Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), where a representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in, unwind from your flight, and begin your journey in one of the world’s most historic cities — where East meets West.
Evening at leisure to explore the lively neighborhood, try Turkish coffee, or enjoy a Bosphorus-view dinner.

Hotel Avicenna Hotel 4*
Meals N/A

After breakfast, meet your expert local guide for a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s top landmarks.

• Hagia Sophia: Once the world’s largest cathedral, this 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece later became a mosque and now stands as a symbol of unity between religions.

• Topkapı Palace: Wander through the lavish courtyards and treasuries where Ottoman sultans ruled for nearly 400 years.

• Hippodrome: Step into the heart of ancient Constantinople’s social life, where chariot races and political debates once animated the empire.

• Blue Mosque: Adorned with six minarets and 20,000 blue İznik tiles, this mosque remains one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks.

• Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in a maze of over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and spices — a shopper’s paradise for centuries.
  Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Depart early for the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of deep historical significance from World War I. Visit:

• ANZAC Cove & Lone Pine Memorial, dedicated to Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

• Chunuk Bair, a powerful New Zealand memorial overlooking the Dardanelles.
  Hear stories of bravery and sacrifice that shaped both Turkish and ANZAC national identities.
  Continue across the Dardanelles Strait to Çanakkale, then explore the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO site famous for the Trojan War and Wooden Horse legend. See the layers of Troy’s nine civilizations and imagine the mythical duels of Achilles and Hector.

After breakfast, journey to Pergamum, once a powerful Hellenistic kingdom and home to one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Explore:

• The Acropolis of Pergamum, with remains of the Altar of Zeus and ancient libraries once rivaling Alexandria’s.

• The Asklepion, an ancient medical center dedicated to the god of healing — where pioneers like Hippocrates and Galen practiced early medicine.
  Enjoy a scenic drive along the Aegean coastline, surrounded by olive groves and views of Greek islands. Arrive in Kuşadası, a charming coastal town near Ephesus.

Embark on one of the highlights of your journey — a full-day tour of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Mediterranean.

• The House of the Virgin Mary: Believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, this serene site welcomes pilgrims from around the world.

• Ancient Ephesus: Walk along the marble streets lined with temples, mosaics, and statues. See the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater that once held 25,000 spectators.

• Temple of Artemis: Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, today only ruins remain — but its historical legacy endures.
  Return to Kuşadası for an evening by the Aegean Sea.

After breakfast, drive inland to Pamukkale, a natural wonder of white travertine terraces formed by thermal springs.
Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa town with:

• Necropolis, home to over 1,200 tombs.

• Theater of Hierapolis, a remarkably preserved amphitheater.

• The Sacred Pool, where you can swim among submerged marble columns from ancient temples.
  Capture stunning photos of the gleaming “Cotton Castle” terraces before continuing to Fethiye, gateway to the Turquoise Coast.

In the afternoon, board your traditional Turkish gulet — a handcrafted wooden yacht — at Fethiye Port. After a warm welcome from the crew, sail towards Turunçpınarı Cove.
Relax on deck with a welcome drink, enjoy your first swim in the calm turquoise waters, and savor a delicious dinner prepared onboard.

Meals Breakfast, Dinner
Gulet Traditional Gulet

Wake up to the gentle sway of the boat and a hearty Turkish breakfast. Cruise to Merdivenli Cove for a refreshing swim, then sail to Cleopatra’s Bath Cove, said to be where the legendary queen bathed in mineral-rich waters.
Explore nearby ruins of an ancient monastery and enjoy an optional hike surrounded by pine forests. Swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in serene lagoons before dinner on deck under the stars.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Fruit Service, Dinner
Gulet Traditional Gulet

Cruise past scenic coves to Tershane Island, home to Byzantine ruins, then continue to Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a Turkish artist who left his mark with rock paintings.
After lunch, explore the Yassıca Islands, a collection of small, uninhabited islets perfect for swimming and kayaking. Sunset brings breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, followed by a peaceful evening on board.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Fruit Service, Dinner
Gulet Traditional Gulet

After breakfast, sail into Göcek Port, where your Blue Cruise concludes. Disembark and transfer to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, meet your driver and return to your hotel for a relaxing final night in Turkey.

Hotel Avicenna Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast before your airport transfer. Take home unforgettable memories of turquoise bays, ancient cities, and warm Anatolian hospitality.

Meals Breakfast