Turkish Delights
Sailing North to Bodrum

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, your Big Journey Company representative will be waiting for you outside the Arrivals Terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. They will help you with the transfer to our hotel. We will enjoy a welcome drink together this evening at the hotel, to spend some time discussing the rest of your holiday with you Big Journey Company Tour Director and you can meet the rest of your tour group.

Today we enjoy a city tour of Istanbul, taking in some of the most spectacular sites the ancient city has to offer.
We will see the Hippodrome, once the social center of Constantinople, as it was once known. Built by the Romans in the 3rd Century AD, only fragments are left of this once grand stadium. It held 100,000 spectators for public meetings, chariot races and executions. We also visit the Blue Mosque - one of the most important temples in the world. Named for the blue Iznik tile work that decorates its interior, the Blue Mosque can be seen from all over the Sultanahmet district.
Lunch today is an opportunity to experience the best examples of the Ottoman cuisine, before continuing to explore Istanbul. We visit the dramatic and beautiful Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th Century as a secure water reservoir for the city and then explore the famous Grand Bazaar where you will be able to practice your haggling skills!

This evening, you are invited for dinner at a local restaurant where you can experience a good introduction to traditional meyhane culture as your foodie tour guide will accompany you and guide you through this experience. You will taste the famous Turkish alcoholic drink Raki with an explanation on its history, production and differences one from another. The Lion's Milk as often called, will be served with a selection of traditional mezze, seasonal fresh fish and a Turkish cheese platter to enjoy.

Today we walk in the footsteps of Sultans, exploring the Topkapi Palace and its exhibits from the Ottoman Empire, one of world history's mightiest and longest-lasting dynasties! This Islamic-run empire ruled large areas of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and North Africa for more than 600 years.

We also visit Istanbul's famous Old Spice Market where you can find a vast diversity of spices, sacks of henna and, of course, the world’s very best Turkish delight.

After lunch, we head to the Galata district for a walking tour of Istiklal Street, the most famous avenue in Istanbul and to Taksim Square with its more modern monument to the Turkish Republic.

This morning we transfer to the Istanbul Airport to fly to the coastal city of Dalaman, in the Asian part of Turkey [approx. 1hr15 flight].

Upon arrival in Dalaman, we will be transferred to Fethiye where we will board a private gulet and begin our cruise. A gulet is a traditional sailing vessel from the southwestern coast of Turkey, particularly built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. We’ll be able to anchor in secluded bays where you can enjoy swimming in the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea. Today we sail to Aga Limani where we’ll anchor overnight.

This morning, we enjoy breakfast on board as we weigh anchor and head for Aga Limani Bay. Disembarkation here will involve a dry landing on the rocky, gravel beach. Those who wish to explore further on foot can take a very rocky path leading steadily uphill for about 1 mile to a hilltop with the Roman and Byzantine ruins of ancient Lydae. Here, hikers will be rewarded for their efforts with a truly lovely view of the local coast before returning to the beach. [Approx. 45 mins’ hike each way].

We return to the boat for lunch aboard and for the opportunity for an afternoon swim at one of the nearby coves, such as Bedri Rahmi and Boynuz Buku.

We head ashore to explore the tiny town of Ekincik. Surrounded by forested hills and family-run farms, this rustic piece of paradise is the ideal place to step ashore.

We return to the gulet for lunch onboard before cruising to Dalyan. The Dalyan Delta is too shallow for our boat to enter, so local river boats will collect us to enjoy a boat cruise up the mouth of the Dalyan River to Kaunos. The ancient city of Kaunos was an important seaport and dates back to the 10 century BC! Access is on foot from the jetty, via a rocky but fairly level path going steadily upward. Our visit will take in the remains of the large theatre, Roman baths and temples to various Greek and Roman deities.

Once back aboard, we cruise to a nearby viewpoint to see the impressive Lycian tombs, carved into the cliff face above before we reach our overnight anchorage within sight of Dalyan.

Today we have the opportunity to enjoy two shore excursions. The first, is a visit to the small, secluded fishing village of Bozburun. In ancient times, Bozburun was famous for its marble quarries, but in modern times there are only about 2,000 residents and the area is now famous for its thyme honey.

Afterwards, we motor to the ancient once-fortified port of Loryma. Here we disembark at a small dock with a dry landing. You can walk up to the top of the hill (about 15 mins walk) for panoramic views of the old ruined Rhodian fortress, where visitors from the Greek island of Rhodes once built a trading town.

Today we have the opportunity to enjoy two shore excursions. The first, is a visit to the small, secluded fishing village of Bozburun. In ancient times, Bozburun was famous for its marble quarries, but in modern times there are only about 2,000 residents and the area is now famous for its thyme honey.

Afterwards, we motor to the ancient once-fortified port of Loryma. Here we disembark at a small dock with a dry landing. You can walk up to the top of the hill (about 15 mins walk) for panoramic views of the old ruined Rhodian fortress, where visitors from the Greek island of Rhodes once built a trading town.

This morning we arrive at the Ancient Greek city of Knidos. Once upon a time Praxiteles’ statue The Aphrodite of Knidos famously welcomed visitors here. The area is still occupied by many ancient remains. With its rich history and a multitude of stories to tell, the ancient city is a highlight of our day today.

Lunch back on board is followed by an afternoon at leisure for swimming, kayaking, sunbathing.

This evening, we can enjoy cocktail a party at our overnight anchorage at Palamutbuku Cove.

We bid a fond farewell to our Aegean cruise this morning and disembark for the bustling city of Bodrum.

We have a guided tour exploring the Castle of St. Peter, which dates from the time of the Crusades and now houses the Museum of Nautical Archaeology and Museum of Underwater Archaeology. We will also visit the ancient site of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The mausoleum was built by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355. It was completely destroyed by an earthquake and the ruins were then used in building of the Halicarnassus Castle.

At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Bodrum for the evening.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Selcuk for an exploration of the excavated city of Ephesus.
Settled nearly 3,000 years ago, Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Much has been done to restore the white marble streets, theatres, baths, gymnasium, market, beautifully carved library and the spectacular Terrace Houses (Villas) located on top of the hill within the City of Ephesus. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour together with our informative local guide.

After a barbeque lunch, we continue on to Izmir for our flights to Istanbul.
Upon arrival to Istanbul, we transfer to our hotel for the night, with time to freshen up before we enjoy a farewell dinner together on our last night in Turkey.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Istanbul Airport to meet the departure flights and commence your onward journey.