Southern Greek Islands Luxury Gulet Cruise

Overview

7 Nights / 8 Days

Embarkation: Bodrum Marina at 15:30
Disembarkation: Bodrum Marina by 09:30 am, after breakfast
Departures on Saturday

Our luxury cabin charters offer:

- 5-star luxury standards
- All inclusive: all meals, afternoon snacks,soft drinks and local beers and wines
- Airport transfers
- Sailing should our guests wish
- Adjustable A/C throughout
- Spacious cabins
- High quality food
- TV and DVD players
- Wi-fi
- Great range of water sports and water toys

Itinerary

Route: Bodrum – Southern Greek Islands (Dodecanese)

Day 1: Bodrum
Transfer to the lively and historic Bodrum marina and board your luxurious gulet in the afternoon. Your captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board. Spend the first night on board in Bodrum marina or a nearby bay.

Day 2: Kos – Nissyros
Depart for Kos early morning and arrive in Kos Harbor, which is overlooked by the old town and the crusader Castle of the Knights of St. John. Palm-lined cobblestone streets, lush greenery, and many ancient monuments and excavations are within walking distance in every direction, not to mention the charming old town labyrinth of shopping streets, cafes and restaurants.

History buffs will be thrilled with the number of ancient sites to explore on the island, most of which are concentrated in the town centrally but still remain quiet spots shaded by soaring ancient trees. Kos has a municipality train that takes you to the sites that are further out. Ancient sites on Kos to Explore include: Asclepion, Ancient Agora, Plateia Planou, Casa Romana and Roman Odeon

The island of Nisyros has a fascinating history: it was captured from pirates, conquered from the knights and subjugated from the Turks. The landscape is hypnotizing in its contrasts; from the lunar volcanic scenery of the inland to the surrounding fertile area of dark sandy beaches and deep blue sea, from the wild verdant beauty of the many natural thermal springs to the dazzling whitewashed local houses. Evident in every little stone, the volcanic composition of Nisyros originated with massive eruptions millions of years ago, and locally many people attribute its captivating energy and distinctive charm to the vibes of the active volcano known as ‘Nisyriasi’, meaning a severe addiction to the volcanic energy of the island.

Day 3: Tilos
Tilos is a historical island of striking medieval castles, imposing mountains with natural springs, pristine beaches, charming churches, the cave of the dwarf elephants and mysterious abandoned medieval villages. The beauty of Tilos lies in its mountainous and rocky landscapes, now preserved as national park area, blessed with verdant hills and abundant flora including almond trees, bluebells, orchids, ancient oaks and shamrocks. Megalo Horio is the capital of Tilos and on the north side of the island. This lovely settlement preserves its authentic character featuring traditional whitewashed houses with flowery courtyards and cobblestone alleys scattered on the mountain slopes of Agios Stefanos. According to ancient legend, Tilos was the son of Alias and Apollo, who visited the island to collect herbs to cure his mother from a serious illness. After treating her, Tilos returned to the sland and built a temple in honor of Apollo and Poseidon. This is how the island got its name and became well known for its native healing herbs.

Day 4: Symi
The Island of Symi is nothing less than enchanting and a truly romantic destination. Stunning neoclassical mansions characterize the main harbor, decorating the hillside down to the waters edge with their facades painted in a variety of colors. With rich traditions rooted in mythology still thriving today, the beauty and atmosphere of Symi is truly remarkable Neoclassical mansions and abandoned captains houses, cobblestone courtyards and pebbled mosaics give an aura of nobility to the island while the bougainvillea flowers add a bright touch to the romantic atmosphere.

Climb the 500 stone steps that lead to the old commercial street of the island. Stroll around the Kalderimi, the stone bridge that connects the two sides of the village, known as the Bridge of Love, and observe the famous shipbuilders of Simi at the small Harani shipyard, who uphold Simi’s ancient shipbuilding traditions.

Cruise to the island’s western side and the peaceful setting of the Panormitis Monastery of the Archangel Michael with its Byzantine frescos. Enjoy a swim break at the Bay of St. George, before entering the harbor.

Day 5: Bozburun – Datca
Depart Simi harbor and sail into the Gulf of Hisarönü re-entering Turkey at the fishing village of Bozburun. It used to be the center of sponge diving along the Turkish coast, but nowadays locals here earn their living in a much less dangerous way by building the typical broad-beamed wooden gulets. The crosswinds in this region are excellent for sailing. Cruise north to Ciftlik Bay, a hidden cove with a small sandy beach, half way up the Datca peninsula.

Early evening set sail to picturesque resort of Datça. Enjoy a stroll through town, which offers some lovely cafes and shops. Renowned for its natural beauty and climate, this town provides a window into the life of rural Turkey of 50 to 100 years ago. Village life is still based on agriculture, fishing, and the building of traditional wooden gulet yachts. Pine, oak, and myrtle filled mountains plunge down to a serene beach and two natural harbors.

Day 6: Knidos – Mersincik
Sail to the site of Knidos, the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. Knidos is famous in antiquity for the cult of Aphrodite started there. Situated at the end of the Datca peninsula, this Dorian city was built on terraces rising to the acropolis. Straddling the peninsula, it had a harbour on either side, and flourished during the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. The site was excavated in 1857 by C. T. Newton and from 1967 by Iris Love. Famous as a center of art and culture in the 4th century BCE, Knidos was established
at the same time that Halicarnassus was, as one of the 6 Dorian colonies in Asia Minor. It seems to have kept a purer Greek character, no doubt because it set its sights seaward and had little contact with the interior.

From here, sail to Mersincik in the Gulf of Gokova; a stunning bay ringed with high mountains and woods, its clear waters and seclusion make it a favorite spot for spending the night.

Day 7: Kisebuku Bay
Cross the Gulf of Gokova to the pine-clad Bay of Kisebuku. Take advantage of the calm morning hours sailing smoothly along the Gokova shores. Opt for a stop at Orak Island. Late afternoon come into Bodrum harbor, or continue to the attractive bay of Ada Bogazi for the night.

Year round balmy temperatures, international marinas, elegant boutiques, chic cafés and nightclubs and a variety of delightful dining experiences attract many to the lively Bodrum town and harbor. The 15th century Crusader castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, add an historical dimension to this resort.

Day 8: Bodrum
Your gulet trip comes to an end with precious memories. Disembarkation by 10:30 after breakfast.

Accommodation

With 5-Star Luxury Standards

We work with a range of luxury gulets that meet the highest standards. The size of the gulet may vary, but the quality is always the same. Comfortable cabins, spacious deck areas, great facilities, delicious food and excellent service.

Cabins

Spacious cabins
En-suite bathrooms with enclosed shower
Adjustable A/C throughout
Generous storage space
Face, hand, bath and beach towels
Bathrobes
Hair dryer

Food & Drink

If you think Turkish food is all about doner kebabs, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. There’s lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil dishes, grilled fish and meat and wonderful mezes. The luxury gulet cruise offers the best in Turkish cuisine cooked by our on-board chef.
Included in the cruise price is three daily meals, afternoon snacks, soft drinks and local alcoholic drinks.

View Sample Menu

Gulet Facilities

TV and DVD players
Wi-fi
Snorkelling equipment
Sea kayak
Fishing equipment
Backgammon, chess and playing cards

Dates and Prices

•Prices above are per person per week sharing a double or master cabin on all inclusive basis
•Single Supplement is 75%
•Children under the age of 8 aren’t allowed

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• All inclusive accommodation: All meals on board, all soft drinks and local beers and wines
• Return airport transfers
• All charter & berth taxes, harbour & port procedures
• Transit log & related formalities for the shipping agents
• Mooring expenses
• Crew service
• Clean bed linen and bath towels on arrival (Beach towels are not provided)
• Use of equipment on board (Flippers, snorkel and fishing tackle etc.)
• Yacht insurance (We advise you to take out individual travel insurance)
• Turkish V.A.T.
• Harbour taxes and mooring fees in foreign waters for the yacht
• All port procedures & custom expenses in foreign waters for the yacht

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Flights (Can be arranged on request)
• Optional land tours and entrance fees to historical sites and museums

Extend Your Holiday

Why not add a few days before or after your cruise and explore Turkey on land as well as sea. We can organise tours to places such as Istanbul, Cappadocia or Ephesus. Alternatively, we can arrange a villa or a hotel for you at a location of your choice. See our Gulet Cruise & Stay page.