Fly n Drive Emerald (Turquoise Experience) West Coast Tours in Turkey

This program is designed for those who wish to take the opportunity of the crystal clear sea of the Aegean and Mediterranean as well as historical places along the Western coast of Turkey. For understanding the motto of Turkey “The sun, the sea rest is history” why not join this lovely trip to explore the beauty in many ways without having stress and classical tour rushes? With fly’n drive emerald program, you’ll see the dance of the sun and sea, you’ll have easy access to the best preserved historical sites by your own car, enjoy the world’s famous traditional Turkish cuisine and you’ll have fun with your friends. Just stop over as you wish knowing that each day the hotel and regional guides have already been booked for you. Get a map, find your own way, and meet our regional guides that will be provided by D&K at each destination The most important advantage of Fly’n Drive program is that you can reach the untouched corners by your car where buses normally can not go in. Steer your car and your program as you like and as you wish.

DAY 1 ISTANBUL Welcome to the paradise of two continents. The capital of all empires. Just get the key to your car and arrive at the hotel, get acquainted with this big city, check in, and just relax. The rest of the night is your perfunctory exploration around the hotel located in the heart of Istanbul. [B]

DAY 2 ISTANBUL Today’s full-day excursion will start with one of the landmarks of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque which is famous for its blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. We’ll proceed to the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life, which stands in the open space. The Basilica of St. Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by Constantine the Great explores the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building. Lunch at Konyali one of the well-known restaurants in Istanbul. Time to visit Topkapi Palace the galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain from the Ottoman era. Visit Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the sultan, charms visitors, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts. [B]

DAY 3 GALLIPOLI – AYVALIK Ready to start the engine? Today we’ll depart for the picturesque fishing town Assos along the Thrace and reach honoured Canakkale, while crossing Dardanelles by car ferry, you can take the picture of the World War I Memorial where half a million soldiers lost their lives. Along Canakkale, we’ll stop over for Troy the antic city, famous for Homer’s tales specially Iliad and Odyssey. A giant wooden horse is another must-see of this small site. Later we’ll arrive in Ayvalik where the beautiful landscape and sandy beaches hug each other. Ayvalik is also famous for its olive products such as village-style olive oil, olives and beauty soap. Overnight at Ayvalik [B]

DAY 4 PERGAMON – IZMIR – CESME Early in the morning we’ll wind up towards Seytan Sofrasi (Devil’s foot) where you can throw the nickels into a footprint to make a wish. You’ll admire the spectacular view of Ayvalik from here, get your camera ready. Later we’ll proceed for ancient Pergamon one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. Acropolis, celebrated library, an impressive theatre, the temples of Trojan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium and the Agora await your exploration. The Asclepion, (where Galen taught) located to the southwest of the lower city, was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health. You’ll be informed by selected guides. Arrive in Izmir, a small city break then we’ll proceed to Cesme where you can find one of the most beautiful 7 seas around the world. For those who wish to take the advantage of thermal springs, Ilicalar is the right place for you. The rest of the night is yours since Cesme offers a wide range of entertainment. [B]

DAY 5 CESME Today you’ll get acquainted with this pretty resort that is always windy. Get the fresh and ionized air coming thru the sea. If you are a smoker, you certainly need this. Just pick your own beach as there are many of them. Ilicalar is the largest one, Vecamp has no difference from a swimming pool. The hot spring comes out the under the sea, and you’ll not feel cool even in the winter times. If you prefer cooler water, Tursite is the most convenient beach for you, what about Altinkum? or the peaceful beaches of Boyalik, Erythrai or Ildir? Beachland is the right nickname for Cesme. If you are good at windsurfing get your staff with you or just hire for your fun. Those who would like to visit historical sites, Cesme castle and Archaeological Museum await you. Try buttered Turkish pastries near the harbour with tea. The rest of the night is at your leisure in Cesme. [B]

DAY 6 OZDERE – KUSADASI Today we’ll depart for bird island where many liners and all yachts always pop in. Along the scenic Ozdere road, we’ll arrive at Kusadasi one of the major resorts in Turkey. This dazzling town is set in a very wide bay close to Ephesus, the most important historical site in Turkey. After check-in, take the advantage of crystal clear water of the Aegean Sea. Bustling grand bazaar is described in Turkish as “from soup to nuts” which refers to “you can find anything you want”. Guvercin Ada is a place where you can have Traditional Turkish Coffee under the authentic marquee and the castle that you can explore with breathtaking views. There is nothing to say about nite-life of Kusadasi. You’ll be the right person in the right place for unlimited entertainment. [B]

DAY 7 EPHESUS – DIDYMA Today we’ll explore Ephesus which is considered one of the most important historical sites and the commercial centre of ancient times offering historic theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus, Basilica of St. John built on the site of the Apostle’s tomb. We’d like to introduce the regional cop-shish a charcoal grilled shish-kebap with ayran in Selcuk. Follow on lunch, we’ll wind up Virgin Mary’s house St. John brought the Virgin Mary here after the death of Christ and she spent her last days in a small house (Meryemana Evi) built for her on Bulbuldagi (Mt. Koressos). Now a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican, Later on, we’ll arrive at Didyma where the sun & sea hug each other. You’ll admire the beauty of the beach in Altinkum (Golden sand). Visiting the historical sites Miletos or Priene is your choice. [B]

DAY 8 BODRUM Today we’ll depart for the capital of entertainment in Turkey. Halicarnassus is a place where you can swim and dance. The crystal clear water offers you a good memory that you’ll never forget, and the places of entertainment are simply irresistible. Bodrum is a place never sleeps like NYC. At Gumusluk you’ll never forget the taste of the charcoal fish with a traditional anise spirit drink called raki and Turkish delicatessen as well, that’s Turkish travel. In short, you’ll have a lovely time in this yachting centre and the environment of Halicarnassus. Just have fun as Mick Jagger and Prince Charles did. [B]

DAY 9 MARMARIS We realised that you have been rushing for almost 8 days. We have no choice since we’d like you to see those beautiful resorts one by one. Now it’s time to rest a bit. Here is the town which is proper for our aim. Marmaris is a lovely fjord-like resort and main yachting centre. The harbour is lying along the old town, the watersports are endless. Find the irresistible taste of Turkish cuisine in Marmaris. Thanks to the pine forest, natural honey is the main product of this fantastic riviera. The nightlife is again dazzling in this lovely resort. You’ll discover the beauty by walking along the shore under the palm trees. The rest of the night is yours. Go to the harbour where entertainment is a nickname. [B]

DAY 10 DATCA – MARMARIS We advise you to have your breakfast in a strong way because you’ll need energy today. Knidos is a lovely picturesque town famous for its almond as well as its historical site. You’ll admire the secluded bays of this huge peninsula. Reaching this lovely resort by boat will give a small idea about the blue voyage. Don’t miss this journey. Sunset in Knidos is another must-see in this region. Late at dusk, time to back to Marmaris for your entertainment at night. [B]

DAY 11 CAUNOS – IZTUZU BEACH – FETHIYE Say goodbye to Marmaris, today you’ll explore unusual places such as Caunos and Iztuzu beach. Our journey will proceed along the pine trees of the West Aegean Coast and at first, we’ll reach Dalyan. The ancient city Caunos (The son of Miletos) dating 3000BC hugs you with its Lycian tomb rock. Just get off the car and hop on aboard since you can only see this beauty by cruising along the maze canals. Along the cruise, you’ll encounter the acropolis having the ruins such as the castle, theatre and basilica. Get the advantage of the beauty bath thanks to the highly sulphured natural thermal mud spa-like Hollywood filmstar Dustin Hoffmann. Did you know that it’s unique in the world? Later our boat trip terminates at Iztuzu beach which is strictly under control by the environmentalist and the government since this place is the natural habitat of endangered sea turtles named Caretta caretta which lay their eggs here. Time to have our lunch on the way back to Dalyan. Late at dusk, we’ll arrive in Fethiye. Check in at the hotel and just relax. [B]

DAY 12 FETHIYE – OLUDENIZ Today we know that you won’t give up to say wow, awesome and gorgeous since you are in one of the legendary beautiful sites in Turkey. Just follow the escort in Fethiye. First, you’ll be introduced ghost town, Kayakoy, and then we’ll proceed crystal clear lagoon where you certainly met one of the pictures somewhere in the world. Choices are endless in Oludeniz. If you have an adventurous spirit, just take a jeep to the top of Babadag for paragliding into this secluded site. You’ll take a deep breath to express your feelings whilst flying for two hours time against this spectacular panorama from 2000m (806ft). Not only flying but also viewing is jolly nice this colourful sky parade. What about the idea hop on aboard to explore untouched places such as Agia Nikola and Butterfly Valley? See paradise with your naked eyes. Those who want to still steer don’t miss Saklikent, the ancient city of Tlos, Xanthos and of course Patara Beach. Fancy riding a horse in Patara Beach? You’ll love Fethiye. The rest of the night is yours since there are so many places such as pubs and discos for your night’s entertainment. Small tip: Don’t miss Hisarönü in Fethiye [B]

DAY 13 KALKAN – KAS Today we’ll steer for the pretty and typical picturesque Mediterranean fishing town with unspoiled nature. Kalkan is a peaceful place for its fish restaurants, little bead-flourish shops and spotless clean pensions. It’s always preferable for people who’d like to take the advantage of the silence of nature and dance of the waves with natural foods. You’ll never forget the taste of the thyme virgin olive oil and olive with freshly baked hot bread. After Kalkan, we’ll proceed to Kapitas Beach. Here you’ll see the real turquoise and you’ll not be able to resist the invitation of the crystal to ear water for swimming. Enjoy it. Later we’ll proceed with Kas. Here we go! Welcome to another Mediterranean fishing town. You’ll be surprised when you see Meis Island within reach only 700m. belonging to Greece. You’ll again take the advantage of turquoise water however this time you will jump into the sea from the rocks since there is no beach in Kas. The rest of the night is yours with live music bars and disco at the hotel [B]

DAY 14 DEMRE – KEMER – ANTALYA Ready to depart for the capital of tourism in Turkey? Demre is the first place for a stopover. Welcome to St. Nicolaus’s town where he spent his life. The seaman respects St. Nicolaus since he was saved from the storm with his grace. The next stop is Finike famous for its orange trees. 6 km later we’ll arrive at Lymra an ancient city dating back 5th century B.C. You’ll see Xatabura Mausoleum reflecting the architecture of the Lycian Civilization. Gaus Ceasar who is the son of Julius Ceasar died while passing by Lycia on the way back from Rome, so they built this mausoleum. Later we’ll arrive at Chimera passing by Kumluca. An ancient Lycian city Chimera is such an interesting site that you’ll see the flames coming from underground from the eras. Then we’ll pass the Hellenistic city Olympos with its beautiful environment. After lunch, we’ll depart for Phaselis with its three harbours. Rhodesian people established this ancient city in 693 B.C. The next stop is Kemer which is another paradise for tourists. The authentic marquee at Moonlight Park is really interesting. We’d like you to have buttered regional pastry (gözleme) with ayran (yoghurt juice) under this tent in a very traditional way. Join the live ethnography museum by Deren Koray (DK). Welcome to the tourism capital and final stop for DK’s specialized Fly’n Drive programme. Check in at the hotel desk and have free time for your perfunctory exploration. After dinner, just stroll around the Kaleici district. Late at night take the advantage of the pubs, and cafes with live music and the irresistible live atmosphere of Kaleici again. [B]

DAY 15 ANTALYA It is impossible to see all the historical sites within 2 days around Antalya however we’ll choose the majority. We’ll start to explore Antalya from the city centre. We’ll park the cars and we’ll walk in Kaleici District to see the Hadrian Gate (constructed in 117-138 AD) which was considered the entrance of Antalya, the Hidirlik Tower, a typical Seljuk architecture Truncated Minaret which is the symbol of Antalya, Kesik Minaret and typical narrow Mediterranean style streets with its historical houses. The antique harbour is another main site to see for our strolling. Now we’d like to invite you a “grand falls cruise” from here in order to see the marvellous scenery of the falls from the sea. Time to have our lunch. Now we’ll pass Antalya Museum which was awarded by the European Council in 1988 as the best museum of the year. Here you’ll see an exhibit starting with the natural history section proceeding chronologically through the Stone and Bronze Ages and following classical and Hellenistic periods till the Ottoman Era. After the museum, we’ll set free for your own exploration. Those who’d like to enjoy the crystal clear water why not go to Konyaalti Beach for the tepidity of the Mediterranean? You can also get the advantage of shopping in Antalya for your souvenir. At night we’ll have dinner at Konyaalti District with unlimited entertainment. Dancing with a belly dancer is compulsory tonight (We’re joking). [B]

DAY 16 ANTALYA – ALANYA (& ENVIRONS) Well, today is the final day of our tour. Early in the morning, we’ll depart for Alanya the port of the Ottoman Empire with its beautiful environment. Time to wind up at Alanya Fortress by car. Watch the spectacular view of Alanya from here. Now we’ll steer Damlatas Cave with its damp air underground. After Damlatas we’ll turn back to Manavgat Falls. Here listen to the music of water which makes you relax under the sycamore shadow. We’ll have buttered trout as lunch in here. You certainly will love this. After lunch we’ll drive to an ancient city Side dated back to the 7th century B.C. We’ll enter here passing by the city walls. Columned street, the basilica, the museum and the 15000 spectator capacity stunning theatre and the temple of Dionysus await us. When we’ll reach the harbour we’ll see the temples of Athena & Apollo. After Side, we’ll stop over at Aspendos which is the best-preserved amphitheatre in Turkey. Now it is still being used for festivals and concerts with its 30000 spectator capacity. The basilica on the Acropolis and the best-preserved Roman aqueduct is still glamorous. Time to move towards to Perge which is another important ancient city dating back 12-13th century B.C. This Pamphilian city is considered the greatest and the most glorious. The 15000-spectator capacity theatre is still under construction then we’ll visit the well-preserved and impressive stadium. The Roman baths, the church, the agora, the street having shops and the acropolis are places for our visit. Well, we know it was a great and tiring day for you. Those who would like to still have some juice (!) Düden Falls and Düden Cave are the last places for today’s visit. Get ready for the farewell dinner at Kaleici District. The rest of the night is at your leisure. [B]

DAY 17 END OF OUR SERVICE Well, today is the last day. Time to leave the key to your rental car at Antalya International Airport and to have your present in order to make this trip memorable. Thanks, for choosing the right agency. See you in Turkey at one of our tours again since there is a great country that offers many places. Have a nice journey home! [B] By D&K, what you see is what you get Enjoy your stay