Your 9-day adventure begins with your arrival in Turkey, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

🚐 Transfer Services Available From:
✔️ Kusadası Harbour – For travelers arriving by cruise or ferry.
✔️ Izmir Airport (ADB) – For those flying into Turkey.
✔️ Local Bus Stations – For those arriving by bus to Selcuk or Kusadasi.
Once you arrive at your hotel, take some time to relax, refresh, and explore your surroundings.

🌍 Optional Activities for Your First Day:
🏛️ Explore Selçuk’s Historic Landmarks – If you have time, visit:
Basilica of St. John – A significant historical site.
Isa Bey Mosque – A beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.
🌊 Relax in Kusadasi – If staying in Kusadasi, take a leisurely stroll along the marina or relax at a seaside café.
🍽️ Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Dinner – Try delicious Aegean cuisine, including fresh seafood, mezes, and grilled meats.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

Today, step back in time as you explore the ancient marvels of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the Roman Empire, before heading to the beautiful coastal town of Fethiye.

🏛️ Full-Day Ephesus Tour Highlights:
🕍 Ephesus Ancient City – Walk along the marble streets of this grand Roman metropolis, where over 200,000 people lived more than 3,000 years ago. Highlights include:
The Library of Celsus – One of the most iconic and beautifully preserved structures in the world.
The Grand Theater – Once seating 25,000 spectators, it is still used today for performances.
The Temple of Hadrian – A masterpiece of Roman architecture.
The Agora, Odeon, and Roman Baths – Providing insight into the daily life of ancient Ephesians.

🏡 House of the Virgin Mary – A sacred Christian pilgrimage site, believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years.

🏺 The Temple of Artemis – Visit the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a once-massive temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis.

🚌 Afternoon: Transfer to Fethiye
After the tour, board a local bus from Selcuk or Kusadasi to Fethiye.
The journey offers scenic views of the Turkish countryside and coastline.
Upon arrival in Fethiye, check in to your accommodation and relax.

🌙 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 rare butterfly species, 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. Today, after enjoying breakfast on board, your gulet will make several stops for swimming and relaxation before arriving in the picturesque town of Kas.

🚢 Gulet Cruise Highlights for the Day
🌊 Morning Swim & Breakfast Stop – Start the day with a refreshing swim in the calm Mediterranean waters, followed by a traditional Turkish breakfast on deck.

🏝️ Midday Swimming & Lunch Stop – As you sail towards Kas, your gulet will anchor in secluded bays, where you can:
Snorkel and discover vibrant marine life.
Sunbathe and unwind on deck.
Swim in the stunning turquoise waters.

🏡 Afternoon: Explore the Beautiful Town of Ks
Upon arriving in Kas, you will have free time to explore this charming seaside town, known for its bohemian vibe, boutique shops, and laid-back atmosphere.

💎 Shopping in Kas – This town is famous for handcrafted silver and gemstone jewelry, making it a great place to buy unique souvenirs.

🌿 Stroll the Cobblestone Streets – Wander through narrow alleys lined with whitewashed houses, boutique stores, and cozy cafés.

☕ Relax at a Café by the Marina – Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or freshly squeezed juice while admiring the stunning views of the harbor.

🏛️ Optional Activities in Kas:
Visit the Ancient Lycian Amphitheater, with panoramic sea views.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling – Kas is one of Turkey’s best diving destinations, with underwater caves, shipwrecks, and colorful marine life (extra cost).

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise
Return to the gulet for another delicious onboard dinner.
Spend the evening stargazing from the deck, soaking in the peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere.

Today, you will sail through one of the most fascinating historical sites along the Turkish coastline—the Sunken City of Kekova—before exploring the charming village of Simena and its ancient ruins.

🚢 Gulet Cruise Highlights for the Day
🏛️ Sailing Past the Sunken City of Kekova
This submerged Lycian city was lost to the sea after a devastating earthquake centuries ago.
As your gulet glides over the ruins, you’ll see stone foundations, staircases, and archways beneath the crystal-clear waters.
Snorkeling & swimming are not allowed in this protected area, but the gulet will slow down for an up-close view.

🏝️ Exploring Kekova Island & Simena Castle
The gulet will anchor down near Kalekoy (Simena), opposite Kekova Island, where you can explore on foot.
Optional Activities on Kekova Island:Walk among the ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the hillside.
Climb to Simena Castle, a medieval Byzantine fortress with spectacular panoramic views of Kekova Bay.
Explore Kalekoy village, a tiny, boat-access-only town with charming stone houses and local cafés.

🌊 Swimming & Relaxation
After exploring Simena, return to the gulet for some free time to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in one of the hidden bays near Kekova.

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise
Enjoy another delicious onboard dinner, taking in the stunning Mediterranean scenery.
Spend the evening stargazing from the deck as the gulet gently rocks on the water.

Today, you bid farewell to your gulet and set off for Olympos, a unique destination where history, nature, and beach life blend seamlessly. After exploring the ancient ruins and relaxing on the beach, you will take an overnight bus to Istanbul.

🚍 Morning: 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.

🏛️ Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Ruins of Olympos
Walk 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.

🔥 Evening: Optional Visit to the Eternal Flames of Chimera (Yanartaş)
If time allows, take an optional evening excursion to see the Chimera Flames, a natural gas phenomenon where flames magically rise from the rocks.
The site is believed to have inspired the legend of the Chimera, a fire-breathing creature from Greek mythology.
The hike to the site is a moderate climb and best experienced at dusk.

🚌 Late Evening: Transfer & Overnight Bus to Istanbul
After dinner, transfer to Antalya, where you will board an overnight bus to Istanbul.
The comfortable overnight journey will take you directly to Istanbul, allowing you to rest before your next adventure.

🌙 Overnight Bus Journey to Istanbul

After your overnight bus journey, you will arrive in Istanbul, Turkey’s vibrant and historic metropolis. Once you check into your accommodation, today is a free day to explore at your own pace.

🌍 Suggested Activities for Your Free Day in Istanbul:

🏛️ Get a Sneak Peek at Istanbul’s Historic Landmarks – Take a stroll through the Sultanahmet district, where you can see Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace from the outside before your official tour tomorrow.

🛍️ Go Shopping in the Grand Bazaar & Spice Market –
Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s largest covered markets, offering handcrafted jewelry, carpets, Turkish textiles, and souvenirs.
Spice Bazaar – A must-visit for Turkish delights, exotic spices, and traditional teas.

🌊 Relax by the Bosphorus –
Walk along the Eminonu waterfront, where you can watch the boats crossing between Europe and Asia.
Try a Balik Ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) from one of the local vendors by the docks.

🏘️ Explore Istanbul’s Hidden Neighborhoods –
Balat & Fener – Known for their colorful historic houses, antique shops, and authentic Turkish cafés.

Karakoy – A modern artsy district with trendy cafés, street art, and unique boutiques.
🍽️ Indulge in Turkish Cuisine –
Try authentic Turkish meze at a local tavern.
Enjoy a rooftop dinner with a view of the Bosphorus or Hagia Sophia.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul

Today, you will immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Istanbul, a city that has been the capital of three great empires: Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman. You will be picked up from your accommodation and guided through the most iconic sites of this fascinating city.

🏛️ Full-Day Istanbul Tour Highlights:

🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) – One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and grand domes. (Note: Entry may be restricted during Friday prayers.)

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

🏰 Topkapi Palace – Step into the world of Ottoman sultans as you explore their grand palace, filled with ancient treasures, sacred relics, and lavish gardens. Visit the Sultan’s private rooms, Imperial Harem, and panoramic terraces with views over the Bosphorus Strait. (Note: Closed on Tuesdays.)

🛍️ Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar Tour:
🛒 Grand Bazaar (Kapalıcarsi) – One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling:
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 sensory overload of spices, Turkish delights, teas, and coffees. Enjoy the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents as you browse through local delicacies.

💡 Our Recommendation:
After the official tour ends, we recommend taking extra time to explore the Spice Bazaar at your own pace. Stroll through the market, sip on authentic Turkish tea, or indulge in sweet baklava and traditional Turkish coffee.

📝 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 marks the end of your 9-day journey through Turkey, where you’ve explored ancient cities, breathtaking landscapes, Mediterranean cruises, and vibrant bazaars.

✈️ Departure & Onward Travel Assistance
If you require additional travel arrangements, we’re happy to assist with:
✔️ Airport Transfers – We can arrange transport to:
Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
✔️ Extended Stays & Additional Tours – If you’d like to continue exploring Turkey, we can help with:
Day trips to Troy, Bursa, or Princes’ Islands.
Domestic flights, private transfers, or bus tickets.
✔️ Local Recommendations – If you have extra time in Istanbul, we can suggest:
A relaxing hammam (Turkish bath) experience.
A sunset Bosphorus dinner cruise.
A hidden gem café or rooftop restaurant for your final meal in Turkey.

🙏 Thank You for Traveling with Us!
We hope you had an amazing experience in Turkey and created unforgettable memories. Safe travels ✈️😊