Embark on an extraordinary journey through Türkiye, a land where history, culture, and natural beauty intersect. Begin in Istanbul, a city of striking contrasts where Europe meets Asia, and where soaring mosques, bustling bazaars, and the sparkling Bosphorus reflect centuries of cultural exchange. Continue to Ephesus, one of the most remarkably preserved cities of the ancient world, where marble streets and monumental ruins offer a vivid glimpse into the Greco Roman past. Along the way, savor the rich flavors of regional cuisine and experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality.
The journey continues along the spectacular Turquoise Coast with a five-night cruise aboard a privately chartered gulet yacht. Drift past secluded coves and pine covered hillsides, with time to swim, snorkel, and kayak in the clear waters of the Mediterranean. Visit Ekincik Cove, an important nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, and learn about efforts to protect this unique habitat. In Bodrum, explore the site of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, once honored as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
An optional four-night post-trip extension offers the chance to discover Cappadocia and Ankara.
Schedule by Day
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Depart home on overnight flights to Istanbul, Türkiye, arriving on June 26.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, ideally situated along the scenic waterfront. Gather with fellow travelers for an orientation and welcome reception at the hotel.
Overnight: Conrad Bosphorus Hotel or similar
Meals: R
Begin your exploration of Istanbul with a full day of guided touring, including the opulent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and the renowned Archaeology Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a private sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia meet, accompanied by drinks and appetizers as you take in the city’s skyline.
Overnight: Conrad Bosphorus Hotel or similar
Meals: B, L, R
Start the day with Lecture #1, providing historical and cultural context for the sites ahead. Visit the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life, followed by the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue Iznik tiles. View Hagia Sophia from the exterior, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, before exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Conclude the day with a traditional meyhane dinner featuring regional cuisine.
Overnight: Conrad Bosphorus Hotel or similar
Meals: B, L, D
Fly to Dalaman in the early afternoon and continue by road to the coastal town of Fethiye. Enjoy a walking tour and some free time to get lunch before boarding your private gulet yacht.
After you settle in, join fellow travelers for an onboard orientation and set sail along the Turquoise Coast, anchoring overnight.
Overnight: Aboard gulets
Meals: B, D
Cruise along the coast to Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after the Turkish artist who left his mark on the rocks, and continue to Hamam Bay, also known as Cleopatra’s Bath. This unique site features partially submerged ancient ruins believed to date to the Roman period. Enjoy time to swim or snorkel in the calm waters, or take an optional hike to nearby Greco-Roman ruins set among pine forests.
Overnight: Aboard gulets
Meals: B, L, D
Sail onward to Aga Bay, a secluded inlet known for its natural beauty and underwater freshwater spring that creates a refreshing swimming experience. Spend the day enjoying the clear waters or relaxing on deck. An optional afternoon hike leads to a scenic plateau offering expansive views of the coastline and surrounding hills.
Overnight: Aboard gulets
Meals: B, L, D
Cruise to the ancient site of Lydae, where a short walk brings you to hilltop ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Continue sailing to Ekincik Cove, a protected area that serves as a habitat for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. From here, take a smaller boat up the Dalyan River to the ancient city of Kaunos, founded in the 10th century B.C., where impressive Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs overlook the river.
Overnight: Aboard gulets
Meals: B, L, D
Sail toward Marmaris, stopping along the way at picturesque bays such as Kadirga and Kumlubük for swimming and a relaxed lunch on board. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying water activities like kayaking or simply unwinding in the Mediterranean sun. In the evening, gather for a cocktail reception followed by a farewell dinner on board.
Overnight: Aboard gulets
Meals: B, L, D
Disembark the gulet and drive to Bodrum, a vibrant coastal city with deep historical roots. After a local lunch, visit the Castle of St. Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller, and explore the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy a free evening to browse local bazaars, dine independently, or experience Bodrum’s lively atmosphere.
Overnight: The Marmara Bodrum or similar
Meals: B, L
Travel to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Walk along its marble streets to see highlights such as the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, and stop at the House of the Virgin Mary, a site of religious significance. Continue to the coastal town of Kusadasi for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Karisma Hotel Kusadasi or similar
Meals: B, L, D
Choose between optional morning excursions: visit the charming hillside village of Sirince, known for its traditional architecture and local wines, followed by a relaxing beach afternoon, or opt for a guided bike ride through the surrounding countryside before enjoying time by the sea. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner to reflect on your journey.
Overnight: Karisma Hotel Kusadasi or similar
Meals: B, D
After breakfast drive to Izmir and board a flight to Istanbul to connect with international flights home or continue on the optional post-trip extension to Cappadocia and Ankara.
Meals: B
Pricing
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
$9,990 per person
$13,990
Six hotel nights and five nights aboard gulets • On-tour flight: Istanbul/Dalaman • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including eleven breakfasts, eight lunches, and eight dinners • Comprehensive program of briefings and lectures • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides, drivers, and gulet staff • Entrance fees • Welcome reception with local drinks • House wine and beer, and soft drinks with group lunches and dinners • Bottled water with group meals and on motorcoaches • Expert local guide and professional tour manager throughout the program
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (February 25, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Conrad Bosphorus Hotel or similar (three nights)
Gulets (five nights)
The Marmara Bodrum or similar (one night)
Karisma Hotel Kusadasi or similar (two nights)
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Cappadocia & Ankara
July 7 - 11, 2027
Extend your journey deeper into Türkiye with an exploration of Cappadocia and Ankara, beginning with a flight from Izmir to Kayseri and a stay amid Cappadocia’s surreal volcanic landscapes. Visit Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle, and opt for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over fairy chimneys and valleys. Spend your days walking through Zelve Valley’s ancient cave dwellings and churches, visiting a traditional pottery workshop in Nevşehir, and admiring the frescoes of the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum, with evenings free to sample local dining. Enjoy optional biking, ATV, or horseback excursions, take part in a hands-on cooking class in the historic village of Sinasos, and delve into the multi-level Kaymakli Underground City. Conclude with a scenic drive to Ankara to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s monumental mausoleum, before a farewell dinner in the capital and your departure for home.
Overnight: Alden Hotel Cappadocia (three nights), Divan Ankara (one night)
Meals: 5B, 4L, 3D
$3,390 per person, double occupancy
$4,240 single occupancy
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Daily programs involve walking one to two miles through city centers, historic sites, and in museums, where there may also be extended periods of standing. Participants will encounter uneven terrain, including dirt and cobblestoned paths, and must be able to walk at least 20 minutes up and downhill without stopping. Participants must be able to stand outside for up to two hours with limited shade and no available seating. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by Harvard Travels and Criterion Travel, local staff, and host country laws. If the tour manager decides that a participant cannot visit a site safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply.
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Daily programs involve walking one to two miles through city centers, historic sites, and in museums, where there may also be extended periods of standing. Participants will encounter uneven terrain, including dirt and cobblestoned paths, and must be able to walk at least 20 minutes up and downhill without stopping. Participants must be able to stand outside for up to two hours with limited shade and no available seating. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by Harvard Travels and Criterion Travel, local staff, and host country laws. If the tour manager decides that a participant cannot visit a site safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply.
