10 Days: Turkish Mediterranean and Aegean Sea Coastal Tour

The 10 Days: Turkish Mediterranean and Aegean Sea Coastal Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s legendary past and breathtaking landscapes. Priced at $2,696.64 per person, this tour is designed for those eager to enjoy the country’s ancient sites, from Antalya to Troy. With a duration of approximately 10 days, the tour includes museum tickets, transportation, and accommodation, providing a hassle-free experience. Visitors should note that lunch, drinks, and dinner are not included, so planning meals ahead is recommended. The tour departs at 9:00 am and operates only four times a year, emphasizing its exclusivity and tailored nature.

This private experience is ideal for travelers with moderate fitness levels who want a detailed and guided journey through Turkey’s archaeological wonders. The tour features pickup services and mobile tickets, making logistics straightforward. While the pace is generally well-structured, some stops, like Iztuzu Beach, can involve longer durations. The tour balances cultural discovery with natural beauty — an excellent choice for history buffs and scenery lovers alike.

Key Points

• Private, guided 10-day tour covering Turkey’s key archaeological sites and coastlines
• Includes all museum tickets and accommodations, with optional pickup service
• Starts in Antalya and ends in Troy, with 37 stops along the way
• Price of $2,696.64 per person, booked on average 117 days in advance
• Physical activity is moderate, with some longer stops like Iztuzu Beach and Saklikent Gorge

Exploring Antalya’s Waterfalls and Ancient Ruins

The journey begins in Antalya, a city renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites. The Lower Duden Waterfalls are among the first stops, offering spectacular views as water plunges into the sea. This natural wonder is complemented by visits to Aspendos Ruins, famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theater with impressive acoustics, and Perge Antik Kenti, a city that highlights the Hellenistic and Roman periods through its ruins.

The tour then explores Side Ancient City, a settlement dating back to the 7th century BC. Visitors can walk along ancient streets, see well-preserved structures, and imagine bustling market life from centuries past. The Antalya Museum is next, showcasing artifacts from the region, providing context for the sites visited.

Strolling Through Kaleici and Visiting Mount Termessos

Kaleici, the historic old town of Antalya, features narrow streets, Ottoman houses, and city walls. It’s a lively area ideal for a short walk, with free admission, revealing the city’s layered history. Nearby, the Termessos ruins sit atop the Taurus Mountains, offering a stunning natural setting alongside ancient Greek and Roman remains.

This site is known as the “Eagle’s Nest” for its elevated position and panoramic views. The ruins include theater remains and temples, with a 2-hour visit that balances history with scenic vistas.

Unique Experiences at Çıralı and Myra

The Çıralı (Chimaera) Evening Hike is a captivating highlight. The area is famous for eternal flames burning from natural vents, and the 1.5-hour walk at sunset offers a peaceful yet surreal experience. It’s free to visit and perfect for those interested in natural phenomena.

In Myra Antik Kenti, visitors find Lycian tombs and ancient city ruins. The 1-hour stop includes visits to rock-cut tombs and the Roman theater, illustrating the blend of Lycian and Roman influences.

Religious and Mythological Sites at Letoon and Tlos

Letoon was a major religious sanctuary dedicated to goddess Leto, with three well-preserved temples and mosaics, making it a significant archaeological site. The 1-hour visit offers insight into Lycian religious practices.

Tlos Ruins near Fethiye provide another glimpse into Lycia’s history, with well-preserved ruins and ongoing archaeological interest. Visitors spend about 1 hour exploring the site, learning about its continuous habitation since ancient times.

The Coastline and Ancient Cities in Lycia

The tour explores Patara Antik Kenti, an important Lycian city with a vast ancient theater and a significant Roman-era lighthouse. This 1.5-hour stop highlights the scale of Lycian urban planning.

Xanthos presents a poignant stop, with its history of resistance against Persians and early Greek settlement. The 1.5-hour visit includes archaeological remains and the Amyntas Rock Tombs, carved into cliffs around 350 BC.

Lycian Rock Tombs in Dalyan and Saklikent Gorge add natural scenic beauty and unique archaeological sites. Saklikent, a long canyon, offers a 1.5-hour walk through stunning scenery, while the Dalyan tombs are famous for their cliffside carvings.

From Fethiye to Bodrum: Marine and Archaeological Highlights

The journey continues with a 2-hour stop in Marmaris, a vibrant coastal resort town known for its marina and nightlife. Nearby, Iztuzu Beach hosts the endangered loggerhead sea turtles, and a 4-hour visit allows for relaxation and appreciation of its natural beauty.

In Bodrum, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — is a must-see. A 1-hour visit explores its historical significance, followed by a tour of Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights of St. John, with a 1-hour exploration of its fortress and museum.

The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology completes the cultural stops, showcasing shipwreck artifacts over 30 minutes. The tour then heads to Didyma for a visit to the Temple of Apollo, a key Greek monument, and continues with Aphrodisias, a city dedicated to the goddess of love, offering another 2-hour exploration.

Natural Wonders and Ancient Sites Near the Aegean

The iconic Pamukkale natural terraces are a highlight, with 3 hours allocated to enjoy the mineral-rich thermal waters and stunning white travertine formations. Nearby, the Laodicea Antik Kenti presents Roman and Byzantine ruins, with a 2-hour visit.

Assos, an ancient city with a hilltop temple and scenic coast, offers a 40-minute stop with free admission, emphasizing its cultural and scenic appeal. The Ayazma Plaji beach on Bozcaada Island provides a restful 2-hour break amid crystal-clear waters, with free admission.

Ending at Troy and the Region’s Archaeological Riches

The tour concludes with Troy (Truva), famous from Homer’s “Iliad”. The 1-hour site visit explores ruins linked to the legendary Trojan War, complemented by a 1.5-hour visit to the Troy Museum, which offers a rundown of Troy’s history.

This final stretch highlights Turkey’s legendary past and archaeological wealth, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Practicalities and Booking Details for the Turkish Coastline Tour

The tour starts at 9:00 am each day, with pickup services available for convenience. It’s a private tour experience, meaning only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention and flexible pacing. The confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

Since the tour spans many sites with varying terrain, travelers should have moderate physical fitness. The cancellation policy is flexible, offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ideal for those uncertain about travel plans or weather conditions.

Final Thoughts on the 10-Day Coastal Adventure

This tour offers a comprehensive journey through Turkey’s top archaeological sites, natural wonders, and seaside towns. The inclusion of museum tickets, accommodations, and expert guides ensures a seamless experience.

While no meals are included, the itinerary’s diversity — from ruins and ancient theaters to beautiful beaches and natural geysers — makes it an enriching option for history lovers and scenery seekers alike. Its limited seasonal operation adds an element of exclusivity, making early booking advisable.

This private, well-organized tour provides a detailed look at Turkey’s cultural and natural heritage, suitable for those ready to explore many sites in a structured yet engaging way.