The Serenity of Southern Türkiye 7 Days
Overview
A thoughtful journey through Türkiye's Aegean and Mediterranean heartlands, where history, nature, and local culture intertwine. This mindful tour celebrates slow travel, local experiences, and environmental consciousness, from exploring ancient cities and traditional villages to connecting with rivers, beaches, and sustainable practices. Guests will enjoy hand-crafted meals, locally guided explorations, and eco-conscious activities that leave a positive impact on the communities visited.
Highlights:
- Hands-on cooking class
- Visit Aphrodisias and sculpture museum
- Cruise the Dalyan River, visit Caunos, and engage in turtle conservation at Iztuzu Beach
- Private gulet cruise in Kekova Bay, floating above the sunken Lycian city
Included/Excluded
- Airport Transfers
- 6 Nights' Accommodation
- 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner
- Professional licensed tour guide throughout the tour
- Land Transportation by Air-conditioned Luxurious Van
- Private Gulet experience
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Activities as per Itinerary
- V.A.T.
- Drinks with meals
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance
- Any activity mentioned as optional
Tour Plan
Day 1 - Arrival in Izmir & Village Immersion
Upon arrival in Izmir Airport and transfer to Selcuk followed by a scenic drive. Check in at the eco-friendly Nisanyan Hotel, then join a hands-on cooking class in the lush hotel garden. End the day dining, savouring the flavours prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Overnight: Sirince
Meals Included: Cooking Class with Dinner
Day 2 - Sirince Village & Timeless Ephesus
Morning begins with a stroll through the charming streets of Sirince Village, sampling local produce and artisan crafts while supporting the small-scale community economy. In the late afternoon, explore the ancient city of Ephesus, wandering marble streets, admiring the Library of Celsus, and stepping into the Great Theatre, imagining daily life in this Roman metropolis. The late visit ensures a serene experience, avoiding crowds and the midday heat.
Overnight: Selçuk
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Aphrodisias
After breakfast, travel inland to Aphrodisias, a sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite. Wander the remarkable ruins of temples, stadiums, and its sculpture museum, appreciating ancient art and culture. Enjoy a garden lunch featuring local seasonal produce, then continue to Dalyan, a riverside town celebrated for its biodiversity and conservation efforts, including endangered sea turtles.
Today's total driving distance is 290 km (approx. 4.5 hours).
Overnight: Dalyan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - River Cruise & Turtle Beach
Board a private eco-conscious river boat and cruise past Lycian rock tombs carved into dramatic cliffs. Explore the ruins of Caunos, then glide along to Iztuzu Beach, a protected nesting site for Caretta caretta turtles. Savor a freshly prepared lunch on board, swim in pristine waters, and optionally participate in seasonal turtle conservation activities. The afternoon is yours to unwind, reflect, and connect with nature.
Overnight: Dalyan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Patara & Scenic Coastal Drive to Kaş
Drive along the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline to Patara, renowned for its historic ruins and a pristine beach. Enjoy a mindful lunch using local ingredients before continuing along the scenic coastal road, arriving in Kaş, a charming harbor town nestled between cliffs and sea. Spend the evening exploring the town or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Today's total driving distance is 250 km (approx. 4.5 hours).
Overnight: Kaş
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Gulet Cruise in Kekova Bay
Spend a day aboard a traditional private gulet, cruising the turquoise waters of Kekova Bay. Swim in hidden coves, glide past ancient Lycian sarcophagi, and float above the sunken city. Enjoy a grilled fish lunch on board and embrace the slow rhythm of the Aegean, reconnecting with nature and yourself. Evening is free to explore Kaş’s quaint streets.
Overnight: Kaş
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Departure
There are no activities planned today. You’ll be transferred to airport for your return flight.
Overnight: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 626 reviews RinaBlina2025-04-26Verified The best vacation ! The True Blue team truly made our Turkey holiday unforgettable! We were travelling as a big group of 12 - with 6 kids, and it was our first time in Turkey, and our first time travelling on 10 days tour altogether. From the moment we arrived at the airport, to the time we left, everything ran smoothly. Merve was our contact , and she responded within a minute of any questions or clarifications we had! The drivers were all friendly and professional. The tour guides Alp, Revep, and Nizam took care of the group and adjusted the agenda as we needed considering we were travelling with kids. The hotels and restaurants were all very well chosen. And the 10 days tour altogether itinerary was just perfect to get a good understanding and appreciation of Turkey - and was a good mix of sightseeing, eating, and shopping! We are very happy with our True Blue experience , and a big thanks to Yorkie , Eyup and the entire team for a fantastic vacation! Teresa J2025-04-25Verified Vocation Our tour guide Typhun was very infornative and inspiring. He changed my perspective not just on Istanbul but on travelling and life as well. He also helped me rediscover my passion for teaching and history Michelle T2025-04-22Verified Trip of a lifetime! Turkiye is fantastic and True Blue made it easy for us to learn, see and experience Turkiye. The best tour guides and staff! Everyone was so caring and attentive from the very knowledgeable tour guides to the office staff who booked our accommodations and domestic flights. We only had 9 days but we got to see an overview of turkiye and will definitely go back with the help pf True blue! KSENIIA FROLOVA2025-02-03Verified Индивидуальные туры по Турции. Национальные парки, Каппадокия Я люблю путешествия на автомобиле, чтобы увидеть больше — собрать пазлы необыкновенной природы, исторических и культурных объектов и традиций страны в одно полотно ярких впечатлений. Для меня Турция полностью подходит для такого плана путешествий. В Турции я была пять раз. И три из них были связаны с автомобильными путешествиями, которые мне помогли организовать друзья из True Blue Tour. Назвать иначе менеджеров агентства мне сложно, потому как отношение и забота, а также решение моих нестандартных задач в путешествиях — все это было на самом высоком уровне с максимальной заботой. Особая благодарность Илмазу (Yilmaz Özlük), организовавшему для меня два индивидуальных тура в национальные парки Турции в 2022-23 г. и поездку в Каппадокию 2024-2025 г. Все эти поездки он сопровождал меня лично и рассказывал обо всем, что встречалось на нашем пути ) Путешествовать с Илмазом всегда безопасно, весело, познавательно. Будьте готовы к множеству историй :) В долгих переездах мы даже вместе пели песни (на английском ))) И это было круто ))) В итоге, если вы любите путешествовать на машине, есть примерный план из точки А в точку Б, но вы гибкие и готовы заехать по пути (или не совсем))) в точку С, любите индивидуальный сервис и финансово готовы на такое путешествие, то пишите ребятам из True Blue Tour. Если у вас сложности с английским — в агентстве работает Анастасия, русская приветливая девушка, которая сориентирует по всем вопросам организации тура в Турции или по Стамбулу в частности. Мне она прекрасно помогала по Стамбулу, сводила в историческую баню Хаммам Хюррем Султан, забронировала билеты на интересные мне мероприятия в городе. В общем, я доверяю ребятам полное мое транспортно-информационное сопровождение в этой стране. daniellelL2730BG2025-01-23Verified Atendimento impecável para super curtir um país incrível Gostaria de recomendar fortemente o atendimento impecável da agência! Desde o início das tratativas até ao final da viagem, fomos super bem conduzidos!A minha proposta de viagem foi feita sob medida e atendeu plenamente a expectativa de conhecer bem a Turquia!Tudo fluiu muito bem: pontualidade britânica nos horários de passeios e voos, guias super amáveis, ótimos hotéis, muito bons almoços, acompanhamento 24x7.Fizemos Istambul, Capadocia, Ephesos e Pamukale!Só posso agradecer pela maravilhosa experiência que proporcionaram!Cordial abraço! B C2025-01-14Verified As always, True Blue Tour delivers the best experience! True Blue Tour was our travel tour company when my family first visited Turkey in March 2023. We had such an awesome experience so when we had a layover of 15 hours on this trip, I contacted them again to arrange a private layover tour of the sites we have missed before. As expected, we had an amazing time with our very warm and attentive guide (Feyza) who made sure we make the most of a rainy day in Istanbul. She also took us to a Turkish eatery where we enjoyed hearty local meal! Plus, she takes GREAT photos, making it still look magical, despite our umbrellas and the drizzle! We’ve learned that they have expanded to other destinations as well, so we are surely booking our next travel with them to Egypt and Saudi Arabia! Jorge A2024-11-08Verified 11 day Turkey Tour On the first day of our tour in Turkey, we were greeted by a very cheerful and full of positive energy tour guide, named Dilek. She took our group of 14 people (all seniors) around Istanbul to well-known and famous places like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, to name a few. What was noteworthy about Dilek was her knowledge of the history of celebrated places. In our days in Istanbul, we were treated to a private first class scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus River, escorted to the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Grand Bazaar. Our lunches were curated very well as our group savoured the wonderful Turkish cuisine.We then ventured into Cappadocia; visited the salt pans and enjoyed the ride in the hot air balloons. We travelled to the renowned Ephesus Archeological Site. Once again, our tour guide shared her historical knowledge. Inasmuch as we were seniors, Dilek was very understanding in taking into account our preference for a slower pace. We should mention that our driver, Goksel (Jojo), was also considerate and patient with having to deal with our frequent rest stops and our expanding luggage as we accumulate more purchases. His driving was always tempered and calm. If he was not driving the van, he was cleaning it and making sure we were all comfortable. His favourite after lunch exercise was polishing the tires of the van with what he called his secret cleaning formula.This tour in late September/early October was an activity-filled historical journey. I would highly recommend True Blue Tours and credit both Dilek and Jojo, who gave us an informative, flexible, and a very enjoyable trip. Mary Ann F2024-11-06Verified Indelible impression Our first trip to Türkiye was an enthralling one courtesy of True Blue tours. From start to finish, every detail was well taken cared of by this company. Everyone involved- from admin staff, professional guides & drivers were all personable. Not just a pleasure trip but an educational one too. Will definitely go True Blue again! ringfm2024-11-02Verified Türkiye- every stone has a story to tell. It was a seamless transition from the different parts of Türkiye. Everyone (guides,drivers and admin people) know their roles by heart.Such a memorable adventure with the family through their utmost care and knowledge to details. Will be going back together w the rest of our family members. from:jun˚#travelwithtrueblue all the way Mayi2024-10-22Verified Awesome Turkey Experience My first trip to Turkey was handled by True Blue. It was stress free. So this time around we took our boys and still the best service. The guides are very helpful, cheerful and so accommodating. Will definitely get Blue True for our next adventure.
