GOCEK TO BODRUM LUXURY CRUISE
Ekincik is an unspoiled natural wonder, blessed with breathtaking beauty. We will wake up here in time for breakfast and a swim. We will anchor here and a small boat will come to pick you up for an adventure and sightseeing filled day to nearby Dalyan and Kaunos. Firstly you will arrive in Iztuzu Beach where famous sea turtles called Caretta Carettas lay their eggs on this long white sand beach. You may feed the sea turtles and taste the delicious blue crabs yourself as your small boat starts cruising up the canal towards the remnants of the ancient Carian city of Kaunos which dates back to 10th century B.C. You can go on a hike to discover the agora, the city walls, the tombs carved into the rocky hills. Afterwards, you may want to take advantage of the thermal springs and enjoy the mud baths believed to remedy both the body and the soul.
After your excursion through the canals of Dalyan and visit to the ancient port city of Kaunos, you will come back to your boat and spend the rest of your day at your own leisure. We will anchor in Ekincik overnight.
We will leave early morning for the cute Turkish village of Datca entering back into Turkish waters. This fascinating Mediterranean village consists of a small square and its surrounding streets. All the houses in the village are made of amber colored masonry. White garden walls are crawling with vines, shrubs, almond and olive trees. Kind-hearted people, who mostly moved here from larger cities, own the local art galleries and restaurants. We recommend you take a stroll through the bazaar and visit the local shops in the Old Town while your Captain is taking care of the passport formalities. You can find various stores selling honey, fish and almonds (the most famous products of the region). If you take a break at a coffeehouse in the village of Old Datca, don’t be surprised if the owner asks you, “would you like thyme, lavender flower, or watermelon tea?”
In the afternoon we will leave for Palamutbuku to enjoy the rest of the sunshine in this luscious green bay. We will anchor in Palamutbuku overnight.
In the morning we will leave for the mythic city of Knidos so that you can explore these ancient ruins best accessed by sea. Knidos is an ancient Carian city rich with history and artifacts, where one can discover the preserved remnants of an outdoor amphitheater and an Acropolis and ancient temple built in honor of Aphrodite, the Greek God of Love. Here stands the famed statue of Aphrodite. It is said that in ancient times, pilgrims would travel thousands of miles to pay homage to Aphrodite in her temple. We will spend the day in and around here enjoying the sunshine and the crystal clear waters.
Right before sunset, we will set sail towards nearby cove of Mersincik, chasing the sun setting in the Aegean as your yacht cruises northwest. Mersincik is a lovely little cove fronted by steep pine-covered slopes and pebble beaches. We will anchor in Mersincik overnight.
We will set sail early in the morning towards Bodrum, making a breakfast and swimming stop in Karada or Tavsanburnu. Upon arriving in the coastal city of Bodrum, spend your afternoon and evening perusing the seaside shops, familiarizing yourself with Turkish culture and traditions, and dining along the water’s edge at one of dozens of outstanding restaurants. Bodrum is one of the Aegean Coast’s jewels, featuring natural beauty, ancient ruins, and a thriving nightlife.
Bodrum has a history that goes back to the 12th century B.C. The city that was once called ‘Halicarnassus,’ was the birthplace of Herodotus: the ‘Father of History’ who lived in the 5th century B.C. The ‘Mausoleum’ of King Mausolus (350 B.C.), one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is in this city. The only structure that survived from the Classical Era is the Amphitheatre. It is one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia with a capacity of 13.000 guests and it is still hosting many shows and concerts for the art-lovers of Bodrum. Another place that you should visit when you arrive in Bodrum is the landmark of the city, the ‘Castle of Saint Peter’. It is one of the best-preserved pieces of architecture with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. ‘Myndos Gate’ through which Alexander the Great entered Halicarnassus is another place that you should not miss to visit. Most sophisticated of the Turkish Aegean, Bodrum offers fine dining, world-class nightlife and shopping.
After breakfast onboard, it is time to say goodbye to your boat, her lovely crew and to the beautiful Turkish Coast. We hope to see you again next summer!