Gulet Cruise, Pamukkale & Cappadocia to Istanbul – 12 Days

The gulet sets off early for Aquarium Bay, where breakfast is followed by a swim. Further south you reach Kaş, a former fishing village with Lycian, Roman and Ottoman layers. Its harbour and marble-paved streets, some 2,400 years old, are lined with jewellery and craft shops, and the ancient theatre just outside town looks out over the sea. Kaş is Turkey's best-known diving area, with more than 40 dive sites; scuba diving for beginners and certified divers is optional (€90, book in advance). The day ends at anchor in Kocakarı Bay near Kekova. Meals: breakfast, lunch, 5 o'clock tea, fruit platters, dinner. Overnight: on the gulet.

After breakfast the gulet slowly passes the Sunken City, where walls and harbour remains about 2,400 years old lie just below the surface. You then go ashore at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, a village of fewer than 50 houses that can only be reached by boat or on foot. Walk between Lycian sarcophagi and bougainvillaea, climb to Simena Castle for the view over the bay (entrance €4, covered by the Museum Pass) and try the village's homemade dried-fig ice cream. The afternoon is for swimming in quiet Gökkaya Bay. At night you can take a boat to the Smugglers Inn, a rustic island bar with music under the stars (optional). Meals: breakfast, lunch, 5 o'clock tea, fruit platters, dinner. Overnight: on the gulet.

A morning swim and breakfast come before the cruise to Çayağzı harbour at Demre. From there the gulet visits Karemlik, known as Turtle Bay, to look for Caretta caretta sea turtles and snorkel; you can also browse the Demre market or drink Turkish tea in a local café. In the afternoon you sail back past the Sunken City to Kaleköy, where you can paddleboard or look at the Lycian tombs that rise straight out of the water. The night is spent again in Gökkaya Bay, a turtle breeding ground, with a second chance to visit the Smugglers Inn. Meals: breakfast, lunch, 5 o'clock tea, fruit platters, dinner. Overnight: on the gulet.

Today starts in Limanağzı Bay, a green inlet with clear water and a few beach restaurants, ideal for a long swim. The gulet then returns to Kaş for shopping or a coffee by the harbour. A short walk takes you to the Antiphellos theatre, and the small Küçük Çakıl beach is close by for a quick dip. Divers get a second chance for an optional scuba dive (€90). Swimming and dinner are at Fırnaz Bay, also called Aquarium Bay. Meals: breakfast, lunch, 5 o'clock tea, fruit platters, dinner. Overnight: on the gulet.

You wake up in Butterfly Valley, between high cliffs, with time to swim or hike to the hidden waterfall. The gulet then moves to the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, known for its calm turquoise water and white sandbar. If you skipped it earlier, tandem paragliding is offered again (€189, book in advance). In the evening you anchor at St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island) and explore its early Christian ruins and chapels, then climb to Sunset Point for a wide view over the sea. Meals: breakfast, lunch, 5 o'clock tea, fruit platters, dinner. Overnight: on the gulet.

The last morning on board is slow and relaxed. After breakfast the gulet sails to Samanlık Bay for a final swim. Around noon the gulet docks at Fethiye Harbour and you are transferred to your hotel; the rest of the day is free. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Fethiye.

The bus heads inland to Saklıkent Gorge, one of the longest and most impressive canyons in Turkey. Ice-cold water runs between steep rock walls, and you can walk into the gorge, cool off in the water or try river tubing (optional). The journey then continues to Pamukkale for the night. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Pamukkale.

In the morning you visit Pamukkale, the 'cotton castle', where warm spring water has built white terraces of carbonate minerals over thousands of years. You can walk the terraces and bathe in the thermal pools. After the visit the bus crosses central Anatolia, through small towns and villages, to Cappadocia. After check-in the evening is free. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Cappadocia.

Early risers can take an optional sunrise hot air balloon flight over the fairy chimneys; otherwise the day begins with a relaxed breakfast. The guided tour covers the Göreme Open-Air Museum, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar and Çavuşin. In the afternoon you visit local workshops to see traditional crafts being made. An optional Turkish night with music and dance is offered in the evening. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Cappadocia.

The morning visit is to Derinkuyu, an underground city with a church, wells, food stores and stables reaching about 60 metres below the surface. The route north stops at Tuz Gölü, the Salt Lake, whose crust looks white or pink depending on the season and which is an important stop for migrating birds. The bus then continues to Istanbul, arriving late in the evening. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Istanbul.

After breakfast you check out of the hotel and say goodbye to the group. The tour ends in Istanbul. Meals: breakfast.