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
Small Group
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
Istanbul
Fethiye
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
Day by Day
Journey begins where continents and centuries meet.
Arrive in Istanbul, the city where this journey begins between continents, waterways, and centuries of history. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, so you can rest after your flight or begin exploring the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Step into Istanbul’s old imperial heart, where Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman legacies still stand side by side.
Begin at the Hippodrome, once the ceremonial and sporting center of Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired for its cascading domes, elegant courtyards and beautiful İznik tiles. Nearby, pause outside Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s great architectural monuments and a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s layered past. Then, descend into the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric underground reservoir filled with ancient columns, soft reflections, and a quiet sense of mystery. Later, continue to the Grand Bazaar, a historic covered market of jewelers, textiles, ceramics, workshops and inherited trading traditions. Optional: Hagia Sophia interior gallery visit can be arranged, subject to current restorations, opening/closing hours.
See Istanbul from the water before trading the city’s skyline for Cappadocia’s dreamlike valleys.
This morning, board a private Bosphorus cruise and sail between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, wooden waterfront mansions, old fortresses and neighborhoods that show Istanbul at its most alive. Back on land, continue to the Spice Market, one of the city’s most colorful and sensory corners. Browse stalls filled with spices, dried fruits, teas, sweets and local treats, with the energy of a market that has helped feed Istanbul for centuries. Later, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia. On arrival, check-in to your cave hotel and settle in as the landscape changes completely.
Experience Cappadocia from every angle — above the valleys, beneath the earth and around a local table.
For early risers, the day may begin with an optional sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s valleys, weather permitting. Today, explore the region’s surreal volcanic landscape at the Monks' Valley, known for its fairy chimneys, cone-shaped rock formations and sculpted towers. Continue with lunch at a local women’s cooperative, where home-style dishes and warm hospitality offer a meaningful taste of Cappadocian village life. In the afternoon, descend into Kaymaklı Underground City, a remarkable network of tunnels, rooms, kitchens and storage spaces carved into soft volcanic rock. End the day with an introduction to Anatolian carpet weaving, where symbols, regional patterns and craftsmanship reveal another layer of local culture.
Step away from the main routes to discover Cappadocia’s quieter rock-cut heritage, artisan traditions, and everyday rituals.
Today takes you beyond Cappadocia’s busiest paths into quieter corners shaped by faith, landscape and local craft. Visit Açıksaray, a rock-cut monastic complex near Gülşehir, and nearby St. Jean Church, where Cappadocia’s Byzantine heritage feels more intimate and less crowded. Continue to Avanos, a town long associated with the red clay of the Kızılırmak River and generations of pottery making. In a hands-on pottery or tile workshop, learn directly from local artisans and try the craft yourself. Later, sit down for Turkish coffee and fortune telling — a playful social tradition that opens a small window into Turkish hospitality, conversation and everyday life.
Leave Cappadocia’s volcanic landscapes behind for the stone houses, hillside lanes and slower village rhythm of Şirince.
After a short domestic flight to Izmir, continue to the Aegean village rhythm of Sirince. Known for its stone houses, narrow lanes, terrace views and fruit wines, this hillside village offers a softer change of pace. Followed by the imperial scale of Istanbul and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, Sirince brings the journey into a more intimate rhythm. Check in to your boutique village accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with time to wander, swim at the pool, relax or simply take in the atmosphere of village life.
Walk through one of the Mediterranean’s greatest ancient cities.
Explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world. Walk along its marble streets and discover the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, public baths, fountains and civic spaces that once shaped life in one of Rome’s most important cities. Through the stories of trade, belief, power and daily life, Ephesus reveals far more than monumental ruins. After the visit, return to Sirince for time to relax before joining an Aegean cooking class in the evening. Prepare regional dishes with seasonal produce, olive oil and local recipes, then sit down to enjoy dinner together.
Where ancient waters, forgotten cities and timeless landscapes meet.
Travel inland through the Aegean landscapes to Pamukkale, where nature and history come together in one of Türkiye’s most distinctive settings. Explore Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once known for its thermal springs and healing traditions. Walk through its monumental gates, theatre, public buildings and extensive necropolis while learning about daily life in this important Greco-Roman center. Continue to Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. The contrast between the ancient ruins and the bright natural formations creates one of the journey’s most memorable landscapes. Later, check in to your thermal hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meet the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean
Depart Pamukkale in the morning and travel south towards Demre, the gateway to one of Türkiye’s most enchanting coastal journeys. Upon arrival at Demre Harbour, board your traditional gulet boat and settle into life on the water. After a short cruise briefing, enjoy lunch on board before sailing through the legendary waters of Kekova, where the partially submerged ruins of the ancient Lycian settlement known as the Sunken City lie beneath the crystal-clear sea. Continue to Kaleköy (Simena), a charming coastal village crowned by its medieval castle. Wander through narrow lanes, discover Lycian rock tombs along the shoreline and enjoy sweeping views across the Kekova archipelago. Take time to sample the village’s famous homemade ice cream before returning to the gulet. Later, sail towards Gökkaya Bay, a peaceful natural harbor surrounded by untouched landscapes. Swim, snorkel, relax on the deck, or simply watch the changing colors of the Mediterranean as dinner is served beneath the stars. Optional: Reach the lively open-air island bar only by boat and enjoy music, drinks and a relaxed evening atmosphere with fellow travelers.
Explore the coastline shaped by legends, where ancient footsteps met Mediterranean life.
Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the sea and sail towards Limanagzi Bay for breakfast and a refreshing morning swim in its turquoise waters. Sail towards Kaş, a charming seaside town where Lycian, Roman and Ottoman influences blend with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Once a quiet fishing village, Kaş is now celebrated for its picturesque harbor, boutique shops, traditional streets and authentic Mediterranean character. Enjoy free time to explore the town at your own pace before returning to the gulet. After lunch at Hidayet Bay, known for its spectacular turquoise waters, continue sailing towards Aquarium Bay, a secluded anchorage perfect for swimming, snorkeling and unwinding beneath the stars. Optional: Diving in Kaş - explore one of Türkiye’s finest underwater worlds with a guided diving experience among reefs, caves and fascinating marine life. Pre-booking required.
Mediterranean reveals its most unforgettable colors.
Begin the day surrounded by the dramatic cliffs and emerald waters of Butterfly Valley, one of the Turquoise Coast’s most iconic landscapes. Enjoy breakfast on board, swim in the peaceful bay or take an optional walk towards the valley’s hidden waterfall, where seasonal streams create a refuge for diverse butterfly species. By midday, sail towards the legendary Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz, one of the most photographed coastal landscapes in the world. Relax in its calm waters, admire the surrounding mountains, or watch paragliders descend from the heights of Babadağ. Later, anchor near St Nicholas Island (Gemiler Island), where ancient Byzantine ruins, stone pathways and atmospheric chapels overlook one of the most spectacular sunset viewpoints on the coast. Optional: Tandem Paragliding from Babadag Mountain Take flight from one of the world’s most famous paragliding locations, enjoying panoramic views over Oludeniz and the turquoise coastline.
The final morning is not about leaving the sea behind but taking its memories with you.
Enjoy a relaxed final morning aboard your gulet as you sail towards Tarzan Bay for breakfast and one last swim in the Mediterranean. Continue to Samanlık Bay, a peaceful final anchorage where you can enjoy the clear waters, relax on the deck and savor the moments of your coastal escape. After lunch, cruise into Fethiye Harbour, arriving between 13:00–14:00. Say farewell to your crew and fellow travelers before the journey comes to an end.
Check departure dates and reserve your place with a EUR 400 deposit.
Your feature stay
Nestled in the heart of Cappadocia, Agarta Cave Hotel combines authentic cave architecture with contemporary comfort, reflecting the region's unique character.
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.