Perhaps no trip in the GeoEx roster inspires as much loyalty and enthusiasm as Sailing the Sapphire Seas. Our Turkish mavens Kristina Tuohey and Carey Graeff sum up its charms: “A revelation, a fantastic combination of history, culture, and sheer beauty, not to mention abundant rest and relaxation . . . and we can’t even begin to describe the food served on board!”

We could elaborate endlessly on why choosing GeoEx for a Turkish outing is a brilliant idea, but for now, let’s begin in Istanbul, “alone and tremendous,” Sacheverell Sitwell wrote, “a sensational revelation . . . no water city can compare to it.” From the capital of Byzantium we fly to the port of Antalya, where our gulet is waiting. We spend 10 days on board wending along the coast, making excursions to archaeological sites in mornings and evenings, when the light is best and the crowds are few, hiking to the fabled Chimaera and through pine forests to Termessos, delving into sublime Oludeniz’ hidden, forested lagoon, driving through fragrant forests and fertile valleys to the ruins of Xanthos, and visiting the lacy shoreline and partly submerged tombs at Kekova. The pace is careful and soothing, offering time to swim, snorkel, and spend velvety, secluded nights aboard the yacht. We end with visits to two of the Mediterranean’s finest ruins: Ephesus, the capital of preconsular Asia, and Aphrodisias, the latter gem not to be found, alas, on our worthy competitors’ similar itineraries.

Day 1: arrive in Istanbul • Day 2: Istanbul and Bosphorus cruise • Day 3: morning flight to Antalya, visit Aspendos and Perge, next 10 nights aboard yacht, with day excursions • Day 4: Termessos and Antalya • Day 5: sail to Phaselis, hike to Chimaera, anchorage at Porto Genovese • Day 6: Sazak Cove, Finike, and Arycanda • Day 7: Myra, Kekova Sound, Kalekoy • Day 8: snorkel over sunken ruins at Aperlea, Kas • Day 9: Kalkan and Xanthos, lunch at a mountain village • Day 10: Kalkan to Greek ghost town of Kayakoy, on to Oludeniz • Day 11: hike on Gemiler Island, afternoon hike to ancient Lydae • Day 12: motor up Dalyan River, soak in thermal mud baths, swim in Lake Koycegiz, hike to Ekincik Cove • Day 13: sail to Marmaris, drive to Kusadasi, visiting ruins of Aphrodisias en route • Day 14: Ephesus and environs • Day 15: Sirince, fly to Istanbul 16: depart Istanbul. (Note that some of our departures reverse the itinerary, beginning with Marmaris and ending with Antalya; contact us for details.)

Discover Cappadocia Extension is available for this trip

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