Turkey: Turquoise Coast Gay Cruise

Guests beginning their Turkey adventure with this extension will be required to make their own way to the IST airport and will have the option of booking pre-accommodation and private transfers to/from our official hotel in Istanbul, the M Gallery Galata. If you aren’t interested in the extension, scroll onwards to Day 1.

Guests continuing on from our Turkey: Istanbul & Cappadocia tour will fly from Cappadocia, meeting newcomers at the Istanbul airport for our included flight to Izmir, a coastal darling that touts a gentle sea breeze blended with a laid-back lifestyle. 

Upon landing, we’ll transfer to Kusadasi and check in to our hotel before enjoying an included dinner overlooking the crashing waves of Kusadasi Bay. Tonight, we’re free to partake in the city’s lively nightlife or relax at the hotel.

Get ready for a big day! After breakfast, we’ll drive to Selcuk for an introduction to the historic Ephesus region, starting with a visit to the Isabey Mosque, a modest yet elegant structure built by Selcuk Turks that offers a view of the Basilica of St. John. Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now reduced to a few standing columns, before heading to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary and St. John and now guarded by the Turkish Military. An included lunch will be served at Can Carpet in Camlik Village, where we’ll also observe traditional carpet-making techniques and dye extraction from plants. This afternoon, we’ll tour the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its blend of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine heritage. Highlights include the Fountains of Trojan and Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Library of Celsius, various baths, the Bouloterion, and the Great Theatre, which once accommodated 24,000 spectators, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient life. Tonight, we’ll return to Kusadasi for some free time with dinner at our leisure.

After an included breakfast, we’ll drive to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning terraced hot springs and striking geological formations. The area features shimmering white limestone cascades that are thought to have healing properties, historically attracting visitors as a spa resort. The water is said to be beneficial for the eyes and skin and to help alleviate conditions such as rheumatism, asthma, and dermatitis. The ancient city of Hierapolis, built atop the springs, offers a plethora of ruins to explore. Afterward, we’ll have the opportunity to relax at our hotel’s thermal facilities, followed by an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Those who joined our optional pre-extension will start the day with an included breakfast and a 3-hour transfer from Pamukkale to Bodrum. For those arriving in Bodrum to begin their adventure, Merhaba and welcome to Turkey!

We’ll gather for an included 1PM Welcome Lunch at The Marmara Bodrum Hotel. Afterwards, we’ll take a guided walking tour of the Bodrum Market, Bodrum Castle, and the Underwater Archaeology Museum inside the castle, then board our spectacular yacht, the Tersane 8. Upon meeting our friendly crew for an introduction and a safety briefing, we’ll set sail along the magnificent Turquoise Coast! This evening, we’ll anchor in a secluded bay for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.

A Note on Cruising in Turkey: While we love a well-curated itinerary, this cruise requires a go-with-the-flow approach, meaning timings and activities may change based on weather and sea conditions. If we are anchored near a town, there might be opportunities to go into town using the ship’s dinghy.

Awaken to dazzling coastal views and the gentle lull of the waves! After an onboard breakfast, we’ll embark on a half-day trip to Etrim Village to experience Turkey’s Aegean culture and history, gaining insight into traditional crafts, ancient stone houses, and the local way of life. After an included lunch, we’ll return to our yacht and sail to Orak Island where we’ll anchor for a relaxing evening of swimming and an onboard dinner.

Today, we’ll enjoy breakfast onboard before setting sail southward across the bay and around the peninsula to Palamutbükü. Along the way, we’ll soak up some sun, catch the scenic views, and take in that fresh sea air! After lunch and upon arrival, we’ll disembark to explore the enchanting seaside village known for its tranquil beaches. Later, we’ll gather for a cocktail in Palamutbükü before we board our boat and set sail for Aktur Bay to anchor for the night. This evening, we’ll indulge in another wonderful dinner aboard.

After breakfast, we’ll sail into Bencik Bay, known for its distinctive narrow entrance that protects its serene waters. Historically, in 550 BC, the people of Knidos attempted to dig a canal here to defend against the Persian invasion, but their efforts failed and the Persians ultimately conquered Knidos. After some leisure time in the peaceful bay, we’ll have lunch before setting course for the charming fishing village of Selimiye. Upon arrival, we’ll anchor for the evening and be treated to another dinner fit for a king (or queen).

This morning, we set sail westward for Datça. Centuries ago, the town started as a leper colony, but thanks to its tropical climate, many who were sent there ended up healing and living long lives. Today, it’s a quant beach community with a charming old town that traces back to the 11th century BC. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of this historic area that’s sure to be a highlight of the trip. This evening, we’ll visit Datça Vineyards for an included dinner with rare Turkish vintages.

Our day begins by setting a course for İnceburun Bay, where we’ll enjoy breakfast before a salubrious dip in the crystal-clear waters. We’ll have the morning at our leisure before lunch aboard. Later, we’ll arrive in the ancient city of Knidos, renowned for its historical advancements in science, mathematics, and architecture. Notably, it’s where the original sun clock was invented by the great astronomer and mathematician Eudoxus. Not to be confused with a sundial, Eudoxus’ sun clock proposed that celestial bodies like the planets and the moon followed fixed paths through space. During our visit, our local guide will lead us on a coastal walk to explore the ancient theater and nearby ruins, as well as the area’s natural beauty. This evening, we’ll be treated to another lovely dinner aboard our yacht.

Rise and shine! Our final day at sea will also be one of the most memorable as we set sail from Knidos early in the morning toward the island of Karaada where we’ll arrive at Poyraz Harbor, a breathtaking bay known for its turquoise waters. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a refreshing swim in the tranquil sea. This afternoon, we’ll dock in Bodrum before a spectacular Farewell Dinner onboard. This evening, we’ll have the option to venture into Bodrum’s lively town center to indulge in the nightlife and maybe a cocktail or two. Tonight, we’ll spend our final night aboard the yacht.

There are no activities planned today. Enjoy a complimentary group departure transfer to the airport, and safe travels home!  Please do not book your flights before getting in touch with Out Adventures or before the trip confirmation email is sent.