SUGGESTED BLUE CRUISE ROUTE FOR PRIVATE GULET CHARTER
Gocek - Olympos - Gocek
1st Day - Gocek, Tomb Bay, Bodrum
Board the yacht in Gocek in the afternoon and sail for Tomb Bay, on the
western side of the Gulf of Fethiye. Anchor in idyllic surrounds and
take a tender ride ashore to visit the porticoed temple and pigeonhole
tombs carved into the rock face. For the more adventurous, there is also
the acropolis of ancient Cyra a shore climb away up the hill.
2nd Day - Fethiye,
Cleopatra's Bay
A day of leisurely cruising in the Gulf of Fethiye, taking in the ruins
of a Byzantine shipbuilding settlement on Tersane Island. Take walks
ashore among olive groves or swim and snorkel off the gullet. By late
afternoon, the gulet will have moored in Cleopatra's Bay, a short
distance from the partly submerged ruins of a monastery (believed by
some to be the bathhouse in which Cleopatra's bathed during her time
spent here).
3rd Day - Fethiye,
Saklikent Canyon
Start the day with a walk to ancient Lydae. This site is only rarely
visited, but offers quite an interesting array of ruins, including
Corinthian columns, mausolea, cisterns and temple walls. Cruise to
Fethiye, stopping for lunch in a quiet cove along the way. Fethiye is a
large town with a thriving community engaged in fishing and agriculture.
There are the ruins of ancient Telmessos to visit, along with a bazaar
full of souvenir shops, restaurants and bars - and the unique beauty of
Saklikent Canyon, just 45 minutes' drive inland. While in Fethiye, enjoy
a "soap massage" at the local Turkish bathhouse for the experience of a
lifetime.
4th Day - Gemiler
Island, Cold Water Bay
Cruise to Gemiler Island, once the home of pirates! Spend some time
exploring with mask and flippers as you discover the ancient quay and
some shops just below the surface of the water. The go ashore and visit
the ruins of what was once a sizeable Byzantine settlement. See a
basilica, a temple with mosaic floors and a covered walkway alongside
shops, houses and cisterns. It's a fascinating site and the view from
the top of the island is superb. Overnight in Cold Water Bay.
5th Day - Kalkan
An early morning start for the crossing of The Seven Capes. By lunchtime,
the gullet is anchored outside the small harbour of Kalkan. Kalkan is a
small seaside town with steep streets bordered by shops, cafes and some
old renovated Greek-style buildings. Colourful bougainvillea and jasmine
spill from the balconies overhead and give the town a certain charm.
Take an afternoon land tour to the ruins of three important Lycian
cities: Xanthos, Patara and Letoon, returning to Kalkan in the early
evening.
6th Day - Kekova,
Simena, Kale Koy
If the weather and the winds are favourable, the crew will sail the gulet
around the headland and into the Kekova Roads. Once at anchor near the
village of Kale, there will be an opportunity to go ashore and explore
the castle of ancient Simena. Reaching the highest walls of the castle,
stop and marvel at the views out over the village and to the island of
Kekova beyond. There is also a small theatre within the castle walls and
numerous sarcophagi on the way up the hillside. Overnight here at Kale
Koy.
7th Day - Andraki,
Demre, Olympos, Gokkaya
Breakfast anchored off the port of Andraki. From here, it is possible to
take a short overland trip to Demre and the site of ancient Myra. St.
Nicholas (Santa Claus) was bishop of Myra in the 4th century and in the
village of Demre, is a church built in his name. The site of Myra has a
well-preserved theatre, walls of Lycian rock tombs and an acropolis.
Many of the rock tombs are decorated with friezes. Drive further along
the coast to the ruins of ancient Olympos, set on the banks of a stream
and now mostly overgrown with trees and shrubs. Return to the gulet in
Gokkaya Harbour.
8th Day - Sunken City,
Kas
We make a brief stop at Kekova island to view the ruins of the "Sunken
City" and swim from a small beach upon which stands the ruins of a
church. Continue cruising west as far as Kas, arriving in the early
afternoon. Take a walk ashore and enjoy the wonderful village atmosphere,
perhaps including a visit to the theatre of ancient Antiphellos or just
browse through the many souvenir shops. Overnight in Kas Harbour or in
an adjacent bay.
9th Day - Col Water
Bay, Kekova,
Simena, Kale Koy
An early morning start for the return trip past the Seven Capes, dropping
anchor at Cold Water Bay for lunch. In the early afternoon, climb a
hillside track to a deserted Greek village, which cascades down the
surrounding hills and into a valley. This settlement was once very
prosperous, and had two grand churches, but was abandoned during the
population exchanges of 1923. Returning to the gullet in Cold Water Bay,
cruise a short distance to Karacaoren, a superb place for snorkelling
with some small islands dotted about the bay.
10th Day - Fethiye,
Gocek
A day of cruising on the Bay of Fethiye, anchoring for lunch beneath the
pine forests in Deep Bay. Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling or
relaxing in this peaceful setting. Later in the day, proceed to Gocek
and moor on the town quay, enjoying a memorable farewell dinner.