From Kos to Bodrum via Hisaronu Bay

From Kos to Bodrum via Hisaronu Bay

Greece and Turkey in one itinerary
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Day 1: Kos

Kos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese. It is synonymous with the forefather of modern medicine, Hippocrates who was born here in 460 BC and went on to teach many disciples the philosophy and science of medicine.

You have a unique chance to visit Asclepeion, Hippocrates' centre for healing. Understandably, this is the best archaeological site on the island, and we recommend that you take in a short visit to appreciate one of the Western world’s first true hospitals and medical schools. The other main attractions on the island are the large Knights’ fortress, the Kos Archaeological Museum, the Hippocrates Cultural Centre, and the Roman Odeon, which is just 10 minutes’ walk from the harbour.

There are many different choices for dining out, so try one of the traditional-style tavernas on the waterfront, and round off the evening with a walk through Kos' bazaar.

Besides the main town of the island, there are several cute villages that you can visit today. One of them is Kefalos - the first capital of Kos island. Kefalos lies on the slopes of a hill. Top sites of this place are the Folklore Museum displaying the rural way of life of the past, the ruins of Agios Stefanos - a Christian Basilica, and of course, the view at the picturesque islet located opposite of the village.

For a more authentic experience you can go deeper inland and visit Zia, a beautiful little place located in the mountains. It will take approximately 45 minutes to get there by taxi. Amazing views to the island and authentic atmosphere are guaranteed as mass tourism isn’t very developed here yet.

Day 2: Nisyros

Sail for Nisyros in the late morning, arriving in Pali Harbour for lunch. Swim and relax in idyllic surroundings before taking a tender ride ashore to explore what is a distinctly Greek island, quite a bit more of the beaten track as compared to Symi. Here, the main attraction for visitors is the volcano. Hiring a car, you can drive right down to the rim of the crater and then descend to the crater floor, and shroud yourself in sulfurous mist in what is often described as a “moonscape”. The Spa of Loutra also draws plenty of visitors, although most go to witness the grand architecture of the buildings rather than take a dip in the hot spring waters. Later in the day, move into the island's main port of Mandraki and enjoy a night out in authentic Greek style!

Day 3: Tilos

Enjoy morning sail to Tilos, one of few islands in the Dodecanese that have managed to escape the crowds of tourists. That is why it remains authentic and gives a feeling as if you’re far away from all that noise and rush of the modern world.

Drop the anchor in the harbour at Livadia. There is much to see and do ashore, including a bus ride to the abandoned town of Megaro Horio - a pretty and peaceful village which is now experiencing a revival due to the return of expat Greeks to the island. Even though it’s a quiet place in general, the harbour area is wonderfully busy and bustling, so it’s easy to spend a couple of hours enjoying cool drinks at a seaside cafe or wandering the streets in search of souvenirs.

Dine in one of the real Greek seaside fish restaurants or go back onboard and enjoy culinary journey prepared by your personal chef.

Day 4: Symi

Discovering Symi is like finding an exotic plant in the desert. The muted blue, amber, cream and rose coloured houses have been built one upon another up the steep sides of the inlet like a child’s building block version of a town. The harbour is a totally natural feature and Symi was once famous for shipbuilding and sponge-diving. Today, the harbour is lined with a fine selection of restaurants and tavernas and one can walk over the hill and past the old windmills to the deep inlet of Pethi Harbour, or rent a motocycle or taxi to explore further.

Day 5: Bozburun

Set amongst a multitude of inlets and islets, Bozburun is a definitive highlight on any southern Aegean itinerary. And it is a port where you will clear in to cruise in Turkey.
Bozburun was once the sponge-diving capital of Turkey but today most activity centres around yachting tourism and the building of traditional Turkish vessels. Bozburun has a sleepy charm, a quiet and relaxed atmosphere which encompasses the small harbour around which it is built and the surrounding farmland. There are restaurants, bars and small selection of boutiques to discover.

The countryside around Bozburun is renowned for its wild beauty, with tall mountains, craggy cliff faces and thick groves of wild olive. The bay is also very well protected, so be sure to enjoy a swim or a spot of snorkelling around one of the islets.

Day 6: Datca

Sail for the port of Datca, stopping at some of the picturesque anchorages along the way. Lunch will be served in Datca Harbour. Later in the day, join a local guide for a walk through Datca town and if you wish, you may like to take a short drive to "The Olive Farm" - Datca's biggest organic farm, where you can try numerous varieties of organic olive oil and vinegar. This really is a great place to include in any visit to Datca.

While en route back to the yacht, the narrow, winding cobble-stone streets of the original Greek settlement in the area, "Old Datca" -- something of a haven for artisans -- might be worth a visit.

Overnight in a nearby bay.

Day 7: Bodrum

Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most popular coastal resort towns. White-washed houses decorated with colourful bougainvillea drape the sides of low, rounded hills leading down the harbour. A magnificent Crusader’s Castle stands proudly on a rocky promontory overlooking the marina. This is the heart of Bodrum, where tourists flock to witness the town’s famous nightlife as much as to experience its impressive history. Heredotus, the father of history, was born here when the place was known as “Halicarnassos”. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassos was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and it is possible to visit the remains of this monumental tomb, along with the “Myndos Gate”, the antique theatre and the Castle of the Knights of St. John. Exploring the castle, which houses one of the largest museums of underwater archaeology in the world, is very relaxing in the cooler hours of the day.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Bodrum after breakfast

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