Lycian tombs at Xanthus
This cultural tour and sailing vacation in Turkey explores a quite beautiful stretch of coastline behind which an extraordinary culture and a fiercely independent people developed.
Once a day we visit one of the antique cities that adorn this timeless coast. We stroll along ancient roads lined with wild herbs, or through olive trees strewn with rock tombs.
We have the chance to snorkel over sunken harbours, and climb rocky fastnesses for unrivalled vistas. From mighty theatres to churches floored with mosaics, each site is an archaeological adventure, part of a historical puzzle that reveals a remarkable story of human civilisation.
Travelling aboard a beautiful Turkish gulet, every day there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the crystal waters of the Turquoise coast, or to windsurf, kayak, or go for a hike.
Typical traffic around Kekova in southern Turkey
Highlights include Xanthus, the great capital of ancient Lycia, whose magnificent treasures caused an extraordinary stir when they were brought to the British Museum.
Clinging to Gemiler Island is a small town that shone only in Byzantine times, resplendent with an avenue of churches. It’s just one highpoint in this fascinating gulet cruise.
Day 1: Our gulet is about 30 minutes from Dalaman airport at Göcek, a pretty harbour beneath mountains at the head of the Bay of Fethiye, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Welcome dinner on board.
Day 2: We sail east to the island of Gemiler, with its superb Byzantine churches, a pilgrimage centre for St Nicholas. The area is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 3: We sail on to Kas, a beautiful village of white-washed houses covered with purple bougainvillea. Ancient Antiphellos lies littered in amongst the modern town: stunning sarcophagi and a theatre with a magnificent sea view.
Day 4: East to the spectacular village of Ucagiz, old Teimiussa, one of the most evocative of all Lycian burial sites.
Day 5: West to fascinating Kale, site of ancient Simena, perched among a mêlée of Lycian sarcophagi and an Ottoman castle. One of the most romantic settings of the holiday.
tour group on top of the Ottoman castle at Kale, Lycian Turkey
Day 6: We set off west for pretty Kalkan. Inland to Xanthus, the great capital of ancient Lycia, where excavations are uncovering a vast monumental city.
Day 7: A last dip before sailing into Fethiye. A visit to Telmessus’ massive cliff face tombs and a final chance to shop. A fitting end to this inspirational holiday in Turkey.
Day 8: Transfer from our gulet back to Dalaman airport.
