The Blue Voyage
is one of uniqueness. The Aegean is renowned for
having the most amazing historical and ancient sites
in the world. Originally called the “Blue Road” by
the many fishing, cargo and tradesmen of the sea
that used it. It is now dominated by pleasure
cruises and renamed the “Blue Voyage” for it’s
turquoise coast. The Blue Voyage is the most popular
holiday to be had in Turkey because it covers so
many places on one trip.
The Blue Voyage covers such a large area that we
split them into two because the average holiday of
one or two weeks would not cover such a distance. At
one end lies Kusadasi in the Aegean Sea and the
other is Antalya in the Mediterranean Sea with some
350 nautical miles in between.
Starting off with the transfer from the airport
depending on your destination, you will be greeted
on arrival by your captain, cook and crew
( 2 or 3 ). You’ll meet the other guests on board,
make your introductions and settle in. The
accommodation is a basic comfortable twin or double
cabin with shower and wc.
Choosing which bed to sleep in on arrival is
probably the only difficult decision you’ll have to
make whilst on board. Besides the normal reasons for
travelling by boat, like swimming, sunbathing,
eating, drinking and sleeping are concerned, the
rest will be engraved in your memories forever.
Where else in the world can you be, where the sky is
as blue as the sea and the sun shines 176 days a
year ? Where history goes as far back as 8,000
Centuries BC ? Where you are waited on hand and foot
and entertained by your crew?. Where you’ll be fed
the most delicous meals your taste buds have
encountered?.
The Blue Voyage!!!............Starts here.
The itineraries from Bodrum are endless, but a
typical route could take you through the Gulf of
Güllük to dozens of deserted bays with lush forests
descending into rocky shorelines, and nothing but
the sound of goats bells in the distance to await
you. Just a few kilometres inland are the ancient
sites of Didyma and Iassos, where you can visit once
anchored. The next stop - Gokova has numerous bays
each offering their own atmosphere with the seaside
resorts being more crowded and lively. Gokova also
has remains from the ancient island city Keramos,
with the main attraction of Cleopatra’s beach.
Rumoured to have been imported from Egypt for
herself and her lover Anthony. The furthest south-west
of Gokova are the remains of Knidos, once a great
city in ancient times. Passing many secluded bays
and deserted caves you can enjoy swimming,
snorkelling and watersports or a spot of fishing for
that evening BBQ the cook promised, should you catch
something that day. Arrive at Datca and get your
land legs back again. Noted to be one of three of
the cleanest areas in the world, due to no
industrialism. Datca is a quiet and picturesque town
and has lovely restaurants, bars and craft shops.
Beyond the Gulf of Hisaronuis the popular resort of
Marmaris which has some of the largest hotels and
marina in the Aegean. Further along the coast is
Iztuzu beach where the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta-Caretta)
nests. Along the river, small boats ferry visitors
across the Dalyan estuary where you’ll see the
famous ruins of Caunos and mud baths and hot springs
can be enjoyed with great fun had by all.
The Gulf of Fethiye has the quiet and intimate town
of Gocek on route and some of the most beautiful
yachts in the harbor to be seen. Fethiye is itself a
very large town and has a bustling port with many
bays and islands surrounding it. South of Fethiye
lies Olu Deniz (dead sea) where you can see the
beautiful blue lagoon and nature reserve. Exploring
the area around, there are the Lycian ruins of
Xanthos and Letoon. Round to the east of Fethiye are
the small towns of Kalkan and Kas. Both extremely
picturesque with cobbled roads, dainty shops,
restaurants and bars. Kekova is the next stop, where
there’s a sunken city and an Ottoman Castle. The
last stop is Antalya, one of Turkey’s largest and
most popular resorts. The harbor is just outside the
old town where many small roads all inter-link
together revealing restaurants, bars and shops. On
the main road, Hadrians Gate can be seen just
outside the old quarter.
One thing is assured. Whatever your itinerary, the
Blue Voyage will be the most picturesque, historical
and pleasurable encounter you’ve ever experienced
and your captain and crew will do their upmost to
ensure it is the perfect holiday. Enjoy!!
