A Well Rounded Turkey itinerary : A Boat Journey, Coastal Resort, & Iconic Istanbul

we spent a few weeks this summer Experiencing Turkey through a seamless blend of sea, wellness, culture, and cuisine.

This is our custom itinerary pairing a private gulet charter along the Aegean, a restorative stay at Six Senses Kaplankaya, and an unforgettable finale in Istanbul at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet—with access to both Four Seasons properties for the ultimate city experience.

Part one : Private Gulet Charter from Bodrum

If you’ve been around here a while, you know we love being on the water - and specifically chartering our own boat to give us the maximum freedom on our itinerary + enjoy our travels at our own pace!

we Began our Turkish adventure on the turquoise waters of the Aegean aboard our private gulet — a gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat made in turkey. our first chartering experience was about ten years ago on a gulet in turkey — we loved this and knew we wanted to replicate it! (ReAD MORE HERE)

Highlights

• Sail the Bodrum Peninsula & Hidden Bays
Drop anchor in quiet coves, swim off the stern, and soak up the coastline’s rugged beauty.

• Visit Cleopatra (Sedir) Island & Cleopatra Beach
A must-see: this legendary stretch of silky, golden sand said to have been gifted to Cleopatra by Mark Antony. The water here is crystal-clear—perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and photos.

• Luxe On-Board Living
Enjoy freshly prepared Turkish meals, sun-soaked decks, water toys, and completely personalized service. Perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.

PART TWO : Six Senses Kaplankaya – AN Aegean Wellness Sanctuary

Next, WE disembarkED AND HEADED UP THE COAST for a rejuvenating stay at Six Senses Kaplankaya, one of Turkey’s most spectacular coastal resorts AND A NOW TOP FIVE HOTELS FOR ME. READ MORE HERE.

Highlights

• World-Class Six Senses Spa
Indulge in a full wellness day with hydrotherapy, hammam rituals, personalized treatments, and restorative programs — THIS IS ONE OF THE LARGEST SPAS.

• Exceptional Fitness & Activities
Enjoy yoga, Pilates, sunrise hikes, stand-up paddleboarding, and state-of-the-art gym facilities — IN FACT, THE LARGEST HOTEL GYM I HAVE EVER SEEN.

• Kids Club & Family Friendly Amenities
Six Senses shines with families: creative, nature-based kids’ programming; family pools; and spacious rooms and villas. OUR KIDS BEGGED US DAILY TO GO TO THE KIDS CLUB — AND PARENTS, NOTE IT’S COMPLIMENTARY.

• Breathtaking Architecture & Views
The resort blends seamlessly into the dramatic Aegean cliffs—perfect for slow mornings, sunset dinners, and a digital-detox reset.

PART THREE : Istanbul – Four Seasons Sultanahmet

FINALLY, WE FlEW to Istanbul and finishED OUR journey with a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, housed in a beautifully restored neoclassical building just steps from the city’s most iconic sites.

Highlights

• Explore Istanbul’s Treasures
Stay within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

• Private Istanbul Food Tour
Dive into Istanbul’s culinary scene with a guided food experience—street bites, historic lokantas, markets, and sweet stops.

• Bosphorus Cruise & Access to BOTH Four Seasons Hotels
Guests of Sultanahmet enjoy easy access to Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
Enjoy dinner along the waterfront, cocktails by the water, or time at the Bosphorus POOLS, spa and gardens for a two-hotel experience in one stay.

• Boutique Luxury in the Heart of History
The Sultanahmet property has an intimate, romantic feel—perfect for soaking in Istanbul’s ancient layers.

Why Book with Bern Voyage Travel?

At Bern Voyage TRAVEL, we craft elevated, seamless journeys through our first-hand expertise, trusted local partners, and deep knowledge of Turkey’s most exceptional experiences.

Book with us to enjoy:
✨ Personalized itinerary design tailored to your travel style
✨ VIP perks at top hotels (upgrades, breakfast, resort credits & more)
✨ Access to trusted guides, private tours, and exclusive experiences
✨ Stress-free logistics including yacht sourcing & coordination
✨ 24/7 support before and during your travels

Ready to Sail Turkey in Style?