The Turkish Odyssey Gulet Tour
with Optional Istanbul & Cappadocia Extentions
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Private Chef
Indulge in fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine customized to your diet preferences, prepared by your onboard private chef.
Best Quality Gulets
Immerse in the authenticity of traditional design merged with modern luxury, ensuring an unforgettable nautical journey.
All Inclusive Service
Experience a truly all-inclusive journey where every detail, from handling your luggage to arranging airport transfers, is meticulously taken care of.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 57° | 58° | 64° | 68° | 76° | 85° | 92° | 90° | 85° | 88° | 64° | 58° |
| Low (°F) | 43° | 44° | 48° | 50° | 58° | 66° | 73° | 71° | 66° | 59° | 49° | 45° |
| Rain (in) | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
Highlights of the Tour
- Experience the life on board in one the finest teak wood gullets (yachts) on the Turkish Riviera with 4 crew members where you won’t need to pack your bag again until the departure date.
- Water Sports and Calm Coves: Dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters, where you can enjoy a range of water sports activities or find tranquility in the secluded and calm coves along the coastline.
- Enjoy the freshest Mediterranean gourmet meals prepared by your private chef who can accommodate all diets. Sample dishes such as stuffed vine leaves, homemade baklava, fresh seafood, grilled meats and other traditional delicacies. Take cooking classes to learn how to make these dishes yourself, so you can invite friends for a Turkish dinner when you return home.
- Visit picturesque coastal towns and villages to experience local culture and way of life. Explore narrow cobblestone streets, charming markets and squares, and experience world-famous Turkish hospitality.
- Explore fascinating ancient ruins and historical sites dating back to the Hellenistic Period. Learn about the roots of Turkish modern culture related to ancient traditions with a professional Turkish tour guide.
Optional Istanbul PRE-TOUR
Upon arrival at the Istanbul airport, get transferred to our selected hotel in the historic Sultanahmet District. After settling in, we invite you to join us for a welcome dinner with your guide. Second day, we embark on a journey through Istanbul’s remarkable history, beginning with the Hagia Sophia, which has the title of being the largest building in the world for over a thousand years and we make our way to the Blue Mosque, a testament to the grandeur of 17th-century Islamic architecture. Through the Hippodrome, the bustling center of Roman and Byzantine Constantinople, we explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Spice Market. Our third day begins with a morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Marmaris, where the next phase of our journey commences.
Inclusions: Airport transfer, Local Guide, Hotel, All Breakfast, One Lunch, Flight to Marmaris
Accommodations: Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton or Vogue Supreme
Day 1 Arrival in Marmaris
Upon arrival at Dalaman Airport, you will be greeted by name and transferred to Marmaris Marina. There, you will meet your welcoming crew and the stunning Turkish gulet, a classic wooden sailing vessel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 2 Kaunos, Ekincik
With a morning voyage we arrive at Ekincik Cove. This area is one of the last remaining habitats for loggerhead turtles to lay their eggs. After a relaxed morning and enjoying the lukewarm Mediterranean until our delightful lunch, we embark on a local boat ride through the winding waterways of the Dalyan River, where we discover the ancient harbor city of Kaunos. Amidst its Greek temples, Roman baths, and Byzantine church, we are entranced by the diverse array of birdlife that calls this region home. With a stunning view of the Carian rock tombs on the slopes above, an afternoon hike through pine forests and olive groves, will lead us back to our gullet. There, we spend the night on board, basking in the splendor of this idyllic place.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 3 Ag Limani, Lydea
This morning, we cruise across Fethiye Bay to the picturesque cove called Ag Limani (“Harbor of Nets”). After a refreshing swim, a picturesque hike will take us across a peninsula marked by the ruins of Lydae, an un-excavated site that can only be accessed by sea. This ancient Lycian outpost used to be a spiritually important landmark, but today it’s only inhabitants are nomadic Turks which are called “yoruks”. We may have the opportunity to visit with the nomads and hear their stories while tasting their organic herbal tea, before we explore the remains of a temple dedicated to Apollo. At the end of our hike, our gullet will cruise around from Ag Limani to pick us up here. After a leisurely lunch, we will have some time to relax or swim. If the winds are favorable, we will raise our sails and glide to one of many secluded coves for our overnight anchorage.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 4 Sea Gull Cove, Sunken Bath, Sarsala, Gocek Town
Begin the day with a boat ride to Sea Gull Cove, a secluded paradise boasting crystal clear waters and a giant white pebble stone art of a seagull on its beach. From here, we take a journey to the natural wonder of Sunken Bath, a hidden pool nestled amongst the rocks called “Cleopatra’s Bath”. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters before sailing to Sarsala Cove, a picturesque bay with turquoise waters. After a leisurely afternoon at Sarsala Cove and other closeby coves, set sail for Gocek Town, a charming port town rich in history and culture. Stroll through the side streets of this little town and shop from the local shops of the marina. As the day draws to a close, return to the boat for a sumptuous dinner and a restful night’s sleep, ready to continue your adventure the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 5 Gemile Island, Oludeniz, Kayakoy
After a nourishing breakfast and a refreshing morning swim, we will cruise for Gemile Island. During the latter part of the day, we embark on a trip to Kaya Koy, a former village that once housed around 3,000 Anatolian Greeks. The village has been abandoned since the 1920’s, and became a ghost town. After investigating the remnants of the village, we embark on a delightful hike, returning to our yacht moored in the secluded Soguksu Cove. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding cove and the rich flora of the riviera. We dock very close by to ancient Byzantine ruins of a 4th century monastery where we set the sun overlooking the surrounding gulf. We will spend the night at tranquil Gemile Island.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 6 Pinara, Saklıkent Gorge, Fethiye
Our day starts with an hour drive to explore the ancient site of Pınara. An important Lycian city which is located on a hill overlooking the Xanthos Valley. It is believed to have been founded in the 5th century BCE. We will spend the morning, exploring the ancient streets and marveling at the impressive remains of the theater, agora, and tombs. We will continue onto Saklıkent Gorge, for a natural wonder with towering cliffs and a rushing river. The Gorge is 12 miles long and hundreds of feet deep that carries vast volumes of snow melt every year, virtually invisible until you’re inside it. We’ll take a 2.5 miles easy but wet walk in the Canyon. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will have the opportunity to walk through the refreshing waters of the canyon and marvel at the stunning landscape. In the afternoon, we will return to our gullet , refreshed and rejuvenated after a day of exploring the wonders of the region. We will spend the evening relaxing on deck and enjoying a delicious dinner, ready to continue our adventure the following day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 7 Belen, Fethiye Town
Start your day off with a scenic short hike from Belen to Fethiye. This trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is a great way to start the day. Once we arrive in Fethiye, make our way to the local fish and fruit market. Here you will find a wide variety of fresh seafood, local fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products such as honey, spices, as well as handmade crafts. Take some time to browse the stalls and chat with the vendors to learn more about the local culture. After exploring the market, we choose our fresh seafood from the fishermen for our farewell dinner.. It’s been a full day of adventure and culture, and you can retire for the night feeling satisfied and enriched. Enjoy your cocktail and farewell dinner featuring some of the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 8 Fethiye, Goodbye Mediterranean!
After breakfast, say goodbye to our crew and transfer to Dalaman Airport (DLM). From here, you have the choice to return to Istanbul to catch your international flight back home. Alternatively, we offer the option of joining one of our customized post-tour adventures. We’re here to help create an itinerary that suits your interests and schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
What is Included?
- Deluxe traditional wooden gullet or ketch (traditional Turkish boats)
- Air-conditioned cabins with private showers and bathrooms. Mattresses, towels, and bed linen (changed three times within a week tour)
- All meals with bottled water and soft drinks as indicated: Breakfast (7 breakfast), Lunch (6 lunches), Dinner (6 dinners). Most of the meals are onboard and they are specializing in the local cuisine. While on board, meals prepared by a private chef using the freshest local Mediterranean ingredients
- Wine will be served complimentary at welcome and farewell dinners
- Professional, English-speaking guide with extensive local knowledge
- All land transfers throughout the tour including arrival and departure transfers, all by air-conditioned private vehicles
- Complete program of tours as indicated in the itinerary.
- All entrance fees, admissions, and parking fees and other scheduled events as noted in the daily itinerary
- Baggage handling
- Embarkation fees in the harbors and all local taxes
- One complimentary laundry onboard
What is Excluded?
- International and domestic airfares, airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- Individual arrival and departure transfers
- Meals not indicated in daily programs
- Alcoholic beverages during the meals
- Visa (if applicable, it can be obtained online, https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, and crew
- Personal expenses
- Travel and health insurance
My first trip with Runner Tourism was a part of small group; a twelve-day gullet cruise with a land extension to Cappadocia. For my second trip they put together a ten-day private tour to Eastern Turkey. This was hands-down the best trip of my life. I’ve done a number of guided vacations, and Cemil has been the best of the guides.
We loved the whole trip; one of the most rewarding we have ever taken. Everything ran as planned and exceeded expectations. Somehow we managed to be in the right place at the right time. The mostly boutique hotels were terrific and the food was wonderful. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
