Aegean and Mediterranean Dream
Bodrum – Boarding starts at 15:30 from Bodrum Harbour. On the first day, our gulet will remain anchored in Bodrum Port for dinner and stay at the port an overnight. Bodrum is the ideal starting point for sailing the Aegean coast of Turkey. The Gokova Gulf is acknowledged to be one of the best cruising areas in Europe. With abundant sunshine, crystal clear waters, continuous blue skies, good anchorages and friendly people, this coast offers many diversities. There are many unspoiled areas rich in natural beauty and in costal settlements and villages.
Bodrum is a port city in Mugla Province, in the south western Aegean Region of Turkey. It is located on the southern coast of Bodrum Peninsula, at a point that checks the entry into the Gulf of Gokova. The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times and was famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbour and the marina. The
castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. Knidos (Cnidus), Aktur Bay – After breakfast, we will anchor in Knidos. Knidos is one of the most magnificent ancient cities inAnatoliathat you should visit. As the first settlement in the east of the Datca peninsula, Knidos has splendid ruins and a unique beauty. There is a theater is located right next to the harbor of the ancient city ofKnidos. A short walk towards the harbor will take you to the remains of two churches built during the Byzantine period. Knidos century has been a site of archaeological excavations since 1960. The Statue of Demeter discovered here and the lion statues that protected the harbor in ancient times now adorn the halls of theBritishMuseum. The sacred temple of the goddess Aphrodite is a major center of attraction. The city with a huge necropolis, a double harbor and the magnificent acropolis with the temple of Aphrodite truly impresses all visitors. After breakfast we will cruise to Aktur 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. Dinner and overnight stay at Aktur Bay. Hayitbuku – Hayitbuku, lying on the front side of the coast hosts many restaurants, hotels and businesses. The 500m long sandy beach are ideal to spend a time with you loved one or family. Enjoy the underwater beauty of the finest beaches of Datca, located 17 kms away from Hayitbuku. Haytbuku also has a chaste tree, untouched for years. The local town is also full of tourist attractions and facilities. But if you want a quiet and unforgettable holiday, watch the birds and partake of the natural beauty of the place, you can simply go for a nature trail and satiate your senses. Bozukkale (Loryma), Serce Bay – We will cruise to Bozukkale in early morning. Bozukkale (Loryma) is an ancient city that dates back to 10 BC. There are nine towers of the castle walls extending in a mutually rectangular pattern. The castle and towers are very well preserved and appear in a solid state. ‘Kale’ means ‘corrupted’. Therefore, the name of the place may be attributed to the fact that one side of the castle is missing. 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. Then we will cruise to Serce Bay. Serce Bay 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 Krkkuyular 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. However, Krkkuyular and Sindilli are emerging as hot trekking destinations. Dinner and overnight stay at Serce Bay. Ekincik Bay – 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. Ekincik is a very small place with some local shops and a restaurant. There is no nightlife. The Sultaniye Thermal Baths are just a few minutes drive from Ekincik, and are situated on the southwest shore of Lake Koycegiz where the water comes from natural springs at 40 degrees centigrade. These baths have been use since the Roman times! The water itself is believed to have therapeutic properties and is known to cure neuralgia, rheumatism, skin disorders and problems of the liver, spleen and bowels. Besides, these baths provide a luxurious and relaxing interlude as you soak away the strains of being away on holiday. Ekincik is suitable for anyone who seeks rest and peace in a comfortable environment. Gemiler Island, Cold Water Bay – Located off the coast of Turkey and approximately 9 km from the city of Fethiye, Gemiler Island is known for its ancient ruins and remains of churches dating back to the 4-5 centuries AD. If archaeologist findings are to be believed, this is also the location of the original tomb of St. Nicholas. In the Middle Ages, the island was abuzz with trading ships and boats from the eastern, European and Eastern Mediterranean countries. St. Nicholas being the patron saint of sailors, this island was also known as St. Nicholas Islands in the medieval period. The Gemiler Island is a popular tourist destination since the Byzantine ruins can be seen from the sea. Other attractions of interest include over 40 ecclesiastical buildings and Christian tombs and a Church that was cut out directly from a rock located at the highest point on the island. The island has a bay that is shaped like a crescent and thus provides great anchorage. There is a
makeshift restaurant that caters to sailors, boatmen and yachtsmen during summers. Then we well sail to Cold Water Bay. The name may sound dark and cold, but Kayakoy and its surroundings are a must-see in the Fethiye region! Kalkan – Early morning, we will set sail to Kalkan. Kalkan, founded on the banks of a bay, is worth seeing. It is a small but very pretty holiday resort and has a small yacht harbor, old Greek houses and holiday resorts. The traditional white-colored houses, shutters and balconies bursting with flowers present a picturesque view. The narrow streets are lined with souvenir shops. Go for a yacht cruise to witness breathtaking sunsets, enjoy an appetizing meal in a local restaurant or shop till you drop at the small shops selling interesting wares you will never get bored in Kalkan. You will find many people in Kalkan earning their living by making soap with olive oils, cleaning guesthouses and hotels or working in restaurants that are visited by the blue cruise voyagers. Xantos Xantos is was the capital of the Lycian Union and means ‘yellow’ in ancient Greek language. Surface findings have revealed a 8 BC ancient city acropolis, which thrived till the invasion of the Persians. While most women and children were killed during the massacre and many buildings were set on fire, those who escaped immigrated to other places. However, Xanthos again bore the brunt of a fire 100 years later. Despite this, the city was founded anew as a result of good relations with the Western world and has survived as an important center for a long time. The most notable historic buildings in the ancient city include a war memorial. This mausoleum is 8.87 meters high, carved into the rocks surrounded by a massive pier of a small tomb with a frieze consisting of four faces. The relics found at the Nereid Monument, the Harpy Monument and the Lion Tomb Sarcophagus Payave was taken to London by the British in the year 1842. On the North and the South, you can see half-bird, half-woman-shaped creatures, called Sirens, symbolizing the sky and the spirit of the deceased. This tomb dates back to 470-480 BC and has been restored and augmented during the Roman and the Byzantine periods. Other important places of importance include Triumphal Arch of Emperor Vespasian, the Lycian acropolis, a Byzantine church and a theatre dating back to the Roman times. Patara It spreads over a large area on the eastern side of the harbor. The Port of Patara, Xanthos (Esen) Creek received its present appearance due to silt deposits. Herodotus mentions the name of the city for the first time. According to legend, Patara founded the city in the 5th or 6th century BC and it is after him that the city got its name. According to mythology, Apollo, the God of Fine Arts, was born in Patara. Jesus’s disciple, St. Paul also boarded the ship to go to Rome from Patara! Historical records also document the revelation of the birth place of that the St. Nikolas, better known as Santa Claus. There are numerous archaeological artifacts in Patara. But they do not take the attraction away from the beautiful sandy beaches that stretch up to 22kms and are known for several water and sand sports. Upon entering Patara, you can see Lycian type funerary monuments belonging to the Roman period. Amongst other things to be seen are the triumphant arch of Ucgozlu at the entrance, with three naves, Port Church and the under water remains of the Baths of Hurmalik. Located in the
ancient city of Vespasian, the Bath was built around 69-79 AD. You can follow the footpath next to the bath to reach the marble-paved main street of Patara. Further ahead, you will encounter the towering walls of the Byzantine fortress and the Corinthian Temple Church. There is also a 2nd century BC theatre built along the that can accommodate 10,000 people. Kas – Early morning we will set sail to Kas. Kas is a small fishing, yachting and tourist town. Kas is built around the remnants of the ancient Antiphellos and surrounded by lofty, rugged cliffs. From a little port, it has prospered to an important tourist attraction and the second major resort of the region. It has a rocky coastline, which provides unhindered access to the gleaming waters of Mediterranean. Bestowed with contradicting aspects like sea and mountain, modern buildings and ancient ruins, this small resort exudes a special charm, which also comes from its easygoing, laid-back ambience. Here you will have the chance to walk around Kas , which was an old Greek Town, and to experience nightlife in Kas. Being one of the most important towns of Lycia, Kas gained importance in Roman Times and eventually bec ame the centre of Episcopacy in Byzantine times . Kas is a rich land with the surrounding cities that belong to the Antique period and with other historical values. Dinner and overnight stay at Kas. Kekova, Ucagiz Bay – With beautiful bays and turquoise sea, nature and history dating back to thousands of years, Kekova is a natural paradise. After leaving Kas, you need to sail past Uluburun to get to Kekova. During the cruise, you will also encounter the ancient city of Aperlai in the Sicak peninsula and two islets of Kara Ada Toprak Ada before ultimately reaching Kekova, which is a spot of paradise on earth. The bays of Kekova are a natural favorite harbor for yachts across all. Along the northern coast of Kekova lies the ancient city ofApolloniadating back to BC 4. Here you can see old summer houses and seaside homes. The towering Simena (Kalekoy) Castle is a great tourist attraction too. For the dinner and overnight stay the gulet will anchor at Ucagiz Bay. Theimussa is locatyed around 36 kilometers from Kas, (Ucagiz) bay and is surrounded on three sides by a natural shelter. Theimussa is of vital importance to the yacht tourism industry, since it provides access to theislandofKekova. Remains of castle walls on a low rocky hill, part of which is under the sea and a city at the east end pier is a must watch! Demre, Myra – Known for its natural beauty, historic sites, sparkling sea and the focal point of greenhouse, Demre indeed is famous! Rejoice in the turquoise waters of theMediterranean Sealocated between the mountains and foothills of Demre and the sweet smell of spring flowers, lemon and orange. The children in the city bear traces of the Lycian civilization and are regarded as the protectors of the seas. St. Nicholas’s Church is regarded as the most important place to visit. Thousands of tourists visit the church every year to behold the mosaics, vaulted halls and chambers and experience acoustic phonetics. You can stand at the bottom of the stage door of the tunnel and say a word and your partner can hear it at the very mouth of the tunnel!
Advancing from the south of Kekova, you arrive at another beautiful harbor called Gokkaya. It is quite well sheltered against winds, has proper anchorage and several accommodation facilities to spend the night. Enjoy a swim in between the small islands or walk ashore and go east to explore a monumental entrance, a church, water cisterns and a small Lycian city of monumental tombs. Located a few kilometers away from the town of Demre, Myra is a city that seems to be set into the rocks overlooking the sea perhaps the best example of its kind in Anatolia! Spread over a large area and having tombs and Lycian inscriptions dating back to BC 5, Myra appears to be an ancient city. Under the Byzantine rule, especially in the 4 and 5 centuries, it has now become such a religious and administrative center. Olympos, Adrasan Bay – Olympos has a great historical value. It has a 3200 meterlong beach, endemic plants, sporting events and wooden houses that are renowned all over the world. Olympos falls under the scope of conservation and therefore, construction is prohibited in and around this antique area. The beach is only a 10 minutes walk away from the ancient city. But it is highly recommended that you explore the city first before heading the beach. The Olympos beach is also a breeding ground for the endangered species of the Caretta Caretta turtles. After lunch and a swimming break we will sail to Adrasan (Cavus) Bay for dinner and overnight stay. Porto Ceneviz, Phaselis – We will start early in the morning and arrive at Ceneviz (Genoese) Harbour or Sazak Bay. After lunch we will anchor at Phaselis Bay. Phaselis was founded as a colony of the Rhodesians in 7th century B.C. Phaselis has three different bays and its people used to earn their living from the sea. The city was also famous for perfume trade in ancient times. If you wish, you can walk around the antique town full of antique ruins which are located on the seashore. Dinner and overnight stay will be in this beautiful bay. Kemer – Kemer only 42 km. south of Antalya, is an important tourism center with many hotels with a large capacity, holiday village and modern marina. The name has been given to the city of Turkish word for belt, due to the fact that the river that flows through the Kemer, looks like a belt. Only 20 years ago, it was charming Mediterranean village with two to three story houses lost among orange groves, facing the pine forest of the Toros Mountains. With the advent of tourism, the country changed rapidly. Three story buildings mushroomed in Kemer. Some of these buildings are hotels, other are businesses. All kinds of international products are sold in the ground floor shops of the town. Tourism dominates Kemer. In the cool evening hours, the town’s streets bustle with visitors and local alike, whose mill about the shops and coffeehouses. Antalya –
Today our gullet will cruise to Antalya Harbour for the last day and an overnight stay. The Antalya Region, offering all the mysticism of past in our day, is now called the "Turkish Riviera" due to its archaeological and natural beauties. Antalya is the place where sea, sun, history and nature constitute a perfect harmony and which also includes the most beautiful and clearest coast along the Medditerranean. The city still preserves its importance as a centre throughout history in the south coast of the country, in addition to its wonderful natural beauties. The mythological city which housed the Gods and Goddesses now exhibits all its secrets and marvels to mankind. Antalya and its surrounding is an important and noteworthy touristic centre on the Mediterranean Coast with its perfect climate and splendid harmony of archaeological, historical and natural beauties, throughout the year available. Antalya – Upon agreement, the guests will leave the gullet with precious memories by 10:30.
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