Turkey's Lycian Shore:
On this itinerary, you’ll spend two nights in Istanbul, visit Ephesus, and spend a full eight days and nine nights aboard a Turkish gullet. The cruise takes place along the shores of ancient Lycia. The Lycians were a fiercely independent people who settled the area around the 15th century BC. As the landscape is wild, so were the Lycians, the last peoples to be incorporated into the Roman provinces in Asia Minor. They are mentioned numerous times in various ancient histories and throughout our voyage you see remains of their civilization; mostly in the form of extravagant, grandiose tombs. In the mid-19th century, the British took many of their finest works and these may be seen in the British Museum in London in the Xanthian Room. Fortunately, there remain many on location to this day. The mystery of their civilization and the wonder of their ruins are indeed an intriguing focal point for your adventure. Day 1:
Fly USA to Istanbul. Day 2: Arrive Istanbul
Meet at designated hotel in the evening for a welcome dinner and orientation meeting. D. Day 3: Istanbul
For 16 centuries, Istanbul was the metropolis of the Eastern Mediterranean. Spend the day exploring a few of the highlights of this inexhaustibly fascinating city. ROW will include as many sites as they can, depending on the day of the week. The Topkapi Palace built in 1486 housed Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Overlooking the Sea of Marmara, where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus, the setting is ideal and it is easy to imagine Sultans spending their days and nights in this eclectic city. The Aya Sofya (Sancta Sophia) is one of the greatest domes in Christendom and was considered the architectural wonder of its time when built in 536 AD. It is reminiscent of St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. Across the Hippodrome, the towering minarets and the exquisite blue Izmik tiles that adorn it, make a visit to the Blue Mosque a must. Built for Sultan Ahmet in 1619, it is Istanbul's most famous mosque. You are encouraged to spend extra time in Istanbul to explore and appreciate its many wonders. Remote Odysseys Worldwide can arrange any extra hotel nights and provide suggestions for itineraries or arrange private guided tours of the city. B,L,D. Overnight hotel. Day 4: Istanbul - Izmir - Ephesus
After a morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir, you travel to the marvelous ruins of Ephesus, the fabulously preserved Biblical city where St. Paul and St. John lived. It takes little imagination to understand the glory of the Roman Empire and to recreate the daily lives of the people who lived here more than 2,000 years ago. Ephesus is easily one of the best-preserved cities, more astounding than even the Acropolis in Athens. After lunch, visit the rich collection of the Ephesus Museum. Hotel overnight near Ephesus. B,L,D. Day 5: Ephesus - Marmaris
This morning you’ll begin your drive to Marmaris, a bustling harbor and resort town where many of Turkey’s finest gullets are built. En route, stop and visit Priene, a significant site because it remained entirely Greek, never changed by the Romans. Continuing south, visit the remarkable Temple of Apollo at Didyma, one of the most well preserved and impressive temples in all of Asia Minor. In Marmaris, board the yacht. B,L,D. Day 6: Marmaris - Caunos
From Marmaris, travel east to the Dalyan River where you climb aboard a small fishing boat for a trip up the Dalyan River to visit the ruins of Caunos. Spectacular Lycian wall-tombs are a photographer's delight. Return to the yacht anchored in Ekincik Bay with time for a swim before dinner. B,L,D. Day 7: Caunos - Fethiye
A two-hour morning cruise to the cove of Aga Limani where you'll swim and take an optional hike to the hidden ruins of Lydae. Mid-afternoon, you'll anchor at Fethiye, a busy town that serves as the business hub for the surrounding area. You'll get a good feel for a working Turkish town, as there is a colorful food market, many shops and several mosques. Several times each day throughout Turkey, a voice sings from the tall minarets of the mosques, calling the Moslems to prayer. You'll see several famous and huge Lycian rock tombs carved into the face of the cliffs above town. They remain much as they were when first constructed during the 4th century BC. Fethiye is an excellent place to shop for kilims, carpets and gold earrings. Dinner on your own in town. B,L. Day 8: Fethiye - Pinara - Kayakoy - Yassica Island
Mid-morning, leave Fethiye and drive to a spectacular, narrow river canyon for a fresh trout lunch. After lunch, continue to Pinara, perched atop the mountains in the most spectacular setting of any Lycian city in the Xanthos valley. A massive wall of simple tombs has been carved into the cliffs, giving the look of a honeycomb. Several impressive temple tombs, as well as the remains of a temple of Aphrodite, add to the excitement of this magical ruin. From Pinara, drive to the old Greek city of Kayakoy that was deserted in the population exchange of 1923. It remains today as an eerie ghost town and graphic example of the injustice of war. Leaving Kayakoy, drive back to Fethiye to re-board the yacht for a short cruise to the Yassica islands just outside Fethiye Bay. You will have time to enjoy a nice evening swim in the beautiful anchorage. B,L,D. Day 9: Yassica Island - Gemiler Island
After breakfast, cruise or sail through small islands passing Fethiye Bay and come to Gemiler Island and its Byzantine ruins. Legend has it that in Byzantine times, there lived here a fair skinned princess who couldn't tolerate the hot sun. The people were so enamored of her that they built a covered walkway that goes from the center of the island all the way to the sea. Much of it still remains and you'll enjoy plenty of time for exploration and relaxation. There may also be opportunity for a beautiful walk through a lush pine forest for those that want, or you may enjoy lazing in the sun, reading or marveling at the beauty of this exquisite place. B,L,D. Day 10: Gemiler - Kalkan - Xanthos - Yayla - Kas
An early morning sail past the "Seven Capes," a lonely stretch of coastline with no anchorage or protection from storms. Fortunately there are no storms at this time of year but nevertheless your captain will be anxious to sail early to avoid any winds. Travel about four hours to a lovely harbor just outside the village of Kalkan where you may enjoy a swim and take an optional hike to an impressive aqueduct of Roman origin. Then you'll head into the lovely village Kalkan, where you'll stroll through steep, narrow streets of town that until 1923, were Greek. You will be met by a minibus for another fabulous road trip to the interior. Visit the spectacular Lycian and Greek/Roman ruins of Xanthos. Xanthos, the ancient capitol of Lycia, became famous in antiquity for it's great resistance to General Harpagus who attacked in the 6th century BC. Here is the famous Tomb of the Harpies whose reliefs were taken by the British in 1838. The rich and colorful history of Xanthos is brought to life by the numerous sculpted tombs found in the necropolis depicting scenes of the day. You'll enjoy a couple of hours at this extensive site.
Then, you'll continue high into the mountains to visit a small village, called a yayla and enjoy lunch in a village house. This is a trip highlight for many passengers. Afterwards, you'll return to the boat and continue roughly two hours east to Kas (pronounced Kaash). Kas is the quintessential Mediterranean fishing village. Children row small boats, practicing for the day when they too will become fishermen. Narrow streets wind among simple houses. Great restaurants, a Roman amphitheater and a tempting pastry shop are a few of the attractions of this picturesque seaside town. Dinner on your own in town. B,L. Day 11: Kas - Aperlae - Kekova
At Aperlae, snorkel in crystal waters over sunken ruins and walk among the fallen stones of this one time member of the Lycian League. Nearby, the remote area called Kekova is one of the most beautiful and interesting places along the entire southwest coast of Turkey. Here you will find two small fishing villages, which were without electricity until 1985. The village of Kale is crowned with a crusader castle, which commands a spectacular view across the bay and up to the mountains. Across the bay, visit Tersane, where you may snorkel over sunken city walls that were above water before the land tilted sometime in the past 2,000 years. B,L,D. Day 12: Exploring Kekova
More wonderful walking, swimming, sunning and exploring. Time to absorb the many wonders you've experienced. B,L,D. Day 13: Kekova - Myra - Arycanda - Finike
Travel to the town of Demre where St. Nicholas (that's jolly old St. Nick, also known as Santa Claus) was bishop in the 4th century. The church here may well be the oldest surviving church building in Turkey. Nearby, visit the ancient Roman city of Myra, which showcases a fabulous collection of Lycian tombs cut out of the cliffs above the city. Most date to the 4th century BC and many have delicate scenes in relief. The huge Roman theater used for games and animal shows are most impressive. From Myra, travel by van, climbing up a green river valley to the stunning ruins of Arycanda, stopping for lunch at a local trout restaurant, next to the cold-running river. Remote and commanding a panoramic view, Arycanda may be your favorite ruin. Return to the yacht at Finike and cruise just outside the harbor for overnight. B,L,D. Day 14: Finike - Olympos - Antalya
Depart the yacht in the morning and drive a few hours to the seaside ruin at Olympos. It reminds one of a jungle ruin and the setting is one of the most dramatic places in Turkey. Nearby, hike to a place of ancient myth.... a place where Homer's fire-breathing monster, Chimaera, once lived. The monster was part lion, part goat and part snake and was slain by the hero Bellerophon, riding the winged horse Pegasus. But its fire could never be extinguished and still issues forth on the side of Mount Phoenix. After a picnic lunch, continue to Antalya and settle into your hotel. Then, enjoy a walking tour of the old quarter of this enchanting port city. B,L,D. Overnight at hotel. Day 15: Trip Extension Option or Departure
Begin Cappadoccia extension, transfer to Antalya airport for flight to Istanbul, overnight on your own or return USA.
Istanbul - Your time in Istanbul is meant to show you the highlights of this fabulous city and "get your feet on the ground." It is recommended that you spend at least one more day there if possible and Remote Odysseys Worldwide can arrange any extra hotel nights or guides services you might desire.
Cappadocia - If you only have time to visit one other region of Turkey, this is the one you should see. With a magical moonscape set beneath two ancient volcanoes, accented by cylindrical volcanic ash columns, called "fairy chimneys" by the Turks, this area has a fascinating history. You'll visit underground towns carved over 2,000 years ago, as well as monasteries and churches carved inside the ash columns and painted with frescoes dating to the 8th century. Four-day extensions are designed to run after ROW's trips. Without exception, every one of their guests who have been to Cappadocia have said "it should not be missed!" Please make sure to ask for the Cappadocia extension itinerary if it is not included here for details. |
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