Visit Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Aphrodisias and Pamukkale. Then set sail to the 12 islands. Experience Turkey at its best.
We don’t believe anything is ‘too good to be true’. If we did, this trip wouldn’t exist. It’s an unbelievably perfect mix of mind-bending historic moments, hip-shaking parties, and eye-popping beauty. You walk in the footsteps of Achilles at the ruins of Troy, get messy in mud baths, dive into the sparkly-clear bays of the Aegean Sea, and stay up way too late on-board your traditional Turkish gulet boat. Go beyond perfection and travel to Turkey on this eight-day sailing, exploring, and partying adventure.
We spend 8 days exploring Turkey. We visit Istanbul, Çanakkale, Selçuk, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Gulf of Fethiye.
What Is Included...
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Your legendary Busabout guide
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Your fantastic local driver
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7 nights’ accommodation
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7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
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All coach transport
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Guided Gallipoli tour
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Orientation of the site of Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Aphrodisias
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Entrance fees to Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Aphrodisias and Pamukkale
Trip Highlights
- Experience ANZAC Cove
- Swim in the cotton candy tiers in Pamukkale
- Visit the ancient site of Troy
Trip Departures
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions in place globally, we will not be running any trips in 2021. Get more information on why this decision was made or see below for similar trips being run by our sister brands, Contiki and CostSaver.
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8 Day Itinerary
Turkey Aegean 8 day full itinerary breakdown and route map
Istanbul to Gallipoli to Canakkale
Yes, the day is finally here! Your Turkish adventure begins this morning as we depart Istanbul in our comfy coach and begin our journey to the moving Gallipoli peninsula. We arrive to Eceabat around lunchtime, where there’s plenty to see as the town is located near the WWI battlefield. Feel free to sample some of the local delicacies and get fuelled up with lunch ready for a comprehensive guided tour delving into the immense depths of this location's rich history. We then catch a ferry for a short trip to Canakkale. This evening, after checking into our accommodation, your fabulous Busabout guide will take you out for a delicious traditional dinner and some drinks with your fellow passengers.
Gallipoli to Troy to Pergamon to Selcuk
We make our way south to the ancient city of Troy. Upon arrival you’ll have a guided walk of the site and enjoy the tales of an ancient siege that beset these walls when the Spartan king’s wife, Helen, ran off with another man. We continue our journey along the beautiful Aegean coastline and have a lunch stop en route to Pergamon. Upon arrival we head up to the Acropolis for a guided tour and you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure. Make the most of this time, as it’s not every day you get to stand in the ruins of a site so old it’s mentioned in the Book of Revelation! - Breakfast included
Selcuk to Ephesus to Kusadasi to Selcuk
Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast this morning before departing on a half-day tour to Ephesus. Ephesus is an ancient Greco-Roman city that your guide will help bring to life on an orientation walk of the area. Soak up your surroundings and make the most of this truly once in a lifetime experience and the rich history on offer. This afternoon you have the option to visit a local hammam, or Turkish bath. Don't forget to wash behind your ears! This evening your fantastic Busabout guide will accompany you into the resort town of Kusadasi for a delicious dinner and some drinks in a gorgeous coastal setting, before a short drive back to our accommodations in Selcuk. - Breakfast included
Selcuk to Pamukkale
This morning we begin our journey inland towards our next stop, Aphrodisias! We arrive at the ancient Greco-Roman city whose name was dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Your guide will take you around and show you the highlights, like the columns of Aphrodite’s Temple, the massive stadium, the Monumental Gates, and the Odeon. Afterwards, we enjoy a delicious local lunch and depart onwards to the breathtaking Pamukkale. On arrival your Busabout guide will take you on an orientation walk and up to the viewpoint. Pamukkale, or “cotton castle”, is known as such due to the layers of white travertine deposits caused by the springs. Have a revitalizing swim in the mineral-rich waters and grab a bite to eat in these enchanting surroundings. - Breakfast included
Pamukkale to Fethiye
Today we make tracks to the stunning coastal city of Fethiye, where we’ll arrive just in time for you to grab a delicious local lunch and explore this fascinating spot. Visit the ancient Lycian tombs, do some souvenir shopping, or relax in one of the many charming local cafes. Later this afternoon we check into our traditional Turkish gulet and begin our adventure at sea as we hoist anchor and set sail for Samanlik Bay. This evening we enjoy a dinner out to sea, so take in the scenery under the stars and prepare for a day of island hopping to come. - Breakfast and dinner included
12 Islands
It’s time to hoist anchor and plot a course for Yassica Island, which is a great location for some secluded swimming and snorkelling! Get your water wings on and make a splash. After our swim stop, we’ll go explore Cleopatra’s Bath and have an optional hike to see some spectacular views over the bay. Spend the rest of the day on-board relaxing, swimming and soaking up the sun. Enjoy a delicious dinner on-board tonight before joining us for an evening of fun and games. - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Firnaz Bay to Fethiye
Today we make our way to Red Island for another spectacular swim stop, and to do a little exploring. After lunch we make port in Fethiye with plenty of time to check out the buzzing town in the afternoon. Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner on-board the gulet before heading out to explore the city’s eclectic nightlife. Let’s make the most of our last night together! (B, L, D) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Fethiye
Check-out is after breakfast. We hope to see you again, and if you would like to continue exploring Turkey with us, join our Turkey Cappadocia Adventure! - Breakfast included