Luxury Turkey Voyages

A transcontinental city straddling the Bosporus, one of the world's oldest waterways in northwestern Turkey, Istanbul has often been described as the destination where “East Meets West.” Its nickname comes from its most defining feature, the Bosporus Strait, which divides the European and Asian sides of the city, revealing a vibrant meld of cultures, architectural styles, and cuisine. Selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most famous mosques, churches, and palaces, as well as being an important city during the Latin, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

Kusadasi is a beach resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast and the center of the seaside district of the same name in Aydin Province. The seaside town is also your gateway to the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus, among the world’s best preserved ancient Greco-Roman remains, including its excavated Terrace Houses and House of the Virgin Mary. Kusadasi’s seafront promenade, marina, and harbor are lined with quaint restaurants. Just offshore on Pigeon Island stands a walled thirteenth-century Byzantine castle that once guarded the town. Meet resident wild boars at nearby Dikek National Park, comprised of four secluded beaches, a spectacular coastline, and incomparable views of the Aegean Sea, just one of Turkey’s many protected conservation areas.

Kepez is a seaside town in the Canakkale Province in Turkey. From Kepez SeaDream offers a unique Land Adventure to the ruins of the ancient city of Troy (Unesco Heritage Site). The movie starring Brad Pit although filmed in Malta has the actual Trojan Horse in Canakkale. Another “don’t miss” option would be to visit perhaps the most moving site in all of Turkey: Anzac Cove and the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli. We recommend that you make time and visit this hauntingly beautiful area where for more than nine months (1915-16) Allied and Turkish troops faced one another in one of the world's most tragic battles to gain control of this most important waterway " the Dardanelles.

The Dardanelles is a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey connecting the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean Sea. It is one of two extremely important Turkish Straits, along with its counterpart, the Bosporus. The strait is 61 kilometers (38 mi) long but only 1.2 to 6 kilometers (0.75 to 3.73 mi) wide, averaging 55 meters (180 ft.) deep. The current flows in both directions along the waterway, from the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean via a surface current and in the opposite direction via an undercurrent. This passageway separates Europe (the Gallipoli peninsula) from the mainland of Asia (Anatolia). The strait is an international waterway, and together with the Bosporus, the Dardanelles connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

Bodrum, once a tiny fishing port, you’ll see why it’s become a vacation paradise; perfect climate, natural beauty, magnificent history and a bustling nightlife. Bodrum is the site of the ancient city of Halikarnassus, the location of the famous Mausoleum of Halikarnassus which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can venture out to the site as well as the Knight’s Castle on one of the land adventures. Another great option here would be to scuba dive or simply explore this amazing peninsula.

Antalya is located on the coast in Southwest Turkey. This is sometimes known as the Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast) and happens to be the country’s biggest international sea resort. The population is close to a million inhabitants. Recently, Antalya became the third most visited city in the world by number of international arrivals, just behind Paris and London. The town center with its narrow cobbled streets of historic Ottoman era houses, the old center of Antalya has been restored to retain much of its historical character.

Göcek is a town in Lycia, Turkey and is considered one of the most beautiful yachting areas in the country, or even in whole Mediterranean basin. Its secluded bay is protected from over development and remains a peaceful, quiet settlement with lovely restaurants and cafés along the promenade. The "real" village of Göcek, is 2-3 km uphill from the waterfront and north of the main highway. It is still extant and retains its village atmosphere to some degree, with freely roaming sheepdogs and roosters here and there, and omnipresent mulberry trees casting their deep shadows much needed in this sunny and hot climate.

Didim, home of the ancient city of Didyma with its famed Temple of Apollo. It is a small popular seaside holiday resort and district of the Aydın Province on the Aegean coast of western Turkey, 123 km (76 mi) from the city of Aydın. Tourism is the main source of income for the area, especially in summer, but agriculture is also an important contributor, the main crops are wheat and cotton. Animals, especially sheep and goats, are raised mainly for local consumption.

Nestled in Turkey’s Aegean Sea, sits Çesme, a coastal resort town on the tip of the Cesme peninsula that shines for its natural beauty, sun-kissed beaches, sparkling sea, and rich history. The name Çesme means “fountain” in Turkish and is derived from the multiple sources of water found in the region. Overlooking the picturesque harbor is the restored military fortress Çeşme Castle, which today houses the Çeşme Archaeology Museum. On Çeşme peninsula’s east side is sandy Ilica Beach, its warm thermal sulfur springs welcoming travelers.

Fethiye is famous for its water in brilliant shades of turquoise and aquamarine, it is frequently rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by travelers and tourism journals alike. The Turkish Riviera (also known popularly as the Turquoise Coast) is a term used to define an area of southwest Turkey encompassing the provinces of Antalya and Muğla, and to a lesser extent Aydın, southern İzmir and western Mersin. The combination of a very favorable climate, temperate sea, a thousand kilometers of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean waters, and an abundance of natural and archeological points of interest makes this stretch of Turkey's coastline a popular national and international tourist destination. The combination of a favorable climate, warm sea, and abundant natural and archeological points of interest makes this stretch of Turkey's coastline a popular national and international tourist destination.

İzmir is a large city in western Anatolia and is the third most populous city in Turkey. İzmir's metropolitan area extends along the Gulf of İzmir and inland to the north across Gediz River's delta and to the east along an alluvial plain. The ancient city known as Smyrna and is one of the oldest settlements of the Mediterranean basin. Epic poet Homer (9th century B.C), the author of “the Iliad” and “The Odyssey” was born in Izmir. Most guests may want to explore some archeological sites at nearby Ephesus.

Dikili is a picturesque, popular summer resort famous for its thermal springs. Of historical interest is the Merkez Mosque, a rare example of a wooden construction dating from 1789 and built without using any nails. The center town of Dikili is situated at about 120 km (75 mi) north of İzmir. The notable township ofÇandarlı (ancient Pitane) is located close to Dikili. The charming center has cobbled streets with restaurants, bars, shops and a few hotels.

Demre is a town and its surrounding district in the Antalya Province on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It is named after the river of the same name. Known as the ancient city of Myra, it's home to the earliest church of St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), built in the 6th century. Myra has some of the most impressive and well-preserved ruins in all of Turkey.

Amasra is a small Turkish port located on the Black Sea. The town is visited primarily for its beaches and natural setting, which has made tourism the most important activity for its inhabitants. As of 2010, the population in Amasra was some 6,500. SeaDream will actually call nearby to a port called Bartin due to local restrictions. Amasra/Bartin creates excellent access for guests to see the Unesco awarded Safranbolu. For those that do not feel like venturing outside of town, we also have a Amasra Discovery option.

Sinop is a charming Black Sea port town with excellent views. You can easily spend a day here wandering around the town, restaurants and sea front, although you could also easily see everything in half a day. SeaDream offers two land adventures that will give you a complete overview of this picturesque unspoiled town. In order to give the best quality for these adventures, the licensed guides are traveling from Istanbul solely for SeaDream guests.

The Northern coast of Turkey, borders the Black Sea and stretches 650 miles from the Georgian border to the Bosphorus. The coast is backed by forest-clad mountains and is sparsely populated. As the largest port on Turkey's Black Sea Coast, Trabzon today serves an interesting role as a go-between for the countries of the ex-Soviet Union, and for Russia as well. This modern town of over 200,000 is thoroughly commercial and crowded, with a fascinating blend of cultures and lifestyles. As one of the cities on the "Silk Road", it has a long history of trading. An hour's drive south of Trabzon, at 3,900 feet in the mountains is the remarkable Sumela Monastary, built into a sheer cliff face. The Orthodox monastery was founded in 386 AD and its present form dates from about 1350. The site was abandoned in 1923, following forced population exchanges between Greece and Turkey. Standing in the Atlindere National Park, it overlooks forests and streams, making it popular for its aesthetic attractions as well as for its cultural and religious significance.

Kaş is a small fishing, diving, yachting and tourist village in the district of Antalya along the Turquoise Coast. This gem is truly unspoiled! The town of Kaş is on a hill running down to the sea. The district has a typical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers which we are certain you will love.The Turkish Riviera (also known popularly as the Turquoise Coast) is a term used to define an area of southwest Turkey encompassing the provinces of Antalya and Muğla, and to a lesser extent Aydın, southern İzmir and western Mersin. The combination of a very favorable climate, temperate sea, a thousand kilometers of shoreline along the Aegean and Mediterranean waters, and an abundance of natural and archeological points of interest makes this stretch of Turkey's coastline a popular national and international tourist destination.

Bozcaada is the contemporary Turkish name for the legendary island of Tenedos, named after the legendary hero Tenes, who ruled the island at the time of the Trojan War. Sparsely populated and dotted with vineyards, the island’s main industries are fishing and winemaking, making it the perfect place to explore its vibrant markets, open-air cafés, and picturesque vineyards. The beaches on this tiny island, such as Ayazma Plaji and Akvaryum Koyu, are only known to locals and those that covet this beautiful coastline. For nature lovers and history buffs, hike to 15th-century Bozcaada Castle, one of Turkey’s best-preserved fortifications, offering incredible views, or visit the Koprulu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, restored in 1655.

The charming town of Mudanya and district of Bursa Province is one you’ll surely relish. If you appreciate prehistoric landmarks and sites, head over to Derekoy Kilisesi where you will find the remains of the untouched Greek Orthodox Church. Don’t leave Mudanya without visiting the Tombs of Osman and Orhan, where the renowned father and son of the Ottoman Empire are buried. Then, grab a heart-warming lunch at a nearby restaurant near the exquisite backdrop overlooking Bursa. Right before leaving Mudanya, make sure to taste the state-of-the-art Turkish coffee at Geyve Han and stroll through the fashionable boutique shops.