The Blue Voyage is one of
uniqueness. The Aegean is renowned for having the most amazing
historical and ancient sites in the world. Originally called the
“Blue Road” by the many fishing, cargo and tradesmen of the sea
that used it. It is now dominated by pleasure cruises and
renamed the “Blue Voyage” for it’s turquoise coast. The Blue
Voyage is the most popular holiday to be had in Turkey because
it covers so many places on one trip.
The Blue Voyage covers such a large area that we split them into
two because the average holiday of one or two weeks would not
cover such a distance. At one end lies Kusadasi in the Aegean
Sea and the other is Antalya in the Mediterranean Sea with some
350 nautical miles in between.
Starting off with the transfer from the airport depending on
your destination, you will be greeted on arrival by your captain,
cook and crew
( 2 or 3 ). You’ll meet the other guests on board, make your
introductions and settle in. The accommodation is a basic
comfortable twin or double cabin with shower and wc.
Choosing which bed to sleep in on arrival is probably the only
difficult decision you’ll have to make whilst on board. Besides
the normal reasons for travelling by boat, like swimming,
sunbathing, eating, drinking and sleeping are concerned, the
rest will be engraved in your memories forever. Where else in
the world can you be, where the sky is as blue as the sea and
the sun shines 176 days a year ? Where history goes as far back
as 8,000 Centuries BC ? Where you are waited on hand and foot
and entertained by your crew?. Where you’ll be fed the most
delicous meals your taste buds have encountered?.
The Blue Voyage!!!............Starts here.
The itineraries from Bodrum are endless, but a typical route
could take you through the Gulf of Güllük to dozens of deserted
bays with lush forests descending into rocky shorelines, and
nothing but the sound of goats bells in the distance to await
you. Just a few kilometres inland are the ancient sites of
Didyma and Iassos, where you can visit once anchored. The next
stop - Gokova has numerous bays each offering their own
atmosphere with the seaside resorts being more crowded and
lively. Gokova also has remains from the ancient island city
Keramos, with the main attraction of Cleopatra’s beach. Rumoured
to have been imported from Egypt for herself and her lover
Anthony. The furthest south-west of Gokova are the remains of
Knidos, once a great city in ancient times. Passing many
secluded bays and deserted caves you can enjoy swimming,
snorkelling and watersports or a spot of fishing for that
evening BBQ the cook promised, should you catch something that
day. Arrive at Datca and get your land legs back again. Noted to
be one of three of the cleanest areas in the world, due to no
industrialism. Datca is a quiet and picturesque town and has
lovely restaurants, bars and craft shops.
Beyond the Gulf of Hisaronuis the popular resort of Marmaris
which has some of the largest hotels and marina in the Aegean.
Further along the coast is Iztuzu beach where the Loggerhead
Turtle (Caretta-Caretta) nests. Along the river, small boats
ferry visitors across the Dalyan estuary where you’ll see the
famous ruins of Caunos and mud baths and hot springs can be
enjoyed with great fun had by all.
The Gulf of Fethiye has the quiet and intimate town of Gocek on
route and some of the most beautiful yachts in the harbor to be
seen. Fethiye is itself a very large town and has a bustling
port with many bays and islands surrounding it. South of Fethiye
lies Olu Deniz (dead sea) where you can see the beautiful blue
lagoon and nature reserve. Exploring the area around, there are
the Lycian ruins of Xanthos and Letoon. Round to the east of
Fethiye are the small towns of Kalkan and Kas. Both extremely
picturesque with cobbled roads, dainty shops, restaurants and
bars. Kekova is the next stop, where there’s a sunken city and
an Ottoman Castle. The last stop is Antalya, one of Turkey’s
largest and most popular resorts. The harbor is just outside the
old town where many small roads all inter-link together
revealing restaurants, bars and shops. On the main road,
Hadrians Gate can be seen just outside the old quarter.
One thing is assured. Whatever your itinerary, the Blue Voyage
will be the most picturesque, historical and pleasurable
encounter you’ve ever experienced and your captain and crew will
do their upmost to ensure it is the perfect holiday. Enjoy!!
