Gulet Cruise with Cappadocia Tour
Experience a 12-day journey through Turkey, combining history, nature, and cultural heritage. Departing from Fethiye, sail on a traditional gulet to explore the Mediterranean coastline, visiting Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island, and the sunken city of Kekova. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Kas and witness ancient Lycian ruins in Myra and Aperlai. Continue inland to Pamukkale’s thermal terraces before exploring the unique rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia, with an optional hot air balloon ride. Conclude the journey with a visit to Tuz Golu before returning to Istanbul, completing a well-balanced adventure across Turkey’s most iconic destinations.
Route & Experience Plan
Day 1: Fethiye to Blue Lagoon
Check-in to the gulet, sail to Blue Lagoon, optional paragliding, sunset at St. Nicholas Island.
Day 2: Aquarium Bay & Kas Night-Out
Swim in Aquarium Bay, optional scuba diving at Hidayet Bay, explore Kas nightlife.
Day 3: Sunken City & Simena Castle
Sail past the Sunken City, hike to Simena Castle, enjoy Burc Bay for swimming and relaxation.
Day 4: Turtles Bay, Myra & Smugglers Inn
Swim with turtles, visit St. Nicholas Church and Myra, party at Smugglers Inn.
Day 5: Aperlai Hike & Aquarium Bay
Hike through ancient Aperlai ruins, swim at Heybeli Island, relax in Aquarium Bay.
Day 6: Butterfly Valley & Kayakoy
Breakfast at Butterfly Valley, explore Gemiler Beach, visit the abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy.
Day 7: Samanlik Bay & Return to Fethiye
Morning swim at Samanlik Bay, disembark in Fethiye, free time in the town.
Day 8: Saklikent Gorge & Pamukkale
Walk through Saklikent Gorge, try river tubing, travel to Pamukkale for overnight stay.
Day 9: Pamukkale & Cappadocia
Explore Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, visit hot springs, transfer to Cappadocia.
Day 10: Cappadocia & Goreme Museum
Optional sunrise hot air balloon, visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, Uchisar, and Pigeon Valley.
Day 11: Underground City & Salt Lake
Explore Derinkuyu Underground City, visit Salt Lake, return to Istanbul late evening.
Day 12: Departure from Istanbul
Breakfast, check-out from hotel, farewell to fellow travelers.
What to Expect on This Experience
Fethiye to Blue Lagoon
Guests will meet at Fethiye Harbour at noon and check into the gulet before setting sail towards the famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz Beach. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. An optional tandem paragliding experience is available for those seeking a panoramic aerial view. In the evening, the gulet anchors at St. Nicholas Island, where guests can explore ancient ruins, visit the hidden amphitheater, and witness one of Turkey’s most breathtaking sunsets.
Aquarium Bay & Kas Night-Out
Early in the morning, the cruise reaches Aquarium Bay, a secluded spot known for its transparent waters and peaceful surroundings. The journey continues to Hidayet Bay, offering an opportunity for optional scuba diving in one of Turkey’s top diving spots. As night falls, the gulet docks in Kas, a town with a rich Lycian history and a vibrant nightlife scene. Guests can explore the charming cobblestone streets, enjoy local cafes, and experience the lively bars that make Kas a popular stop along the coast.
Sunken City & Simena Castle
Sailing towards Kekova, guests will explore the mysterious Sunken City, an ancient Lycian settlement partially submerged due to an earthquake. The journey then continues to Simena Castle, where a short hike rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. This historic site offers insight into Byzantine-era ruins and traditional Turkish village life. The day ends in Burc Bay, a tranquil location ideal for paddleboarding and relaxation before returning to the gulet for an overnight stay.
Turtles Bay, Myra & Smugglers Inn
After breakfast, the journey continues to Karemlik Turtles Bay, where guests can swim with turtles before heading to Demre Port. A guided bus tour takes visitors to St. Nicholas Church in Demre, with free time for lunch. The next stop is the ancient city of Myra, known for its Lycian rock tombs dating back 2,500 years. In the late afternoon, the gulet anchors at Gokkaya Bay, home to the famous Smugglers Inn, a rustic open-air nightclub where guests can socialize and enjoy the night.
Aperlai Hike & Aquarium Bay
The morning begins with a scenic hike to the ruins of Aperlai, an ancient Lycian city largely untouched by modern restoration. The path leads through old tombs and earthquake-damaged structures, offering a glimpse into the past. Later, the cruise stops at Heybeli Island for a refreshing swim before arriving at Firnaz Aquarium Bay, where guests can relax, swim, and enjoy the natural beauty of the secluded surroundings.
Butterfly Valley & Kayakoy
An early cruise brings guests to Butterfly Valley, a dramatic gorge surrounded by limestone cliffs. A short hike leads to a cascading waterfall, home to various butterfly species. Afterward, a guided bus tour heads to Gemiler Beach before continuing to Kayakoy Village, also known as the Ghost Town. Once a thriving Greek settlement, this abandoned village now serves as an open-air museum, featuring over 500 preserved houses and churches with Gothic architectural influences.
Samanlik Bay & Return to Fethiye
The final sailing day begins with a stop at Samanlik Bay, a peaceful location ideal for swimming and relaxation. Around noon, the gulet returns to Fethiye Harbour, marking the end of the cruise. Guests are then transferred to their hotels, with the rest of the day free for personal exploration or leisure.
Saklikent Gorge & Pamukkale
The journey continues inland to Saklikent Gorge, one of Turkey’s longest and most spectacular canyons. Cold mountain waters flow through the dramatic rock formations, creating a unique atmosphere for exploration. Adventurous guests can try river tubing or canyoning. Afterward, the trip moves on to Pamukkale, where guests will stay overnight, preparing for the next stage of the adventure.
Pamukkale & Cappadocia
The journey continues to Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle,” famous for its thermal pools and travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich waters. Guests can relax in the warm springs or explore the unique white limestone formations. After the visit, the tour heads toward Cappadocia, passing through scenic Turkish countryside and charming villages. Upon arrival, guests check into their hotel and enjoy free time to unwind before the next day’s exploration.
Cappadocia & Goreme Museum
An early start offers the chance to experience an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape. Alternatively, guests can begin the day with a relaxed breakfast before setting off to explore the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, and Cavusin. The afternoon includes visits to local artisans to learn about traditional handicrafts. In the evening, guests have the option to attend a Turkish night show featuring cultural performances.
Underground City & Salt Lake
The morning begins with a visit to Derinkuyu Underground City, a fascinating subterranean network that once provided shelter for ancient civilizations. Next, the journey continues to Tuz Golu, or Salt Lake, a vast expanse of white and pink hues known for its salt formations and bird migration habitat. After exploring the lake’s picturesque landscape, the tour heads to Istanbul with an expected late evening arrival.
Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, guests check out from the hotel, marking the end of the tour. It’s time to bid farewell to new friends and cherish the unforgettable memories made throughout this incredible journey across Turkey.
Highlights
Begin your journey in Fethiye and set sail on a traditional gulet
Explore the crystal-clear waters of Blue Lagoon, Aquarium Bay, and Samanlik Bay
Visit the ancient Lycian cities of Myra, Aperlai, and the Sunken City of Kekova
Experience the lively nightlife of Kas and the unique Smugglers Inn party
Hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Butterfly Valley and Saklikent Gorge
Swim with turtles at Turtles Bay and relax on the pristine beaches of Heybeli Island
Discover the abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy, a living open-air museum
Immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes with an optional hot air balloon ride
Explore the underground city of Derinkuyu and marvel at the beauty of Salt Lake
Travel in a modern, air-conditioned tour bus with onboard Wi-Fi
Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 10 dinners featuring authentic Turkish cuisine
Stay in comfortable gulet cabins and boutique hotels along the route
What’s Included and What’s Extra
Includes
- Free Wifi on Bus, Hotels and Gulet
- Tour Coach with A/C and Wifi
- 7-Day Sail Turkey
- Professional Guided Tour
- 5 Night Hotels and 6 Night Gulet
- Free wifi on Bus, Hotel
- 11 Breakfast, 6 Lunch, 10 Dinner
- Double, twin, triple, or shared cabins
- Solo Guests can share twin/triple or pay extra for private accommodation.
Excludes
- Mandatory 15-day Museum Pass – €165
- Entrance fees for historical sites and national parks
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages are not included in the package
- Travel insurance is not provided
Before You Book
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