DETAILS
Vibrant, beautiful Turkey beckons you on this exhilarating, nine-night journey! In Istanbul, take in extraordinary Byzantine and Ottoman masterpieces, including the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque, and dive into colorful bazaars. Head next to Cappadocia, famous for its astonishing rock formations. Step inside rock-cut, frescoed churches and explore a fascinating subterranean city while staying at a cave hotel for two nights. Then, sail along the sensational Turquoise Coast for three nights aboard an exclusively chartered gulet yacht! Relish this relaxed small-ship experience as you dock in picturesque port towns and secluded coves. You’ll also tour the magnificent ruins of Ephesus and see the cliffside tombs of Kaunos. Plus, enjoy cultural experiences during lunch in a private home and a visit to a mountain village!
- Pricing from
- $6,190
Call 800-323-7373 or click here to reserve.
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Land & Rail Tours, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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Sep 3, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
GULET BOREAS
Sail off along the alluring Turkish Riviera on a marvelous journey aboard this sleek, 16-cabin gulet yacht! Take in the sparkling turquoise water and splendid coastal scenery from inviting lounging spots on the top decks, and savor delicious Turkish dishes served in the warm, cozy dining area. The elegant guest cabins are comfortably appointed and include modern, convenient amenities. Throughout your sailing experience, enjoy personalized, friendly service from the gulet’s crew members. Stretch out and relax on a sunbathing cushion or take advantage of the ship’s sports equipment for adventures on the water! Wi-Fi is complimentary.
BARCELÓ ISTANBUL HOTEL
Ideally located in the heart of the lively Beyoğlu district close to Takcim Square, this sophisticated, contemporary property offers exceptional comfort and convenience during your stay in Istanbul. Delight in attentive service from the professional staff, comfortable, roomy guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, and excellent dining options on site, including the Chadir Restaurant and the Sports Bar. Feel revitalized with a visit to the well-equipped gym or the Wellness Center featuring a sauna and hammam. Close out an exciting day with drinks and conversation at the chic rooftop terrace.
YUNAK EVLERI CAVE HOTEL
Feel truly immersed in enchanting Cappadocia at this stunning cave hotel brimming with remarkable character. Tucked into a limestone hillside, the Yunak Evleri offers a cozy, village-like atmosphere with historic cave houses and private cave rooms that surround a main building in a 19th-century Greek mansion. Enjoy the unique ambience of your spacious, comfortable cave room decorated with elegant furnishings and outfitted with modern amenities. Unwind at the pool and spa, or socialize with friends on the terrace and savor the gorgeous Cappadocia scenery. Wi-Fi is complimentary.
Final Payment will be due 120 days prior to departure and the Cancellation Fee schedule will be updated to:
- CANCELLATION-All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
- Cancellation received up to 121 days prior to trip departure will incur a $300 per person administrative fee.
- Cancellation received 120 to 91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 60-31 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
- Cancellation received 30 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
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day 1&2
Istanbul, Turkey
Arrive at the international airport in Istanbul, where your Travel representative will be waiting to take you to the Barceló Istanbul Hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
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day 3
Istanbul
Begin your day with interesting insights from a local expert about Istanbul’s history at the crossroads of East and West. Then, meander through the aromatic aisles of the lively Spice Bazaar, filled with piles of colorful spices, teas, nuts and treats. Head next to the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning ruler of the Ottoman Empire. On a guided tour, admire the splendid interior and the mausoleums of Suleiman and his wife, Hürrem Sultan, adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles. Later, get great perspectives of the city during a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn.
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day 4
Istanbul
Today, marvel at stunning Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries. Stroll through the lush courtyards and ornately tiled chambers, and view jewel-encrusted artifacts in the Imperial Treasury. Then, see the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a former Roman arena where chariots raced, before descending into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir. You’ll also tour two extraordinary gems, the mammoth, Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque, renowned for its dazzling, floral-themed tiles. Finish your day in the buzzing Grand Bazaar, brimming with gold and silver jewelry, carpets, textiles and more!
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day 5
Istanbul | Kayseri | Göreme National Park | Cavusin | Ürgüp (Cappadocia)
Check out this morning and fly to Kayseri. After arriving, travel to the Cappadocia region, celebrated for its astounding, sculptural rock formations. Step inside marvelous churches carved out of the rocks and decorated with Byzantine frescoes at Göreme Historical National Park, a captivating open-air museum. Soak up more of the surreal scenery in Love Valley, dotted with whimsical fairy chimneys, and check out the charming village of Cavusin with houses cut into the surrounding rocks. Get settled in later at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel and gather for drinks and sunset views tonight.
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day 6
Devrent Valley | Ozkonak | Avanos
If you’d like a panoramic view over Cappadocia’s landscape, you can choose to book a hot air balloon ride early this morning at an additional cost. With your group today, behold more amazing scenery in Devrent Valley and other areas. Afterward, enjoy a warm welcome and a wonderful lunch of authentic dishes in a private home during an intimate lunch experience. Then, it’s time to go down into Ozkonak, an underground city, for a fascinating tour! During the sixth and seventh centuries, this multilevel complex could shelter thousands from enemy raids. Next, visit Avanos, acclaimed for its lovely pottery, and watch a potter shaping pieces from red clay.
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day 7
Ürgüp | Kayseri | Dalaman | Dalyan | Karacasöğüt | Embark gulet | Cleopatra Island | English Harbor
This morning, fly from the Kayseri airport to Dalaman. After arriving, travel to Dalyan. Board a small boat there for a trip along the Dalyan Strait to Kaunos, an ancient settlement. Take in its striking, Grecian-inspired temple tombs, cut high into the limestone of the mountainside, and walk through the architectural ruins with your guide. Continue to Karacasöğüt and embark the Gulet Boreas for your cruise along the fabulous Turquoise Coast! Sail first to picture-perfect Cleopatra Island. Legend has it that Cleopatra so loved this beautiful, secluded island that Mark Antony had shiploads of sand transported from Egypt as a present to her. Relish the crystal-clear waters and golden sand. The ship will also drop anchor in one of the tranquil bays near pristine English Harbor.
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day 8
Cruising | Çati Bay
Enjoy a laid-back, scenic day of cruising to Çati Bay, where the ship overnights. It’s an idyllic setting for swimming, paddle boarding and other water activities!
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day 9
Cruising | Yaliciftlik | Etrim
Relax and savor the gorgeous coastal views and blue-green waters while sailing today! The ship docks in Yaliciftlik for an excursion to the mountain village of Etrim. Stroll through this peaceful community with a long, rich heritage of carpet and kilim weaving and learn about the process behind this traditional craft. Then, return to the ship for a pleasant afternoon of cruising, followed by a celebratory Farewell Reception and your final dinner on board.
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day 10
Bodrum | Disembark gulet | Ephesus | Izmir | Istanbul
Disembark the ship this morning in Bodrum. Travel toward Ephesus, and on your way, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Arrive at the archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the most important ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Delight in its impressively preserved ruins, including Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian and the Terrace Houses, on a guided tour. Head to the Izmir airport next and fly to Istanbul, where you’ll check in to the Barceló Istanbul Hotel. Spend your last evening in Istanbul at leisure.
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day 11
In Transit
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and depart for the Istanbul airport to head home.
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