GULF OF GOKOVA LUXURY CRUISE

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Day 1 – Welcome to Bodrum

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.

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Day 2 – Cokertme & Karacasogut
We will leave early morning for nearby Cokertme, a breathtaking setting framed by a rugged mountain range that rises sharply from the shore. Surrounding the town are fields of olive trees and other gentler slopes ideal for day trips. Cokertme is known for the hospitality and good nature of its residents, many of whom can be seen on the shores weaving carpets by hand. These townspeople have been the subject of good-natured folk songs of the region for generations. After a full afternoon of exploring, we will sail to Karacasogut for dinner.

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Day 3 – Seven Islands
After lunch we will set sail for Yediadalar, a colorful setting noted for its fantastic swimming, diving and snorkeling. Yediadalar literally means “the seven islands,” and the untouched area features broad tree-lined slopes ideal for hiking and adventuring. Our first stop will be Kufre Bay followed with anchoring in Uzun Liman (Long Port) for overnight stay.

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Day 4 – Sedir Island & English Harbor

In the morning, we will cruise to Sedir (Cedrae) island. This unique island with its small beach and unbelievably clear water is like an ooutdoor museum. You can see the city walls, the ruins from the Dors reign (later on restored as a church); the amphitheater with 1500 guest capacity and the domed historical buildings. You can walk around the wrecks of pillars with antique writings on them and see the ancient stones decorated with reliefs. Cleopatra Beach, located on this island has a very special kind of sand that can only be found in the deserts of Northern Africa. According to the myth, King Antonius had brought this sand from Egypt by sea for Cleopatra.

Later, we will cruise to English Harbor for dinner and overnight stay. The bay takes its name from World War I when the ships of the English Navy had taken refuge here. In this area, there are many small and large bays sheltered enough and suitable for overnight anchorage.

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Day 5 – Tuzla & Ballisu
This will be a leisurely paced day. We will spend the morning sailing to Tuzla, a quiet coastal bay from where, after a free afternoon of wandering and shopping in this charming beach front resort town, we will continue onto the enchanting pools of Ballisu for dinner and an overnight stay.

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Day 6 – Cati Lagoon

Awake with the sun and after a leisurely breakfast, we will spend the morning slowly meandering along the coast toward Cati Lagoon, where we will prepare lunch and take in the wondrous scenery. Swim in the pools of Cati or wander amongst the extensive natural beauty and ruins. The most quiet overnight waits for you in this marvelous natural harbor.

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Day 7 – Mersincik & Karaada (Black Island)
After breakfast and a morning swim, we will depart for beautiful Mersincik Bay at the tip of the Gulf of Gokova. You will spend the day in this bay, a lovely area fronted by steep pine-covered slopes and pebble beaches. Woods and high mountains embrace the clear waters and seclusion of Mersincik, making it a favorite spot for anchorage. Late afternoon we may cruise to Karaada for overnight stay or we stay in Mersincik.

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Day 8 – Bodrum

After a leisurely breakfast in the morning, it is time to say goodbye to your yacht and the crew as they will prepare the yacht for her next charter. We hope to show you more of the Aegean Coast next summer!