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Day 1: Join the Aegean Sites tour in Dalyan
Arrive Dalyan and check-in at hotel. 2 nights hotel H+.
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Day 2: Excursion to Caunus
This morning we take a small boat through reed beds to the ruins of Caunus, an important city circa 400 BC. Here, we can clamber up to the higher points of the Citadel from where there are fine panoramic views across the reed beds to the distant Aegean.We continue by boat to Iztuzu Beach, perhaps the best beach in all Turkey, for an afternoon of relaxation before returning to Dalyan. (Included meals: B).
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Day 3: Drive to Gulluk via Alinda
On our way to Gulluk we stop at the ruins of Alinda, a place where time stopped at the close of antiquity and now seems to be part of a lost landscape. Olive trees have pushed through the ground invading the ancient theatre where cows graze freely in this surreal setting. Situated on a rocky acropolis close to the village of Karpuzlu, this was Ada's capital and she built a wall around her city in circa 344BC. Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B).
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Day 4: Drive via Didyma, Miletus and Priene to Selcuk
Heading north we drive first to Didyma, whose Temple of Apollo held an oracle as important as the one at Delphi, in Greece. Today the massive scale of the fallen columns and the wealth of the intricate carvings bear testimony to the power of the ancient cult of Apollo. Then to Miletus, whose 15,000 seat theatre is evidence of the city's importance in Greek and Roman times, before its harbour silted up and gradually the city was abandoned.
As this Ionian city was not built on by the Romans, archaeologists have been left with a vivid picture of the scale and layout of a typical city of the 4th century BC. We continue to Selcuk, with its prominent Byzantine fortressand remains of the huge Temple of Artemis, once considered to be one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, but sadly now totally destroyed. 2 nights hotel H+ (included meals: B).
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Day 5: Visit Ephesus
This morning we have arranged a visit to the great Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, once visited by Mark Anthony and Cleopatra, and also by the evangelist St. Paul (which inspired the Epistle to the Ephesians). This famous old Asia Minor seaport reached its peak in the 2nd century AD and declined after the 7th century.
One of the main cultural and economic centres of the Old World, it once boasted excellent gymnasia and a stadium seating 70,000 spectators. Other highlights include the Baths of Constantine (4th century), the Arcadian Way (where Cleopatra entered from the Harbour), the Marble Avenue (with the 2-storeyed Library of Celsus, one of the most famous reconstructions of a Greco-Roman building in the world), the brothel, the Temple of Hadrian with its beautiful facade, the theatre (a giant with 24,000 seats) and the odeon (a 2000-seat music and poetry centre). (Included meals: B).
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Day 6: Drive via Aphrodisias to Pamukkale
Leaving Selcuk we drive to ancient Aphrodisias, where the goddess of love once bestowed her sensual favours on willing devotees. We continue to one of Turkey's most amazing natural wonders, the 'frozen waterfall' of Pamukkale. Situated on a high escarpment, Pamukkale has been an attraction since Roman times. We visit the incredible travertine pools, where you can opt to swim and enjoy the views overlooking the Menderes Valley.
Continuing to Hieropolis where the ruins date back to 190 BC and the time of Eumenes II. Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B).
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Day 7: Drive via Pinara to Fethiye
Today we drive to Fethiye via the village of Minare, where we will stop to have lunch and walk to the attractive ancient ruins at Pinara, famous for its Roman and Lycian rock tombs with well preserved reliefs of the ancient settlements, set high up in the hills. Overnight hotel H+ (included meals: B).
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Day 8: Tour ends Fethiye (Included meals: B).
Group Size: Approx. 12 to 18.
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Days 1 to 7. As above
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Day 8: Fethiye
This morning we check out of our hotel and transfer to our gulet. Once everyone is aboard we may sail to Paradise Bay to stay in a quieter cove rather than Fethiye Harbour. 7 nights share of 2-berth or double cabin (included meals: B, D).
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Day 9: To Kalkan
We sail this morning to the harbour of Kalkan, a small fishing village built into the steep slopes of the seacliff. Kalkan offers a perfect chance to explore an old village and harbour front. From here there is the chance of an optional excursion to see the ancient cities of Xanthos and Patara.
Saklikent Gorge, situated high in the mountains above Fethiye was created by icy cold water cutting through the mountains over thousands of years. A natural wonder, the resulting canyon is 300 metres deep and 18 km long. A great refuge on a hot summer day. (Included meals: B, L, D).
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Day 10: To Kekova
Sailing eastwards, we reach the island of Kekova, and several ruined cities, including Simena. Picturesque, partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal clear waters. Lycian sarcophagi (tombs) lie on the harbour bottom at Simena. Further up the hillside is Simena castle set in beautiful surroundings. We can take a walk up to explore its tiny theatre, hollowed out of the rock, and the surrounding medieval walls and tombs. (Included meals: B, L, D).
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Day 11: To Demre Cayagzi
We continue sailing along the coast to Demre Cayagzi. This afternoon we highly recommend a side trip to Arycanda, one of southern Turkey's most attractive sites. Located in a magnificent setting, on the slopes of the Taurus Mountains, the ruins are extensive and include a city stadium, large and small theatres, aquaducts and public baths.beautiful bay is surrounded by mountains, and is perhaps the prettiest of all our anchorages. (Included meals: B, L, D).
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Day 12: To Gokkaya Island
Today we continue to beautiful Gokkaya Island where we find lots of coves for swimming in the clear waters, making a relaxing day. If you fancy being slightly more active there is the option of sea-kayaking or a walk from Kapakli to Gokkaya (approx 2hrs) (Included meals: B, L, D).
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Day 13: To Kas
We continue sailing west to the attractive port of Kas. This picturesque coastal town is one of the most beautiful of the Turkish Riviera, backed by steep cliffs covered with dense green forest. You'll have time to enjoy soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many lively cafes near the picturesque harbour or join your tour leader for a walk. (Included meals: B, L, D).
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Day 14: Sail to Gemiler Island
We sail from Kas to Gemiler Island, close to Fethiye, where we will moor the gulet for the night. A last chance to relax and unwind before the tour ends. Note: for operational reasons, during busy periods it may be necessary to overnight in Fethiye. (Included meals: B, L, D).
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Day 15: Sail to Fethiye where tour ends (Included meals: B).