Compare Sail Turkey & Greece by vs Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3.5 | Average
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 779 | $ 2,450 |
| Price Per Day | $ 97 | $ 204 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Explore the most awesome party resorts in Turkey (Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca) and in Greece (Rhodes, Kos, Symi). Spend each night in a different town. Anchor everyday on a different harbour. All you have to do is climb on board. Discover and explore the hidden & attractive sights of the agean... | Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city built in the 10th Century B.C. with an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops. |
Day 2: Bodrum, Kos
After breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and the boat. After the customs formalities are completed, we will cruise to Kos Island. You may take a quick swim in the famous Lambi Beach which is very close to Kos Harbor. Kos is one of the islands with the best night life. Nafklirou, a street full of bars, is always crowded and colorful; there is no escape from the lively vibe. We will stop at many bars and dance at many clubs to never ever forget Kos!
Day 3: Kos, Symi
Early in the morning we will cruise to Symi.Before entering into the port, take a swiming break near the island. We will anchor at Symi Port late in the afternoon. You can see the shoreline with its neo-classical houses and the peripheral districts. You are going to adore Symi Island for its pine and oak forests and unique bays. Near the port you can find very fine fish restaurants and bars. You will feel the Mediterrenean culture at its full at the famous Greek tavern of Symi, join the optional dinner for no regrets! As the night goes on the perfect coctails will wait under the stars, and the music will rise!
Day 4: Symi, Rhodes
We will cruise to Rhodes early in the morning. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The island is quite a popular holiday destination as it has one of the best-preserved and the largest European Medieval cities and has warm weather for 300 days of the year. This city, which is still surrounded by a 12 meter thick city-wall gives you the feeling of travelling back to Medieval times as you walk around its narrow, stone-paved roads. After dinner, you cannot miss the Rhodes Town night out as it never sleeps. We will crawl the famous bars and clubs of the old town together!
Day 5: Rhodes, Bozburun, Marmaris
Arrival to Bozburun and transfer to Marmaris, famous with its night life. Like a brother to Bodrum, the lively town is always active with all sorts of bars and clubs. With the natural beauty and attractive nightlife many foreigners and locals spend their summers here. With first lights of the day we will return back to the boat.
Day 6: Marmaris, Bozburun, Datca
Today we will anchor in Datca which is prized location for tourists visiting Turkey, especially by sea, because of the beauty of its many coves and larger bays… The new Datca port has a lovely atmosphere with many restaurants and bars, your guide will take you to the just right spot!
Day 7: Datca, Knidos, Karaada, Poyraz Bay, Bodrum
We will begin to cruise early in the morning to Karaada (Black Island). Breakfast and a swimming break will be at Poyraz Bay which is located on the southern side of the island. This is such a nice bay with its turquoise-blue waters. We will dock in Bodrum Harbor. Crawl the bars, roll the drinks and dance the night away! Enjoy your last night out in Bodrum, one of the best party towns in Turkey, as we launch the best farewell party all around!
Day 8: Bodrum
Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Gallipoli and Anzac Cove
Marvel at breathtaking coastal views as you make your way along the shores of the Sea of Marmara to historic Gallipoli. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought in an in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, join your group as you head from Eceabat across the sea to Çanakkale. Home to famous archaeological site, Troy, this historic destination will be your home for the night.
Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.
Breakfast
Day 3: Troy, Pergamon and Izmir
Begin your day of legends with a trip to Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be seen beside the city’s walls. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women's co-op turning recycled materials into unique items, and addressing women's employment issues. Continue on to Pergamon, once a powerful ancient Greek city, you’ll find the Asklepion temple here. A famous shrine and healing centre, it was built in honour of Asklepios, the god of medicine. After some time exploring, continue your journey to the coastal city of Izmir.
Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Ancient Ephesus and Kusadasi Relaxed Start
Start your morning with a trip to the nearby town of Selçuk. Home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, you’ll begin with an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Once here, delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Later, explore the famous site itself. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.
Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: The Pools of Pamukkale
This morning, following the winding Maender River Valley, with its twists and turns, head to a local organic farm. Once here, you’ll meet the agricultural director who will take you on a walking tour of the eco-friendly lands. You’ll have the satisfying task of picking fruits and vegetables from his fields. Delight in a mouth-watering Farm-to-Table lunch, prepared with fresh produce from the farm. Continue to Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. See the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theatre and its turquoise travertine pools. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Konya, the Whirling Dervishes and Cappadocia
Today, you’ll travel to Konya. The home of the Whirling Dervish, this city offers tradition in abundance. Noteworthy buildings line its streets, with beautiful mosques and modern buildings providing a delightful contrast. Visit the Mevlana Tekke museum, with its recognisable turquoise dome. See the Karatay Madrasa, built in 1251, before moving on to the Ince Minaret, a 13th century madrasa. Continue your journey to Urgup, an historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. You will recognise this famous area from the bright balloons that decorate its sky and the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it. Your abode for the night is the unique Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia, built in old cave dwellings. Get some rest here before your travels continue in the morning.
Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: The Underground Cities of Cappadocia Experience
Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings before moving on to the Pasabag Valley. Located on the road to Zelve, you’ll find otherworldly earth pillars here, ‘fairy chimneys’ and troglodyte dwellings. Later, visit the underground city of Özkonak, where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and caves with your Travel Director before joining a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. You’ll learn more about their unique way of living, local traditions and family life. Complementing the day’s events, dinner tonight will be accompanied by a performance of Whirling Dervishes.
Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Ankara
One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. On your way, stop off at one of the best-preserved Seljuk Caravanserais in Anatolia. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk—Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness centre at your hotel this evening.
Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara.
Breakfast
Day 9: To Istanbul
It’s time to head to Istanbul. A glorious fusion of east and west, this popular city offers something for everyone, with history, culture, modernity, delicious cuisine and of course, the friendliest of faces. Board a cruise along the Bosphorus. As you make your way from Eminönü to the Black Sea, witness the area’s beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses lining the waterfront. Your evening is at leisure, why not ask your Travel Director for suggestions on places to dine.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Breakfast
Day 10: Istanbul & the Ottoman Empire
Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque with its tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Farewell Istanbul
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
Breakfast
