Istanbul, Cappadocia and Sail

With one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, Istanbul is set on two continents.
In this imposing site, Istanbul proudly preserves the invaluable legacy of its prodigious past while looking forward to a modern future. Fusion between the East and the West, past and present, Istanbul is a mythical city that the variety fascinates the traveler. Observing the sunset at the banks of the Bosphorus, you will suddenly realize why many centuries ago settlers chose to build here.

The violent eruptions of the volcanoes Erciyes and Hasan three million years ago, which covered the surrounding plateau with tuff, lava and volcanic ash, are at the origin of the strangest landscape on Earth. Undergoing erosion by wind and water, this plateau was shredded, creating monumental rock formations. Rock cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines are the result, in colours ranging from warm red and gold to cool greens and greys. "Fairy chimneys" with flat stones on the top, and cones with distorted shapes combine to embellish the landscape in a manner almost beyond the imagination of a surrealist sculptor. Cappadocia is not only a wonder of nature. Cliff openings give access to cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, monasteries and underground cities created duringthe earliest Christian era.

Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches from which the yachtsman can choose a different and always private anchorage each night. The sailing paradise of Turkey, is home of the “blue voyage”. On this idyllic cruise sail in coves and on the open seas and become one with the Nature. It is also an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea rather than from the land, a journey that carries you to the myriad archaeological remains of ancient civilisations. For those who like to be active of active, sailing in clean waters provides great opportunities for swimming, skiing, surfing and diving.
Sailing in Turkey also allows you to experience a truly enriching cultural exchange with the hospitable and gracious people of the coastal villages and towns. The temperate winds, which generally blow, from the West and Northwest make the long summers ideal for yachting and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From these parts of the turquoise coast’s unspoilt and sheltered bays, you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3000 m.
Fortunately, Turkey’s modern facilities and comfort have not overshadowed her hospitality and slower pace of life. The pleasure of yachting in Turkey coats will tempt you back again and again to explore yet another stretch of her coastline and to relive the pleasure of live at sea.

Day 1: Istanbul

Meet at the airport with our Anatolia Cultura Travel team and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Istanbul

Explore various monuments of this unique city which lies partly in Europe and partly in Asia. Visit the Blue Mosque with its magnificent interior, Basilica Cistern, and St. Sophia, one of the oldest churches in the world (6th century).

Day 3 : Istanbul and Fly to Cappadocia

Explore more of Istanbul’s highlights such as Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman rulers for 400 years.
In the evening fly to Cappadocia. Three nights in Goreme in the heart of the Cappadocia region.

Day 4 : Cappadocia

Cappadocia has a surreal landscape of very soft volcanic material, carved by water to create cones, fairy chimneys, and canyons. There are cave dwellings, underground cities and rock-cut churches, many richly decorated with frescoes. In the morning walk through the impressive landscape of Pasabagi. Do a scenic walk in the Goreme area around Cavusin. Explore the underground city of Kaymakli, a labyrinth up to 85 meters underground, dating back to the Hittite period and used as a refuge during invasions. Go to an outstanding viewpoint in Uchisar.

Day 5 : Cappadocia

Take an optional hot-air balloon flight at sunrise over the Cappadocian landscape. Further exploration of Cappadocia with a walk through the impressive landscapes of Pigeon Valley and Love Valley. See ancient cave dwellings and frescoed churches. See whirling dervishes in their trance-like ceremony.

Day 6 :  Konya

Leaving Cappadocia we travel across the Anatolian Plateau with a stop at the beautiful Ihlara Valley for a scenic walk. Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, devoted to the founder of the whirling dervishes. One night in Konya.

Day 7 :  Pamukkale

En route to Pamukkale we visit Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. It is one of the most beautifully located archeological sites in Turkey and one of the greatest Roman cities in the eastern Mediterranean. One night in Pamukkale.

Day 8 : Boat trip

Visit Pamukkale, a spectacular natural phenomenon of hot springs, natural pools, and cream-colored travertine terraces. Drive to Marmaris where we check-in ou boat.
Diner and Overnight on board.

Day 9: Marmaris , Ekincik

Leave Marmaris after your visit. Start sailing toward the village of Ekincik. Here we take a local boat trip to Dalyan and Caunos. Visit the ruins of Caunos and come back to our by using the same way.
Overnight in here.

Day 10 : Ekincik, Baba adasi, Agalimani

Navigation toward Baba adasi where we stop for the lunchbreak then go on sailing to to Agalimani bay for the night.
Here we suggest a short walk up to Lydae ruins from the Lycian period.

Day 11 : Agalimani , Bedri Rahmi, Boynuz Bükü

We have a relaxing day onboard. First stop is at the Bedri Rahmi bay : you always have the opportunity to walk around if you wish leave the boat. Then our boat stops a the Boynuz Bükğ bay for the night.

Day 12 : Boynuz bükü ; Hamam, Yassicalar

One of the highlights of the gulf is certainly the Hamam bay, called so because of the medieval bath ruins. Swimming and short walking is available. We spend the night nearby the islands called Yassicalar : nice spot for the sunset.

Day 13 : Ölüdeniz , Gemili

Leave the are to sail on to Karacaören bay. After midday meal we go sailing on ölüdeniz, where we cannot stop, but you will see the beauty of the are. Finally our boat will anchor to Gemili Island. This is famous for it St Nicholas Church (St Nicholas is know to have leaved here as bishop).

Day 14 : Fethiye

We enjoy the boat day swimming as much as possible before joining the Fethiye Harbour.

Day 15 : Returm

Drive to Dalaman airport and fly home