Sail in Turkey: Marmaris - Gocek Via ancient Carian & Lycian cities

Day 1 MARMARIS – KADIRGA

Embark in the port of Marmaris in the early hours of the afternoon. Sail the short distance to Kadirga Harbour, a beautiful, quiet harbour not far south of Marmaris. Perfect for swimming and relaxing in the cool, blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, Kadirga Harbour is quiet and remote air, accessible, as it is, only by sea.

Spend the night at anchor here in Kadirga Harbour with dinner on board, under the stars.

Day 2 KADIRGA – EKINCIK

After breakfast, sail northeast to Ekincik Bay, arriving around lunchtime. Swim, snorkel, or hop on a kayak and follow the contours of the shore. Be sure to journey ashore by tender and stroll through fragrant pine forests.

This afternoon, take a fun and exciting guided tour to ancient Caunos, situated on a hill above the Dalyan River delta. This tour is made by local riverboat, and it’s quite relaxing to sit and listen to the “putt-putt-putting” of the engine as this shallow-drafted vessel makes its way inland along the reed-lined channels of the Dalyan River delta.

Keep a look out for local wildlife as the Dalyan River delta is a wildlife conservation area, and you will likely see the “Caretta Caretta” turtle, which returns to nest here every year. Once at Caunos, explore the ruins of a theatre, a Byzantine church, a Roman bath house and an Agora, all in the company of a local English-speaking guide.

Enjoy some exploration in the town of Dalyan or sit by the river and admire some fabulous Lycian rock tombs, carved into a cliff face above the river over 2,000 years ago.

Return to the yacht in Ekincik Bay, and tonight, take a tender ride ashore to the "My Marina" restaurant, where the views out over Ekincik and across the water to the Loryma Peninsula are stunning.

Day 3 EKINCIK — AGA LIMANI — MANASTIR BAY

At daybreak, your crew will plot a south-easterly course for Aga Limani, where you will enjoy breakfast in a superbly scenic setting, complete with pebble beach.

Enjoy swimming, sunning and windsurfing on the bay, or take an hour’s walk to ancient Lydae – an all but forgotten ancient Lycian site in the hills above.

Spend the afternoon bay-hopping along the west side of the Gulf of Fethiye, before dropping anchor in Manastir (Monastery) Bay alongside some partially submerged ruins, romantically referred to as “Cleopatra’s Baths”.

Dinner onboard in Manastir Bay.

Day 4 MANASTIR BAY - FETHIYE

Spend the morning at leisure in Manastir Bay. Swim, explore by kayak or take mask and flippers and snorkel among the partially-submerged ruins. There is a goat track ashore which runs around the edge of the bay, where it’s possible to see the ruins of an ancient city wall.

Crossing the gulf and mooring in the harbour at Fethiye, go ashore to stroll through the bazaar in search of souvenirs - or perhaps take an overland tour to visit ancient Tlos and walk the fascinating natural canyon, "Saklikent”.

Overnight in a bay just south of Fethiye with dinner on board.

Day 5 FETHIYE - TOUR TO XANTHOS, PATARA & LETOON

Cameras at the ready: today is set aside for a guided overland tour to the ruins of three ancient Lycian cities: Xanthos, Patara and Letoon. If you are only visiting the Lycian coast of Turkey this one time, you would enjoy the chance to immerse yourself in the area’s rich history, and this tour is the best way to do just that!

Xanthos was the capital of the Lycian league which rose to the height of its splendour in the 10th century BC. Patara, known as the birth place of Apollo, was an important grain trade port in antiquity and has some marvellous ruins to visit, including a newly excavated theatre. While at Patara, famous also for its long, sandy beach, change into a bathing suit and enjoy a refreshing dip. Letoon was a place of worship for the people of Xanthos and is cited in many guide books as one of the most delightful sites in Lycia.

Return to the yacht in Fethiye and sail for "Osman's Place" at Pınarbaşı, one of the most picturesque bays on the entire southwest coast. "Osman's Place" also has a reputation for fine local fare, so be sure to dine ashore tonight and enjoy the village atmosphere.

Day 6 GEMILER ISLAND

Sail east to the bays north of Gemiler island and drop anchor in Bestas Harbour. If you enjoy an early morning hike, there are some excellent views to be admired from atop the hill above Bestas Harbour. About 45 minutes of energetic walking — upwards on a winding coastal track, rewards the group with a gorgeous view of the ruins of an old Greek village, now known as ‘Kaya Koy’. Kaya Koy served as the inspiration for theLouis de Bernieres book, “Birds Without Wings”. As a completely deserted village, Kaya Koy is very interesting and so worth the visit!

Return to the yacht for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation. As the sun dips low in the sky, take a tender boat ashore to walk the well-worn trails of Gemiler Island. Explore the many fabulous Byzantine ruins on the island, including the 7th Century AD monastery of St. Nicholas. Cocktails on the summit, with the sun setting over the Mediterranean, is the best way to savour the moment here.

Overnight anchored off Gemiler island with dinner on board or ashore.

Day 7 TERSANE ISLAND - GOCEK

Spend a final day relaxing on the beautiful Gulf of Fethiye, visiting such picturesque spots as Tersane Island, Sarsala Bay or Tomb Bay before proceeding into the port of Gocek. Spend the night here in the harbour and have a quiet farewell dinner on board or a lively night out one of Gocek’s best seafood restaurants.

Day 8 GOCEK

Disembark after breakfast in Gocek Harbour.