|
Day 1 Board the
yacht in Gocek and sail for Ruin Bay in the Gulf of Fethiye. Ruin
Bay was so-named as there are partially-submerged ruins sitting at
the head of the bay - believed by the locals to be the bathhouse
used by Cleopatra while she was visiting the area. Swim from the
yacht and snorkel through these ruins before sunset. Spend the
night in one of the Manastir Bay anchorages with dinner aboard the
yacht.
Day 2 Enjoy a peaceful early morning swim and
snorkel in this very special place. Having stopped off at Tersane
island for lunch, the afternoon sail will be across the Gulf to
Fethiye: the present-day town built on top of ancient Telmessos.
The theatre and temple tombs of this ancient city are within easy
walking distance. This afternoon, there is the option to take an
overland trip to Saklikent Canyon for an adventurous hike up
through this fabulous marble corridor – through which there runs a
small stream, so be sure to wear shoes that you can get wet!
Return to your yacht in Fethiye and dine out this evening on local
fare.
Day 3 A morning of bay-hopping on the Gulf of
Fethiye. Following lunch, sail to Gemiler Island, once the home of
pirates! Spend some time exploring with mask and flippers as you
discover the ancient quay and some shops just below the surface of
the water. The go ashore and visit the ruins of what was once a
sizeable Byzantine settlement. See a basilica, a temple with
mosaic floors and a covered walkway alongside shops, houses and
cisterns. It’s a fascinating site and the view from the top of the
island is superb. Overnight here with dinner aboard.
Day 4 Cruise south along the Seven Capes and into
Kalkan. Kalkan is a small seaside town with steep streets bordered
by shops, cafes and some old renovated Greek-style buildings.
Colourful bougainvillea and jasmine spill from the balconies
overhead and give the village a certain charm.
Upon arrival, board a minivan for an overland tour to three
ancient Lycian cities: ancient Xanthos, ancient Patara and ancient
Letoon. Xanthos was the capital of the Lycian league, which rose
to the height of its splendour in the 10th century BC. Patara,
recognised by scholars as the birthplace of Apollo, has a
magnificent history dating back as far as the 7th-century BC.
Patara was an important place of trade in antiquity and
excavations being carried out today are uncovering more and more
of this extensive site. Letoon was a place of worship for the
people of Xanthos and the most important ruins are those of the
Temples of Leto, Apollo and Artemis. Letoon is cited in many
guidebooks as one of the most delightful sites in Lycia. Return to
your boat Kalkan Harbour and spend the evening ashore, dining in
style in the quaint narrow streets of Kalkan.
Day 5 Following breakfast in Kalkan, sail further
around the coast to the region known as the Kekova Roads. Once at
anchor near the village of Kale, there will be an opportunity to
go ashore and explore the castle of ancient Simena. Reaching the
highest walls of the castle, stop and marvel at the views out over
the village and to the island beyond. There is also a small
theatre to see within the castle walls and numerous sarcophagi on
your journey up the hillside. Overnight at Kale with perhaps a
quayside dinner.
Day 6 Cruise into Ucagiz and either spend the
morning exploring the ruins of ancient Teimussa or take a short
overland trip to ancient Myra and the nearby town of Demre. The
site of Myra has a well-preserved theatre, walls of Lycian rock
tombs and an acropolis. A number of the rock tombs are decorated
with friezes. St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was bishop of Myra in the
4th century and in the village of Demre, stands his church.
Following lunch, cruise alongside Kekova Island to view the sunken
city before moving on into Polemos Buku for the remainder of the
day. Polemos Buku has a number of small islets from which extend
underwater ruins. For snorkelling enthusiasts, ancient Aperlai
lies partially submerged in "Asar Bay", just a half-mile walk
across a short isthmus. Enjoy snorkelling around the submerged
quays and harbour streets - but remember that the site is a
protected one!
Please note: Generally speaking, it is prohibited to snorkel over
the sunken ruins at Kekova, but we have heard that it has been
done before. If this is the case, and there is a possibility of
snorkelling here, the captain will advise his guests.
Day 7 A swim at Tersane this morning before
sailing back towards Kas. Stop for lunch in Bayindir Harbour, the
site of ancient Sebeda: there are rock tombs visible and a small
number of ruins on the summit of the hill above the anchorage.
Towards evening, move into Kas Harbour and go ashore to see the
town and perhaps visit the theatre of ancient Antiphellos.
Overnight in Kas Harbour, with dinner ashore or on board.
Day 8 Embarkation after breakfast. |