Turkey, a land overflowing with culture and history. Discover the wonders of this ancient empire with this 10-day litinerary visiting some of the most famous archaelogical sites, all reachable from the comfort of your own yacht.
DAY
1
Kusadasi to the dilek peninsular
Meet your yacht in the marina at Kuşadasi. This busy town, Turkey’s biggest cruise port, is ideally situated just over an hour from Izmir airport. Before leaving the port, stretch your legs and discover the picturesque Byzantine Fortress that is Kuşadasi Castle, a short distance from the marina.
An hour’s sail south takes you to the Dilek Peninsular, a stunning 227 km² National Park offering numerous coves and inlets where you’ll find a secluded anchorage. This hidden gem is also home to numerous hiking trails and is one of the most protected national parks in Turkey.
DAY
2
EPHESUS
After a delicious breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, once a thriving Greek and Roman city, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ephesus was once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, home to over 250,000 inhabitants and the 4th largest city in the Empire after Rome, Alexandria and Antioche.
Having undergone excavation for the last 150 years, the renovation has transformed Ephesus into the most complete classical city in Europe, and there still remains 80% of the city to be unearthed. Home to many impressive architectural structures – the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World); the Library of Celsus; the Theatre, with a capacity for 25,000; The Temple of Hadrian dating back to the 2nd century; these buildings showcase the city’s architectural prowess and reflect its importance in ancient history. Tim Morley’s most vivid memory of a visit to Ephesus is the communal loo – where folk would sit on giant communal toilet seat! Also memorable was the worlds oldest advertisement for the local hidden brothel, the carving features a small footprint, a woman, a cross, a heart and a bag of coins and directed customers to the two-storey brothel…
Close to Ephesus are two important Christian sites, Mary’s House, which is said to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, and the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, where according to Christian and Islamic legend, the cave housed seven young men who sought refuge in the cave to escape religious persecution in the 3rd Century AD. Legend has it they fell in to a centuries long slumber, protected by God, and when they awoke they discovered the world had changed. Their story has become a symbol of faith and divine protection.
After a day of discovery, meet your yacht in the late afternoon at the marina in Didim, (1.5 hour transfer). If you can bear another temple, visit the Temple of Apollo in the centre of Didum.
DAY
3
Gol Turkbuku and Mercan Adasi
An hour’s cruise takes you to a peaceful anchorage on the island of Mercan Adasi, a beautiful forested island on the Bodrum peninsular. Spend the morning discovering the on-board water toys, or just soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful island. The nearby resort town of Gol Turkbuku is a glamorous destination on the Turkish Riviera. Full of luxury hotels, beach front clubs and restaurants, this is Turkey’s answer to St Tropez. Designer boutiques and luxury shops line the streets, and it’s a popular destination for Turkey’s elite.
DAY
4
Bodrum
A cruise along in the beautiful rugged coastline of the peninsular takes you to Bodrum Town. Renowned for its magnificent Castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th Century, the castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The city also boasts the ancient ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Ancient Theatre, built into the hillside rock in the 4th century BC still hosts concerts and events throughout the summer.
For lunch, take a tour of Bodrum’s fish market where you can sample a sea to table dining experience – select your fish of choice and take it to one of the surrounding restaurants to have it cooked. For something a little more upscale, Orfoz, reputed as one of Turkey’s top fish restaurants has magnificent views over Bodrum’s eastern shores.
In the afternoon, drop anchor on the Datcha Peninsula to visit the epic ruins of Knidos. Famous for its Temple of Aphrodite, which housed a renowned statue of the goddess sculpted by Praxiteles, one of the most celebrated sculptors in ancient Greece. The city paths are well preserved and the views across the peninsula are superb.
DAY
5
Symi and Rhodes
With these two Greek islands just a few hours sail from the Turkish coastline, a stop on either island makes perfect sense. The beautiful island of Symi, surrounded by blue coves and small beaches is the perfect lunch anchorage. Your first view of Giolos, the main village, is unforgettable. The colourful neoclassical buildings and picturesque harbour where fishing boats bob up and down on crystal clear waters, is full of tavernas and cafes, the perfect place to try the islands’ famous shrimp.
The neighboring island of Rhodes, with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient ruins and impressive medieval architecture. Visit the 14th century Palace of the Grand Master built by the Knights of St John; the excellent Archaeological Museum home to Aphrodite Bathing, an exquisite sculpture from the 1st Century BC; or lose yourself in the tangle of streets that make up the Jewish Quarter. Next to this impressive old town, sits the so-called New Town of Rhodes, a mere 500 years old, a busy modern resort with a lively nightlife. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will appreciate the the variety of underwater life.- from the caves and swim throughs at Lindos, to the rich marine life on offer at Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes has plenty to offer.
DAY
6
DAYLAN
A morning sail brings you to the charming town of Daylan on the banks of the Daylan river. The important archaeological site of Kaunos, dating back to 9th century BC, is close to the town and accessible by tender. Renowned for its well-preserved ruins, a theatre, acropolis, Roman baths and 6th century church. Views over the surrounding countryside are fabulous. On your way back to your yacht, freshen up with a swim at one of Turkey’s best beaches, Iztuzu, also a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Or if mud baths appeal, head to the Sultaniye Hot Springs on the south-west shore of Lake Köyceğiz, where the bubbling mud pools can reach 39 degrees Celsius. In the evening, enjoy the views of the Kings’ Tombs of Ancient Caria, the famous Carian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the river, as the dusk approaches these rock carvings take on a magical golden glow as the sun sets.
DAY
7
Fethiye and the Turquoise Coast
Ringed by the Roman ruins of Telmessos, and offering one of the finest harbours in the region, Fethiye sits in a large bay dotted with pretty islands, offering an ideal anchorage from which to explore the surrounding region. Sadly, most of the town was destroyed in an earthquake in 1958, however you’ll find remnants of the ancient city of Telemessos, an important Roman town on the Lycian way. Throughout the town you’ll find ancient Lycian Stone Sarcophagi dating from 350BC. Worth a visit is the ruined tower of a Crusader Fortress built by the Knights of St John in the 15th Century, the Roman Theatre in the centre of town and the Tomb of Amiantus (350BC), a well preserved and iconic temple carved in to the steep rock face overlooking the town. Kayaköy, lying 9km south of Fethiye, is a ghost town of 4000-odd stone houses that made up the town of Levissi, abandoned by its population of mostly Greek Orthodox Christians in 1923 after the Turkish War of Independence. Today, the village stands as a haunting reminder of its past and with empty stone houses and churches scattered across the landscape. The town of Pinara, 1 hour from Fethiye offers some spectacular ruins. It was one of the six principle cities of the Lycian League and is known for its well- preserved rock-cut tombs, temples and theatre. Its renowned for its splendor and isolation Slightly further on from Pinara, you’ll find the two UNESCO World Heritage site towns of Xanthos and Letoön, connected by a 5km Lycian Way walking trail. Both ancient cities offer some of the finest ruins on the Lycian Way.
DAY
8
Ölüdeniz, Patara Beach and Kalkan
A morning cruise takes you past Ölüdeniz, where you can take to the skies on a paragliding adventure from the 1960m mountain top of Baba Dağ. Offering amazing views over the blue lagoon and Butterfly Valley, and on a clear day as far as Rhodes. Stop for a swim of Patara beach, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Turkey, this 18km long stretch of sand, is also a protected loggerhead turtle nesting site, and is backed by stunning dunes, and archaeological ruins including the ancient city of Patara. Anchor overnight in the picture-perfect bay of Kalkan, an upmarket resort where you can dine ashore at one of the many excellent fish restaurants.
DAY
9
Kalkan to Kaleköy and the Sunken City of Kekova
A morning cruise takes you to the island of Kekova, near the ancient city of Simena. Here you can take a kayak or paddle board to the Sunken City, an ancient Lycean settlement that was partially submerged underwater due to earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. After lunch on board, head for the secluded settlement of Kaleköy, a delightful spot and home to the ancient ruins of Simena and its hilltop fortress. Within the fortress, the ancient world’s smallest theatre is cut in to the rock, you’ll also find several temples and public baths, views of the surrounding coastline are stunning.
DAY
10
Antalya
An overnight sail brings you to the vibrant city of Antalya, founded in the 2nd Century and offering a wonderfully preserved historic centre. The ‘Kaleiçi’ (meaning within the castle), is a charming district of narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture and historical landmarks. Don’t miss the Antalya Museum, with an extensive collection of archaeological treasures from ancient civilizations that thrived in the region, including exhibits from Lycian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Take a few hours off and step back in time at Safa Hamami, an atmospheric Turkish bath that retains much of its 13th Century Selkuk architecture. Men and women bath separately and massages are available.
If you have an extra day
ISTANBUL
A trip to Turkey isn’t complete without a stay in Istanbul – a magical city where east meets west. Guaranteed to enchant, visitors are captivated by the beauty and mystique of the city. Packed full of top-drawer attractions – Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, bustling baazars and vibrant street life.
Where to Stay – our favorite is the impressive Four Seasons – located on the European bank of the Bosphorus Strait.
Aya Sofya – Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th Century, it later served as a Mosque from 1453, before being declared a museum by Atatürk 1935 and converted back to a mosque in 2020. This monument surpasses the rest thanks to its remarkable history, impressive architecture and exceptional beauty. Take a guide and follow its transformation from Cathedral to Mosque, the modification of the religious symbols is fascinating as it is ingenious. Spend some time in the square outside to hear the symphonic call to prayer between the Bue Mosque and the Aya Sofya, which echoes throughout the city.
Blue Mosque – officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it’s arguably Istanbul’s most photogenic building. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1617 – 1619 he set out to rival if not surpass the nearby Aya Sofya. His goal was achieved and today the Blue Mosque is one of the most impressive mosques in the world. Over 21,000 blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior which gives the building its unofficial name.
Topkapi Palace – for over 400 years the Topkapi Palace served as the main residence and administrative
headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, treasures, weapons and religious relics. Not to mention the colourful stories of romance, betrayal, libidinous Sultans and beautiful concubines.
Grand Baazar – one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, a treasure trove of Turkish delights.
Must visit museum – Istanbul Archaeology Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods in history including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome.
