Open to Families and All
One of our classic gulet cruises in Turkey that takes in a series of the country’s most important and interesting archaeological sites, including the stunning ruins of Ephesus.
When we think back on our childhood and youth, many of us find that the most vividly remembered scenes and moments are often ones that took place on holidays and while travelling. It makes perfect sense: travel is a wonderful and formative experience for children and adults alike. The experience of Exploring new places, meeting new people, tasting different foods and enjoying the daily adventures brings families closer together – it’s what memories are made of.
One of the things that is so special about our family tours is that the children contribute their boundless energy and curiosity to the experience. When we take kids of any age to ancient sites, they are no longer just places where we stand back, admire and discover the history. Instead, the children make themselves at home, the sites become places to inhabit: fallen down columns are balanced upon, dark tombs are crawled into, pottery and other artefacts are found, walls are climbed, hidden inscriptions are hunted for, old theatres are performed in. Sticks become swords, flowers become jewels and the ruins come alive in the imagination.
Rather than having to deal with the usual hassle of finding hotels, getting from place to place by car or public transport, having to arrange meals and so on, guests on our family cruises can simply relax. The tour takes place on a beautiful hand-crafted wooden gulet (a traditional Turkish motor-yacht), cruising along the shore and adding to the sense of adventure. Meals are freshly prepared by an on-board chef, so there is also ample time to play, swim, snorkel, read, sunbathe, nap, or simply enjoy the beautiful boat and the wonderful scenery in the company of friends and loved ones – the holiday of a lifetime.
Beginning in Gümüşlük and following the shores of the ancient regions of Caria and Ionia, this cruise makes for an ideal introduction to the glories of Turkey’s archaeological heritage. It takes in some of the most impressive and best-understood sites in the country, a veritable succession of “must-see” highlights, as well as a number of more intimate “off the beaten track” remains, and includes a visit to the astoundingly monumental ruins of Ephesus.
“The combination of our beautiful gleaming gulet, a totally professional crew, a talented chef producing exquisite yet simple dishes, our lovely local guide and our scholar tour leader who led us into the magic of the ancient world with charm and humour was a rare privilege. We went to deserted bays to swim every day, when there was wind the sails went up and we gently sailed along the beautiful coastline. All the sites were fascinating… Every night one’s head was reeling with what one had seen and heard. What more can I say? I shall never forget it.”
Katherine Wyld, West Sussex, UK
Cruising to Ephesus opens up a panorama of the ancient world, presenting a great variety of extraordinary visits, ranging from prehistory via Classical Greek and Roman antiquity to the Middle Ages and beyond. Every day will bring new insights and new beauties to behold.
Ancient cities and sanctuaries are the central themes of this cruise. From ancient Myndos, where excavations have only just started, it leads to Iasos, where the remains of a once-vibrant port town are scattered amongst olive groves. An inland excursion leads to the mysterious mountain-top sanctuary of Zeus at Labraunda and to the beautiful Temple of Zeus at Euromos.
At Miletus, we explore the vast ruins of a “lost” city that was a major centre of culture in Greek and Roman days, as well as its main shrine, the huge oracular Temple of Apollo at Didyma. Priene, in its remarkably beautiful wooded setting, is the most clearly accessible and comprehensible of all Greek cities, its private homes and public buildings there to see. The final site on our cruise is Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia and one of the most magnificent ancient sites in the world, its vast theatre, ornate library and wonderfully decorated Roman mansions offering a memorable and fitting conclusion to this fascinating tour.
Archaeology apart, Cruising to Ephesus also includes much time for swimming, sunbathing, admiring the scenery or simply relaxing on our beautiful gulet.
Day 1: Your gulet awaits you in the pretty coastal village of Gümüşlük, about an hour from Bodrum airport on Turkey’s south-west coast. Welcome drink and dinner aboard.
Day 2: A gentle cruise north-east, with plentiful swimming opportunities on the way, before mooring in the late afternoon in the pretty harbour of ancient Iasos where archaeological excavations are revealing a vital and beautiful classical city.
Day 3: In the morning we head inland to the temple of Zeus at Euromus, one of the best preserved in Asia Minor, located amid 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. In the afternoon, a chance to swim, kayak, snorkel and relax as you cruise westwards.
Day 4: Landing in the morning near Altinkum’s golden beach, you’ll visit the colossal and awe-inspiring oracular temple of Apollo at Didyma. In the afternoon, a glorious long cruise northward to anchor off the southern coast of the isolated Dilek peninsula, where herds of wild horses roam free.
Day 5: We head north to Kuşadasi. From there, we travel a short distance to the town of Selçuk, where we visit the Archaeological Museum housing key finds from Ephesus. Finally, just as the main crowds are leaving, we enter Ephesus itself, to explore the vast site at leisure, walking through its monumental squares and along marble-paved roads, admiring a whole series of stunning structures, such as the 28,000-seat theatre, the ornate Library of Celsus and the remarkable Terrace Houses, a set of fine residences, bedecked in mosaics and marble inlay.
Day 6: Heading south overland, you will walk the ancient roads of Priene, an almost perfectly preserved Greek city set in a strikingly lovely spot among pine trees. You’ll also discover Miletus, one of the most significant ancient Greek sites, with its vast theatre, baths, and brooding atmosphere, before re-joining your gulet, which will have cruised down to meet you, for a late afternoon of swimming and leisure.
Day 7: A leisurely day cruising around the Bodrum peninsula, to Bodrum itself, ancient Halicarnassus. In the late afternoon you’ll visit Bodrum’s magnificent Crusader castle which now houses one of the finest museums of underwater archaeology in the world.
Day 8: Transfer from our gulet to Bodrum airport, on Turkey’s Aegean coast, about 40 minutes away.
I would like to book, what else do I need to know?
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.
