Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be met at the airport and transferred to you hotel. You will also receive an packet of information that will be of help to you throughout your trip. Your hotel is a “boutique” property conveniently located in the city’s “old town” within walking distance to many of Istanbul’s most famous attractions. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
Day 2 – In Istanbul (full day tour)
After breakfast, you begin your tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Highlights include: the Sultan Ahmet Center in the heart of the “Old City”; Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally constructed as a Christian basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian; the magnificent “Blue Mosque”, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets; the ancient Roman Hippodrome, site of chariot races and other sports events; and the illustrious Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. You will also see the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and visit the exotic “Grand Covered Bazaar”, the largest covered “souk” (bazaar) in the world. You will have some free time to wander among the tiny shops that line the Bazaar’s virtually endlessly maze of winding passageways. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)
Day 3 – To Demre (cruise embarkation)
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for a short 1 1/4 hour flight to Mediterranean resort town of Antalya. You’ll be met upon arrival and driven to the town of Demre, where you board a traditional Turkish gulet (sailboat). After being greeted by your captain and crew you, you set sail for Kekova, where you’ll view the renowned “Sunken City” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visit Simena Castle and view the rock cut tombs of the ancient Lydian civilization. Overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Cruising
This morning we set sail for Kas, where we drop anchor in a tranquil bay that’s ideal for swimming. After lunch, we disembark to visit a small nearby town, then relax and enjoy a late afternoon swim and tea aboard ship. Overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Cruising
Early this morning we sail to Butterfly Valley, where you can take an invigorating sunrise hike. If the weather permits Then we head for Olu Deniz, a small, picturesque village and beach resort at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, where you can swim, snorkel, or go fishing. Overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – To Fethiye (disembark cruise)
One more opportunity to swim in the crystal clear water of the “Turquoise Coast” before bidding your crew farewell at Fethiye. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel Ocean Blue, where you have “swim up” rooms. Overnight in Fethiye. (B)
Day 7 – Fethiye to Istanbul
Free time until you are transferred to Dalaman Airport, where you board your homeward bound flight via Istanbul. (B)