Beginning and ending in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of Herodotus, this tour, one of our many expert-led gulet cruises in Turkey visits some of the country’s prettiest and most interesting sites.
The highlights are plentiful: from the small harbour of Myndos, where Cassius moored after murdering Caesar, to Iasos, a wealthy port, famed for its fish market and red marble. Iasos’ past vitality is revealed by the splendid ruins that litter the site – from the colonnaded agora to the Roman villa decked with mosaics.
Travelling inland we see two impressive temples, the elegant shrine to Zeus at Euromus, and the gargantuan temple of Apollo at Didyma, one of the very biggest in ancient Greece.
A holiday aboard a traditional Turkish gulet is simply the best way to explore this historic coast studded with beautifully preserved ruins. While at sea there are plenty of coves for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. Like all of our tours in this historic country, scrumptious Turkish food is an integral part of the vacation.
Day 1: Our boat is about 40 minutes from Bodrum airport, in the city’s amphitheatre style harbour. Welcome drink and dinner aboard.
Day 2: A chance to relax as we cruise west around the Bodrum Peninsula past the Greek island of Kos, to a quiet bay opposite Yalikavak.
Day 3: We cruise north east to moor in the pretty harbour of ancient Iasos, where archaeological excavations are revealing a vital and beautiful classical city.
Day 4: We head inland to the temple of Zeus at Euromus, one of the best preserved in Asia Minor, and located amidst a beautiful olive grove. Then on into the mountains to Labraunda, Caria’s most sacred sanctuary, site of the great oracular shrine to Zeus Labraundus.
Day 5: A morning to relax and cruise. In the late afternoon we head inland from Altinkum’s golden beach to visit Miletus, one of the most significant Ionian sites, with its vast theatre, baths, and brooding atmosphere, and its most important sanctuary, the colossal and awe-inspiring oracular temple of Apollo at Didyma.
Day 6: A gentle cruise to the pretty coastal village of Gümüslük, ancient Myndos; where excavations have recently started. The scant ruins offer a glimpse of this once bustling fortified harbour.
Day 7: A last chance to swim as we cruise south east to explore Halicarnassus, site of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the castle of St Peter, now one of the most important museums of underwater archaeology. A chance for some last minute shopping.
Day 8: Transfer from our gulet to Bodrum airport, some 40 minutes away.
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For information not covered below please refer to our FAQ’s or contact us directly on info@petersommer.com
Arrival and Departure Information
Arrival Airport – Bodrum (Milas)
Departure Airport – Bodrum (Milas)
Arrival Location – Bodrum Harbour (approx. 40 mins from airport)
Departure Location – Bodrum Harbour (approx. 40 mins from airport)
Embarkation and departure is planned for approx.17:00. You are more than welcome to arrive earlier to drop off your bags, but please be aware that the crew will be busy cleaning and tidying making everything ready for your group so you will not be able to settle into your cabin.
If your travel plans or flights do not allow you to arrive before 17:00 we recommend arriving the day before the tour starts. This would also allow time to relax, recover from any jet lag and arrive at the boat on time for embarkation and departure.
If you arrive at the gulet after 17:00, we will do our best to enable you to join the tour at a later time and place.
Please Note: Departure time is subject to change depending on weather, harbour, or other conditions.
Disembarkation is around 09:00. We will arrange local transfers on the first and last day of the tour.
Booking Flights: If you are staying in or connecting via Istanbul then the easiest way to get to and from the gulet is to fly. There are a number of airlines that offer domestic flights in Turkey. The cheapest way to book flights is directly with the airline online.
Please note: Flights are subject to change. Please contact the airline for exact details.
If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend specialists in a number of countries around the world, please contact our office for more details.
Travel Insurance: We consider adequate travel insurance to be essential. You should ensure that you take out a suitable policy, to make sure that your trip is properly covered. Please be advised some insurers may require you to take out a policy within 15-20 days of booking your holiday to receive all of their insurance benefits.
Visas: You must check to see if you require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas are easily obtained online at eVisa and must be purchased before you travel.
Istanbul: If you are planning to stay in Istanbul before or after your gulet tour we would be happy to help with suggestions and information and things to see and do. Please get in touch.
Custom Tours: If you are thinking of extending your trip to Turkey to include visits to Cappadocia, Istanbul or further afield, please contact our office for further information.
