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Day 1
Board the yacht in Gocek in the afternoon
and sail for Tomb Bay, on the western side of the Gulf of Fethiye.
Anchor in idyllic surrounds and take a tender ride ashore to visit
the porticoed temple and pigeonhole tombs carved into the rock
face. For the more adventurous, there is also the acropolis of
ancient Cyra a shore climb away up the hill.
Day 2 A day of leisurely cruising in the Gulf of
Fethiye, taking in the ruins of a Byzantine shipbuilding
settlement on Tersane Island. Take walks ashore among olive groves
or swim and snorkel off the gullet. By late afternoon, the gulet
will have moored in Cleopatra's Bay, a short distance from the
partly submerged ruins of a monastery (believed by some to be the
bathhouse in which Cleopatra's bathed during her time spent here).
Day 3 Start the day with a walk to ancient Lydae.
This site is only rarely visited, but offers quite an interesting
array of ruins, including Corinthian columns, mausolea, cisterns
and temple walls. Cruise to Fethiye, stopping for lunch in a quiet
cove along the way. Fethiye is a large town with a thriving
community engaged in fishing and agriculture. There are the ruins
of ancient Telmessos to visit, along with a bazaar full of
souvenir shops, restaurants and bars - and the unique beauty of
Saklikent Canyon, just 45 minutes' drive inland. While in Fethiye,
enjoy a "soap massage" at the local Turkish bathhouse for the
experience of a lifetime.
Day 4 Cruise 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 in Cold Water Bay
Day 5 An early morning start for the crossing of
The Seven Capes. By lunchtime, the gullet is anchored outside the
small harbour of 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 town a certain charm. Take an
afternoon land tour to the ruins of three important Lycian cities:
Xanthos, Patara and Letoon, returning to Kalkan in the early
evening.
Day 6 If the weather and the winds are favourable,
the crew will sail the gulet around the headland and into 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 of Kekova
beyond. There is also a small theatre within the castle walls and
numerous sarcophagi on the way up the hillside. Overnight here at
Kale Koy.
Day 7 Breakfast anchored off the port of Andraki.
From here, it is possible to take a short overland trip to Demre
and the site of ancient Myra. St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was
bishop of Myra in the 4th century and in the village of Demre, is
a church built in his name. The site of Myra has a well-preserved
theatre, walls of Lycian rock tombs and an acropolis. Many of the
rock tombs are decorated with friezes. Drive further along the
coast to the ruins of ancient Olympos, set on the banks of a
stream and now mostly overgrown with trees and shrubs. Return to
the gulet in Gokkaya Harbour.
Day 8 We make a brief stop at Kekova island to
view the ruins of the "Sunken City" and swim from a small beach
upon which stands the ruins of a church. Continue cruising west as
far as Kas, arriving in the early afternoon. Take a walk ashore
and enjoy the wonderful village atmosphere, perhaps including a
visit to the theatre of ancient Antiphellos or just browse through
the many souvenir shops. Overnight in Kas Harbour or in an
adjacent bay.
Day 9 An early morning start for the return trip
past the Seven Capes, dropping anchor at Cold Water Bay for lunch.
In the early afternoon, climb a hillside track to a deserted Greek
village, which cascades down the surrounding hills and into a
valley. This settlement was once very prosperous, and had two
grand churches, but was abandoned during the population exchanges
of 1923. Returning to the gullet in Cold Water Bay, cruise a short
distance to Karacaoren, a superb place for snorkelling with some
small islands dotted about the bay.
Day 10 A day of cruising on the Bay of Fethiye,
anchoring for lunch beneath the pine forests in Deep Bay. Spend
the afternoon swimming, snorkelling or relaxing in this peaceful
setting. Later in the day, proceed to Gocek and moor on the town
quay, enjoying a memorable farewell dinner
Day 11 Disembarkation in Gocek after breakfast.
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