Turkey is a crucial corner of the stage on which the history of Western Civilization has been played. The people in the Bible who left records of their activities in Turkey span the ages from Noah to Paul. In Turkey early Christianity took shape and spread until it had become the state religion of the Roman Empire by the end of the fourth century. A Biblical and cultural tour through Turkey is both a physical and a spiritual search for the genesis of early Christian communities. Travelers can gain understanding of Christian history and theology and personal inspiration by visiting the ancient Christian sites and observing local customs that are reminiscent of Biblical references. A journey through one’s own faith, seeking understanding, will enrich travelers forever.
We designed this fabulous land and sea combination to spoil you for a lifetime. After discovering the historical and cultural layers of Istanbul, we visit the extensive ruins of Ephesus, Priene, Didyma, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, and their environs. We spend six glorious days absorbing the beauty of Turkey’s serene Mediterranean coast and enjoying the relaxing pleasures of yacht life. The Turquoise Coast is an unsurpassed combination of tranquility, natural beauty, hospitable locals, al fresco food, and amazing encounters with sites of ancient splendor. Mornings and afternoons we head ashore for walks in pine-forested hills that lead us to hidden and forgotten treasures: ancient churches, castles, ruined Byzantine monasteries, Lycian tombs, and sunken cities. At night, the captain finds us a tranquil, secluded cove for our overnight anchorage. Al fresco meals are prepared daily and served on the deck while the sun is setting on the sea. After visiting the magnificent Roman sites of Perge and Aspendos we will follow the footsteps of Paul in his journeys. The lunar and surrealistic landscape of Cappadocia will be our final destination. After flying over the valleys we will visit the labyrinth of underground cities in the region.
We will absorb the historical, Biblical, and cultural heritage of Turkey while enjoying the comfort and luxury of our tour. Welcome to Turkey and world famous Turkish hospitality!
This tour is leaded & guided by Aydin Aygun.
Day 1 - Friday, May 2 - Flight Day
Depart the US on a flight to Istanbul
Day 2 - Saturday, May 3 - Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Welcome meeting and orientation walk in the Sultanahmet Square. Our welcome dinner will be in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Yasmak Sultan
Meals : Dinner (D)
Day 3 - Sunday, May 4 - Istanbul
Today explore the great ancient landmarks of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. Visit the Roman Hippodrome, the Byzantine Underground Cistern and Hagia Sophia, the religious center of the Byzantine Empire. Then continue to the Istanbul Archeological Museum, featuring many Hellenistic and Roman treasures, especially Alexander’s sarcophagus from Sidon.
Accommodation: The Yasmak Sultan
Meals : Breakfast (B), Dinner (D)
Day 4 - Monday, May 5 - Istanbul
Visit the Ottoman Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Later, take pleasure in a cruise along the Bosphorus on a private boat and then stroll through the bazaars of Istanbul, the Spice Market, and the Grand Bazaar.
Accommodation: The Yasmak Sultan
Meals : (B)
Day 5 – Tuesday, May 6 – Kusadasi
Fly to Izmir in the morning, and then a short drive to Selcuk to visit Ephesus. Explore the well-known ancient site of Ephesus and environs. Ephesus contains extensive ruins of the agora, the Library of Celsus with its imposing façade, the biggest theater, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Also tour St John's Basilica, the Selcuk Museum, and Virgin Mary's House in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Charisma Deluxe Kusadasi
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Wednesday, May 7 – Kusadasi
Enjoy free time on the waterfront of Kusadasi in the morning. Then travel through the delta of the River Meander on where ancient people once sailed. Visit the most important cities of the classical period, the Ionian cities of Prienne, Miletus, and Didyma. As the home of the renowned philosophers, these ancient cities are the best example of the Hellenistic cities. Drive back to Kusadasi in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Charisma Deluxe Kusadasi
Meals : (B, L)
Day 7 – Thursday, May 8 – Pamukkale
Drive along the River Meander and visit the ancient city of Aphrodisias, one of the most important sculpture centers of the entire Roman world. This remote site received extensive donations from Roman emperors because of the city’s association with Aphrodite. Then continue to Pamukkale where the mineral water forms the pools of white travertine, one of the most dazzling natural beauties of Turkey.
Accommodation: Richmond Hotel Pamukkale
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 8 – Friday, May 9 – Fethiye, on board
Drive along the Lycus Valley and tour the Biblical cities of Hierapolis with its extensive necropolis and then Laodicaea, one of the seven churches in Revelation. Travel through the highlands and descend from Mount Taurus to Fethiye on the Mediterranean Sea in the afternoon. Enjoy free time along the waterfront and embark on our gulet, a hand-crafted wooden boat, in Fethiye. Your experienced crew, including captain, cook, and sailors, will help with any request you may have aboard.
Accommodation: Onboard the Gulet
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 9 – Saturday, May 10 – on board, Sunken Bath Bay
After breakfast, enjoy swimming within the sheltered cove, or relax and read a book while sunning in the unrivaled tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea. Share the supreme inspiration of the sailors and passengers throughout history. Cruise around the Twelve Islands and in Sarsala Bay. Hike to Aperlea and the Roman tombs where nomads inhabit nowadays. Enjoy dinner on board under the dazzling stars of the Mediterranean.
Accommodation: Onboard the Gulet
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 10 – Sunday, May 11 – on board, Gemiler Island
Sail or cruise along the Lycian Coastline, one of the most amazing coastlines in Turkey. The Lycian turquoise coast is known for its unmatched natural beauty and fascinating ancient ruins which lie semi-submerged in the sea. The warm turquoise waters provide a beautiful contrast with the green pine trees and mountains that sweep right down the coast. Cruise to Gemiler Island by catching the cool Mediterranean breeze while enjoying a siesta or reading on the deck. Visit Gemiler Island crowned by the monasteries on the pilgrimage route from Europe. Have dinner on board in the shelter of the silhouette of the island.
Accommodation: Onboard the Gulet
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 11 – Monday, May 12 – on board, Kas
Anchor’s aweigh to Kalkan early morning before breakfast. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be ready for the early birds of our group. Visit Kalkan, a quaint town perched on a hill with narrow winding streets lined with shops and a small marina to welcome visitors, and then to Xanthos, the capitol city of the legendary Lycian people. Explore the Lycian tombs and the longest Lycian inscription, still waiting to be fully deciphered. Visit a traditional farming village on Mount Taurus for an opportunity to mingle with local villagers and sample their organic and delicious cuisine. Travel from there to the town of Kas. The coastline of this area of the Turkish Mediterranean is sublime. Once a sleepy fishing village, Kas is now a petite and picturesque resort town with a lively nightlife.
Accommodation: Onboard the Gulet
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 12 – Tuesday, May 13 – on board, Kekova
Discover how Turkish people greet Mediterranean mornings and start their day in Kas. After breakfast, cruise to the sunken city of Aperlea and snorkel above submerged ruins. Cruise or possibly sail to Kekova, a mysterious city, the origins of which are unknown. Visit the miniature village of Kale clinging to the side of a hill and only accessible by sea. Explore a Hellenistic castle used by the Crusaders and a tiny Greek theater of only seven rows. Such a small theater is an indication of the value that was placed on culture in even the smallest of the Greek cities. The villages and towns scattered along the coast are inhabited by the most hospitable and entrepreneurial people.
Accommodation: Onboard the Gulet
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 13 – Wednesday, May 14 – on board, Kekova
Spend our last day at leisure around Kekova Island and sail along the island with the proper winds. Visit Ucagiz Village and get involved in the slow, simple pace of their daily routine.
Accommodation: Onboard the Gulet
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 14 – Thursday, May 15 – Antalya
Bid farewell to the crew after our last breakfast on the gulet. Visit the ancient city of Myra for its rock-cut tombs, extensive theater, and church dedicated to St. Nicholas. Travel along the Mediterranean coastline to Antalya and tour the Archeological Museum to view exhibits of archeological findings from Perge, Aspendos, and other sites in the region.
Accommodation: Dogan Hotel
Meals : (B, L)
Day 15 – Friday, May 16 – Antalya
Enjoy an excursion to Perge, a Hellenistic city that welcomed Alexander on the way to Gordion in 333 BC. With its cascading pools, the city was bisected by the colonnaded marble street which still bears the ruts of wagon wheels. Continue to Aspendos to tour the best preserved Roman Theater, commissioned by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Stroll through the streets of the old harbor and enjoy a free afternoon in downtown Antalya.
Accommodation: Dogan Hotel
Meals : (B, L)
Day 16 – Saturday, May 17 – Cappadocia
Travel through the most spectacular and picturesque route from Antalya to Konya over Mount Taurus. Visit the Mevlana Museum, the center of the whirling dervishes in Konya and discover their humanistic theology based on love and respect for the diversity of the universe. Continue to Cappadocia along the Silk Road and visit one of the caravanserai where ancient travelers stayed overnight on their journeys. Arrive in Cappadocia and drive to our cave hotel.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 17 – Sunday, May 18 – Cappadocia
Explore the lunar and surrealistic landscape of the region with its valleys and churches. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and its churches with vivid frescoes depicting the Biblical scenes as the best example of local Byzantine art. Stroll through the fairy-chimneys of the Red and Pasabag Valleys. Visit Uchisar and Cavusin villages with their inspiring settings and dwellings.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri
Meals : (B, L)
Day 17 – Sunday, May 18 – Cappadocia
Start the day with an optional balloon trip in Cappadocia. Travel to the lesser visited sites of Cappadocia. The dramatic settlement of the Soganli Village attracts travelers to its distant beauty as well as the vibrant people of the village. Then continue to Cemil Village to enjoy a village lunch prepared in a village house. End the day by visiting the labyrinths of the Underground Cities of the region.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 19 – Tuesday, May 20 – Istanbul
Take a morning flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul visit the Kariye Museum, the church of Holy Savior in Chora. This museum houses exquisite frescoes and mosaics as some of the best examples of Byzantine art in the world. Enjoy a free afternoon of shopping and packing.
Accommodation: The Yasmak Sultan
Meals : (B, D)
Day 20 – Wednesday, May 21 – Departure
Transfer to airport for return flight to the US.
Meals : (B)
What’s included?
- Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary or similar
- Luxury traditional wooden gulet or ketch (traditional Turkish boats) with dinghy, galley, outdoor sun-bathing area, fresh water tank, waste water tank, generator (220V), refrigerator, freezer, ice machine, windsurfing and snorkeling equipment
- Air-conditioned cabins with private shower and bathroom. Mattresses, towels, and bed linens (changed once during the week)
- All meals with bottled water as indicated: B = 18 breakfasts, L = 13 lunches, D = 12 dinners. Most dinners will be in restaurants specializing in the local cuisine
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Domestic airfares and their taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle with professional tour bus driver
- Hotel and restaurant tips
- Group flight transfers
- Complete program of tours as indicated in itinerary. All entrance fees, admissions, and parking fees
- Baggage handling
- Embarkation fees in the harbor
- Tour folders with brochures and maps of Turkey
What’s excluded?
- International airfares, airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages during the meals on both land and yacht portions of the tour
- Visa (can be obtained on arrival at airport in Turkey for $20 per person)
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, and crew
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar expenses
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