Alexander's Path - Clasic Yacht Cruise through Lycia & Pamphylia
This cruise is full of theatres, tombs and the beautiful Taurus Mountains which in Lycia rise from the sea to heights of over 10,000 feet. It's one of our most popular itineraries because of the ancient sites and outstanding scenery. The sea passage has changed little in appearance over the last few thousand years, with dramatic peaks and deep-set wooded inlets seen from the coast making this a spectacular route.
The area has wonderful Classical cities like Xanthos, Phaselis and Myra which feature widely in the history of the eastern Mediterranean. Among the gems is the beautiful mountain city of Arykanda, in the alpine-like valleys behind Phoenix (Finike). Its pine fringed stadium and theatre are reminiscent of Delphi. There are also rare sites like Oenanda and Pinara in the Akdag Mountains. Other lovely places include Kekova, probably the most beautiful part of the Mediterranean, with a host of islands making it a water wonderland.
As always, we use classic Turkish yachts, built to a Byzantine design, but fitted with the most modern conveniences – private shower and toilet with every cabin, chefs to prepare Turkish cuisine and stewards to wait on our every need. For those who enjoy the cruising life there is plenty of relaxation and swimming and guests may take part in as many or as few of the daily explorations ashore as they wish to create their own perfectly balanced tour.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Fly from Istanbul to Dalaman. Transfer to the yacht at Göcek. Overnight in Göcek.
- Day 2
- Sail to the island of Gemiler. This monastic community thrived from the 4th to 7th centuries AD. Its churches conjure up the majesty of high Byzantium. The highlight of the visit is the vaulted processional way, where the relics of St Nicholas where paraded down from the old summit church to the newer ecclesiatical complex. Overnight on board at Gemiler.
- Day 3
- An early start to cruise along the mountainous shore of central Lycia to Kas, the site of ancient Antiphellos In Roman times it was one of the leading cities of central Lycia. After time for swimming and lunch, we shall moor in the harbour of Kas. Along the shore there is a perfectly preserved Hellenistic theatre and there are a number of Lycian tombs in the streets. Overnight on board in Kas.
- Day 4
- Sail past Uluburun, site of the Bronze Age wreck. Recently excavated from 200 feet underwater, it dates from the time of Tutankamun. Nearby are the remains of Aperlae, a small Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine town with extensive Lycian style tombs and where some of the old city streets can be seen under the water. After exploring the town, cruise on into the bay of Kekova.
- Day 5
- In and around the island of Kekova, where there are the three ancient towns. Simena is of Hellenistic foundation. Today it is the picturesque village of Kaleköy - the Citadel - dominated by a mediaeval fort. Nearby is the ancient town of Teimussa. Both towns have an extensive necropolis. On the island opposite is the extensive town of Tersane. Mainly Byzantine the remains are under water and will be seen by small boat. Overnight at Kaleköy.
- Day 6
- A relaxing day spent in the inlets and islands of Kekova. There are Byzantine churches tucked among the shrubs and trees in what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean. Overnight on board at Karaloz, a deep-set lagoon in the centre of the island.
- Day 7
- Morning visit to Demre, ancient Myra. Entering by small boat into the harbour at Andriake, we see the granaries of Hadrian before continuing to the ancient city with its magnificent Lycian tombs and recently cleared Roman theatre. Return to the yacht and overnight at Gökayaliman.
- Day 8
- Continue to Finike, ancient Phoenix. From here drive into the crisp air of the Taurus Mountains to visit Arykanda, one of the loveliest ancient sites in Turkey. Set among spectacular scenery, the city has a fine agora, complete theatre and a stadium. Overnight in Finike harbour.
- Day 9
- A full day visit to the sites of ancient Pamphylia, including the city of Perge, with superb stadium, Hellenistic and Roman walls, unique canal street and agora. Lunch at Aspendos before visiting the complete theatre and the unique Roman aqueduct. Visit the site of Olympus before returning to the yachts at Finike.
- Day 10
- Sail west to Kalkan. Visit the sites in the Xanthos valley - Letoön, Xanthos (capital of Lycia) and the port of Patara. We return to Kalkan, a pretty harbour town, for dinner and overnight on board in Kalkan.
- Day 11
- Morning visit to the lovely city of Pinara in the mountains above the Esenscay Valley. The Hellenistic theatre is especially evocative, and the setting is exquisite. Overnight in the Bay of Fethiye.
- Day 12
- Cruise to the ancient site of Telmessos (Fethiye). This Turkish town is the site of the ancient city. It’s theatre has just been re-excavated and there are many fine tombs here. Visit the Tomb of Amyntas, which dominates the town.
- Day 13
- Early morning sail to Oludeniz. Full day visit into the Western Taurus to visit the superb mountain city of Cadyanda, a Hellenistic city high in the Lycian Heartland.
- Day 14
- A morning sailing and relaxing in the Bay of Fethiye before arriving at Göcek Marina in the afternoon for the last night.
- Day 15
- Transfer to Dalaman airport for flight to London.
Tour Details
- DATE:
- 22 September - 6 October 2012
- PRICE:
- £2780 per person sharing from London*
- INCLUDES:
Airfare from London, twin or double bedded rooms/cabin, with bathroom, all excursions with local guides including entrance fees, UK departure tax, transfers, full board, expert leader.
Single supplement £750. (Can be joined without flight).
- NOT INCLUDED:
Regional connecting flights if not departing from London, Airline taxes other than UK Departure tax (UK passenger service charge, security tax, foreign departure tax, fuel surcharges), insurance, drinks, tips to crew, drivers & local guides.
*May be joined without flights. Ask us for the land-only price.
- ACCOMMODATION
- We shall be using a superior class gulet for the cruise portion of your tour, a comfortable and relatively spacious traditionally-designed motor-cruiser with en-suite shower rooms for each cabin. The cabins have proper full length beds and storage for your clothes and possessions.
- FITNESS LEVEL:
Moderate - We have graded the fitness level required for participation in this tour as Moderate. On board the boat the pace will be leisurely and you can choose to stay on board and relax instead of sightsee if you wish. There are no hikes in this tour; however many of the sites are large, with steps, an incline or frequent uneven ground. We may be out on site visits for several hours at a time without the possibility of returning to the hotel/boat. Participants need to be able to keep up with the group. Access to the gulets is via a gangplank and this can be steep and wobbly. Disembarking from the gulets whilst in a bay requires a climb down the narrow side steps of the boat into a dinghy which will be moving with the swell of the sea. Steady balance is important. For these reasons we feel that this tour is unsuitable for the frail or for anyone who routinely uses a walking aid. Unfortunately the gulets are not wheelchair accessible. If unsure whether this tour is for you, please check with us.
Trip Lecturer
A trip scholar will be announced here shortly.
Fast facts
- Sovereignty: Turkey is a Republic
- Language: Turkish. English is widely understood
- Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL)
- TimezoneTurkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK all year round
- Immunisations: NHS Fit for Travel advises that all travellers to Turkey Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including vaccines given to special groups because of risk exposure or complications (e.g. hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly). Additional Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; diphtheria; tetanus. Vaccines sometimes advised: typhoid; hepatitis B; rabies. Although Malaria is present in some parts of Turkey, the areas we are visiting on this tour are considered low to no risk and antimalarials are not usually advised.*Note this advice is intended to be a guide only, as we are not qualified to give out medical advice. Travellers should always consult their own GP before they travel to get up-to-date information which is relevant to their own circumstances.
- Visas: A visa is required by most nationalities. US, UK and other EU passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee which varies by country (i.e. £10 for UK, US$20 for USA, free of charge for French and German passport holders) Check with your local Turkish consulate before you travel.
- Flying time: 3 hours to Istanbul from London
- Will my phone work: Turkey uses the 900 and 1800 MHz bandwidth so almost all UK phones will work there as long as your provider has authorised its use abroad. Reception is widespread.
Extensions in Turkey
We recommend a three night stay in fascinating and vibrant Istanbul, with its thousands of years of history, layer upon layer. Please ask us for a quote.
