Istanbul Ephesus Deluxe Gulet Bodrum

Our representative will meet you at Istanbul Airport holding a sign with your name on it and transfer you to your Istanbul hotel. You are free for the rest of the day. You may explore the streets of Istanbul at your own will. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Meet at your hotel lobby at 10:00 to start the day’s tour. We will begin by visiting the Saint Sophia Museum, originally built as a church by the emperor Justinian in 532-537. It was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period before becoming a museum. Our next destination will be the Topkapı Palace, which functioned as the administrative hub of the Ottoman Empire for more than 400 years, spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Moreover, it was also the place of residence for the Sultans and their families. The exhibit showcases an exceptional array of treasures from the Ottoman Imperial Treasury, including precious jewels, diamond-encrusted daggers and swords, war armor, exquisite silver items, and Chinese porcelain. Visitors can also admire the opulent attire of sultans and their family members and sacred relics such as the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak, Hırka-i Sherif.

Please note that the Treasury and Harem sections are included in the program After the lunch break (excluded) at a local restaurant, we’ll stroll around the Hippodrome Square, where horse races, entertainment, sports, and political activities were held during the Roman and Byzantine periods. During our walk, we’ll see the Serpent Column from Delphi in Greece, the Egyptian Obelisk from Egypt, the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, and the tombs of Ottoman sultans and princes. Afterward, we will be touring the Blue Mosque, also identified as the Sultanahmet Mosque, which was constructed from 1609-1617 and recognized for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its name.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be transferred to your accommodation for your stay in the city.

Stay at Izmir

You will be greeted at Kusadasi Port or your hotel, based on your accommodation details. Our journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, driving you first to the House of the Virgin Mary, revered as a pilgrimage site by Christians worldwide and situated approximately 5 km away from Ephesus.

According to legend, Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. John, journeyed to Ephesus and chose this house to spend her final years. Pope Paul VI blessed and recognized this house as Mary’s own during his visit in 1967.

Continuing on, we arrive at the upper gate of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ancient cities in the Ionian Region, boasting a population of 250,000 at its peak. Our exploration begins with a stroll through the city, spanning approximately 4 km. Some of the major highlights of this trip include:

Ephesus Theater: The second-largest amphitheater in the world (after the Colosseum in Italy), renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Saint Paul and numerous priests preached here following the Roman Empire’s approval of Christianity.

We stop at local restaurant for lunch ( excluded )

Celsus Library: The third-largest library of ancient times, dedicated to the renowned Roman consul Celsus. Prepare to be transported back 2500 years as you marvel at its magnificent architecture, reliefs, and sculptures.

Additionally, you’ll encounter numerous remnants from various periods of the Roman Empire, including the Temple of Domitian, the Odeon, the Medical School, the Scholastica Bath (the second-largest Roman Bath in Turkey), the Love House, various Monumental Fountains (dedicated to great emperors), the Latrines (public toilet), the Commercial Agora, Curetes Street, Arcadian Street (Ephesus harbor), and the Terrace Houses (additional charge).

Accommodation in Izmir after the Ephesus Tour

In the morning, picked up from the hotel for a private transfer to join the gulet in Bodrum.

Bodrum, steeped in Bohemian allure since the early 20th century, when dissident artists and writers sought refuge in its idyllic embrace, has emerged as a haven for modern-day tourists. The formidable crusader castle, crafted by the Knights of St. John, hosts the Mediterranean’s premier underwater archaeological museum, boasting relics from what is believed to be the world’s oldest shipwreck, dating back to the Bronze Age.

Following embarkation, luxuriate in a leisurely sail to Mersincik, nestled across the bay from Gekova (20 nm), where a serene anchorage, ensconced within pine-clad shores and crystal-clear waters, beckons for an invigorating inaugural swim.

Knidos, an ancient settlement nestled at the southwestern tip of the Datca Peninsula, unveils its splendor in the bay of the erstwhile Carian city, a pivotal component of the Dorian Hexapolis. Immerse yourself in pristine waters for a refreshing swim and snorkeling adventure amidst a submerged breakwater, preceding a visit to the awe-inspiring historical enclave ashore.

Palamutbuku, a hidden gem along the Datca peninsula, boasts a quaint harbor embellished with a sprawling beachfront, complemented by a medley of eateries and boutiques vending local delicacies such as almonds, honey, and artisanal soap.

Indulge in a sumptuous luncheon and exhilarating water sports interlude at the Bay of Kalaboshi before proceeding to Datca. Nestled midway along the eponymous peninsula, Datca stands as a veritable yachting paradise, replete with scenic coves and expansive bays that epitomize the region’s allure.

Tranquil fishing hamlet of Selimiye graces a breathtaking bay just beyond Turgutkoy and Orhaniye, inviting exploration of its hilltop fortress, commanding panoramic vistas over the bay and the remnants of an ancient watchtower ensconced on a small islet within.Dirsekbuku, an eternal sanctuary of serenity, offers an idyllic overnight anchorage amidst pristine waters and verdant landscapes, setting the stage for a memorable onboard dining experience against a backdrop of pine-clad hills.

Bozburun, where tourism, fishing, sponge diving, and apiculture reign supreme, lures with its renowned thyme honey and time-honored tradition of crafting gulet yachts. Preserved in its pristine state by stringent regulations, the peninsula offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where life unfolds at a leisurely pace.

Bozukkale, once known as Loryma during the Hellenistic era, served as a bustling port city, its fortified castle walls bearing testament to its storied past. Embark on a scenic hike along the rugged terrain to behold panoramic vistas of the Greek islands of Symi and Rhodes, shrouded in the ethereal glow of dawn or dusk.

Embark on an early morning escapade in the tranquil confines of Ekincik Bay, preceding a leisurely breakfast and a riveting riverboat excursion along the reed-fringed channels of the Dalyan River delta. Behold the majestic Lycian Rock Tombs, perched high upon cliff faces overlooking the river, before relishing a delectable riverside repast in the quaint town of Dalyan.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil waters of Cleopatra’s Bath, nestled within a picturesque bay ensconced by verdant pine forests. Explore the submerged ruins in the bay’s southwestern reaches before indulging in a rejuvenating swim and snorkeling session. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself graced these shores, immortalizing the site with the remnants of a Roman Bath, a testament to its timeless allure.

On your journey to Gocek, indulge in a final morning swim in one of the nearby anchorages. Gocek, a mere 20 minutes from Dalaman Airport, stands as a convenient embarkation or disembarkation point, concluding your enchanting voyage amidst the azure waters of the Turkish Riviera.