Turkey Small Boat Cruise Adventure

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE: Designated local hotel in Istabul
MEETING TIME: 6pm
LAUNCHING POINT: Göcek
TAKE-OUT: Üçağız Village
RETURN TIME: 3pm Approx
THE LAST SUPPER: Istanbul
TRIP LENGTH: 12 days
AGE LIMIT: 8 years
BOAT TYPE: Yaselam Yacht
NEAREST AIRPORTS: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST)

Day 1 Arrive Istanbul

We recommend arriving in Istanbul at least a day before the itinerary starts to give you time to settle in and recover from any jet lag. Adventure Unbound will happily arrange any extra hotel nights you may need and can organize a private tour of the city.

In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner and orientation meeting at our designated hotel. This will give you a chance to meet your local Turkish guide and ask any questions you may have about the itinerary.

Accommodation: 10 Kadikoy Luxury Hotel or similar Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 Explore Istanbul

Spend the day discovering the sights of Istanbul, which straddles Europe and Asia and has been a major metropolis for the past 16 centuries. We’ll tour the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, whose opulent rooms are decorated with artifacts once belonging to the Ottoman Sultans. From the grounds, there are magnificent views across the Sea of Marmara.

Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, which was constructed in 536 AD and served as an Orthodox church for many years before being transformed into a mosque. Nearby are the towering minarets of the Blue Mosque, which was built for Sultan Ahmet in 1619 and is magnificently decorated with blue Iznik tiles.

Accommodation: 10 Kadikoy Luxury Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Istanbul to Izmir to Şirince Village

In the morning, we’ll fly from Istanbul to Izmir and make the one-hour drive to Kusadasi. From here, we’ll tour the Ephesus Museum to learn more about this ancient city and visit the tomb of St. John. In the late afternoon, we’ll continue to a boutique inn near the village of Şirince. Take time to explore the beautiful gardens and take a dip in the swimming pool before dinner.

Accommodation: Sirince Village Boutique Hotel Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Ephesus

Today will be spent exploring the archaeological site of Ephesus, a beautifully preserved city where St. Paul and St. John once lived. Follow in the footsteps of those who walked here more than 2,000 years ago as you tour the ancient Roman ruins, with a highlight being the mosaic floors. Wander between the public baths, library, and temples as you learn about the city’s destruction by the Goths in 263 AD.

Accommodation: Sirince Village Boutique Hotel Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Ephesus to Göcek

After breakfast, we’ll make the drive to Göcek, stopping to visit the ancient Greek city of Priene along the way. In the late afternoon, we will board our yacht and cruise to a nearby cove where you can enjoy your first swim in the Mediterranean Sea. A dinner feast will be served onboard under the stars.

Accommodation: On board Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Göcek to Agalimani Cove

This morning will be spent exploring the coves surrounding Göcek and snorkeling around the sunken ruins of a Roman bath. In the afternoon, we will embark on a hike through a pine forest towards Lydae, a collection of remote Lycian ruins that aren’t accessible by road. From here, we will continue on foot to meet our yacht while enjoying magnificent views across Fethiye Bay.

Accommodation: On board Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Fethiye to Pinara to Kayakoy to Gemiler Island

An early departure will see us driving towards Pinara, a spectacular Lycian city that perches high above the Xanthus Valley. It is believed to have been settled by Cretans in the 15th century BC, with impressive temple tombs and burial sites etched into its cliffs.

From Pinara, we’ll continue driving to the ghost town of Kayakoy, a Greek settlement that was deserted following the population exchange with Turkey in 1923. After lunch, we’ll embark on another hike to rejoin our yacht and can refresh with a swim before watching the sunset from Gemiler Island.

Accommodation: On board Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Gemiler to Kalkan to Xanthos to Yayla to Kas

As the sun rises, we’ll cruise past the “Seven Capes” and moor in a picturesque harbor near the village of Kalkan. You can refresh with a swim here and set out on an optional hike to see a Roman-built aqueduct.

Our main excursion today will take us to the Lycian, Greek, and Roman ruins of Xanthos, an ancient capital that is famed for resisting attacks by General Harpagus in the 6th century BC. Marvel at the sculpted tombs depicting scenes from times gone by and learn about the reliefs taken by the British in the 19th century.

Lunch will be served in a small mountain village (yayla) before we continue driving east to Kas. This cobblestoned fishing town features a Roman amphitheater, modern boutiques, and great restaurants where you can dine at your leisure in the evening.

Accommodation: On board Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Kas to Aperlae to Kekova

From Kas, we’ll continue to Aperlae where you can snorkel above its sunken ruins before exploring the traditional fishing villages of Kekova. Soak up the spectacular views from the Crusader castle of Kale before discovering Tersane, which once served as an Ottoman shipbuilding and repair harbor.

Accommodation: On board Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Kekova

Today will be spent exploring Kekova, with the option to go sea kayaking, walking, and swimming. It’s a relatively relaxed day to spend as you please while enjoying the many wonders of this area.

Accommodation: On board Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Üçağız to Dalaman

After saying goodbye to our yacht, we’ll travel to Üçağız and on to Dalaman Airport for our return flight to Istanbul. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore this bustling city before we congregate for a farewell dinner in the evening.

Accommodation: 10 Kadikoy Luxury Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 Depart Istanbul

As your tour comes to an end, it’s time to depart Istanbul or extend your trip with a four-day adventure through Cappadocia. Featuring magnificent valleys dotted with “fairy chimneys” and underground towns, this is one region of Turkey not to be missed. Our four-day Turkey extension is designed to run after our Turkey’s Lycian Shore trip for a seamless connection.

Travel to Instabul, Turkey

Istanbul Atatürk Airport is big international airport with many flights coming and going from all over the world. Turkey is a beautiful place bringing together the East and the West. Wherever you are flying from, you can likely find an easy flight into Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, United, American, and British Airways all offer convenient flights to Istanbul. Some of these airlines fly direct to Istanbul from other major international airports. When you arrive in Istanbul, you will be 10 hours ahead of Pacific Time, so plan your flights accordingly.

Airport Transfer Upon Arrival

Once you arrive in Istanbul, the most convenient way to get around is by buses and trams. You can also opt to take the metro which has consistent transportation from the Istanbul Atatürk Airport to downtown Istanbul. The metro is more convenient for locals as they don’t stop as close to tourists sights as the trams and other buses do, but its a great alternative for getting to and from the airport for those visiting.

Turkey Weather

Weather in May, June, September and October should be mostly sunny and warm. Expect daytime temperatures between 75-90 degrees (85-100 in July) in Turkey. Evenings may be cool enough for a light sweater. 

When To Go?

If you are interested in more specific information regarding the weather in Turkey, we highly suggest this website: wunderground. If you put in the location you are traveling, and the date, it will provide you with historical weather data that you can use to plan for your upcoming adventure.

Adventure Unbound Physical Requirements  

Here at Adventure Unbound our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Adventure Unbound is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Adventure Unbound and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Adventure Unbound activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit a raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Turkey Yachting Adventure Packing List

Overview

The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. These suggestions are broken down by your tour type and are based on the outlined itinerary, the geographic region, our knowledge of Turkey, and our personal experience. We hope you find this list helpful, use it as a guide and feel free to amend it with your favorite travel items too!

On board the yacht the atmosphere is casual. In cities such as Istanbul and Antalya you might want something a little nicer. Generally women will be most comfortable in skirts or dresses below the knees as this respects local customs. Along the coast however, shorts are appropriate. On the yacht swimsuits or anything else is fine. In general, loose fitting natural fiber and cotton clothing is best as it can be washed by hand and is comfortable.  A light 50/50 cotton polyester blend is also ideal for travel.

Luggage Recomendations:

In general it is in your best interest to bring as little as possible when traveling internationally, you'll be able to be more mobile and less fatigued. So pack lightly. A good test is to take your bag for a walk around your block and see how you do. Small luggage racks with wheels are helpful too. Put out what you think you need, and then take half!  Keep in mind you can almost always buy whatever you may have forgotten.  This is especially true of clothing items. Some things, as noted below, are best brought from home.  A small day pack is very useful for carrying books, a camera, etc. Be sure to label your luggage with your name and address, inside and out. PLEASE PACK in soft luggage as storage on the yachts is limited.

Essential Items

• Passport – Ensure it's valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• Digital copies of important documents – Take a photo or scan of your passport, flight details, and travel insurance and store them in a secure cloud service (Google Drive, Dropbox) and on your phone for easy access.
• Secure travel pouch – A money belt or neck wallet to discreetly carry cash and cards.
• Credit/debit cards with international access – Inform your bank about your travel plans to prevent any disruptions.
• Cash for gratuities and small purchases – While cards are widely accepted, having local currency is handy for tips and small vendors.
• Smartphone – Check with your provider about international plans or consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM for data.
• Universal travel adapter – Turkey uses Type F sockets. A universal adapter with multiple USB ports can be beneficial.

Clothing for the Yacht

• Lightweight, breathable attire – Pack casual dresses, shorts, skirts, and tops suitable for warm weather. For a week-long trip, consider bringing 4 tops, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 skirt, and 2 dresses.
• Swimwear – At least two swimsuits to allow one to dry while using the other.
• Evening layer – A light jacket or sweater for cooler nights.
• Sun protection – A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap and a large scarf or sarong, which can also serve as a cover-up or for visiting religious sites.
• Footwear – Comfortable sandals for onboard, water shoes for swimming, and sturdy walking shoes for onshore excursions.

Additional Gear

• Compact duffle bag – Useful for bringing back souvenirs; can be folded when not in use.
• Water filtration system - Turkey has nearly perfect tap water that can be easily filtered so it wont upset your bodys system. We recomend you bring a filter such as a LifeStraw, Grayle, Steripen, or Sawyer Squeeze
• Snorkeling equipment – While some cruises provide gear, bringing your own mask and snorkel ensures proper fit and hygiene.
• Reading material or e-reader – English-language books might be scarce locally.
• Travel clothesline and clothespins 
• Portable charger
• Motion sickness remedies
• Waterproof dry bag

Toiletries and Personal Care

• Sunscreen – A high-SPF, reef-safe option to protect your skin and marine life.
• Insect repellent
• Basic toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and soap. Opt for biodegradable products when possible.
• Personal medications – Ensure you have enough for the entire trip, along with a copy of your prescriptions.
• Lip balm with SPF 
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes 

Tipping Guidelines (May 2025) 

• Incidental tipping is included for restaurant staff, drivers, and any special activities arranged during the tour.

• Housekeeping tips are not easily included, so we recommend leaving $1–3 per night at each hotel.

Gratuities for the yacht crew and primary tour leader are not included. While tipping is entirely at your discretion, most guests ask for guidelines. Our suggestion is:

• Yacht crew: Around $300 per guest, typically given to one crew member (such as the captain), who will distribute it among the crew.

• Primary guide: Around $200 - $250 per guest, given directly to the guide.

Cash in US dollars is the best way to provide these tips. We recommend bringing an envelope to present them, and you might consider including a personal note or card with your tip.

Cash: In addition to the gratuities above, it's a good idea to bring an extra $200–300 in cash just in case. 

Miscellaneous Tips

• Luggage – Soft-sided bags are preferable for easy storage in compact cabin spaces.
• Towels – Confirm with your cruise provider if they supply towels; if not, pack a lightweight, quick-dry towel.
• Entertainment – Bring cards, travel-sized games, or download movies and music for downtime.
• Laundry – Facilities may be limited; consider packing a small amount of detergent for hand-washing essentials

Adventure Unbound - Turkey Recommended Reading List

Most of our trip is through the lands and water of ancient Greece. Therefore, any of the great Greek authors are excellent traveling companions.  Homer's Iliad or Odyssey are superb and the best translation is by Lattimore.  Other choices are Herodotus' History and Thucydides' Peloponnesian War. 

The Book of Acts, in the New Testament is especially interesting as it records much of St. Paul's travels and adventures in Ephesus.

GUIDE BOOKS: There are two fine modern guides to Turkey.  For an excellent and readable narrative on the country and something to read before you go and while in Turkey, get a copy of Turkey in the Cadogan guidebook series. Lonely Planet has a great guide book - Lonely Planet Turkey. Also from Lonely Planet is a Turkish Phrasebook which you will receive compliments of Adventure Unbound.

Reading List

• The Ottoman Centuries by Lord Kinross – A comprehensive and engaging history of the Ottoman Empire.

• Ataturk: The Rebirth of a Nation by Lord Kinross – Essential reading on the founder of modern Turkey.

• The Sultans by Noel Barber – A vivid account of the Ottoman sultans and their impact on Turkish history.

• Turkish Tapestry by Holly Chase – A humorous and insightful look at modern Turkish culture and travel.

• The Lycian Shore by Freya Stark – A classic travelogue exploring Turkey’s coastal regions.

• Everyday Life in Ottoman Turkey – A fascinating overview of daily life during the Ottoman Empire.

• Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis – A literary classic that provides cultural and historical context for the region.

Top 5 Historical Sites to Visit in Turkey - Check out historical sites and museums not to miss on your trip!

Tips for Navigating World Markets - Get excitied to explore the markets of Istanbul. 

The Magic of Travel by Gulet - Read the first hand experience of Turkish Gulet travel by travel writer, Alison Gardner!

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