Explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale before cruising from Demre to Fethiye.
Explore Türkiye’s ancient wonders, vibrant cities and extraordinary landscapes before slowing the pace aboard a traditional gulet, sailing between hidden bays, Lycian harbors and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Why This Tour
With a maximum of 14 travelers, this is designed to feel personal and carefully managed. You travel with the ease of a planned route, the depth of expert guiding, and the atmosphere of a small group rather than a coach tour.
Experience Türkiye from two distinct perspectives. Explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale before boarding a traditional gulet to sail between ancient Lycian harbors, secluded bays and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
The itinerary goes beyond landmark visits through local meals, artisan workshops, village stays and cultural traditions. These experiences bring you closer to the people and everyday character of the places you visit.
True Blue Tour has been operating in Turkey since 2001. This journey reflects years of local knowledge — the routes, timing, hotels, guides, restaurants and regional relationships that make each day work smoothly on the ground.
Route
Byzantine domes, Ottoman spice markets & the breeze of the Bosphorus
Fairy chimneys, cave hotels, underground cities & sunrise balloon views
Village lanes, Ephesus ruins, Aegean flavors & boutique hillside stays
White travertines and thermal springs
Crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean, secluded bays and unforgettable sunsets
At a Glance
12 days / 11 nights
Small Group Cultural & Sailing Journey
Small group of maximum 14 like-minded travelers
Moderate, carefully paced and followed by a relaxed coastal cruise
Istanbul–Cappadocia, Cappadocia–İzmir flights are included
Boutique hotels, cave-style accommodation and an en-suite gulet cabin
11 breakfasts, welcome dinner, women’s cooperative lunch, Aegean cooking class dinner, and full-board meals during the gulet cruise
First-time Türkiye travelers, couples, culturally curious guests and those who enjoy small-group travel with like-minded people
The Experience
This journey reveals Türkiye through changing landscapes and rhythms.
Begin among Istanbul’s imperial monuments and lively bazaars before entering Cappadocia’s sculpted valleys, underground cities and village traditions. Continue west to the Aegean, where Şirince’s hillside lanes lead to the marble streets of Ephesus and the white terraces of Pamukkale. Each destination adds another layer to the story, from ancient civilizations and local craftsmanship to food, hospitality and everyday life.
The final chapter unfolds at sea. Board a traditional gulet and slow the pace as you sail between Kekova, Kaş, Ölüdeniz and secluded Mediterranean bays. Days become shaped by swimming, shared meals, ancient harbors and evenings beneath the stars.
It is a journey that begins with Türkiye’s greatest cultural landmarks and ends with the freedom and simplicity of life on the water.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
- Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Check departure dates and reserve your place with a EUR 400 deposit.
What’s Covered
Before You Book
This journey is ideal for travelers who appreciate meaningful cultural experiences, local cuisine, time in nature, and the unique perspective of discovering Türkiye by both land and sea.
A moderate level of mobility is recommended. Touring days include walking through archaeological sites, historic towns, village streets, underground passages, and Cappadocia's valleys, where surfaces can be uneven and stairs are sometimes unavoidable. During the gulet cruise, guests should be comfortable boarding from small tenders or harbor jetties, using short ladders for swimming, and moving around the boat while at anchor.
Accommodation on the gulet is simple, comfortable, and designed for life at sea, with compact en-suite cabins. In return, you'll enjoy exclusive access to secluded bays, hidden beaches, and spectacular coastal landscapes that cannot be reached by road.
Book Your Place
All prices are per person in USD
A deposit of $457 secures your place. Full payment due before departure according to your confirmation terms. Single room supplement available on request. Prices include land content as specified; international flights are not included. Prices are charged in USD.
Enrich Your Journey
Explore one of Türkiye’s finest underwater worlds with a guided diving experience among reefs, caves and fascinating marine life. Pre-booking required.
Common Questions
Yes. This journey is an excellent introduction to Türkiye, combining the country's most iconic cultural landmarks with authentic local experiences and the breathtaking beauty of the Turkish Riviera. Thoughtfully paced and expertly guided, it's ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet immersive experience of the country's many contrasts.
This journey is thoughtfully paced to balance discovery with time to unwind. While you'll explore some of Türkiye's most remarkable cultural and historical sites, the itinerary also includes leisurely village experiences, long scenic drives through diverse landscapes, and four relaxing days aboard a traditional gulet, where life slows to the rhythm of the Mediterranean. The result is a well-balanced journey that offers meaningful exploration without feeling rushed.
Hagia Sophia is included as an exterior visit within the guided Istanbul program. The interior gallery visit can be arranged as an optional visit, subject to current visitor regulations and ticketing.
The journey uses boutique hotels and cave-style properties selected for comfort, location, and character, in addition with the traditional gulet stay. Final hotels may vary by departure and availability.
Yes. A private version can be arranged around your own dates, pace, hotel preferences and interests.
It can be suitable for many senior travelers, but guests should be comfortable with walking in historic areas, archaeological sites, and onboarding gulet. Private versions can be adjusted more closely around pace and mobility.
A gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden yacht designed for leisurely coastal cruising. It offers comfortable accommodation, spacious outdoor areas, and an authentic sailing experience while exploring the beautiful bays and islands of the Turkish coastline.
Guests stay in comfortable twin, double or triple cabins with private bathroom facilities. Cabins are allocated according to the booking arrangements and are designed to provide a comfortable base throughout the cruise.
Yes. Single travellers may either share a cabin with another passenger of the same gender (subject to availability) or reserve a private cabin by paying single supplement fee.
Children aged 6 years and under cannot participate in the cruise. There are no child discounts available, and additional beds cannot be provided in the cabins.
The cruise operates on a full-board basis, including: • Breakfast • Lunch • Afternoon tea with light refreshments (around 5:00 pm) • Dinner Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when advised in advance.
Yes. Drinking water is included throughout the cruise.
No. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on board. To comply with onboard regulations, bringing your own beverages onto the gulet is not permitted.
No. Entrance fees to historical sites and attractions visited during the cruise, including Butterfly Valley, St. Nicholas Island and Simena, are payable locally unless otherwise stated in your itinerary.
Yes. Air conditioning is available in the cabins; however, usage is limited to preserve the comfort of all guests and to comply with marina regulations. The standard operating hours are: • 07:00 – 09:00 • 19:00 – 20:30 • 22:30 – 01:00 Please note that air conditioning is available for approximately 6 hours per day, and operating times may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and harbour regulations.
We recommend bringing lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket for cooler evenings, personal toiletries, and cash or a card for drinks, optional expenses, and entrance fees.
Gulets offer free Wi-Fi; however, coverage can be limited and is not guaranteed while sailing between bays. Mobile reception may also vary depending on your location.
Gulet cruises offer a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Days are spent cruising between picturesque bays, swimming in crystal-clear waters, enjoying freshly prepared meals, and relaxing on deck. Evenings are generally peaceful, making this style of travel ideal for guests looking to unwind and experience the Turkish coast at a leisurely pace.
True Blue Tour · Türkiye
Join a scheduled small group departure or ask our team to create a private version around your preferred dates, pace and travel style.