Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation on this meticulously crafted voyage. From the timeless grandeur of Istanbul’s imperial landmarks to the secluded bays of Turkey’s stunning Carian Coast, every day is designed to immerse you in centuries of heritage and breathtaking natural wonders.
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A Voyage Like No Other
This is more than a trip—it’s a journey through history and untouched beauty. Explore Istanbul’s palaces, mosques, and ancient cisterns, then set sail on a luxurious gulet, discovering hidden ruins, sunken cities, and pristine beaches along the Carian Coast.
For those who seek elegance, authenticity, and adventure, this journey offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Your Exclusive Luxury Journey Awaits
From Istanbul’s imperial landmarks to the secluded bays of the Carian Coast, this itinerary blends history, culture, and indulgence.
Each day brings something new—legendary sites, world-class cuisine, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether standing in Hagia Sophia, sailing past Knidos, or dining under the stars on a private gulet, every moment is unforgettable.
Below is the day-by-day itinerary, detailing the extraordinary experiences awaiting you.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul & First Impressions
Your journey begins in Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, a VIP private transfer will take you to your luxurious 4-star boutique hotel, ideally located in the heart of the historic district.
As you drive through the bustling streets of Istanbul, you’ll pass by Ottoman-era mosques, Byzantine walls, and vibrant street markets. The city’s rich history and modern energy immediately surround you—whether it’s the scent of roasted chestnuts on a street corner, the distant sound of the call to prayer, or the sight of the Bosphorus shimmering under the afternoon sun.
What to Expect on Day-1
- Arrival at Istanbul Airport, where you’ll be greeted and escorted to your private transfer.
- Check-in at your boutique hotel, a historic property blending Ottoman charm with modern comfort. (Seven Hills Palace Hotel recommended.)
- Welcome drinks and light refreshments upon arrival.
- Optional orientation walk around the Sultanahmet district, taking in the first sights of the city.
- Evening at leisure, with optional dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus.
Day 2: The Wonders of Old Istanbul
Istanbul has been the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Today, you will explore its most legendary landmarks, where each building and street tells a story spanning over 1,500 years.
The day begins with a short walk through Sultanahmet Square, the heart of historic Istanbul. Here, the city’s most iconic landmarks stand side by side, creating a breathtaking open-air museum.
What to Expect on Day 2:
- Hagia Sophia – Originally built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian, this monumental structure was the largest church in the world for nearly a thousand years before becoming an imperial mosque under the Ottomans. Inside, gilded mosaics of Christ and the Virgin Mary blend with Arabic calligraphy, representing the city’s diverse religious heritage.
- Blue Mosque – Built in 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, its six minarets and thousands of hand-painted blue İznik tiles make it one of the most stunning mosques in the world. You’ll step inside to witness the serene play of natural light filtering through 260 stained-glass windows.
- Basilica Cistern – Beneath Istanbul lies an underground world of ancient water reservoirs, the most famous being the Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th century. As you walk among the 336 marble columns, you’ll encounter the mysterious Medusa heads, believed to have been repurposed from an ancient Roman temple.
- Topkapı Palace – Once the seat of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, this sprawling palace offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the empire. Inside, you’ll see:
- Lunch at a historic Ottoman restaurant, where you’ll taste dishes once served to the sultans, including:
- Testi Kebabı – Slow-cooked meat and vegetables, sealed inside a clay pot and cracked open at your table.
- Hünkar Beğendi – Sultan’s Delight, a rich lamb stew served over creamy eggplant purée.
- Künefe – A delicious dessert of shredded phyllo dough, baked with cheese and soaked in syrup.
- Grand Bazaar – One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, home to over 4,000 shops. You’ll have time to explore the labyrinth of alleys, where vendors sell:
- Handwoven Turkish carpets
- Antique silver and gold jewelry
- Fragrant spices and Turkish delight
- Leisure time to explore the city on your own or relax at the hotel.
- Optional dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, watching Istanbul’s skyline illuminate as night falls.
Day 3: Istanbul’s Modern & Bohemian Side
Today, you’ll step away from the ancient landmarks and into Istanbul’s creative and contemporary heartbeat.
What to Expect on Day 3:
- Beyoğlu & Galata – The city’s artistic district, home to:
- Independent art galleries
- Jazz bars and live music venues
- Stylish rooftop cafés
- Galata Tower – A medieval stone tower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
- Istiklal Avenue – A bustling pedestrian street where you’ll see:
- The city’s famous red tram, a nostalgic symbol of old Istanbul.
- Street performers and musicians playing Turkish folk and jazz.
- Ferry ride to Kadıköy & Moda – A scenic journey across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city.
- Lunch at a historic lokanta.
- Sunset drinks by the Bosphorus, unwinding before the journey continues south.
Day 4: Flight to the Turquoise Coast & Pre-Cruise Serenity
What to Expect on Day 4:
- Morning private transfer to Istanbul Airport, where a VIP escort will assist with check-in.
- Domestic flight from Istanbul to Bodrum, a coastal town known for its crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, and lively marinas.
- Arrival at a handpicked 4-star boutique hotel (e.g., The Karia Hotel or a similar high-end retreat), located near the waterfront.
- Leisure time to relax, either by the hotel’s pool or on the beach.
- Evening at leisure, with optional fine dining at a seafront restaurant serving locally caught seafood and fine Turkish wines.
Day 5: Boarding Your Luxury Gulet & Sailing Into Paradise
The moment you’ve been waiting for—the beginning of your seven-day luxury gulet cruise along the Carian Coast. Today, you’ll board your traditional wooden sailing yacht, equipped with spacious cabins, an expert crew, and gourmet dining experiences.
What to Expect on Day 5:
- Morning private transfer to Bodrum Marina, where your luxury gulet awaits.
- Warm welcome by your captain and crew, followed by a briefing on the itinerary and onboard amenities.
- Sailing out of Bodrum Harbor, passing dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden coves.
- Anchoring in a secluded bay for the first swim of the journey—a perfect moment to dive into the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
- Gourmet lunch on deck, prepared by the onboard chef, featuring:
- Grilled octopus with lemon and olive oil
- Aegean-style mezes
- Freshly baked Turkish bread with olive tapenade
- Afternoon sailing along the Gulf of Gökova, where lush green hills meet the deep blue sea.
- Anchoring for the night in a private bay, enjoying a sunset dinner under the stars, complete with grilled seabass, stuffed zucchini flowers, and a selection of Turkish desserts.
Day 6: Sailing to the Ancient Ruins of Lydae & Crystal-Clear Bays
Today’s adventure combines archaeology and natural beauty, as you explore the ruins of Lydae, an ancient settlement hidden in a remote valley, accessible only by foot.
What to Expect on Day 6:
- Morning sail to Ağlımanı Bay, a breathtaking inlet surrounded by pine forests and steep cliffs.
- Guided hike to the ruins of Lydae, where Roman tombs, temple ruins, and inscribed stone slabs tell the story of an ancient civilization lost to time.
- Return to the gulet for a swim, with time to snorkel in the turquoise waters of Ağlımanı Bay.
- Lunch on deck, featuring freshly grilled fish, garden salads, and chilled white wine.
- Afternoon cruise to Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the famous Turkish painter Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, who left behind an iconic fish-shaped mural on a rock in 1974.
- Sunset cocktails on deck, followed by a candlelit dinner under the Milky Way.
Day 7: River Journey to Kaunos & The Lycian Rock Tombs
Today, you’ll leave the gulet for a scenic riverboat ride through the labyrinth of reeds on the Dalyan River, leading to one of Turkey’s most enigmatic ancient cities—Kaunos.
What to Expect on Day 7:
- Morning sail towards Iztuzu Beach (Turtle Beach), a protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
- Boat ride up the Dalyan River, passing through reed-lined channels where herons and kingfishers glide over the water.
- Arrival at the ancient city of Kaunos, where you’ll explore:
- The Great Theater, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- The Agora & Temple of Zeus, showcasing a mix of Hellenistic and Roman architecture.
- The Lycian Rock-Cut Tombs, elaborately carved into towering cliffs.
- Lunch at a riverside restaurant, enjoying freshly caught seafood while overlooking the rock-cut tombs.
• • Return to the gulet for an afternoon of swimming and relaxation in a private bay.
Day 8: Sailing to Loryma – A Hidden Fortress of the Ancient Rhodians
Today, you’ll sail west toward the rugged Bozburun Peninsula, where the fortress of Loryma stands as a testament to ancient naval power.
What to Expect on Day 8:
- Morning sail along the Bozburun coastline, with glimpses of the Greek islands of Rhodes and Symi.
- Guided exploration of Loryma, a Rhodian fortress dating back to 300 BC, perched high above a deep natural harbor.
- Afternoon picnic in a secluded cove, where you can enjoy Turkish pastries, olives, and local cheeses.
- Leisure time for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding in the calm bay.
Day 9: Wine Tasting & The Seaside Charm of Datça
The Datça Peninsula is one of Turkey’s most picturesque coastal regions, famous for its ancient vineyards, whitewashed villages, and unspoiled beaches. Today is a day of slow travel, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste locally produced wines, explore the town’s quaint old streets, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the sea.
What to Expect on Day 9:
- Morning sail toward Datça, passing through narrow inlets and rugged cliffs that plunge into the deep blue sea.
- Arrival at a boutique winery, where you’ll learn about the 2,000-year-old winemaking tradition of the region and taste:
- Aged Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot blends.
- Öküzgözü & Boğazkere, Turkey’s native grape varieties.
- Light, crisp whites made from Sultaniye grapes.
- Lunch at a traditional lokanta, sampling dishes like:
- Stuffed vine leaves with lemon yogurt.
- Grilled sea bream with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Handmade baklava, served with pistachios from Gaziantep.
- Free time to explore Datça’s Old Town, where cobblestone streets, vibrant bougainvillea, and artisan shops create an idyllic setting.
- Evening sail to a remote cove, anchoring in total silence for a moonlit swim under the stars.
Day 10: Knidos – A Legendary Port City of the Ancient World
Knidos, located at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, was one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Mediterranean. Known for its majestic twin harbors, grand temples, and monumental sculptures, Knidos was a hub for art, philosophy, and trade.
What to Expect on Day 10:
- Morning arrival at Knidos, where you’ll step onto a site once home to:
- The Temple of Aphrodite, where a world-famous statue by Praxiteles once stood.
- The Grand Theater, a perfectly preserved amphitheater carved into the hillside.
- The Western and Eastern Harbors, which protected Knidos’ fleet from Aegean storms.
- Guided tour of the ruins, followed by free time to walk through ancient colonnaded streets, marble staircases, and the remains of Roman baths.
- Afternoon swim in the pristine bay, where the ruins of ancient breakwaters lie beneath the waves.
- Farewell dinner on board, celebrating the last night on the gulet with a menu featuring:
- Grilled lamb with Anatolian spices.
- A selection of Turkish mezes paired with local wines.
- Fresh figs, honey, and kaymak (clotted cream) for dessert.
Day 11: Return to Bodrum & Exploring the Ancient Wonder of Halicarnassus
The final morning on the gulet brings us back to Bodrum, marking the end of the Carian Coast voyage.
What to Expect on Day 11:
- Disembarkation in Bodrum, with a private transfer to the town center.
- Visit to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where the remains of an immense tomb built for King Mausolus still stand.
- Exploration of Bodrum Castle, a 15th-century Crusader fortress that now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, featuring shipwreck treasures from the Bronze Age.
- Final afternoon at leisure, with time for:
- Strolling through the town’s boutique shops, art galleries, and harborside cafés.
- Enjoying a relaxed seaside lunch with a view of the Aegean’s dazzling blue waters.
- Evening flight back to Istanbul, where you’ll check into your boutique hotel for a final two nights in the city.
Day 12: A Deep Dive into Istanbul with The Other Tour
After returning to Istanbul, today’s experience will take you far beyond the tourist trails, offering a full-day cultural immersion into the real soul of the city.
What to Expect on Day 12:
- Exploring a vibrant local market, where vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade textiles.
- Lunch at a small family-run eatery.
- A game of backgammon or Okey with locals, learning about Turkey’s most beloved social pastime.
- Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, sailing past Ottoman mansions, palaces, and iconic bridges.
- Dinner at a handpicked local restaurant, enjoying a curated tasting menu of Istanbul’s most beloved dishes.
Day 13: Istanbul’s Waterways & Hidden History
What to Expect on Day 13:
- Walk along the Valens Aqueduct, a 4th-century Byzantine engineering masterpiece.
- Visit to the hidden Kırkçeşme Water System, where Ottoman reservoirs and tunnels once supplied the entire city with water.
- Excursion to Belgrade Forest, where Ottoman engineers constructed elaborate water supply systems for the empire.
- Extended Turkish hammam experience at Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, an authentic 16th-century bathhouse designed by Mimar Sinan.
- Final dinner at a traditional meyhane.
Day 14: Departure & Farewell
Your journey concludes with a private VIP transfer to Istanbul Airport, where you’ll be assisted with luggage and check-in.
Optional Activities Before Departure
- A visit to Pierre Loti Hill, for panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
- A stop at the Spice Bazaar, for last-minute shopping, featuring saffron, Turkish delight, and handmade ceramics.
Looking for a private professional tour guide in Istanbul? Basilica Cistern is best enjoyed with a great guide.
Important Notes
- Luxury Accommodations & Services: This journey is designed for those who seek exclusivity and comfort. Each hotel, transfer, and experience is carefully curated to provide the highest standard of service and authenticity.
- Private & Small Group Experience: This is not a standard group tour. All activities are private or in intimate groups, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.
- Expert-Led Historical & Cultural Exploration: Each destination includes expert-guided tours, led by historians, archaeologists, and experienced local guides, ensuring deep insights into Turkey’s rich past and present.
- Culinary & Gastronomic Focus: This itinerary includes hand-selected dining experiences, ranging from Ottoman imperial cuisine to freshly prepared dishes aboard the gulet, ensuring a true taste of Turkish culinary heritage.
- Fully Tailored Options Available: If you wish to extend your stay, modify experiences, or add special activities (e.g., private yacht cruises, exclusive museum tours, or helicopter rides over Cappadocia), these can be arranged upon request.
Included in Your Journey
- ✔ 7 nights in handpicked 4-star boutique hotels in Istanbul and Bodrum.
- ✔ 7 days/6 nights on a luxury gulet, with full-board gourmet dining, private cabins, and expert crew service.
- ✔ VIP private airport transfers for all domestic and international arrivals/departures.
- ✔ All domestic flights (Istanbul ⇄ Bodrum, Dalaman ⇄ Istanbul) in premium economy.
- ✔ Luxury private vehicle transportation for all city and historical site tours.
- ✔ Private boat transfers on the Dalyan River, for exclusive access to Kaunos and the Lycian rock tombs.
- ✔ Private expert-led guided tours in all destinations, covering Istanbul, Bodrum, and the Carian Coast.
- ✔ Full-day experience with The Other Tour, including cultural immersion, local home visits, and off-the-beaten-path explorations.
- ✔ Exclusive access to historical sites, ensuring a crowd-free experience in key locations.
- ✔ Guided archaeological tours of Knidos, Kaunos, Loryma, and Lydae, led by professional historians and licensed tour guides.
- ✔ Traditional Turkish hammam experience, including a private spa treatment at a 16th-century Ottoman bathhouse.
- ✔ Gourmet wine-tasting session in Datça, featuring regional Turkish wines, local cheese pairings, and expert sommelier guidance.
- ✔ Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, with private catering and unparalleled views of Istanbul’s skyline.
- ✔ All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included throughout the tour.
- ✔ All meals aboard the gulet, prepared by a private onboard chef.
- ✔ Traditional Turkish coffee and tea experiences, including a coffee fortune-reading session with a local expert.
- ✔ All entrance fees to historical sites, museums, and national parks.
- ✔ All harbor fees, fuel costs, and crew services for the luxury gulet cruise.
- ✔ Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage, trip cancellation, and emergency assistance.
Not Included in Your Journey
- ✘ International flights to/from Turkey (can be arranged upon request).
- ✘ Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, and additional spa treatments.
- ✘ Alcoholic beverages outside of specified wine-tasting sessions and meals.
- ✘ Additional private tours or special experiences beyond those included (can be customized upon request).
- ✘ Optional tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion).
- ✘ Any extra meals or drinks ordered beyond the set gourmet menus.
Final Call to Adventure
This is more than just a trip—it is a deep, immersive journey through Turkey’s legendary past, dynamic present, and breathtaking natural beauty. Every step of this itinerary is carefully crafted for explorers, history enthusiasts, and luxury travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Wander through Istanbul’s imperial past, uncovering Byzantine basilicas, Ottoman palaces, and hidden underground cisterns.
Sail through the untouched bays of the Carian Coast, exploring ancient ruins, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Indulge in world-class Turkish cuisine, from sultan-worthy Ottoman feasts to farm-to-table dishes along the Aegean.
- 🌍 Step into history. Feel the culture. Experience Turkey like never before.
- 🌊 Sail through forgotten maritime routes, where ancient traders and sailors once navigated.
- 🏛 Unravel the mysteries of civilizations long gone, from the lost city of Knidos to the wonders of Halicarnassus.
📩 Contact us today to reserve your place on this once-in-a-lifetime luxury voyage.
