Best of Turkey by Gulet (5 Star Hotels)

Best of Turkey by Gulet (5 Star Hotels)

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Best of Turkey by Gulet (5 Star Hotels)

12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Göcek, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

TB2

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

Interests:

Cultural

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Best of Turkey by Gulet" tour, offering a blend of cultural exploration and luxurious relaxation. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Pay homage at Gallipoli, then delve into ancient history at Troy and Ephesus. Experience the stunning natural beauty of Pamukkale's travertine terraces and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, with options for a hot-air balloon ride. Enjoy a three-day gulet cruise along the turquoise coast, with stops at pristine bays and islands. Stay in 5-star accommodations and savor delicious meals, all while being guided by experienced local experts. This tour promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive Turkish adventure.

Highlights

  • Feel the beating heart of Istanbul, exploring monumental landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia.

  • Visit the shores of Gallipoli to honor the fallen during one of the greatest battles of WWI.

  • Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus and soak in the beauty of the Library of Celsus.

  • Cruise the pristine bays and turquoise waters of Fethiye on a premium gulet.

  • Walk among the cotton-like pools of travertine in Pamukkale and enjoy the magical landscape.

  • Experience Cappadocia with options for a hot-air balloon adventure and a Turkish bath.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Istanbul

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star

Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

Day 2 : Istanbul

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

Day 3 : Gallipoli

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.

Day 4 : Troy, Kusadasi

Location: Troy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.

Day 5 : Ephesus, Fethiye, Gulet, Yassi Islands

Roberto Goldone
migueldavidz
Annesha Bhowmik

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation Name: Turkish Traditional Gulet

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our first stop today is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon we will depart for Fethiye where we will embark on our traditional Turkish gulet boat and sail to amazing Yassica Islands for a swim. We will have dinner and stay overnight on our boat.

Day 6 : Gulet Cruise, Gocek Gulf, Tersane, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sunken Bath/Cleopatra

Location: Göcek

Accommodation Name: Turkish Traditional Gulet

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at Yassi Islands we will cruise to Tersane for a swimming break and lunch. We will then sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for another swimming stop. We’ll sail to yet another amazing spot at Sunken Bath area for dinner and place for our Gulet to spend a night. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay, due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath.

Day 7 : Gulet Cruise, Boncuklu Bay, Fethiye Marina

Çetin ATEŞ
Ali İlter

Location: Fethiye

Accommodation Name: Turkish Traditional Gulet

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Another day in paradise! After breakfast, we will anchor at Boncuklu Bay for our last swimming break and lunch. We will the make our way to Fethiye for you to explore its shops and buzzing atmosphere. After dinner back on the boat, get amongst Fethiye famous nightlife.

Day 8 : Fethiye Marina, Pamukkale

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Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.

Day 9 : Pamukkale, Cappadocia

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).

Day 10 : Cappadocia

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Goreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Goreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.

Day 11 : Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul

Location: Ihlara Valley

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.

Day 12 : Istanbul

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in 5-star hotels and enjoy a gulet cruise with ensuite cabins.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners during the tour.

  • Transportation

    Travel in an air-conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus.

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Receive transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.

  • Tour Guiding

    Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Gulet Cruise

    Experience a traditional Turkish Gulet Cruise for 3 days.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to various sites are not included.

  • Any flights

    Flights to and from the destination are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided and should be arranged separately.

  • Meals not stated in the itinerary

    Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional snacks are not included.

  • Tips & gestures

    Tips for guides, drivers, and other service providers are not included.

  • Country Entry Visas

    Visas required for entry into Turkey are not included.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations. Airport transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport are included on day 1.

Accommodation

Experience luxury with 5-star hotels and a traditional Turkish gulet cruise featuring ensuite cabins, ensuring comfort and elegance throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 5-star hotels and includes a 3-day traditional Turkish gulet cruise with ensuite cabins.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses for transportation.

  • Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, airport transfers are included from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.

  • What activities are included during the gulet cruise?

    During the gulet cruise, you will visit Yassica Islands, Tersane, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sunken Bath/Cleopatra Bay, and Boncuklu Bay, with opportunities for swimming and exploring.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

    No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include a Bosphorus Boat Cruise, a Turkish Bath Experience, a Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia, and a Turkish Night Show.

  • What is the significance of Gallipoli in the tour?

    Gallipoli is significant for its historical importance, especially for Australians and New Zealanders, as it was the site of a major WWI battle. The tour includes visits to ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, and Lone Pine memorial sites.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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