Day 1
Marmaris
Boarding starts at 15:30 from Marmaris Harbour. On the first day, our gulet will remain anchored in Marmaris Port for dinner and stay at the port an overnight.
Marmaris is a port city and a tourist resort on the Mediterranean coast, located in southwest Turkey, in Mugla Province. Marmaris is a heavenly corner where you can see all grades and harmonies of green and blue during the twelve months of the year. The abundance of bays in the long coast line; its being a natural port; ancient cities; natural attractions; Blue Cruise facilities, marina for 800 boat and water sports facilities are the peculiarities making Marmaris a paradise for tourists.
Marmaris is one of the most elegant yachting resorts of Turkey. A point to meet the most beautiful boats. Ultramarine blue sea, mountains and pinewoods sketch the landscape. Many choices of shops, cafes, restaurants are to be found along the narrow streets of the town.
Day 2
Ekincik Bay, Dalyan
After breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and the gulet. Then we will cruise to Ekincik Gulf.
Ekincik is an unspoiled natural wonder, blessed with breathtaking beauty. It is uncrowded, pretty and tranquil with a nice little beach nearby. The coastal road there is gorgeous too and is a good base for boat trips and walking tours.
The 2 km long stretch of the unspoilt gravel beach meets a small harbor from which the boats departs to Dalyan, located approximately 45 minutes away. The scenery is stunning and there are many opportunities to observe the local wildlife. On the beach there is a small range of water sports facilities available including banana boat and water ski.
You may join our optional Dalyan Tour from here. You will be taken from your yacht by a small boat called “piyade”. Firstly arrive at Caretta Caretta (turtle) beach and a take a swim stop here. You will enjoy the natural beauty of the delta as you sail along in the river boat. You will see the ancient Rock Tombs and finally arrive at mud baths to relax and be rejuvenated. A fishing village called Dalyan will be our final destinations after we return to our yacht by piyade boat. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the Gulf of Ekincik.
Day 3
Adali Bay, Tersane Island, Manastir Island
Early morning we will sail to Adali Bay. We will anchor at Adali Bay for breakfast. For lunch and a swimming break , we will sail to Manastir Bay . Manastir Bay. South east of the Manastir bay, in the ruins of a bath in the water because of the region known as Cleopatra’s Bath, or Sunken Bath Bay coastal tectonics, such as the formation of the bay in the Gulf with many bays. A careful examination of the hill slope behind the bay, which is active in the past, this hill is a crater lake of tectonic structure and reducing water channels, clearly visible from the shore. The monastery dark, pine trees and up the hill from the shore in some places covered with carob trees. Structure of an ancient wall running parallel to the direction of the north east coast and other small remnants of ancientLyciareminds me that you are not far from the city. Lydia Network Port can be reached by a hiking trail approximately 1.5 hours. Then we will cruise to Tersane Island.
Also known as Shipyard Island, these are the largest in the Gulf of Fethiye. A deep, 100m long channel provides entry into these islands. There are covered and sheltered bays on the east side, which is also known as summer harbor. The western part is closed due to fierce winds, it is best to anchor here. According to historical sources Tersane Islands were called Telandria. There are about a hundred ruins of ancient houses that can e seen from the land and the sea. These islands proved to be most secure for sailors in the entire Gulf of Fethiye during the Byzantine period. Post the Treaty of Lausanne in 1922, many residents migrated to Mediterranean and other regions. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Tersane Island.
Day 4
Kizil Island, Fethiye
At sunset, the sun hits the stones and turns crimson red in color, a color that resembles the island soil. The island got its name from this phenomenon. There is very little infrastructure on this island. The southern tip of the island has a lighthouse that guides maritime traffic. To the north west are theDeliktasIslands, ideal for diving and fishing. The red waves off the east coast of the island wash the wide sand beach and are best suited for swimming. After spend some time in Kizil Island we will sail to Fethiye.
Fethiye is a natural harbor city in the western Mediterranean. It’s a very popular holiday center with its magnificent natural beauty and ancient Lycian towns. Oludeniz considered the most beautiful beach in Turkey is nearby, and it is a popular place to start a blue voyage yacht cruise.
If all places and all seas were known by a colour, Fethiye’s colour would be turquoise. The word turquoise, a blue that has more than a hint of green, comes from the blue used in the Turkish tile work. The most beautiful shade of the colour blue came and settled on the waters of the oludeniz (Dead Sea). Towards evening, around sunset, you catch such a wonderful turquoise you can never see on any other seas. If you call it blue you are wrong, if you say it is green it is not that either but both together. It is difficult to put it into words. It is best if you go and see it for yourself and be hit by a lightening bolt! Dinner and overnight stay will be at Fethiye Harbor.
Day 5
Gocek Island, Yassica Island
After the breakfast, we will be visiting uniquely beautiful islands and finally hoist near Gocek. Following lunch and a swimming break we will cruise to Yassica islands to spend the night and cherish the wonderful scenery.
Some of these islands appear as the Yassica Islands group on several maritime maps. Anchorage is available at the nearest port of Gocek. Yassica Islands in the Gulf of Fethiye is one of the most romantic places, ideal for spending quality time with your partner and photographing gorgeous sunsets. The islands are covered with pine and olive trees, have many sheltered and shallow bays and are ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Day 6
Bedri Rahmi Bay, Domuz Island, Aga Limani
Bedri Rahmi Bay, the shipyard in the Gulf of Fethiye is located just across the island. It is also known by the Lycian name of Tasyaka or ‘dark bay’, due to its natural beauty and historical significance. Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu was an esteemed master of Turkish literature, art and painting. In the summer of 1973, during a cruise with close friends, he drew a fish on a huge rock. This ‘Fish Rock’ located at the entrance of the blue bay still greets passengers. In fact, the region itself is known as ‘Fish Rock’ in honor of the great master.
Bedri Rahmi Bay is well sheltered from strong winds and is therefore a good point of anchorage. It is also known for its pine and olive covering the hills behind the oleander flowers, small beaches and turquoise waters, creating a image of fantastic proportions!
Then we will cruise to Domuz Island. This island earned its name from the wild boars who lived on this island. It is also referred to as thePrinceIslandafter a prince who is believed to have lived here. You can see many underwater ruins in Domuz Island. Then we will cruise to Aga Limani for dinner and overnight spend.
Near the tip of the Cape of Kurtoglu in the Gulf of Fethiye, you would be tempted to dock at what consists of the twin bays of Aga Limani. As a Network Port, it allows you to relax, swim, fish, or take a long walk on the beach. Follow the path to the bay for about an hour to reach the ancient Lycian city of Lyda.
Day 7
Kumlu Buku, Cennet Island
Today, we will cruise to Kumlubuk Bay early in the morning. Breakfast will be served in Kumlubuk Bay. We anchor at Paradise Island for dinner and overnight stay.
ParadiseIslandis actually a peninsula covered with forests. It is located at the entrance of thebayofMarmarisand is especially popular among the places frequented daily boat tours. Almost every boat stops here to allow the tourists to partake of the natural beauty of this place. You need to walk for about 8ks before reachingLiarStraitfrom where you can walk straight up toParadiseIsland. The trail offers a unique opportunity for a nice nature walk. TheLiarStraitreceived its name from the geographical structure of the Bosphorus strait that resembles a liar. This is quite a rocky area but you can avail a Gulet yacht and to enjoy the spectacular scenery ofParadiseIsland. There are many good restaurants and cafes around the island.ParadiseIslandis also very ideal for swimming. You can spend a full day on the island without getting bored.
Day 8
Serce Bay, Bozukkale (Loryma)
Serce is where the Blue Cruise boats moor. The place offers a brilliant image of the bottom of the harbor ands is well protected from the harshest weather conditions. Underwater surveys and excavations have led to many discoveries including many centuries old glassware, which is now kept in theBodrumUnderwaterMuseum.SparrowHarboris the place for such archaeological findings. About one kilometer ahead of Sparrow, on the right are the villages of Kirkkuyular and Sindilli, where many abandoned stone houses can be found. In Krkkuyular, the region’s oldest residence, there are 40 cisterns. The water in this region is saline and unfit for animal husbandry and agriculture. The residents use the wells for household use. Then we will curise to Bozukkale.
Bozukale used to serve as a bay cruise stretch for British naval ships and is now considered as a shipyard on the shore. It was used as a place to watch all the yachts in theAegean. Its strategic geographical location and narrow port was also used by the ships sailing from theportofAthens. In 395 BC, the Athenian commander, Karori, is known to have come here. Before the Cnidus War of 305 BC, Demetrios, son of Antigonos chose this port for preparations before attackingRhodes.
Loryma is located near the Marmaris Peninsula and to the south of the Broken Bay. The name Loryma is believed to originate from the Luwian and Hellenic languages. Little is known about the history and culture of this city. As it sees to pass like a collar around the face, the writers hailing to the Thoukydides Age, gave it the name of ‘Rhodes’. Interestingly, there is also a port by the same name. In 412 BC, theAthensnavy sailing fromislandofSyme(Sombeki) stayed here for a while on its way back. Antigonos’ navy also recuperated here after suffering a defeat in the battle. The ancient ruins scattered all over the city so not provide sufficient historical evidences. Only some parts of the bay at the entrance of the castle remain intact. The walls measure approximately 120m in length, 3m in width and almost 10m in height. Some walls still standing on the hill that overlooks the gulf are noteworthy as the last remains of a castle. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the Loryma.
Day 9
Datca
Datca was founded by the Dorians settled in the Aegean islands and the southern coast ofIonia. This peninsula is located between the Aegean Sea and theMediterranean Sea. At the end of the peninsula, at a distance of about 38 kms is the ancient Carian city ofKnidos, which was described by Strabo as the ‘city built for the most beautiful goddess, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful peninsula”. It is also believed that around 500 years ago, the Spanish pirates sailing left leprosy patients to die here but the fair weather of the peninsula recovered the lepers!
Day 10
Aktur Bay, Bencik Bay
Witness the world’s oxygen tank at Aktur! Spotted with pine trees, it definitely is a slice of paradise. In fact, it won the title of the ‘most beautiful bay inTurkey’ and proved to be a hot tourist destination. Aktur consists of two units, namely Datca and Kurucabuk, located at a distance of 4 km from each other.
The Hisaronu bay is located very close to the narrowest strip of the Datca peninsula and separates the Gulf of Gokova from the Gulf of Hisaronu. Around 550 BC, it served as a defense line against the Persian army who wanted to capture both Hisaronu Gulf and the Gokova Gulf by digging kilometer long tunnel. Being a small island between the two gulfs, it definitely made a good point of defense. However, although the work was started with great effort, the city was ultimately conquered by the Persians.
The bays of the Gulf of Hisaronu can be reached by a yacht from Bencik. The Borbudet Cove can be accessed by a 20 minute walk from the harbor entrance at Bencik.
Day 11
Orhaniye Bay, Selimiye Bay
Featuring its deep blue sea and the legendary Kizkumu beach, Orhaniye is well admired by all holidaymakers. Take a journey down its quaint village roads to discover the historic castle of the black knight. Floating in this bay, the yachts present a picturesque scene. The village of Orhaniye has lots to offer to a hungry tourist. Enjoy walking down the village or witness the beauty of the busy docks accessed by local and foreign yachtsmen alike, stay indoors or explore the local culture and cuisine of the place Orhaniye is full of surprises!
The Selimiye village in the Mugla district of Marmaris is one of the pearls of the Gulf of Hisaronu. The ancient name of this village was Hydas, which got changed to Losta. At sunset, the sun disappearing behind the mountains surrounding the village seems to dye the scenery in a rich red hue. The ancient site of Bybossos Hydas (Selimiye) has ruins dating back to the archaic period. One of the highest hills of the region is in Selimiye, the other one at the top of Sarikaya and the last one has three castle ruins, including the Kizilkoy Asarkale Quarter. The sheep shaped southeastern hills are visited by foreign tourists looking to explore the castle ruins dating back to the Hellenistic era. The tomb in the southern part of the square is located 100 meters offshore from the coast and shows ships the way to the Selimiye. Other areas of interest include a monitoring tower, a lighthouse, a monastery and a theater.
American underwater archeologists and scientists are engaged in researching sunken wrecks in the region and have produced valuable findings that are now exhibited in the Bodrum Underwater Museum. Selimiye is frequented by the Blue Cruise boats. Selimiye Hisaronu Orhaniye are like an indispensable trio. Selmiye is also renowned for its clean sea water, a great bounty of fish, vegetables, fruits, almond and olive trees, the smell of fresh thyme and oregano enveloping the mountains, clean, pollution free air, peaceful environment and warm people.
Day 12
Dirsekbuku, Bozburun
