Day 1 - Bodrum

Bodrum is the ideal starting point for sailing the Aegean coast of Turkey. The Gökova Gulf is acknowledged to be one of the best cruising areas in Europe. With abundant sunshine, crystal clear waters, continuous blue skies, good anchorages and friendly people, this coast offers many diversities. There are many unspoiled areas rich in natural beauty and in costal settlements and villages. Bodrum is a port city in Muğla Province, in the southwestern Aegean Region of Turkey. It is located on the southern coast of Bodrum Peninsula, at a point that checks the entry into the Gulf of Gökova. The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times and was famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbour and the marina. The castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

Day 2 - Palamutbuku, Inceburun

Palamutbuku is reputed for having the best beaches in the Datca peninsula. The beaches are small but very beautiful. Surrounded by mountains and spotted with gardens, these beaches are known for their tranquillity and fresh sea air that together present the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating getaway. Palamutbuku is located at the end of the peninsula and is also famed for the remains of the historic city of Knidos. Knidos, known for its bounty of fish, is located about 12 kilometres away. The waters here are crystal clear, so much so that it is believed that if you take a needle at the very bottom of the sea, you can still see it! Go on a sea tour or simply bask on the beaches, watching vibrant birds take a flight – there is so much to do in Palamutbuku! The people are warm and friendly. Palamutbuku epitomizes peace, tranquillity and happiness. With its warm people with their smiling faces and immense natural beauty, Palamutbuku is indeed a little paradise in its own right.

Day 3 - Aktur Bay, Bencik Bay

Witness the world's oxygen tank at Aktur! Spotted with pine trees, it definitely is a slice of paradise. In fact, it won the title of the ‘most beautiful bay inTurkey’ and proved to be a hot tourist destination. Aktur consists of two units, namely Datca and Kurucabuk, located at a distance of 4 km from each other. The Hisaronu bay is located very close to the narrowest strip of the Datca peninsula and separates the Gulf of Gokova from the Gulf of Hisaronu. Around 550 BC, it served as a defence line against the Persian army who wanted to capture both Hisaronu Gulf and the Gokova Gulf by digging kilometre long tunnel. Being a small island between the two gulfs, it definitely made a good point of defence. However, although the work was started with great effort, the city was ultimately conquered by the Persians.

Just across the bay from Selimiye, Bencik offers a quiet and protected anchorage in amongst a pine forest. It is possible to get ashore on to a grassed area, but there are no facilities. Bencik Bay which has a very narrow entrance but a unique view once you get inside. Bencik is located at the narrowest part of the peninsula that divides Hisaronu Gulf from the Gokova Gulf but it is located at Hisaronu side.

Day 4 - Emel Sayin Bay, Selimiye Bay, Orhaniye Bay

Named after the “queen and ambassador of Turkish classical music”, Emel Sayin, this place is indeed a great holiday destination with its mesmerizing smell of the pine trees, clear sea coast, awe-inspiring views of the bays and warm and welcoming people.

The Selimiye village in the Mugla district of Marmaris is one of the pearls of the Gulf of Hisaronu. The ancient name of this village was Hydas, which got changed to Losta. At sunset, the sun disappearing behind the mountains surrounding the village seems to dye the scenery in a rich red hue. The ancient site of Bybossos Hydas (Selimiye) has ruined dating back to the archaic period. One of the highest hills of the region is in Selimiye, the other one at the top of Sarikaya and the last one has three castle ruins, including the Kızılköy Aşarkale Quarter. The sheep-shaped southeastern hills are visited by foreign tourists looking to explore the castle ruins dating back to the Hellenistic era. The tomb in the southern part of the square is located 100 meters offshore from the coast and shows ships the way to the Selimiye. Other areas of interest include a monitoring tower, a lighthouse, a monastery and a theatre. American underwater archaeologists and scientists are engaged in researching sunken wrecks in the region and have produced valuable findings that are now exhibited in the Bodrum Underwater Museum. Selimiye is frequented by the Blue Cruise boats. Selimiye - Hisaronu - Orhaniye is like an indispensable trio. Selmiye is also renowned for its clean seawater, a great bounty of fish, vegetables, fruits, almond and olive trees, the smell of fresh thyme and oregano enveloping the mountains, clean, pollution-free air, peaceful environment and warm people.

Featuring its deep blue sea and the legendary Kizkumu beach, Orhaniye is well admired by all holidaymakers. Take a journey down it’s quaint village roads to discover the historic castle of the black knight. Floating in this bay, the yachts present a picturesque scene. The village of Orhaniye has lots to offer to a hungry tourist. Enjoy walking down the village or witness the beauty of the busy docks accessed by local and foreign yachtsmen alike, stay indoors or explore the local culture and cuisine of the place – Orhaniye is full of surprises!

Day 5 - Dirsekbuku, Bozburun

Dirsekbuku is located between the Gulf in the Aegean Sea and the Gulf of Hisaronu. There are many tourists travelling from Bodrum to Marmaris who stop here for rest, which is why this region is replete with several sheltered bays. In addition, Dirsekbuku offers a great cruising experience, especially if you are exiting the different islands and sailing around Hisaronu in the morning.

Bozburun is renowned for the thriving sponge business and gullet yacht construction industry. Some of the best wood and craftsmen for building strong and beautiful gullet boats are to be found in this region, which is why leading names in the business employ Bozburun’s boat makers. Owing to its gullet and yacht manufacturing industries, Bozburun has become a central attraction, visited by tourists from all across the world.

Day 6 - Datca, Knidos (Cnidus)

Datca was founded by the Dorians settled in the Aegean islands and the southern coast of Ionia. This peninsula is located between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. At the end of the peninsula, at a distance of about 38 km is the ancient Carian city of Knidos, which was described by Strabo as the ‘city built for the most beautiful goddess, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful peninsula”. It is also believed that around 500 years ago, the Spanish pirates sailing left leprosy patients to die here but the fair weather of the peninsula recovered the lepers! You may take a walk in Datca Harbor.

Knidos is one of the most magnificent ancient cities in Anatolia that you should visit. As the first settlement in the east of the Datca peninsula, Knidos has splendid ruins and unique beauty. There is a theatre is located right next to the harbour of the ancient city of Knidos. A short walk towards the harbour will take you to the remains of two churches built during the Byzantine period. Knidos century has been a site of archaeological excavations since 1960. The Statue of Demeter discovered here and the lion statues that protected the harbour in ancient times now adorn the halls of the British Museum. The sacred temple of the goddess Aphrodite is a major centre of attraction. The city with a huge necropolis, a double harbour and the magnificent acropolis with the temple of Aphrodite truly impresses all visitors.

Day 7 - Black Island, Meteor Bay, Poyraz Harbour

Black Island (Kara Ada) is located around 5 km away from Bodrum and is renowned for the immense healing power of its sulphurous waters and mud baths. The hot water and mud from the cave are believed to restore beauty and health. The hot water has a temperature of about 29-32 degrees and flows into the sea. Here you will have the opportunity of swimming in hot waters and take a mud bath.

Meteor Hole is a place on the Black Island. It is told that a long time before a meteor fell down here. Therefore it is named Meteor Bay. Within termination sea ground you will understand that you come to Meteor Bay. The sea is in a delightful turquoise colour.

Poyraz Bay is an ideal place for diving for experienced as well as novice or first-time divers. You can watch rock formations that start to appear at the depth of 5m and descend up to 20 m. Orfoz, moray eels, starfish, octopus and various other small fish meet you on your journey. Fragments of ancient amphorae can be found at this dive site.

Day 8 - Bodrum

We will leave the boat by 10:30 after breakfast.