Arrive in Ankara, the capital of Turkey since 1923. Discover on a bus tour with a local guide, its ancient past in the Museum of Anatolian Civilization. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk a magnificent structure that serves as a tribute to the founder of the modern republic. After lunch drive to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 2
CAPPADOCIA

Explore the desolate beauty of Cappadocia’s lunar landscape, inside and out, as you visit the cave churches of Goreme Valley with their early Christian frescoes, the ancient villages of Uchisar and Zelve, known for its distinctive red clay pottery and the citadel of Uchisar with its panoramic view of the region and Avanos. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 3
CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA

See a different side of Cappadocia this morning, the “under” side. Descend 8 stories beneath the ground to the city of Kaymakli where early Christians were able to live for months at a time undetected. Return to Ankara where you will board your flight home or join another tour.

CAPPADOCIA MINI TOUR FEATURES

• Accommodation in mentioned hotels, or similar
• Services of professional, English speaking guide.
• 2 Breakfasts 3 Lunches 2 Dinners
• All sightseeing and admission fees.
• All transfers to and from airports, ground transportation, service charges and taxes.
• Daily Departures.

Overnight flight to Istanbul

DAY 2 SUNDAY
ISTANBUL

“Merhaba” (hello) is the cheerful welcome of your Alexander and Troy’s  guide who meets you upon your arrival in Istanbul and escorts you to your hotel. Greet the afternoon with a languorous cruise along the Bosphorus gliding past oppulent palaces, exquisite mosques, imposing fortresses and traditional, wooden Ottoman mansions. Your evening is free to spend in Istanbul as you desire.

Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 3 MONDAY
ISTANBUL - BURSA | B,L,D

Drive to Bursa, exploring Iznik on the way; site of first Ecumenical Council, See the ancient walls, visit St.Sophia Church and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive to the city of Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon visit the Green Ottoman Complex, the Great Mosque, the covered Bazaar and the silk market.

Dinner and overnight in Bursa.

DAY 4 TUESDAY
BURSA - SARDIS - PAMUKKALE | B,L,D

After breakfast head for Pamukkale “cotton castle” visiting Sardis on the way, one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world with its vast temple of Artemis, ancient synagogue and a handsome Roman gymnasium. Continue to Pamukkale where immense tiers of white limestone cascade down the hillside. Visit the Roman baths, theater and Necropolis of nearby Hierapolis.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 5 WEDNESDAY
PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS - IZMIR | B,L,D

If you’ve ever heard the words ” a reading from St.Paul to the Ephesians,” now’s your chance to sit in the same theater where St. Paul preached and Roman dramas were performed. Stroll through the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the most complete cities of antiquity pass the Library of Celsus, the Roman baths and Gate of Hadrian and Roman Terrace houses. You’ll also visit nearby St. John’s Basilica and the House where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. View some of the treasures excavated in Ephesus and now kept at Selcuk’s Archeological Museum.

Proceed to İzmir for overnight.

DAY 6 THURSDAY
IZMIR - PERGAMUM - TROY - CANAKKALE

A morning drive along the beautiful Aegean coastline to ancient Pergamum, the city which was home to the famous physician Galen (120-190 AD). You will visit the remains of Asclepion, as well as the library which once held 200,000 scrolls. Continue onto the site of one of the most famous wars of ancient times - Troy. A reconstructed wooden horse at the entrance pays homage to Homer’s Iliad, but the teams of archeologists from all around the world reflect the excavation that is still going on today.

Overnight in Canakkale.

DAY 7 FRIDAY
CANAKKALE - GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL | B,L

Your journey into the past continues. As you croos the Dardanelles by ferry into Europe you will sea the memorial to one of the most tragic battles of modern times, The Battle of Gallipoli. You will continue to Istanbul by driving along the European coastline. Upon arrival, the rest of your day is at leisure to relax or explore Istanbul on your own. Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 8 SATURDAY
ISTANBUL | B,D

A full day to explore some of Istanbul’s most famous treasures that bridge the past and present, East and West, beginning with the ancient Hippodrome. Next visit the Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the world with six minarets. Then explore St. Sophia a cathedral built in 536 AD, converted to a mosque in 1453 and now a museum where early Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy live side-by-side. Continue to stroll through the wordly treasures of the Topkapı Palace. After lunch overlooking the Bosphorus, wander through the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar. Built in 1461, it is one of the oldest and largest covered market places in the world. Barter for colorful kilims, leather goods and jewelry. Enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner.

DAY 9 SUNDAY
ISTANBUL | B

Transfer to airport for your flight home. Or extend your stay in Turkey with a mini-tour of Cappadocia or join another Alexander and Troy  tour.

Overnight flight to Istanbul.

DAY 2 FRIDAY
ISTANBUL

“Merhaba” (hello) is the cheerful welcome of your Alexander and Troy guide who meets you upon arrival in Istanbul and escorts you to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to relax or explore Istanbul on your own. Meet other tour members during a welcoming reception.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3 SATURDAY
ISTANBUL

A full day to explore some of Istanbul’s most famous treasures that bridge the past and present, East and West, beginning with the ancient Hippodrome. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the world with six minarets. Explore the worldly treasures of the Topkapi Palace. After lunch overlooking the Bosphorus, visit St. Sophia a cathedral built in 536 AD, converted to a mosque in 1453 and now a museum where early Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy live side-by-side. End your day on a classic note as you stroll through the 6th Century Underground Cistern.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 4 SUNDAY
ISTANBUL - IZMIR

Wander through the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar. Built in 1461, it is one of the oldest and largest covered market places in the world. Barter for colorful kilims, leather goods and jewelry before transferring to the airport late in the afternoon for your short flight to Izmir.

Overnight in Izmir.

DAY 5 MONDAY | B L D
IZMIR - EPHESUS - APRHODISIAS - PAMUKKALE

Sit in the same theatre where St. Paul preached and Roman dramas were performed. Stroll the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the most complete cities of antiquity, past the Library of Celsus, the baths and the Gate of Hadrian and Roman terrace houses. Visit nearby St. John’s Basilica and the last home of the Virgin Mary before continuing to Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the goddess of love and home to a school of sculpture that made its way across the Roman world. Visit the Temple of Aphrodite and one of the finest ancient stadiums ever built. Continue to Pamukkale where the natural wonder of the its tiers of white limestone inspired more man-made wonders such as the Roman baths and theater of ancient Hierapois.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 6 TUESDAY
PAMUKKALE - ANTALYA

Your odyssey continues through the Turkish countryside, past lovely lakes to the foot of the Taurus mountain. Here you will visit with a nomadic tribe and learn about their daily life which is as interwoven into the cycle of the land as are the colors and textures of the carpets they weave. Continue south to Antalya, arriving in time to explore this enchanting city set on the shores of the Mediterranean before the sun sets.

Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 7 WEDNESDAY
ANTALYA - ASPENDOS - PERGE - ANTALYA

Continue your Greco-Roman quest today by visiting Aspendos which has one of the best preserved theaters in the world. Its acoustics are so fine that a coin dropped on stage can be heard in the last row. You will be rejuvenated during a refreshing stop to enjoy the beauty of the Kursunlu waterfalls. Then on to Perge whose extensive ruins include a stadium that once echoed to the roar of 15,000 spectators.

Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 8 THURSDAY
ANTALYA - KONYA - CAPPADOCIA

Drive through the Taurus Mountains to Central Anatolia to Turkey’s oldest city - Konya, the capital of the Seljuk Empire, but known throughout the world as the home of the Whirling Dervishes. You will visit the Mevlana Museum named for the 13th century founder and the Slender Minaret Medrese Continue to Cappadocia stopping of along the way to visit a typical Seljuk caravansary, to see what life was like for the member of a caravan.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 9 FRIDAY
CAPPADOCIA - GOREME - CAPPADOCIA

Nature’s balancing act of the chimney-like rock formations that abound throughout Cappadocia’s rugged landscape are as fantastic as man’s accomplishments below its surface. Descend 8 stories to the intricate underground city of Kaymakli where early Christians fleeing persecution lived for months at a time undetected. Visit the Byzantine churches of Goreme carved into the cliffs with frescoes dating to the 7th century, the hidden valley of Zelve and Avanos where the distinctive red clay of the Kizilirmak River has kept celebrated potters in business for centuries.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 10 SATURDAY
CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA - ISTANBUL

Morning drive to Ankara, Turkey’s capital since 1923. After lunch at Kaleici within the walls of a medieval fortress, you’ll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, filled with treasures from the region from the Hittites all the way back to the Paleolithic Age. In the late afternoon you ‘ll be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Istanbul. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the Kervansaray.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 11 SUNDAY
ISTANBUL

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay with another Alexander and Troy tour.

LAND TOUR FEATURES

• Accommodations in first class hotels as mentioned or similar.
• Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 people.
• Services of professional , English speaking guide.
• 9 Breakfasts 8 Lunches 7 Dinners
• All sightseeing and admission fees.

DAY 1 Tuesday          D

You will be welcomed on board the Gullet in Fethiye after 5:00 PM. You may raise your glasses of raki with a resounding “serefe” (cheers) to toast your shipmates and setting sun.

DAY 2   Wednesday               BLD

After breakfast and briefing, .-.ail along the coastline of Fethiye Peninsular and have lunch in a quite secluded bay. Overnight to Gemiler Island, where you can wander around the ruins of a Byzantine community and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

DAY 3   Thursday                   BLD

An early start for a late break last at Yesilkoy where you can swim in the clear waters of this olive tree lined bay. After lunch, to Kas Harbor for overnight. Go ashore and stretch your legs in this enchanting small town.

DAY 4  Friday             BLD

Along the Mediterranean Coast In Kekova (sunken city). Lunch at Tersane Bay where you can see the ruins of a Byzantine church on the small sandy beach of this picturesque miniature cove. As you sail’ slowly to Gokkaya you can clearly see the sunken ruins of the homes of an ancient civilization. Have your camera ready for this fascinating journey back in time. Overnight in the fiord of Gokkaya.

DAY 5   Saturday        BLD

Climb up to the castle where you will be rewarded with a spectacular down on to this ancient city. Out in the bay stands an isolated sarcophagus still standing on its pedestal after thousands of years overlooked by a theater carved into the rock. After lunch to Uzagiz to spend the niglil anchored in the middle of a wide bay surrounded by green lulls.

DAY 6   Sunday          BLD

Sail after breakfast to Bayindir Limani for a swim in this sheltered bay. Lunch and overnight in Kalkan Harbour. Which is a small picturesque village, built in this hillside. Optional trip to ancient Xanthos,Latoon and the spectacular while turtle beach of Patara.

DAY 7 Monday           BLD

Early start to Cami Burun, a natural bay surrounded by pine trees. You will spend your last night on board in Batlikkaya Bay.

DAY 8  Tuesday         BLD

Return to Fethiye after breakfast to say farewell to your Gullet and crew. Disembarkation at 10:00 AM

You will be welcomed on board the gullet in Marmaris after 5:00pm. You may raise your glasses of raki with a resounding “serefe” (cheers) to toast your shipmates and the setting sun

DAY  2   Wednesday    B L D

This morning your heavenly voyage begins bound for Paradise Island. Plenty of time to swim and sunbathe on this secluded and picturesque island.

DAY  3   Thursday        B L D

Cruise to Ekincik, a well-protected bay tucked into the northeast comer of the coast. The bay is surrounded by pine-clad slopes which lead to a spectacular, red-rock outcrop on the eastern side. You will also have the chance to take an optional trip by riverboat down the narrow waterways of the Daiyan River. View the amazing rock tombs; explore the village and lake a mud bath. Explore the ancient remains of Caunos, including an ancient site with an acropolis, amphitheater, old harbor and tombs.

Day  4   Friday                        B

A morning cruise to the amazingly beautiful bays and islands at the west side of Fethiye Gulf where all too soon it is time to bid farewell to your shipmates. (Disembarkation 10:00 AM)

For those interested in discovering the treasures of the Turquoise Coast and making new friends along the way. Alexander and Troy also offers cruises on a shared gullet basis for individuals, couples and small groups. Our chartered sailings have guaranteed departures from Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Antalya with departure dates of Saturdays and Mondays. Sailing season is from late April through October with voyages ranging from three and four days, to one to two weeks in duration. These vessels accommodate between 8 and 12 persons crewed by a captain, a cook and a deck hand. The crew usually only speak Turkish and a little English, French or German. Your fellow shipmates may be foreign as well, adding to the international nature of your adventure.

Gullets generally cruise from place-lo-place, only raising the sails when the wind is favorable. Your itinerary is subject to change due to the weather and judgment of the captain. If actual sailing rather than cruising is of primary importance in your journey, please inform us at the time of booking. We will be more than happy to have you join a group of like-minded people aboard a sailing yacht.

There is no guide on board, so make certain you pack a tour book. Insight Guides has a wonderful one devoted to the Turquoise Coast. Often there will be a local guide on shore who will be more than happy to explain the significance of the site. However, part of the magic is in your own imagination as you stroll along mosaic walkways past the crumbling remains of temples. All meals are included. They’re simple but delicious, with fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. Drinks however are additional.

Adding a few days to the beginning or end of a tour is also highly recommended. Following are two samples of the chartering mini-tours and a 1 week tour that are available.

The choice of your yacht is limited only by your imagination (’house from literally hundreds of classic and modem motor and sailing yachts. Your cruise can start almost anywhere along the Turkish coastline and last as long as you desire. With a private sailing, you decide on who and how many your ship mates will be. Invite two people or twenty, the choice is yours. Your charter will be crewed to ensure every detail of your voyage, like the Shakespeare play is “as you like it.” Is there a special place in the Iliad you’ve always longed to see? Design your own itinerary on Homer’s “wine dark sea” or let Alexander and Troy help you design the perfect itinerary down to the last detail. Whichever you decide, an English speaking guide will accompany you to further illuminate the history of the sights you will see.

Bareboat

Interested in the same freedom the private sailing provides, but want to do your own sailing? Charter a bareboat. Just as it sounds, only the bare essentials are provided. You arc the captain and the crew -master of your destiny. With a turn of the steering wheel, you decide what to see and do. In order to skipper a bareboat, you must have a skipper’s license which you are able to show upon request. If you are not a licensed skipper, you can still hire a bareboat, and we will arrange a qualified skipper to accompany you. Bareboat departure ports are Bodrum, Marmaris, Orhaniye and Gocek and one-way trips or trips from northern ports such as Kusadasi and mid-way ports such as Karacasogut subject to availability.

Along Turkey’s Turquoise Cost Lazy days spent lounging on deck, lunches in secluded

coves, the whisper of ancient voices in the pine tree above, just another hectic day on the Turquoise Coast. Once the stronghold of the ancient Lycians, the coast from Bodrum to Antalya still bears reminders of their presence carved into stone of their elaborately carved rock tombs, amphi theaters and temples. Sometimes it takes just a scrape of the shoe to reveal mosaic walkways in these almost forgotten towns.

Like the ancient Lucian’s you will be able to reach places accessible only by sea. Although similar in design to ancient sail boats, your wooden gullet is likely to make more use of its motor rather than it’s sails and is sure to be infinitely more comfortable. The gullets have 4-8 cabins with is private bathroom and hand-held shower. Don’t forget your towels, although they, like you, are sure to spend more time on the deck than below. The cabins are clean and comfortable but primarily designed for sleeping and changing. Although many passengers do choose to sleep on board beneath the blanket of a star strewn sky. For those who want to do more than just lounge or swim in the tranquil waters, windsurfing, water skiing and snorkeling is available. 

Whether combined with overland travel or as an unforgettable nautical vacation, your sailing options are as varied as the treasures you will discover around every bend along the mythic coastline. 

Overnight flight to Istanbul.

DAY 2 MONDAY
ISTANBUL

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3 TUESDAY
ISTANBUL

Highlights today include the ancient Gebrew Gezer calendar in the Archaeological museum, Topkapi Palace and Galata, home to the lovely Neve Shalom synagogue.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY
ISTANBUL

A day devoted to synagogues, from the 15th century Akrida synagogue, as to the synagogue and Jewish cemeteries at Kuzguncuk and Uskudar.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 5 THURSDAY
ISTANBUL

Explore the traditional Turkish treasures of the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent and the Grand Bazaar.

Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 6 FRIDAY
ISTANBUL - BURSA

Former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa was also home to a large Jewish community. Visit Gerush and Mayor synagogues.

Overnight in Bursa.

DAY 7 SATURDAY
BURSA - THYATIRA - KUSADASI

En route to Izmir, you’ll visit Thyatira, home of an ancient Jewish community that thrived for centuries.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 8 SUNDAY
IZMIR - SARDIS - KUSADASI

Still home to one of Turkey’s largest Jewish communities, with a synagogue dating back to 220 BC. After visiting the Beth Israel and Senora synagogues, visit Sardis, home to the ruins of one of the largest, and most ancient, synagogues of antiquity.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 9 MONDAY
KUSADASI - EPHESUS - KUSADASI

One of the world’s most comprehensive ancient sites, the city of Ephesus boasts Hebrews signs and symbols among its remains.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 10 TUESDAY
KUSADASI - PRIENE - MILETUS - IZMIR

The ancient lonia cities of Priene and Miletus’ ruins are haunting, evocative and intriguing, some adorned with Hebrew script.

Overnight in Izmir.

DAY 11 WEDNESDAY
IZMIR - ISTANBUL

Take a short flight to Istanbul for your onward flight home. Or extend your stay in Turkey with a mini tour or perhaps add another Alexander and Troy tour.

LAND AND TOUR FEATURES

• Accommodations in mentioned hotels or similar.
• Guaranteed departures with minimum 4 people.
• Services of professional, English speaking guide.
• 9 Breakfasts 3 Dinners
• All sightseeing and admission fees
• Transfers, ground transportation, service charges and taxes

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2
ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA

Morning visit to Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its ancient treasures. After lunch, drive to Cappadocia. Overnight  in Cappadocia

DAY 3
CAPPADOCIA

Visit the hidden valley of Zelve and the cave churches of Goreme whose Christian frescoes, are as vibrant now as they were in the 7th century. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 4
CAPPADOCIA - ADANA

Descend 8 stories beneath the ground to the city of Kaymakli where early Christians lived for months at a time to escape persecution. Continue to Adana. Overnight in Adana.

DAY 5
ADANA - ANTIOCH - ADANA

Antioch is the city where Sts. Paul, Peter and Barnabus preached the word of Christ and so were called “Christians.’ Visit St. Peter’s Grotto the cave church where St. Peter first celebrated the mass. Overnight in Adana.

DAY 6
ADANA - TARSUS - KONYA

The birthplace of St. Paul, Tarsus lies on an ancient route through the mountains trod by both Alexander and the Crusaders. Continue to Konya, once known as Iconium, an important Christian city. You will visit the Mevlana Museum and learn about the Whirling Dervishes. Overnight in Konya.

DAY 7
KONYA - ANTALYA

Today a lengthy, but scenic drive takes you through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean town of Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 8
ANTALYA - ASPENDOS - PERGE - SIDE

Explore the nearby Greco Roman remains of Aspendos with its world- renowned Roman theatre and Side with its Roman baths and ruins. Then onto Perge, a city of vast importance during the Hellenistic era and where St. Paul preached his first sermon. Overnight in Antalya.

DAY  9
ANTALYA - LAODICIA - HIERAPOLIS

Visit the ancient city of Laodicia (one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor) and Hierapolis where St. Philip was matyred. Enjoy nearby Pamukkale’s cascading tiers of white limestone. Overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 10
PAMUKKALE - SARDIS - PHILADELPHIA - IZMIR

Visit Sardis and Philadelphia two of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor en route to Izmir, known in ancient times as “Smyrna”. It is the city that Paul praised for its faithfulness. Overnight in Izmir.

DAY 11
IZMIR - EPHESUS - IZMIR

Explore the remains of Ephesus including sitting in the theater where St. Paul preached, the Basilica of St. John and the home of the Virgin Mary. Overnight in  Kusadasi.

DAY 12
IZMIR - PERGAMUM - THYATIRA - BURSA

Visit two more of the Churches of Asia Minor, Pergamum a thriving city in ancient times know for its Asclepion and Thyatira. Overnight in Bursa.

DAY 13
BURSA - NICAEA - ISTANBUL

Tour Iznik, once known as Nicaea an important Byzantine town. Highlights include the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Sophia, seat of the first Ecumenical Council of 325 AD. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 14
ISTANBUL

The capital of the Holy Roman Empire, your tour today includes St. Sophia the first Christian Cathedral, the Undergound Cistern, the Blue Mosque and the treasures of Topkapi Palace.

DAY 15
ISTANBUL

Morning cruise along the Bosphorus. This afternoon you’re free to enjoy Istanbul as you desire.

DAY 16
ISTANBUL

Transfer to airport for your flight back to USA.

LAND TOUR FEATURES

• Accommodations in mentioned hotels or similar.
• Services of professional English speaking guide.
• All meals.
• All sightseeing and admission fees.
• Transfers, ground transportation, service charges and taxes.