This archaeological cruise and cultural tour explores the virtually untouched coastline of ancient Lycia, on Turkey's breathtaking turquoise coast. Behind the soaring Taurus Mountains an extraordinary culture and a fiercely independent people developed. Their funerary architecture, unlike anything else in the world, still litters their once prosperous ports. We step back in time, to see how these towns evolved from Greek and Byzantine times to the present day. Their location, history, and state of preservation make for some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world.
Sailing aboard your luxurious gulet is simply the best way to explore the maritime civilisation of the Lycians. We can reach otherwise inaccessible places in relaxing and stylish fashion without even the need to change hotels. There are frequent opportunities to swim in the crystal waters of the Turquoise coast, windsurf, kayak, or go for a hike and admire the flora. Once a day we visit one of the antique cities that adorn Lycia's timeless coast. We stroll along ancient roads lined with wild herbs, and through olive trees strewn with rock tombs. We have the chance to snorkel over sunken harbours and climb rocky fastnesses for unrivalled vistas. From soaring aqueducts to the best preserved Roman theatre in the world, each site is an archaeological adventure, part of a historical puzzle that reveals a remarkable story of human civilisation.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Our gulet is about 30 minutes from Dalaman airport at Göçek, a pretty harbour beneath mountains at the head of the Bay of Fethiye. Welcome dinner on board.
Day 2: A chance to unwind sailing in the Bay of Fethiye.
Day 3: South east to Gemiler Island, a key pilgrimage centre, where Japanese archaeologists have been working on a number of superb Byzantine churches. It’s a perfect area for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 4: On to Kas, a beautiful village of white-washed houses covered with purple bougainvillaea. Ancient Antiphellos is littered with tombs and a theatre with a magnificent sea view.
Day 5: East to picturesque Üçagiz, old Teimiussa, one of the most evocative of all Lycian burial sites.
Day 6: Into the mountains to Arykanda, where archaeological excavations have revealed a prosperous monumental city.
Day 7: On to Phaselis, seat of pirates who terrorized the region’s rich trade routes. Its three harbors and civic monuments now lie serene amid pine trees.
Day 8: To Antalya, the south’s most vibrant city, with a fortified harbour and archaeology museum full of marble statues. Roman Perge is a vast treasure house of ruins. A real highlight of this archaeology tour. We stroll through colonnaded streets and shops, marbled bath-houses, a stadium, and vast Hellenistic fortifications.
Day 9: We visit Aspendos’ mighty aqueduct and extraordinary theatre, the best preserved Roman theatre in the world.
Day 10: South to Olympos, a pretty little archaeological site scattered amongst trees beside a sparkling stream. On an ancient sacred way we visit the Chimaera, a natural phenomenon where flames burst from the ground, and legendary home of the mythical beast.
Day 11: We visit Myra, famed for its Roman theatre and rock hewn tombs. Walking through its port, Andriake, we uncover a giant cistern and granary built by the Emperor Hadrian.
Day 12: West to Kale, site of ancient Simena, perched beneath a melee of Lycian tombs, and an Ottoman fort. One of the most romantic settings of the holiday.
Day 13: We set off for pretty Kalkan, and inland to Xanthus, capital of ancient Lycia, where French archaeologists have been excavating for over half a century, uncovering more and more wonders every year.
Day 14: A last dip, then to Fethiye to visit its magnificent cliff tombs and a final chance to shop.
Day 15: Transfer from our gullet back to Dalaman airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Road transfers by minibus
- Full board accommodation
- Site entrance fees
- Gratuities on land
- Harbor fees and crew services
- Daily excursions
- All mineral water, tea and coffee are included. Wine is included with dinner, other drinks are extra.
Price Excludes:
- Flights and airport taxes
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities on the boat (it is customary to tip the crew at the end of the tour. We recommend a tip of about £5 ($8) per passenger per day).
Note: On board the boat there is a reasonably priced bar for guests' use. Bar bills can be settled with the crew at the end of the trip.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
History Whiz
Archeology/History
Boating and Sailing
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