Rock-cut temple tomb, Fethiye
This archaeological gulet cruise and cultural tour in Turkey explores the virtually untouched coastline of ancient Lycia, on the breathtaking turquoise coast. Travel behind the soaring Taurus Mountains and you will discover an extraordinary culture and a fiercely independent people that developed over many centuries. Their funerary architecture, unlike anything else in the world, still litters their once prosperous ports.
On this escorted holiday, we step back in time, to see how these towns evolved from Greek, Roman and Byzantine times to the present day. Their location, history, and state of preservation make for some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world.
Taking a luxurious sailing vacation on a Turkish gulet is simply the best way to explore the maritime civilisation of the Lycians. We can reach otherwise inaccessible places in relaxing and stylish fashion without even the need to change hotels. There are frequent opportunities to swim in the crystal waters of the Turquoise coast, windsurf, kayak, or go for a hike and admire the flora. Naturally, delicious Turkish food is a vital component of all our gulet cruises in Turkey.
The gulet Almira near Gemiler
Once a day we visit one of the antique cities that adorn Lycia’s timeless coast. We stroll along ancient roads lined with wild herbs, and through olive trees strewn with rock tombs.
We have the chance to snorkel over sunken harbours and climb rocky fastnesses for unrivalled vistas.
From soaring aqueducts to the best preserved Roman theatre in the world, each site is an archaeological adventure, part of a historical puzzle that reveals a remarkable story of human civilisation. A holiday in Turkey designed to relax and inspire in equal measure.
Day 1: Our gulet is about 30 minutes from Dalaman airport at Göçek, a pretty harbour beneath mountains at the head of the Bay of Fethiye, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Welcome dinner on board.
The great triple-harboured city of Phaselis
Day 2: A chance to unwind sailing in the Bay of Fethiye.
Day 3: South east to Gemiler Island, a key pilgrimage centre, where Japanese archaeologists have been working on a number of superb Byzantine churches. It’s a perfect area for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 4: On to Kas, a beautiful village of white-washed houses covered with purple bougainvillaea. Ancient Antiphellos is littered with tombs and a theatre with a magnificent sea view.
Day 5: East to picturesque Üçagiz, old Teimiussa, one of the most evocative of all Lycian burial sites.
Day 6: Into the mountains to Arykanda, where archaeological excavations have revealed a prosperous monumental city.
Day 7: On to Phaselis, seat of pirates who terrorised the region’s rich trade routes. Its three harbours and civic monuments now lie serene amid pine trees.
Day 8: To Antalya, the south’s most vibrant city, with a fortified harbour and archaeology museum full of marble statues. Roman Perge is a vast treasure house of ruins. A real highlight of this archaeology tour. We stroll through colonnaded streets and shops, marbled bath-houses, a stadium, and vast Hellenistic fortifications.
A typical Lycian view
Day 9: We visit Aspendos’ mighty aqueduct and extraordinary theatre, the best preserved Roman theatre in the world.
Day 10: South to Olympos, a pretty little archaeological site scattered amongst trees beside a sparkling stream. On an ancient sacred way we visit the Chimaera, a natural phenomenon where flames burst from the ground, and legendary home of the mythical beast.
Day 11: We visit Myra, famed for its Roman theatre and rock hewn tombs. Walking through its port, Andriake, we uncover a giant cistern and granary built by the Emperor Hadrian.
Day 12: West to Kale, site of ancient Simena, perched beneath a melee of Lycian tombs, and an Ottoman fort. One of the most romantic settings of the holiday.
Day 13: We set off for pretty Kalkan, and inland to Xanthus, capital of ancient Lycia, where French archaeologists have been excavating for over half a century, uncovering more and more wonders every year.
Day 14: A last dip, then to Fethiye to visit its magnificent cliff tombs and a final chance to shop.
Day 15: Transfer from our gulet back to Dalaman airport.
