The tour starts at 4.00pm on Thursday 6 June, in the lobby of the Eresin Sultanahmet Hotel, Istanbul.

The tour ends after breakfast on Saturday 22 June, with a transfer to Dalaman airport for connecting flights to Istanbul.

Please note the listed itinerary for our 10-night private cruise is weather dependent and the captain has the final say on where we moor or how far we travel each day. Please also note that the tour leader Dr Chris Carter is an archaeologist and adventurer, and his style of tour leadership will reflect these interests.

We meet in the foyer of our hotel in the late afternoon. We first make our way to the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, before enjoying a traditional Turkish dinner near the Hagia Sofia. Overnight Istanbul (D)

We begin the day with a tour of the Old City that has been known over the centuries as Byzantium, Constantinople and Istanbul. Our tour of Topkapi Palace and Harem will provide a glimpse into the colourful world of sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs, who lived and worked there when it was the court of the Ottoman empire, between the 15th and 19th centuries. After a break for lunch, we wander the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome before visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) and the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Constructed as a church, the Hagia Sophia was the religious focal point of the Eastern Church for nearly 1,000 years, before being converted to a mosque following the fall of Constantinople in 1453. We conclude our day in the subterranean masterpiece that is the Basilica Cistern, commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532 from hundreds of columns salvaged from ruined temples. Overnight Istanbul (B)

This morning we step into the world of opulence, architectural brilliance, and historical significance as we journey through the Dolmabahce Palace. Built by Sultan Abdulmecid I – the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire – to rival the royal residences of Europe, it features lavish interiors and insights into the empire’s past. After a lunch break on the Galata Bridge, we immerse ourselves in the exotic spices of the famous Egyptian Bazaar before embarking on an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, travelling as far north as 15th-century Rumeli Fortress on the European side, and the 14th-century Anadolu Fortress, on the Asian side. Evening at leisure. Overnight Istanbul (B)

We begin the day at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, providing us an overview of what we’ll see on our travels to come. A complex which consists of three museums – the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk Museum – they collectively hold over one million objects that represent the Assyrian, Hittite, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations. A highlight will be the Alexander Sarcophagus, covered in scenes of Alexander the Great (thought actually believed to hold Abdalonymus, the king of Sidon). Afterwards we make our way to Istanbul airport for our flight to Izmir, on the Aegean coast, known as Smyrna in antiquity. There we meet our coach for the scenic drive to Kuşadası, with dinner tonight in our hotel. Overnight Kuşadası (B, D)

This morning we explore Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved classical sites of the ancient world. The city was once considered the most important Greek trading centre in the Mediterranean region. In the 7th century BCE, Ephesus fell under the rule of Lydian Kings and it became a thriving city where men and women enjoyed equal opportunities. Here we visit the vast theatre, agora, terrace houses, bathhouses, temples, colonnaded streets, and the Library of Celsus, believed to have held around 12,000 scrolls! We conclude our visit at the Selcuk museum, where pieces found in and around the ruins of Ephesus are displayed. After lunch we will visit the monumental 6th-century Basilica of Saint John the Divine in Selcuk. The evening is at leisure, with dinner tonight in our hotel. Overnight Kuşadası (B, L, D)

Departing for Bodrum this morning, we visit the quiet, picturesque Hellenistic city of Priene en route. Built on a steep hillside in an innovative grid-pattern design, Priene is home to many monuments. Sponsored by Alexander the Great, it is said to be the most perfect example of Ionic architecture ever built and we spend time exploring the ancient theatre, council chamber, Roman baths and gymnasiums, along with the ruins of an ancient Synagogue and a temple to Athena Polias. Following lunch in a traditional restaurant on the coast, we arrive in Bodrum during the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure. Overnight Bodrum (B, L)

The hub of Bodrum’s boating activities, Bodrum Harbour will be our first stop this morning, before we explore the Bodrum Museum. Housed in the 14th-century Crusader Castle of Saint Peter, the museum is famous for its underwater collections excavated off wrecks around the coast of Asia Minor. After some free time for lunch, we board our traditional wooden ship, the MS Elara 1 – a boat unique to the Bodrum region. In the afternoon we set sail for Cape Tekir, cruising through the Ceramic Gulf past the Greek island of Kos to the Classical site of Knidos, where we moor in the ancient harbour in the lee of the Hellenistic theatre. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, D)

The 2,600-year-old city of Knidos is a rare historical gem, standing the test of time with magnificent structures, a port street lined with columns, an agora, two ancient theatres and two ports. Leaving our vessel moored in the harbour, we walk through some of the ancient streets of this spectacularly positioned city. Later in the afternoon we cruise further east along the coast past Palamat Buku before entering Datca Harbour, enabling admittance to Greek waters. Our final destination for the day is the stunning Greek island of Symi. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

This morning we explore the exquisite island of Symi, famous for its quaint pastel-coloured houses. Joining a local guide, we visit the museum and climb the steps to get a spectacular view of the harbour. After lunch at a harbourside tavern, we have time to explore the beautiful town of Gailios. Later we cruise across the channel to the island of Rhodes, spending the night adjacent to Rhodes Harbour. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

Gothic architecture and Crusader tales will be the focus of today as we soak in the wonders of the UNESCO-listed old town of Rhodes. On our leisurely guided tour, we stroll down the Street of the Knights, marvel at the Palace of the Grandmaster and absorb the rich cultural heritage of Rhodes in the Archaeological Museum. Following our tour, you have some free time to further explore the Old City at your own pace. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, D)

Returning to Turkish waters today, we cruise into the deep wooded inlet of Bozburun. During the afternoon you can visit the small town before we explore some of the archaeological sites that are scattered around the lengthy shoreline of the inlet. This area was once famous for the quality of its quarried marble and is well-known as a centre for shipbuilding. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

Cruising east toward the Loryma Peninsula, we disembark to visit Bozukkale, which is Turkish for the ‘Broken Castle’. This site contains the remains of a magnificent Rhodian citadel guarding the harbour and was once home to a formidable navy. During the afternoon we go ashore again to explore parts of ancient Loryma. The important harbour fortress has protected fleets throughout history, from those belonging to the Athenian general Konon in 395 BCE all the way through to the Ottoman era, when Sultan Suleiman I conquered the surrounding lands and took siege over Rhodes in 1522 CE. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

In 1025 CE a small, two-masted Byzantine merchant ship, with a crew of Hellenised Bulgarians, was transporting its cargo of glazed Islamic bowls, copper cauldrons, sumac, raisins, and an unusual ballast made up of broken glassware from Beirut, when it was struck by a gale force wind. The unfortunate vessel crashed onto a rocky shore near Serçe Liman and sank, with all goods on board. The wreck has provided a time capsule of life in the Byzantine period and this morning we visit the ongoing excavation site. Later we disembark for a leisurely walk, through spectacular scenery, to the ancient remains of Kasara. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

Today we cruise along the mountainous shores of eastern Caria, across the Bay of Marmaris to the cove of Ekincik. From here we take a river boat into the reed-fringed marshes of the Dalyan River and visit the beautiful Roman city of Kaunos. Walking from the landing stage, we see the well-preserved theatre, Hellenistic in origin and rebuilt in Roman times, the ancient harbour installations with statue bases and quayside Stoa, Byzantine churches and a vast Roman bath complex. Afterwards we continue up-river to view the spectacular 4th-century BCE rock-cut temple tombs of the Carian kings, hewn out of the dramatic cliff-face. Later we explore the friendly town of Dalyan situated along the River, just inland from the coast. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning, we cruise eastwards to the cove of Alaliman and visit the romantic ruins of Lydae. Located in the middle of a peninsula, in a basin surrounded by mountains, the well-hidden site is a peaceful haven, reachable only by sea. Walking up the ancient, paved road we reach the crest of a hill where lies the Agora of ancient Lydae, with a number of fine late Roman mausolea overlooking the Bay of Fethiye. For those that wish to, a walk of a further hour brings us to the haunting remains of Arymaxa, once a Roman latefundia, the country estate of the Diaphantes family whose mausoleum dominates the landscape. The views over the coast of ancient Lycia from here are truly outstanding. After lunch in the beautiful inlet Çamlıköy, we cruise across the Gulf of Fethiye. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

Disembarking at picturesque Fethiye on Türkiye’s Turquoise Coast this morning, we spend the day ashore, enjoying the mountain scenery and visiting the spectacular ancient Lycian city of Tlos (dating from 2,000 BCE). Afterwards we enjoy a traditional lunch in the hills before returning to Fethiye, where you have time to spend an hour or two in the colourful town before re-embarking for our final dinner on board. Overnight MS Elara 1 (B, L, D)

After an early disembarkation we transfer to Dalaman airport for connecting flights to Istanbul and onwards. Passengers joining the Cappadocia post-tour extension will take a flight to Türkiye’s capital city, the cosmopolitan Ankara, and continue via coach. More details over the page. (B)

Istanbul, Eresin Sultanahmet (3 nights)
This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Istanbul, a short walk from Sultanahmet Square and Blue Mosque.
www.eresin.com.tr

Kuşadası, Charisma Deluxe Hotel (2 nights)
Featuring a 60-metre private beach, the 5-star Charisma offers an infinity pool with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.
www.charismahotel.com

Bodrum, Hotel Marmara (1 night)
Set on a hilltop, this 5-star hotel offers a free-form outdoor pool with 180° views of Bodrum Bay and Kos Island.
www.themarmarahotels.com

Cruise, MS Elara 1 (10 nights)
The ship features 12 equal-sized cabins, arranged as six double and six twin beds, all with a private ensuite.
guletcharter.org