Beginning and ending in Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, birthplace of Herodotus, this archaeological gullet cruise visits some of the prettiest and most interesting sites in Turkey. The trip is led by Dr. Michael Metcalfe a charming, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic guide. The highlights are plentiful: from the small harbor of Myndos, where Cassius moored after murdering Caesar, to Iasos, a wealthy port, famed for its fish market and red marble. Iasos’ past vitality is revealed by the splendid ruins that litter the site - from the colonnaded agora to the Roman villa decked with mosaics. Inland we see two impressive temples, the elegant shrine to Zeus at Euromus, and the gargantuan temple of Apollo at Didyma. Of course it’s not all archeology. While at sea there are plenty of coves for swimming, relaxing, and fine dining.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Our boat is about 40 minutes from Bodrum airport, in the city’s amphitheater style harbor. Welcome drink and dinner aboard.
Day 2: A chance to relax as we sail west around the Bodrum Peninsula past the Greek island of Kos, to a quiet bay opposite Yalikavak.
Day 3: We sail north east to moor in the pretty harbor of ancient Iasos, where archaeological excavations are revealing a vital and beautiful classical city.
Day 4: We head inland to the temple of Zeus at Euromus, one of the best preserved in Asia Minor, and located amidst a beautiful olive grove. Then on into the mountains to Labraunda, Caria’s most sacred sanctuary, site of the great oracular shrine to Zeus Labraundus. The guardian of the site provides lunch with a view.
Day 5: A morning to relax and sail. In the late afternoon we head inland from Altinkum’s golden beach to visit Miletus, one of the most significant Ionian sites, with its vast theatre, baths, and brooding atmosphere, and its most important sanctuary, the colossal and awe-inspiring oracular temple of Apollo at Didyma.
Day 6: A gentle cruise to the pretty coastal village of Gümüslük, ancient Myndos; where excavations have recently started. The scant ruins offer a glimpse of this once bustling fortified harbor.
Day 7: A last chance to swim as we cruise south east to explore Halicarnassus, site of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the castle of St Peter, now one of the most important museums of underwater archeology. A chance for some last minute shopping.
Day 8: Transfer from our gullet to Bodrum airport, some 40 minutes away.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Full board accommodation on gulet
- All road transfers
- All crew services on gullet
- Entrance fees & tips on land
- Archaeological excursions
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
History Whiz
Archeology/History
Boating and Sailing
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