from the boat.
🌉 Bosphorus & Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges – Marvel at these iconic suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
🏰 Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisarı) – Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II, this fortress played a key role in the conquest of Constantinople.

🚌 Afternoon: Pierre Loti Hill & City Views
After disembarking, continue by bus through the Old City, then head to Pierre Loti Hill, one of Istanbul’s most romantic and scenic spots.
Named after a French novelist who loved Istanbul.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
Take the cable car to the top and try authentic Turkish coffee at a hilltop café.

🚌 Evening Return to Hotel
The bus drives along the ancient Old City Walls, which protected Constantinople for over 1,600 years.
Return to your hotel by 5:00-6:00 PM.

📝 Important Notes:
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays (tour starts at 11:30 AM instead).
Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill are the only stops you’ll explore on foot. The rest will be viewed from the boat or bus.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul

Today marks the end of your incredible 11-day journey through Turkey, where you have experienced stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, vibrant bazaars, and historical wonders from the Turquoise Coast to the heart of Istanbul.

✈️ Departure & Onward Travel Assistance
If you require airport transfers, we can arrange transport to:Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
Need help with onward travel in Turkey? Whether you’re extending your stay, heading to Cappadocia, Pamukkale, or another destination, we’re happy to assist with:Domestic flights, bus tickets, or private transfers.
Additional tours or accommodations.
If you have any last-minute questions or require assistance, feel free to reach out—we are here to ensure your journey ends smoothly.
Thank you for traveling with us! We hope you had an unforgettable experience in Turkey and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Safe travels ✈️😊