DISCOVER TURKEY BY LAND AND SEA
Lycia & Pamphylia
11 nights, 12 days with 6 nights on a deluxe gulet
A large part of Turkeys southern coast remains one of the unspoiled glories of the Aegean and the Mediterranean. This journey is one of exploration, rest and relaxation while experiencing and living history. Led by specialists in their field and augmented by input from other experts, this tour affords us the unique opportunity to see and explore Anatolia from both a land and see perspective. It also offers you the chance to experience life on a luxury gulet! Each day will present a new discovery as we explore the dazzling ruins of Lycian and Pamphylian cities along with remote fishing villages along the shore. There will be leisure time each day to hike to unexplored ruins, swim in the crystal clear water of the Western Mediterranean, or simply snooze on deck.
Day One: Depart Toronto on your overnight flight to Istanbul. Dinner and breakfast onboard.
Day Two: Upon arrival you will be met by your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be for rest and relaxation before dinner and the opportunity to get to know your small group of traveling companions. (D) Overnight - Istanbul
Day Three: After breakfast you will take the short flight to Dalaman Airport on the Mediterranean coast and then a short drive of 30 minutes to Gocek where you will board your gulet. New friendships deepen with a welcome drink and an exploration of your vessel. The boats chef will prepare all meals onboard. You will begin your journey to explore the famous 12 islands, one of which is Cleopatra’s island. (B,L,D) Overnight - Onboard
Day Four: “Fethiye”, a modern town built over ancient Telmessos, has the best harbor in Lycia and is protected by 12 isles. Towering over the city are the tombs cut over 2000 years ago from living rock. You will visit the tomb of Aminats, who once ruled here, then drive high up into the pine forests to see the isolated site of Tlos. Another anchor at Gemile Island, an important trading port during the Byzantine period. The remains of the ancient city completely cover this small island and are visible beneath the water’s surface along the shore. As you climb to the summit, you will pass the ruins of churches, small chapels, tombs and sarcophagi, while walking along an immensely covered walkway leading to the Byzantine basilica that once dominated the city. (B,L,D) Overnight - Onboard
Day Five: Today your gulet takes you to the charming fishing village of Kalkan from where you travel by minibus to two important cities of the Lycian federation. In Xanthos, you view the fine theatre, dominated by carved tombs. At the close of the 4th century B.C. nearby Patara became the capital of the Lycian Federation. Over the years, however, its once-bustling port was completely silted in and during those long centuries of neglect magnificent buildings were covered by the blowing sand. For the past several years, however, Turkish archaeologists have been excavating here and they are restoring the city to its former grandeur. Excavations so far show that the city was much more important than originally thought. The archaeologists have found a colonnaded street that is even wider than the one at Ephesus. Also uncovered are four Roman bath complexes, five Byzantine churches, incised stones with inscriptions telling of the distances to other Lycian cities, and a map created in stone. You will gain an insiders view of the work being done here as you have the opportunity to walk through the ruins with a key member of the archaeological staff. (B,L,D) Overnight - Onboard .
Day Six: The harbour of the picturesque village of Kas is full of colorful fishing boats. Founded on the ruins of the Lycian city, Antiphellus, today’s modern buildings are scattered among the ancient rock-cut tombs and sarcophagi. Today you will have time to visit the ancient theatre, wander in the sleepy town square, or sit down to tea in one of the shore side gardens. (B,L,D) Overnight - Onboard.
Day Seven: The Mediterranean coast here is heavily indented and full of isolated caves and islets encompassing some of Lycian’s most spectacular scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the countryside, many rising from the water in the coves. Aperlae can only be reached from the sea. It is encircled by a tall wall of perfectly carved stone blocks. Once the capital of confederation of Lycian cities, today the city stands deserted but for the herds of goats wandering among the silent ruins. The sunken ancient harbor is partially visible beneath the turquoise waters. This morning, guests on board the gulet use binoculars to get the best view of the city and take time to snorkel over the harbor buildings. (B,L,D) Overnight - Onboard.
Day Eight: This part of the coast contains some of Lycia’s more rugged scenery. Hundreds of tombs dot the hills and valleys, and castle guard the sea channels. Explore the island of Kekova, a national park, featuring submerged ruins still visible beneath the crystal-clear waters and view the nearby, tiny town of Simena, built on the side of a steep hill crowned by a crusader’s castle. The villagers’ homes stand on the foundations of the ancient fortress, and as we climb to the summit we walk among ancient tombs now used for storage and animal shelters. Overnight - Onboard. (B,L,D)
Day Nine: End of cruise. The rhythm of the wine-dark sea, spectacular sunsets viewed over glasses of chilled wine, and the endlessly changing coastline will form the backdrop of our memories of this cruise as this morning we bid our goodbyes to our delightful gulet. You know that you’re off to new adventures as you set off to explore the village of Demre. Here you visit the church dedicated to the 4th-century bishop, who through his good works became known as St. Nicholas - Santa Claus. You continue to Myra, where in the pre-Christian era Lycians carved a huge necropolis of tombs in the cliff-face. Next an exploration of the remote city of Arykanda, set on a pine-forested slope high in the Taurus Mountains. From its perch this truly magnificent city could control the ancient trade routes. Built of huge stone blocks, many of the monumental buildings still stand and contain remnants of intricate mosaic floors that remain visible even today. You visit a fascinating mountain village before driving to your 5 star hotel in Antalya. Overnight - Antalya - Divan Antalya Tayla Hotel (B,D)
Day Ten: After your breakfast, you begin the days explorations. You travel the short distance to Perge, the city founded by Greek settlers following the Trojan War. Here you can explore the great theatre, stadium, enormous Hellenistic and Roman gates as well as a colonnaded street. You end the day at the Antalya Archaeological Museum and its newly opened Perge Hall. The museum was declared a European Museum of the Year in 1988. Our group of friends sits down to a fine dinner at an exclusive restaurant. Overnight - Antalya - Divan Antalya Tayla Hotel (B,D)
Day Eleven: This morning after breakfast, you will begin your drive high up into the mountains of Pisidia until you come to the site of ancient Sagalassos. Far off the main tourist routes, Sagalassos has been extensively excavated in recent years by a team of Dutch archaeologists. Now visible are a library with mosaic flooring, temples, baths and the domestic houses of what was once the largest city in Pisidia. As impressive as the ruins, however, are the breathtaking views from 5,000 feet up into the mountains. You return to Antalya for this afternoon’s walking tour of the kaleici (inner city/old city). This walk gives you the opportunity to study both the Ottoman and Roman architecture. This picturesque quarter of Antalya has won several national and international awards for its recent renovation. The charm of the ancient Roman and later Ottoman architectural styles has been carefully preserved, with outdoor cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops still housed in the old buildings along the twisted streets. You will see a beautifully decorated triple-arched monumental Roman Gate built into the city wall to celebrate Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130 A.D. as well as the Karatay Medrese, ( theological college ) that exemplifies the best of Selcuk stone carvings. You will also visit the elegant fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque, the 19th century Iskele Mosque built of cut stone, set on four pillars over a natural spring, and the wonderful Kaleici Museum. This will offer you a glimpse of Turkish life as it was lived in 19th century Antalya. Your farewell dinner is at one of Antalya’s well known restaurants. Overnight - Antalya - Divan Antalya Tayla Hotel. (B,D)
Day Twelve: After breakfast you will fly to Istanbul and will be transferred to the International terminal for your departure back home. (B)
Bowing to nature - you must remember that your itinerary aboard the yacht is dependent upon the weather.
Please Note: This tour is based on an easy boat travel, but the itinerary also involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear this therefore essential! It should be pointed out that the tour might not be suitable for passengers who require assistance or who have difficulty with mobility. To enjoy this tour to the fullest you should enjoy hiking, good local food and cultural interaction
Trip limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
Price:
$5725 USD based on double occupancy ( land only )
$ 987 USD single supplement
INCLUSIONS:
- Specialist leadership & contributions of academics from local universities & museum curators
- 6 nights on a luxurious gulet based on all meals and local drinks
- Traditionally authentic, special category hotels with local architectural ambience
- All meals as noted in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner )
- Bottled mineral water during transportation by vehicle
- All ground transportation by air conditioned modern mini-bus
- All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary and local taxes
- Domestic flight fares from Istanbul to Dalaman and Antalya to Istanbul
- Gratuities to hotel, restaurant staff and boat crews
- Meticulously prepared tour folder with maps and information to help participants get the most from their excursions.
EXCLUSIONS:
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages on the gulet
- Airport taxes
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities to the specialist leader and driver
TOUR DATES:
May 22nd - June 2nd, 2009
September 4th - 15th, 2009
THE GULET: A “gulet” is a traditional wooden Turkish yacht modified to accommodate passengers. The gulets comply with the high safety standards of the local government regulations, which are monitored thoroughly by the coast guard. Our gulet is a magnificent 38-metre vessel with 6 air-conditioned cabins beautifully finished with mahogany paneling. Each cabin has a private bathroom with a shower. There is plenty of room for relaxing and reading in the lounge or on the decks outside. A large kitchen and bar area is located towards the back of the gulet, and meals are served in a large open area at the stern. Canvas and sailcloth awnings cover the dining area and a portion of the foredeck thus providing shade for comfortable lounging.
Dress onboard is informal. The gulet carries medical kits and has a basic library covering both the classical and the more modern.
Gulets are picturesque; the sails are rarely used for power and the motor is used most of the time. The boats are quiet, and the captain will use the sails when possible.
AN ISTANBUL EXTENSION TOUR PRECEDING THIS TOUR IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL SOURCE / CONNECTION TOURS
101 Duncan Mill Road, Suite 305, Toronto, ON M3B 1Z3
Tel: 416-449-0931 Toll Free: 1-800-265-2817 Fax: 416-449-9965
email: kkettle@carlsonwagonlit.ca
www.connectiongrouptours.ca