Clear warm seas and dazzling blue bays are trademarks of cruising in Turkey. Charming and animated, coastal villages and waterfront boulevards are filled with locals simply embracing life.
Relaxed evenings are best spent enjoying lively restaurants and watching the world go by, following a day of swimming, snorkeling and watersports at sea. Experience some of the finest beaches, wander scenic coastal paths and soak up the wonderful atmosphere found at every stage.
WHY VISIT?
- Beautiful beaches
- History and culture
- Stunning views
- Vibrant nightlife
- Wreck diving
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day One gocek to oraklar
Embark in Gocek and cruise down to Bodrum. A charming town in a lovely setting, Bodrum has something of a Bohemian reputation from the time when artists and writers were exiled there in the early twentieth century. The imposing crusader castle in the bay, built by the Knights of St. John, is home to the best underwater archaeological museum in the Mediterranean, and is well worth a visit. Among the artefacts on display are finds from what is thought to be the earliest known shipwreck dating from the Bronze Age. Take a short cruise to Oraklar Island, a rocky little island with some pretty, sheltered coves which are perfect for swimming and water sports.
Day Two knidos to datca
Having had a leisurely breakfast, cruise to Knidos and explore the impressive ruins of the ancient city. Stop off in Palamutbuku, one of the hidden treasures along the Datca peninsula. Return to Datca, a small and lively town, in the early evening and head ashore to enjoy local hospitality.
Day Three datca to kadirga
Continue further to explore the Hisaronu Bays. Loryma is an ancient town, with the remains of a large fortress dating from 430 BC. Cruising to the east, you will arrive in Serce, a completely land-locked harbour. A narrow entrance pens out dramatically into a fjord-like bay, ideal for swimming and water sports. Continue onto Kadirga Bay for the night.
Day Four kadirga to marmaris
As the name suggests, Kumlubuki consists of a long sandy beach surrounded by forested mountains. Time to enjoy a leisurely meal, swim and snorkel in the aquarium-clear waters. Cruise to Marmaris for the night.
Day Five marmaris to ekincik
Take time for a relaxed morning in Marmaris before cruising to Ekincik, a protected bay ideal for watersports. It is well worth jumping in the tender and heading off to explore the antique city of Caundos, which is a breeding ground for Caretta Caretta turtles. There are also ruins of several temples, an antique theatre, baths and tombs. Return to the yacht and cruise to a protected bay for overnight.
Day Six ekincik to gocek
Sarsala Bay is a safe, sheltered anchorage, ideal for swimming and water sports in the crystal-clear waters. A great place to relax and enjoy fantastic food and drinks onboard. Perhaps cruise to the bay known as Cleopatra's Bath, with spectacular views of pine forests covering the surrounding hill sides. Late afternoon cruise into Gocek, a lively town with plenty of buzzing tavernas to enjoy dinner in.
Day Seven gocek
Take a leisurely breakfast cruise up the coastline to depart in main town Gocek for onward transport home.
