Day 1
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.
Day 2 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).
Day 3 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.
Day 4 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
Day 5 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.
Day 6 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.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 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.
Day 9 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.
Day 10 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
Day 11 Disembarkation in Gocek after
breakfast.
