Day 1
Board the yacht in Gocek and sail for Ruin Bay in the Gulf
of Fethiye. Ruin Bay was so-named as there are partially-submerged
ruins sitting at the head of the bay - believed by the
locals to be the bathhouse used by Cleopatra while she was
visiting the area. Swim from the yacht and snorkel through
these ruins before sunset. Spend the night in one of the
Manastir Bay anchorages with dinner aboard the yacht.
Day 2 Enjoy a peaceful early morning swim
and snorkel in this very special place. Having stopped off
at Tersane island for lunch, the afternoon sail will be
across the Gulf to Fethiye: the present-day town built on
top of ancient Telmessos. The theatre and temple tombs of
this ancient city are within easy walking distance. This
afternoon, there is the option to take an overland trip to
Saklikent Canyon for an adventurous hike up through this
fabulous marble corridor – through which there runs a
small stream, so be sure to wear shoes that you can get
wet! Return to your yacht in Fethiye and dine out this
evening on local fare.
Day 3 A morning of bay-hopping on the
Gulf of Fethiye. Following lunch, sail 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 here with dinner
aboard.
Day 4 Cruise south along the Seven Capes
and into 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 village a
certain charm.
Upon arrival, board a minivan for an overland tour to
three ancient Lycian cities: ancient Xanthos, ancient
Patara and ancient Letoon. Xanthos was the capital of the
Lycian league, which rose to the height of its splendour
in the 10th century BC. Patara, recognised by scholars as
the birthplace of Apollo, has a magnificent history dating
back as far as the 7th-century BC. Patara was an important
place of trade in antiquity and excavations being carried
out today are uncovering more and more of this extensive
site. Letoon was a place of worship for the people of
Xanthos and the most important ruins are those of the
Temples of Leto, Apollo and Artemis. Letoon is cited in
many guidebooks as one of the most delightful sites in
Lycia. Return to your boat Kalkan Harbour and spend the
evening ashore, dining in style in the quaint narrow
streets of Kalkan.
Day 5 Following breakfast in Kalkan, sail
further around the coast to the region known as 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 beyond. There is also a small theatre to see
within the castle walls and numerous sarcophagi on your
journey up the hillside. Overnight at Kale with perhaps a
quayside dinner.
Day 6 Cruise into Ucagiz and either spend
the morning exploring the ruins of ancient Teimussa or
take a short overland trip to ancient Myra and the nearby
town of Demre. The site of Myra has a well-preserved
theatre, walls of Lycian rock tombs and an acropolis. A
number of the rock tombs are decorated with friezes. St.
Nicholas (Santa Claus) was bishop of Myra in the 4th
century and in the village of Demre, stands his church.
Following lunch, cruise alongside Kekova Island to view
the sunken city before moving on into Polemos Buku for the
remainder of the day. Polemos Buku has a number of small
islets from which extend underwater ruins. For snorkelling
enthusiasts, ancient Aperlai lies partially submerged in
"Asar Bay", just a half-mile walk across a short isthmus.
Enjoy snorkelling around the submerged quays and harbour
streets - but remember that the site is a protected one!
Please note: Generally speaking, it is prohibited to
snorkel over the sunken ruins at Kekova, but we have heard
that it has been done before. If this is the case, and
there is a possibility of snorkelling here, the captain
will advise his guests.
Day 7 A swim at Tersane this morning
before sailing back towards Kas. Stop for lunch in
Bayindir Harbour, the site of ancient Sebeda: there are
rock tombs visible and a small number of ruins on the
summit of the hill above the anchorage. Towards evening,
move into Kas Harbour and go ashore to see the town and
perhaps visit the theatre of ancient Antiphellos.
Overnight in Kas Harbour, with dinner ashore or on board.
Day 8 Embarkation after breakfast.
