Turkish Traditional Sailing Adventure
7 Days
from
$1,225
to
$2,093
per person*
Highlights:
Turkey
(Istanbul, Fethiye)
Trip Start/End:
Istanbul
/
Istanbul
Cruise through the sparkling waters of the Aegean aboard a traditional Turkish sailing vessel! Swim and snorkel in sheltered bays, sail to secluded lagoons and explore quaint, seaside towns. Feast on fresh seafood by the shore and visit archeological ruins when you are not busy lazily taking in the sights deck side. This nautical adventure offers total immersion into the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Mediterranean Turkey. Each day you will explore a new area, enjoy a swim, hike through ancient Byzantine ruins, go shopping in port towns or anchor in a private bay to enjoy the sunset. Relax in the splendour of nature and admire the unspoiled coastal scenery. Based on a design that is centuries old, a gulet is a wooden sailing vessel handmade by the Bodrums in the southwest of Turkey. This classical two-masted sailboat typically comfortably accommodates approximately 18 passengers in 8 cabins. (Exact size of boat depends on availability at time of booking).
Book one cabin or charter the entire cruise for your family and friends. This is a unique and entertaining way of experiencing Turkey and is available from mid April until the end of October. Climb aboard a Turkish gulet and cruise the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea. Swim and snorkel in sheltered bays, sail to secluded lagoons and explore quaint, seaside towns. Feast on fresh seafood by the shore and visit coastal teahouses to meet the locals. This nautical adventure offers total immersion into the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Mediterranean Turkey.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Istanbul
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (with Assistant) - Vehicle/Assistant/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Welcome Package
- Dinner (not included)
| Sultanhan (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Istanbul
| - Private - Walking Tour - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Sultanhan (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Istanbul - Antalya - At Sea
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Istanbul - Antalya [Direct - (1 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Kemer Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Depart Demre Harbour & Pirates Cave
- Kekova & Simena - Roman vestiges & Charming fishing village
- Lunch on Board
- Afternoon Tea
- Dinner on Board
- Staff on board
- Drinks & Entrances to sites (not included)
| Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet) |
- Day 4
| - Breakfast (included)
- Cruise to Kas, Morning swim, Lunch & village visit
- Lunch on Board
- Afternoon Tea
- Dinner in Firnaz Bay
| Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet) |
- Day 5
| - Breakfast (included)
- Sunrise cruise to Butterfly Valley Natural Reserve & Oludeniz - Blue Lagoon
- Lunch on Board
- Visit Byzantine ruins on St Nicolas Island
- Afternoon Tea
- Dinner on board
| Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet) |
- Day 6
- Fethiye
| - Breakfast (included)
- Swim & Lunch in Samanlik bay
- Disembark at Fethiye harbour
- Transfer - Private - Port - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Yacht Boutique (4*)
Standard Room (Sea View) (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Fethiye
| - Transfer - Private - Port - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Fethiye - Istanbul [Direct ] - Economy
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Istanbul
Sultanhan Hotel, Istanbul
Day 1: Istanbul
Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
Accommodation: Sultanhan (4*) Boasting a wonderful location, the Sultanhan Hotel (4*) is a warm guesthouse reflecting Turkish hospitality, authentic decor and oriental east culture. Located on one of the most popular streets of Istanbul, Sultanhan Hotel is close to the tram stop and all the major attractions in the city. The hotel is within walking distance of St Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Golden Horn, Archaeology Museum, Obelisks, Suleymaniye, underground cistern and the covered Bazaar.
Blue Mosque
Day 2: Istanbul
Enjoy a full day tour of Istanbul and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Afterwards, visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour). The tour ends at your hotel.
Accommodation: Sultanhan (4*) 
Pirates Cave
Scenic View
Day 3: Istanbul - Antalya - At Sea
Airport transfer with your private car and driver.
Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Antalya . The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.
After your departure from Demre harbour in the early afternoon, you'll get to see Pirates Cave before cruising towards the sunken city of Kekova.
The sunken city of Kekova is a protected Roman archeological Site and your boat will pass close by for some viewing opportunities. From here, continue on to Simena, a traditional Turkish fishing village with no car access which boasts a Bytantine / Otoman Castle.
Enjoy afternoon tea on deck this afternoon.
Enjoy your first night onboard and have your dinner on deck as you take in your calming surroundings.
There will be either 2 or 3 staff on board - a Captain, a cook and (where applicable), another hand
Drinks are not included onboard, but can be purchased directly for a reasonable price. Entrances to various sites that are visited along the cruise are not included and can be paid for locally.
The Aegean Sea is an elongated embayment of the Mediterranean Sea located between the mainlands of Greece and Turkey respectively. In the north, it is connected to the Marmara Sea and Black Sea by the Dardanelles and Bosporus. The Aegean Islands are within the sea and some bound it on its southern periphery, including Crete and Rhodes. The Aegean Region consists of nine provinces in southwestern Turkey, in part bordering on the Aegean sea.
Accommodation: Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet) 
Kas -Turkey
Day 4:
Relax on the cruise to Kas this morning where you'll get to have a swim in a nice quiet bay in front of the little town before stopping in the harbour for lunch and a visit of this charming fishing village. Of ancient Antiphellos, as Kas was once known, only Lycian rock tombs & sarcophagi and the Roman theatre are left but the charm of the town remains!
Enjoy afternoon tea on deck thias afternoon.
Dinner this evening will be in Firnaz Bay near Kalkan.
Accommodation: Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet) 
Blue Lagoon
Day 5:
Around sunrise this morning, we'll set sail for Butterfly Valley (sea conditions permitting) where you can enjoy the surroundings as you munch on breakfast and have another opportunity to take a swim. This naturel reserve, hosts 136 kinds of different butterflies and moths. Afterwards, if the weather Gods are kind to us, we'll cruise to Öludeniz, known as The Blue Lagoon.
The last stop of the day is at St Nicholas Island where you can visit the Byzantine ruins, and have a last swim of the day.
Enjoy afternoon tea on deck this afternoon.
Enjoy your last dinner on board as you are moored by St Nicolas island. Take in the calming surroundings and settle in for an enjoyable evening.
Accommodation: Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet) 
Fethiye
Yacht Boutique Hotel
Day 6: Fethiye
After breakfast this morning, you'll get to have your last chance for a swim in Samanlik bay before lunch is served on board.
Bid adieu to your captain this afternoon as you disembark at Fethiye harbour.
Enjoy a private port transfer with your own vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Yacht Boutique (4*) Yacht Boutique Hotel (4*) is located on Fethiye Gulf, at sea side. With contemporary minimalist design and Mediterranean architecture the hotel is only 5 minutes away from downtown Fethiye. Featuring panoramic views of the marina and Fethiye Bay, this design hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Rooms are decorated in warm colours and wooden furniture. The hotel has 34 rooms, a roof restaurant which serves traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The snack bar at the pool area serves a variety of drinks and snacks.
Day 7: Fethiye
Enjoy a private port transfer with your own vehicle and driver.
Enjoy a flight from Dalaman Airport to Istanbul.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Sultanhan Hotel, Istanbul
Sultanhan (4*) - Istanbul
Boasting a wonderful location, the Sultanhan Hotel (4*) is a warm guesthouse reflecting Turkish hospitality, authentic decor and oriental east culture. Located on one of the most popular streets of Istanbul, Sultanhan Hotel is close to the tram stop and all the major attractions in the city. The hotel is within walking distance of St Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Golden Horn, Archaeology Museum, Obelisks, Suleymaniye, underground cistern and the covered Bazaar.
Traditional Gulet
Traditional Turkish Sailing boat (Gulet)
Yacht Boutique Hotel Sea View
Yacht Boutique (4*) - Fethiye
Yacht Boutique Hotel (4*) is located on Fethiye Gulf, at sea side. With contemporary minimalist design and Mediterranean architecture the hotel is only 5 minutes away from downtown Fethiye. Featuring panoramic views of the marina and Fethiye Bay, this design hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Rooms are decorated in warm colours and wooden furniture. The hotel has 34 rooms, a roof restaurant which serves traditional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The snack bar at the pool area serves a variety of drinks and snacks.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Turkey
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Currently, holders of all types of passports, if they are traveling as tourists, can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for approximately USD$20 cash. Visas san also be obtained prior to arrival for approximately $75. Processing generally takes 3 working days. Travelers arriving by cruise ship for a day trip to Turkey do not require a visa if they are not staying on shore overnight.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Turkey for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/turkey.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Ankara.
Government: Republic since 1923.
Language: Turkish. Kurdish is also spoken by a minority in the southeast. French, German and English are widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.
Religion: Muslim, mostly Sunni, with a very small Christian minority. Turkey is a secular state which guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Telephone: Country code +90.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is mostly good, but can be patchy in some rural areas in eastern Turkey.
Internet: Internet cafes exist in main urban areas. Some restaurants and hotels have Wi-Fi Internet access.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services - Gulet specifics: On cabin only basis, there is a minimum of 2 clients in order for the gulet to run - there is no twin occupancy options (only single, double and triple) and boat capacity is typically about 18 guests. Staff onboard ranges from 2 to 3 people including a captain and cook with the potential of a 3rd hand (depending on final numbers) - All meals (Breakfast/Lunch/Afternoon Tea, Coffee/Dinner), fuel, harbour fees, service - Standard yacht equipment, board games, snorkels & masks, fishing lines.
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance - Gulet specifics: Drinks on board are not included - Entrances to sites mentioned in itinerary are not included - Guests may bring snacks, such as fruit, nuts, yoghurt, chocolate etc. as they are not sold on board - All drinks, also water, are sold on board at reasonable prices (Please do not bring your own drinks on board) - Towels are not provided - Please bring your own - Archaeological sites and national parks entrance fees - Crew gratuity (recommended amount: $40 - 50usd).Optional activcities are not included but can be made available on a request basis.
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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