Cruising the Lycian Shore

This gulet cruise and cultural Turkey tour explores the virtually untouched coastline of ancient Lycia, on the breathtaking turquoise coast. We’ll explore some of the greatest historical sites in all of Turkey, from the marbled city of Perge, where Turkish archaeologists are unearthing a site to rival Ephesus, to Aspendos, adorned with the best preserved ancient theatre in the world.

The archaeological wonders go on and on – like magnificent Arykanda, a quiet gorgeous antique town surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery on the edge of a mountain; and gorgeous Phaselis, famed in antiquity for its rascally merchants, and set beside the shore, its three harbours, aqueduct, theatre, baths, and streets swathed in pine trees. There is also the award winning museum (and Peter’s personal favourite in Turkey) in Antalya, home to an unbeatable collection of Roman statues almost all of which were discovered at nearby Perge.

As we travel behind the soaring Taurus Mountains, we will discover an extraordinary culture and a fiercely independent people that developed over many centuries: the Lycians. Their funerary architecture, unlike anything else in the world, still litters their once prosperous ports.

On this escorted holiday, we step back in time, to see how these towns evolved from Greek, Roman and Byzantine times to the present day. Their location, history, and state of preservation make for some of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world.

Taking a luxurious sailing vacation on a Turkish gulet is simply the best way to explore the maritime civilisation of the Lycians. We can reach otherwise inaccessible places in relaxing and stylish fashion without even the need to change hotels. There are frequent opportunities to swim in the crystal waters of the Turquoise coast, windsurf, kayak, or go for a hike and admire the flora. Naturally, delicious Turkish food is a vital component of all our gulet cruises in Turkey.
Once a day we visit one of the antique cities that adorn Lycia’s timeless coast. We stroll along ancient roads lined with wild herbs, and through olive trees strewn with rock tombs.

We have the chance to snorkel over sunken harbours and climb rocky fastnesses for unrivalled vistas.

From soaring aqueducts to Byzantine churches floored with mosaics, each site is an archaeological adventure, part of a historical puzzle that reveals a remarkable story of human civilisation. This is a holiday in Turkey designed to relax and inspire in equal measure.