Turkey Yachting Adventure Tour

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE: Designated local hotel in Istabul
MEETING TIME: 5.30pm
LAUNCHING POINT: Göcek
TAKE-OUT: Üçağız Village
RETURN TIME: 4pm Approx
THE LAST SUPPER: Istanbul
TRIP LENGTH: 12 days
AGE LIMIT: 8 years
BOAT TYPE: Yaselam Yacht
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Istanbul Airport (IST) (IGA)

Turkey Yachting Adventure Itinerary

On this itinerary, we start with two nights in Istanbul, visit Ephesus, and spend 7 days and 6 nights aboard our Turkish gulet, returning to Istanbul for one final night. 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 we 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 our adventure. 

Day 0: Fly to Istanbul

Fly in the day before the trip date. Because Istanbul is such a fascinating city we recommend you arrive a day or two early if possible. ROW can arrange any extra hotel nights and provide suggestions for itineraries or arrange private guided tours of the city.

• Meals Included: 0 (Travel Day)
• Accommodations: Not included

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul - Evening Orientation and Dinner

Meet your local Turkish guide at our designated local hotel in the evening for a welcome dinner and orientation meeting. Overnight accommodations in Istanbul. 

• Meals Included: Dinner
• Accommodations: Istanbul Hotel such as 10Kadikoy or similar

Day 2: Explore Istanbul

For sixteen centuries, Istanbul was the metropolis of the Eastern Mediterranean. We spend the day exploring a few of the highlights of this inexhaustibly fascinating city. We will include as many sites as we can depending on the day of the week and what is open. 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 536 AD. It is reminiscent of St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Across the Hippodrome, the towering minarets and exquisite blue Iznik 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. We encourage you to spend extra time in Istanbul to explore and appreciate its many wonders.  

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Istanbul Hotel such as 10Kadikoy or similar

Day 3: Istanbul to Izmir to Şirince Village

After a morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir, we drive about an hour to Kusadasi and the area around Ephesus. We will visit the Ephesus museum that sets the stage for understanding the history of this fabulous city. There are several other sites to visit such as the tomb of St. John, Artemission and more. In the latter afternoon we go to a cozy inn nestled in the hills by the village of Sirince. There’s time to walk in their gardens and take a swim in the pool. Later we gather for dinner at the hotel. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Sirince Village Boutique Hotel

Day 4: Ephesus and Şirince Village

Today we explore the marvelous classical site 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 of the Roman Empire, with Greek roots. A highlight is an area of ancient mosaic-floored homes where some of the wealthier inhabitants lived, as well as the library, public baths and various temples. The city lost its importance as the Kaystos river silted in and ships were no longer able to reach the port. Be prepared to walk several miles in this extensive area.

Later in the day, for those interested we will explore the nearby village.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: Sirince Village Boutique Hotel

Day 5: Ephesus and Göcek

This morning we begin our drive to Göcek, a small harbor town. As we drive south, if time allows, we stop and visit Priene, a significant site because it remained entirely Greek, never changed by the Romans. By late afternoon we board our yacht and go to a nearby cove to dip into the Mediterranean.  We enjoy our first of many feasts on board with tonight’s dinner. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: On Board the Yaselam ship

Day 6:  Göcek to Agalimani Cove

Spend the morning by cruising towards the Sunken Roman Bath Cove by exploring the coves of Göcek, snorkeling in the sunken Roman bath. After lunch we start our hike into the red pines towards Lydae, a remote Lycian site with no access by roads. Then, we continue hiking to meet our boat with spectacular views of Fethiye Bay.  

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: On Board the Yaselam ship

Day 7: Fethiye-Pinara-Kayakoy and Gemiler Island

Today is an inspiring day of history and discovery! We depart early from the yacht and drive to Pinara, perched atop the mountains in the most spectacular setting of any Lycian city in the Xanthus valley. According to Herodotus, the Lycians came to this remote coastal area in the 15th Century B.C.E., from the island of Crete. 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 we 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.  After lunch in Kayakoy we take another hike and by day’s end rejoin our yacht anchored in a remote cove. We have time to enjoy a nice evening swim in our beautiful anchorage. Time permitting we hike to Gemiler Island for sunset.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodations: On Board the Yaselam ship

Day 8: Gemiler-Kalkan-Xanthos-Yayla-Kas

A very early morning (not to worry, you can keep sleeping as the boat motors east) sail past the “Seven Capes”, a lonely stretch of coastline with no anchorage or protection from storms. Fortunately, there are typically no storms at this time of year but nevertheless our captain will be anxious to travel early to avoid any winds. We 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. We are met by a minibus for another fabulous road trip to the interior. We visit the spectacular Lycian and Greek/Roman ruins of Xanthos. Xanthos, the ancient capitol of Lycia became famous in antiquity for its great resistance to General Harpagus who attacked in the 6th century B.C. 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. We’ll enjoy a couple of hours at this extensive site.

Then, we’ll continue high into the mountains to visit a small village, called a yayla and enjoy a lunch in a village house. This is a trip highlight for many passengers. Afterwards, we drive about 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 colorful picturesque seaside town. Dinner on your own in town.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: On Board the Yaselam ship

Day 9: Kas-Aperlae-Kekova

At Aperlae, we 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 we 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 we 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.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: On Board the Yaselam ship

Day 10: Exploring Kekova

After breakfast, there is an option to sea kayak along the sunken island of Kekova. (3-4 hours). More wonderful walking, swimming, sunning and exploring. Time to absorb the many wonders you’ve experienced.  We overnight again in this delightful area.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodations: On Board the Yaselam ship

Day 11: Depart yacht in the morning and travel from Üçağız Village about 2.5 hours to the airport in Dalaman

From here we take a return flight to Istanbul.  There’s some free time to explore the city and in the evening we meet for our festive farewell dinner.

Day 12: Return Home or Extend Your Trip in Istanbul or visit Cappadocia

Today you may take a taxi to the airport (about $25-35) or the tram, for flights out. Or we highly recommend an extension to Cappadocia (see below).

*Note: Our time in Istanbul is meant to show you the highlights of this fabulous city and “get your feet on the ground.” We recommend you spend at least one more day there if possible and ROW can arrange any extra hotel nights or guide services you might desire.

Cappadocia Extension - 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 1000 years ago, as well as monasteries and churches carved inside the ash columns and painted with frescoes dating to the 8th century.  

Please Note: 4-day extensions are designed to run after our trips. Without exception, every one of our guests who have been to Cappadocia has said "it should not be missed!" Please make sure to ask for our Cappadocia extension itinerary for further details.  

Travel to Instabul, Turkey

Istanbul  Airport is big international airport with many flights coming and going from all over the world. Turkey is a beautiful place bringing together the East and the West. Wherever you are flying from, you can likely find an easy flight into Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, United, American, and British Airways all offer convenient flights to Istanbul. Some of these airlines fly direct to Istanbul from other major international airports. When you arrive in Istanbul, you will be 10 hours ahead of Pacific Time, so plan your flights accordingly.

Airport Transfer Upon Arrival

Once you arrive in Istanbul, the most convenient way to get around is by buses and trams. You can also opt to take the metro which has consistent transportation from the Istanbul Airport to downtown Istanbul. The metro is more convenient for locals as they don’t stop as close to tourists sights as the trams and other buses do, but its a great alternative for getting to and from the airport for those visiting.

Turkey Weather

Weather in May, June, September and October should be mostly sunny and warm. Expect daytime temperatures between 75-90 degrees (85-100 in July) in Turkey. Evenings may be cool enough for a light sweater. 

When To Go?

If you are interested in more specific information regarding the weather in Turkey, we highly suggest this website: wunderground. If you put in the location you are traveling, and the date, it will provide you with historical weather data that you can use to plan for your upcoming adventure.

ROW Adventures Physical Requirements  

Here at ROW Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Able to climb and descend stairs to access cabins on board the yacht
• Able to balance and walk on uneven surfaces
• If swimming, able to climb and descend a ladder from the yacht to the water

Turkey Yachting Adventure Packing List

Overview

The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are broken down by your tour type and are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Turkey, and our personal experience. We hope you find this list helpful, use it as a guide and feel free to amend it with your favorite travel items too!

On board the yacht the atmosphere is casual. In cities such as Istanbul and Antalya you might want something a little nicer. Generally women will be most comfortable in skirts or dresses below the knees as this respects local customs. Along the coast however, shorts are appropriate. On the yacht swimsuits or anything else is fine. In general, loose fitting natural fiber and cotton clothing is best as it can be washed by hand and is comfortable.  A light 50/50 cotton polyester blend is also ideal for travel.

Luggage Recomendations:

In general it is in your best interest to bring as little as possible when traveling internationally, you'll be able to be more mobile and less fatigued. So pack lightly. A good test is to take you bag for a walk around your block and see how you do. Small luggage racks with wheels are helpful too. Put out what you think you need, and then take half!  Keep in mind you can almost always buy whatever you may have forgotten.  This is especially true of clothing items. Some things, as noted below, are best brought from home.  A small day pack is very useful for carrying books, a camera, etc. Be sure to label your luggage with your name and address, inside and out. PLEASE PACK in soft luggage as storage on the yachts is limited.

Essential Items:

• Passport - must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
• Turkish Visa
• Money belt to carry your passport, travel documents and money, concealed under your clothes
• A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
• Cash for gratuities (see more information below)
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with a chip technology (Before leaving home, notify your bank of your travel to help prevent any fraud detection holds on your card)
• Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• Phone – Most people bring a phone to also use as their camera. You might want to check with your carrier about plans for Turkey
• Travel outlet adaptors compatible with European plugs

Clothing for the Yacht

• One pair of light cotton or nylon long pants
• One other comfortable pair of pants or skirt
• Two pairs of shorts
• Two or three long sleeve shirts/blouses
• Two or three t-shirts
• Swimsuit
• Light jacket and/or windbreaker
• One sweater or fleece
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat – floppy nylon is ideal as it packs well. A baseball cap & bandana also works
• Socks
• Underwear
• Sandals or flip flops, and surf shoes (aqua socks), or some kind of foot protection to be worn while swimming.
• Walking shoes or tennis shoes with good support, these should be broken in before you leave home.

Additional Gear

• Extra duffle for bringing home souveniers 
• One wide-mouth water bottle
• Water filtration system - Bringing this along will help reduce our use of single use plastic. Turkey has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your bodys system. We recomend you bring a filter such as a LifeStraw, Grayle, Steripen, or Sawyer Squeeze
• Small flashlight - useful at night to find your light switch
• Small notebook or journal with a couple pens
• Watch with alarm clock
• Extra batteries for your camera, flashlight, etc. as these are hard to find overseas
• Camera with extra SD cards
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses - Bifocal glasses are difficult for hiking in the ruins, bring a pair for reading and a pair for walking
• Ziploc bags - the larger ones are good for packing damp clothes
• Small pocket knife - pack in your checked luggage!
• Ear plugs - very helpful at night in noisy cities or aboard yacht if your neighbor snores
• Phrase book - compliments of ROW
• A book or two about the area (english paperback are hard to find and expensive. See ROW reading list below)
• Face mask and snorkel if you enjoy snorkeling
• Small day pack or fanny pack - to carry camera, books, beach stuff, etc.
• Umbrella and/or raincoat
• Neck pillow, the inflatable kind are handy for long flights
• Small battery operated fan - option but nice in cabin
• One bandana for sun protection and cooling off
• Binoculars – optional but nice for bird watching, spotting marine life, etc
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy at any travel or outdoor recreation store)

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
  • There is an electric current on yacht, not compatible with American stuff, so bring battery operated razors, etc, or a converter.
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
• Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste (Ivory or biodegradable are best*)
• General hygiene products & shaving essentials
• Biodegrable sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as an all natural option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• Medications - (Dramamine-motion sickness, Benedryl -allergic reactions. See below)
• Prescription Medications

Suggested Gratuities:

We often get asked about gratuity amounts.  We would suggest $100 per person for a gratuity to be given to the crew, and $150 - $200 per person for your guide.  Gratuities are entirely at your discretion but these are good guideline.

ROW Adventures - Turkey Recommended Reading List

Most of our trip is through the lands and water of ancient Greece.  Therefore, any of the great Greek authors are excellent traveling companions.  Homer's Iliad or Odyssey are superb and the best translation is by Lattimore.  Other choices are Herodotus' History and Thucydides' Peloponnesian War. 

The Book of Acts, in the New Testament is especially interesting as it records much of St. Paul's travels and adventures in Ephesus.

GUIDE BOOKS: There are two fine modern guides to Turkey.  For an excellent and readable narrative on the country and something to read before you go and while in Turkey, get a copy of Turkey in the Cadogan guidebook series. Lonely Planet has a great guide book - Lonely Planet Turkey. Also from Lonely Planet is a Turkish Phrasebook which you will receive compliments of ROW.

Many of the books below will be available in your local library or on Amazon in either hard or digital copy.

• Barber, Noel, The Sultans, Simon and Schuster, 1973.  A unique and fascinating record of four centuries of glory, debauchery, splendor and cruelty.  This book will add much to your enjoyment of Istanbul and the Topkapi Palace.  A must read! 
• Bean, George, Aegean Turkey, 1966; Turkey Beyond the Meander, 1971 and Lycian Turkey, 1978,
• Chase, Holly, Turkish Tapestry, Bosphorus Books, 1993.  A modern traveler offers humorous insight and lots of good tidbits about modern Turkey.
• Lord Kinross, Ataturk, The Rebirth of a Nation, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, London, 1964.  Essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the formation of the modern Republic of Turkey, as well as the reverence in which modern Turks hold the father of modern Turkey.
• Lord Kinross, Europa Minor, Morrow, NY/Johathan Cape, London, 1956.  Lord Kinross traveled was the British Consul General in Izmir around 1947-51, and traveled by yacht along Turkey's coast, as did Freya Stark (below). 
• Lord Kinross, The Ottoman Centuries, Morrow, NY/Jonathan Cape, London, 1977. The best known popular history.
• Nikos Kazantzakis - His books include: Zorba the Greek, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Greek Passion, The Odyssey-A Modern Sequel and Report to Greco. Born in 1883 he grew up in Crete during the last years of the Turkish occupation. 
• Stark, Freya, The Lycian Shore, 1956, John Murray and reprinted by Dover.  A remarkable Englishwoman who traveled extensively in Turkey and the Middle East.  Difficult reading, but excellent black and white photos. 
• Yasar Kemal, Mehmed, My Hawk and The Wind from the Plains, 1955.
• Everyday Life in Ottoman Turkey (Putnam's Sons, New York, 1971) is a good overview of life during the great days of the empire.

The Magic of Travel by Gulet - Read the first hand experience of Turkish Gulet travel by travel writer, Alison Gardner!

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