From Bodrum to Gocek via Hisaronu Gulf

From Bodrum to Gocek via Hisaronu Gulf

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Day 1: Bodrum & Mersincik

Board the yacht in Bodrum. Set sail for one of the nearby anchorages and take a refreshing swim before settling back with a cool drink and a book to enjoy a leisurely sail across the Gokova Gulf.

Upon arrivial in Mersincik, a stunning anchorage surrounded by verdant pine forest, clear blue water will tempt you to dive in and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the rocky coastline my kayak or canoe,

Sip coctails on the forward deck and then enjoy a memorable dinner around the yacht's aft deck with views across the water and up to the stars.

Day 2: Knidos & Palamutbuku

Wake up to the beauty and serenity of Mersincik Harbour and take a breakfast under the shade of the awning. From Mersincik, its a short sail around the tip of Datca Peninsula and into the ancient harbour of Knidos. Swim in crystal clear waters and snorkel over a sunken breakwater before venturing ashore to make your way through this impressive site. Knidos was an important port on the coastal trading route and enjoyed great posperity during the 4th Century BC. The city had two harbours, two theatres and was home to Praxiteles's nude statue of Aphrodite - the base of which can still be seen, although the statue's whereabout remains a mystery. The ruins are fascinating and you will enjoy the vistas from the main amphittheater. In the late afternoon, sail for Palamutbuku - a charming smaill port with a variety of restaurants - even an organic restaurant: "Le Jardin de Semra" - and numerous small shops and wooden stalls selling local almonds, varieties of honey and organic hand-made soap.

Overnight at anchor in Palamutbuku with dinner ashore.

Day 3 Kalaboshi & Datca

Sail further along the scenic Gulf of Hisaronu and make a stop at Kalaboshi (Hayit Buku) for a short walk ashore through the village to see the local way of life. After lunch, move on to the small port town of Datca and take a two-hour overland tour to "The Olive Farm" and to Old Datca Town.

This little village - newly renovated - is what remains of the original Greek settlement and is well worth a visit. Cobblestone alleyways run between two-story Greek-style houses, their ornate wooden garden gates decorated with a variety of vines and scramblers, including purple and cerise bougainvillea. There are numerous quaint cafes in which to take refreshments and also a range of tiny workshops selling local handcrafts.

Spend the night at anchor in Datca Harbour with dinner ashore at the local seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Day 4 Selimiye & Dirsek

The captain and the crew will have the journey get underway in the early hours of the morning. Breakfast will be served at Dislice Island. Enjoy a hike ashore or take kayaks and circumnavigate this unique island know to locals as "tooth -like". Later sail to Selimiye where you may wish to take a walk ashore and meet the local townfolks over a Turkish coffee.

There is a ruined fortress on the hill overlooking Selimiye Bay and within much closer range, there is a small islet on the northern side of the bay decorated with the remains of a fortification wall. Selimiye is an idyllic spot.

Said down to Kamelya Island to see the remains of a Byzantine church,, then continue on to the overnight anchorage of Dirsek. Dirsek translates as "elbow" and you can see why when entering this land-locked bay. Hills covered in pine forest which descends to the shoreline create the perfect backdrop for a spot of al fresco dining. Overnight in Dirsek

Day 5 Bozburun & Bozukkale

This morning, stroll around the harbour front in Bozburun and draw in the warmth and good vibes that set this small rural town apart. Returning to your yacht, its a leisurely sail around a rocky headland and kinto the delightful anchorage known as Bozukkale or "ruined castle".

In Helenistic times, Bozukkale was known as "Loryma" and was an important port on the ancient sea trade route.

Your yacht will anchor beneath the well-preserved walls of the citadel and a tender can take you ashore to explore the acropolis.

Photography the entire bay from above and then turn around to capture a fine view of the Aegean with the Greek island of Rhodes clearly visible in the distance.

Swim and snorkel in Bozukkale's delightfully clear blue water - or try some water skiing or wake boarding. Dine on board tonight

Day 6 Ekincik & The Dalyan River / Ancient Caunos Tour

Wake up in Ekincik Bay. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a refreshing swin in the Mediterranean!! - before embarking on a day trip to Dalyan and ancient Caunos.

Boarding a small riverboat, you will journey along a craggy, intended coastline and then turn inland, through the mouth of the Dalyan river. Once past the sandy spit of Iztuzu beach, its a short ride through the reed-lined channels of the delta to the ruins of ancient Caunos. Iztuzu beach is alsı known as Turtle Beach as it is one of the last remaining breeding grounds for the rare Loggerhead sea turtle. The ruins od Caunos are found below a hill topped with an acropolis - an exhilarating ascent rewarding the climber with an amazing view of the surrounding area. See the excavated ruins of a theatre, an early Byzantine church, Roman baths and closer to the ancient harbour, an Agora and temples - both of which are currently the site of much activity as excavation work continues. En route to the town of Dalyan, you will pass under a set of Lycian rock tombs high on the cliffs face overlooking the river. These tombs date back to 400 - 600 BC and are the finest example of their type to be found anywhere. Enjoy a riverside lunch of freshly caught fish and local seafood delicacies before a stroll through Dalyan town. On the return trip, you will like to stop by at the sandy beach, Iztuzu, and take a refreshing dip in the warm water of the Mediterranean.

Tonight, go ashore to "My Marina Restaurant", set high on the hill above Ekincik Bay and watch the sunset. It's an amazing sight and this is the perfect vantage point.

Day 7 The Gulf of Fethiye & Gocek

To Gocek, stopping along the way to view some of the pretty bays in the Gulf of Fethiye. Drop anchor for lunch in Kizilkuyruk Harbour. Go swimming and kayaking in the shallows off Domuz Island.

Take a short hike ashore to view the rock tombs of Tomb Bay - or just relax with a book on the shaded aft deck.

By late afternoon, your yacht will be moored on Gocek's town quay. Gocek is a pretty town with a suprising variety of shops and places to dine. Dine ashore or enjoy a final night's dinner on board but either way take time out to experience Gocek by night.

Day 8 Farewell to Gocek

Disembark in Gocek after breakfast.

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