Including a Drive along the Turquoise Coast
All the way to Antalya
All in 14 Days

Private Touring & Private Mediterranean Cruise. Escape to Istanbul, Bodrum in the Turkish Riviera. Join a Mediterranean Yacht cruise hugging the Turquoise coast then change your mode of transportation as you drive along the coast all the way to Antalya, of course with your own private chauffeur.

We will provide the Captain! Isn’t this the escape you really want? You’ll cruise aboard a comfortable, romantic gulet, the traditional wooden sailing vessel used for centuries along Turkey’s pine-fringed Mediterranean coast. You’ll also spend some time in exotic Istanbul to see its imperial palaces, world-class museums, chic restaurants, bazaars and boutiques. Your accommodations? An Ottoman-style mansion inn. We’ll even drive along the Turquoise coast with your own private chauffeur, in your own private air-conditioned vehicle.

Day 1 – ISTANBUL / Izmir / Kusadasi
Our local representative meets your international flight at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport and escorts you to your connecting domestic flight. Domestic air fare is included to Izmir in economy class with tax. Ticket issued & delivered in Istanbul. In Izmir you will find your private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur waiting for you to drive you to Kusadasi and your hotel. For boutique style hotel lovers we suggest Kismet Hotel, or for a more contemporary style, Korumar Hotel.

Day 2- Kusadasi – Ephesus – BODRUM (BL)
After breakfast we head for Ephesus, always with your private guide, and tour this most impressive ancient city on the Mediterranean. We continue to the fine Ephesus Museum, then on to Bodrum. Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, Bodrum was once the capital of King Mausolus, whose elaborate tomb, the Mausoleum, gave its name to all grand tombs which followed. Our staff drives you to your hotel – the Marmara Hotel. Lunch is included enroute in a charming local restaurant.

Day 3 – Yacht (Gulet) (BLD)
We drive to the waterside Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders in the early 1400s, where your yacht awaits you, moored beneath the castle walls. Step aboard and enjoy a welcome cocktail as you meet your captain and crew, after which they’ll prepare the first of many delicious shipboard dinners for you. Settle in and relax: you’re a l-o-n-g way from any cares or worries here!

Day 4 – KNIDOS & MERSINCIK (BLD)
Weighing anchor at sunrise, we sail south through Gokova Bay, passing close to the Greek Island of Kos (Karaada) and around the Resadiye Peninsula to Knidos, famous in ancient times for its superb statue of Aphrodite sculpted by Praxiteles. We drop anchor in Knidos’s ancient harbor and go ashore for a tour of the ancient city. Sailing south and east around the peninsula, we reach the mouth of the Dalyan River, where we board a motor launch for a voyage upriver to the Roman ruins at Caunus. The sheer rockface overlooking the river is pierced by Lycian rock-cut tombs dating from 600 BC. We return to our yacht and continue our leisurely “Blue Voyage” to Mersincik, where we drop anchor for the night.

Day 5 – ÇATI, YEDI ADALAR & INGILIZ LIMANI (BLD)
We continue our meandering route through these classical waters, stopping at peaceful Çati cove, at Yedi Adalar (the Seven Islands) and at Sedir (Sidera) Island. On Sidera we explore the Roman theater, ruined Byzantine monasteries, and Cleopatra’s Beach, a gift from Marc Anthony to the Egyptian queen, with sand said to have been brought from Egypt. Onward, we head for Marmaris, where Lord Nelson’s fleet took shelter as it prepared to attack Napoleon’s forces at Abukir in 1798. For us, “Green Marmaris,” as it is called because of its surrounding pine forests, is a welcome shore excursion with a wonderful bustling bazaar, a long palm-shaded waterfront promenade, and a fortress that’s now a museum. We return to our yacht for dinner, moored at Ingiliz Limani (English Port).

Day 6 – SEDIR & ORAKLAR (BLD)
Today is filled with the pleasures of sun and sea: swimming, reading, relaxing, and enjoying a lazy shipboard lunch. Your yacht has everything you need for water sports: facemasks and flippers, sailboard, canoe and fishing tackle. We drop anchor at Oraklar for a calm night aboard, gently rocking in the pellucid waters of the Mediterranean.

Day 7 – Disembarkation – Check-out from the Gulet: Drive (B)
Sail to Sogut and Marmaris
Wonderfully refreshed by our voyage, we bid farewell to our captain and crew, we drive to Kaunos and Fethiye. Check in at your hotel: Ece Saray Hotel.

This afternoon is your opportunity to explore this charming Mediterranean paradise on your own. These coming few days of driving along the coast are designed to allow you more flexibility with your program with the private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur at your disposal. Yet we would like to suggest the following route. If you have any other suggestions, we will be happy to explore with you and custom tailor your tour.

Day 8 – Fethiye (B)
These are independent days, yet the vehicle and driver are at your disposal (cost included in our rate). Today’s drive covers the Blue Lagoon,. Patara, Xanthos, and Kalkan: Patara Prince Hotel (where we spend the night).

Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas. The Roman theater is worth your attention, and if you wish to linger on the long, deserted beach, Xanthos, and beyond to the Saklikent Gorge. Adventurers from the world over come to scale its walls and hike and raft its waters. You might choose to sample an adventure yourself…

Day 9 – Kalkan (B)
These are independent days, yet vehicle and driver are at your disposal (cost included in our rate). Today’s drive covers Kas, Kekova, Myra, Demre, and Finike: Di Presa Hotel (where we spend the night).

We’ll set out after breakfast, with your driver and private vehicle and the travel books we will send you. You’ll continue to the port of Kas, favored by sailors ancient and modern. Follow the course of the Demre River. You may wish to stop and cross a small bridge on foot, proceed through fields, and come across what looks like an ancient apartment building. It’s actually one of the surprises of Mediterranean Turkey, Lycian tombs hewn into the rock face. We’ll reach the sea again at Myra, where yachts and Turkish sailing vessels gently bob in the waters. You ‘ll give in to temptation ??? …. 🙂 and embark on a sailing trip to the island of Kekova, passing the remains of castles, tombs, and arches, ample proof that the ancients knew the best places to settle. Again this is on your own, and additional cost locally to be paid by you. Then it’s on to the little harbor of Finike to spend the night and, if you wish, to explore nearby ruins.

Day 10 – Finike (B)
These are independent days, yet vehicle and driver are at your disposal (cost included in our rate). Today’s drive covers Olympos, Phaselis, and we’ll drive along the coast, with its influences from all over the Mediterranean. We’ll pass through Phaselis, a port in Roman times for the export of rose oil, perfume, and timber. A substantial stone aqueduct remains. The little beach town of Olympos. You’ll feel that it’s your own discovery, concealed among hills and orchards. Stay as long as you like. Nearby is a natural flame that burns endlessly.

Day 11 – Antalya (B)
These are independent days, yet vehicle and driver are at your disposal (cost included in our rate). Today’s drive covers Perge, Aspendos, then back to Antalya (where we spend the night): Sheraton Voyager Hotel.

Today you may wish to take time to delve into history in nearby Roman towns. You’ll set your own pace, and in consultation with the travel books we will mail you, emphasize the sites that most intrigue you. You’ll see Perge, from which Paul and Barnabus set out to spread the Gospels. Its monuments include a theater, agora, stadium, and triumphal arch and colonnades. Then it’s on to Aspendos, a Roman trading center with a theater preserved almost perfectly intact. Perhaps you’ll choose to concentrate on Side, with its temples of Athena and Apollo, and recall the romantic meeting of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra that took place here. We’ll return to our lodgings in Antalya for the night.

Day 12 – ISTANBUL (BD)
Fly back to Istanbul and your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. This evening your private chauffeur will provide round-trip transfers for dinner at a Turkish gourmet restaurant.

DAY 13 –  ISTANBUL (BL)
Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque (late 19th century), the exotic romance of the “Paris of the East:”

Morning walking tour: We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea and sweets  (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel. Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour to  Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a guided  walking tour and maybe a shopping spree at the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar. . After the Bazaar we break for ice cream and Turkish delight (lokoum)  (included).

Day 14 – RETURN HOME – Istanbul (B)
Our local representative escorts you to the airport for your flight home, completely refreshed, and with memories to last for years.

Your Rate & Yacht Escape Includes

• Domestic airfares within Turkey, including all taxes
• A private cruise aboard a private Turkish gulet, staffed by a licensed captain and crew.
• Hotel accommodation as per itinerary, including tax & service charges
• All meals aboard the yacht, and other meals as listed (cB = continental breakfast; B = Breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner).
• All transfers (private basis) in Turkey (between airport, hotel, yacht, etc.), including portage
• Private Guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, and Ephesus as listed including admission fees.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur for the drive along the coast: Day 7 thru Day 11 (there is no guide with you for the Day 7 thru Day 11 drive)

Rate doesn’t include

• International air fare from/to your home country.
• Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
• Trip/travel insurance

The hotels we recommend for the deluxe category are:

• Bodrum: The Marmara Bodrum Hotel bodrum.themarmarahotels.com
• Kusadasi: Kismet Hotel www.kismet.com.tr
• Istanbul: Hilton Istanbul, Conrad Istanbul , Hyatt Istanbul,  Inter.Continental Istanbul or similar

Click here for details, photos and spec’s
Total cost for Charter for one week (exclusive use for you and your party): $10,100 USD – subject to change depending on the season. Half board is an additional $600 USD per person for the one week.

Add a Hamam / Spa Experience to your tour

A Grand 11 Day Tour and Cruise
Private Touring and Private Mediterranean Cruise

Escape to Istanbul, Bodrum in the Turkish Riviera
then join a Mediterranean Yacht cruise
hugging the Turquoise coast

We will provide the Captain! Isn’t this the escape you really want? You’ll cruise for five days (four nights) aboard a comfortable, romantic gulet – the traditional wooden sailing vessel used for centuries – along Turkey’s pine-fringed Mediterranean coast. You’ll also spend some time in exotic Istanbul to see its imperial palaces, world-class museums, chic restaurants, bazaars and boutiques. Your accommodations? An Ottoman-style mansion inn.

Video by Andreas Hiekel

Day 1 – ISTANBUL – BODRUM – Choose your own date: March – Oct
Our local representative will meet your international flight at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport and escort you to the domestic terminal for your onward flight to Bodrum. Known in ancient times as Halicarnassus, Bodrum was once the capital of King Mausolus, whose elaborate tomb, the Mausoleum, gave its name to all grand tombs which followed. Our staff will drive you to your hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2 – Yacht (Gulet) – Board Your Yacht Gulet (BLD)
We drive to the waterside Castle of St. Peter, built by the Crusaders in the early 1400s, where your yacht awaits you, moored beneath the castle walls. Step aboard and enjoy a welcome cocktail as you meet your captain and crew, after which the wi’ll prepare the first of many delicious shipboard dinners for you. Settle in and relax: you’re a l-o-n-g way from any cares or worries here!

Day 3 – KNIDOS – MERSINCIK –On Board Your Yacht Gulet (BLD)
Weighing anchor at sunrise, we sail south through Gokova Bay, passing close to the Greek Island of Kos (Karaada) and around the Resadiye Peninsula to Knidos, famous in ancient times for its superb statue of Aphrodite sculpted by Praxiteles. We drop anchor in Knidos’s ancient harbor and go ashore for a tour of the ancient city. Sailing south and east around the peninsula, we reach the mouth of the Dalyan River, where we board a motor launch for a voyage upriver to the Roman ruins at Caunus. The sheer rock face overlooking the river is pierced by Lycian rock-cut tombs dating from 600 BC. We return to our yacht and continue our leisurely “Blue Voyage” to Mersincik, where we drop anchor for the night.

Day 4 – ÇATI, YEDI ADALAR – INGILIZ LIMANI – On Board Your Yacht Gulet (BLD)
We continue our meandering route through these classical waters, stopping at peaceful Çati cove, at Yedi Adalar (the Seven Islands) and at Sedir (Sidera) Island. On Sidera we explore the Roman theater, ruined Byzantine monasteries, and Cleopatra’s Beach, a gift from Marc Anthony to the Egyptian queen, with sand said to have been brought from Egypt. Onward, we head for Marmaris, where Lord Nelson’s fleet took shelter as it prepared to attack Napoleon’s forces at Abukir in 1798. For us, “Green Marmaris,” as it is called because of its surrounding pine forests, is a welcome shore excursion with a wonderful bustling bazaar, a long palm-shaded waterfront promenade, and a fortress that’s now a museum. We return to our yacht for dinner, moored at Ingiliz Limani (English Port).

Day 5 – SEDIR – ORAKLAR- On Board Your Yacht Gulet (BLD)
Today is filled with the pleasures of sun and sea: swimming, reading, relaxing, and enjoying a lazy shipboard lunch. Your yacht has everything you need for water sports: face masks and flippers, sailboard, canoe and fishing tackle. We drop anchor at Oraklar for a calm night aboard, gently rocking in the pellucid waters of the Mediterranean.

Day 6 – BODRUM- Disembarkation- Drive to Kusadasi (B)
Wonderfully refreshed by our voyage, we return to Bodrum harbor and tie up beneath the castle walls. Bidding farewell to our captain and crew, we drive to Kusadasi check in our hotel, for an opportunity to explore the charming city on the Aegean Sea shores, on your own.

Day 7 – Kusadasi (BLD)
In the morning light we drive to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Basilica of St John the Evangelist, who came here with the Virgin Mary. Said to be her last home on earth. Lunch included at a local restaurant. In Kusadasi, for boutique style hotel lovers we suggest the Kismet Hotel. Dinner is included at your hotel.

Day 8 – Ephesus – ISTANBUL (BLD)
Reach Ephesus, in the morning the most impressive ancient city on the Mediterranean. We continue to the ancient Ephesus, one of the most magnificent and best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Visit the Terrace Houses, the Odeon, the Market Basilica, Curetes Street, Bath, Celsus Library, Marble Street and the Great Theatre with a seating capacity of 25,000 people. See the Terrace Houses, the newly excavated site in Ephesus, excavation site for the ancient homes of richest ephesians. After lunch visit the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk and see the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. View Basilica of St John and Isa bey Mosque, the hilltop House of the Virgin Mary. Lunch is included before we head for Izmir Airport and fly to Istanbul and your hotel where dinner awaits you.

Day 9 -ISTANBUL (BLD)
Let us show you the City of the Sultans! In the morning we tour the top sights including Topkapi Palace, Sancta Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Byzantine Hippodrome. After lunch at a charming local restaurant, then go on a guided  walking tour and maybe a shopping spree at the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar. After the Bazaar we break for Tea and Turkish sweets (included) then back to your hotel where dinner awaits you.

DAY 10 — ISTANBUL (BLD) “Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque” (late 19th century), the exotic romance of the “Paris of the East:” Monday
Morning walking tour: We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel.

Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour to  Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a stop at a  local ice cream corner for Turkish specialities and sweets (included),  later this evening your private chauffeur will provide round-trip private transfers for dinner ( included) at a gourmet Turkish restuarnat.

Day 11 – RETURN HOME – Tuesday (B)
Our local representative will escort you to the airport for your flight home, completely refreshed, and with memories to last for years.

Inclusions

• Domestic airfares in economy class, within Turkey, including all taxes.
• A private cruise aboard a Turkish gulet, staffed by a licensed captain and crew.
• Hotel accommodation as per itinerary, including tax & service charges.
• All meals aboard the yacht, and other meals as listed (cB = continental breakfast; B = Breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner).
• All transfers (private basis) in Turkey (between airport, hotel, yacht, etc.), including portage.
• Private Guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus as listed including admission fees.

Rate doesn’t include

• International air fare from/to your home country.
• Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
• Trip/travel insurance

The hotels we recommend for the deluxe category are:

• Bodrum: The Marmara Bodrum Hotel bodrum.themarmarahotels.com
• Kusadasi: Kismet Hotel www.kismet.com.tr
• Istanbul: Hilton Istanbul, Conrad Istanbul , Hyatt Istanbul , Inter.Continental or similar

Click here for details, photos and spec’s
Total cost for Charter for one week (exclusive use for you and your party): $10,100 USD – subject to change depending on the season. Half board is an additional $600 USD per person for the one week.

Add a Hamam / Spa Experience to your tour

Our 14-day Turquoise Coast odyssey includes an eight-day Mediterranean yacht cruise beginning beneath the walls of St Peter’s Castle in Bodrum, and three days in Istanbul.

DAY 1 – ISTANBUL – Thursday – Weekly – April – Oct
Our local representative meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel. Have your first look at Istanbul this afternoon!

DAY 2 – ISTANBUL Friday (BL)
In the morning we take a half-day city tour, visiting Topkapi Palace, Sancta Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. Lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we ‘ll explore the great city Grand Bazaar.

DAY 3 – BODRUM Saturday (BD)
A morning flight takes us to Bodrum, where we drive through rich agricultural country, past ancient cities, and board our yacht, a traditional Turkish gulet, moored beneath the Crusader castle. After meeting our captain and crew, we enjoy the first of many delicious dinners on board.

DAY 4 – BAY OF BITEZ Sunday (BLD)
We cruise out of Bodrum headed for the Bay of Bitez, where we drop anchor for an afternoon of swimming and water sports. Face masks and flippers, sailboards, canoes and fishing tackle are all available.

Bodrum Gulet Yacht. ©Faraways | Bigstock

DAY 5 – MERSINCIK Monday (BLD)
Cruise to Mersincik for our first stop and lunch. Dinner and overnight in Knidos, at the mouth of Gokova Bay. Knidos is one of the most important ancient cities on the west coast of Anatolia. Very famous with its statue of Aphrodite. Birth place of Eudoxos, one of the most important astronomers in history (5th century B.C.). The two ancient harbours are still in use.

DAY 6 – SEVEN ISLANDS Tuesday (BLD)
After breakfast we set sail for the Seven Islands, where, if the captain approves, we picnic onshore, followed by a walk. We return to our yacht for swimming, sunning and snoozing.

DAY 7 – Karacasogut – Wednesday (BLD)
After breakfast, a short cruise of 1.5 hours brings us to Longoz Bay. In the afternoon, after cruising another 1.5 hours, we arrive in Karacasogut. It is only a 30-km drive from this small village to Marmaris, one of the Aegean’s largest resort town and great place for shopping. Overnight in Longoz.

DAY 8 – CEDREAE – TUZLA – Thursday (BLD)
Cleopatra met Mark Anthony for a lovers’ tryst at Cedreae and received the shore as a gift. When she mentioned that it had no sand, Mark Anthony sent his fleet to Alexandria to get some. The Egyptian sand remains at Cedreae to this day, cooled by an ever-faithful breeze, and the spot is as romantic as it was 2000 years ago. From Cedreae we cruise to Tuzla, our anchorage for the night.

DAY 9 – ÇIFTLIK Friday (BLD)
Back across Gökova Bay we make our way to the anchorage at Çiftlik on our last full day at sea, filled with the pleasures of sun and sea. Swimming, reading, relaxing, and enjoying lazy shipboard lunches could easily become a way of life!

DAY 10 – BODRUM & ISTANBUL – Saturday (B) We cruise into the harbor of ancient Halicarnassus (now Bodrum), and tie up beneath the castle walls. Bidding farewell to our captain and crew, we visit the Museum and the Princess exhibit, then drive to the airport for our flight to Istanbul and your hotel.

Day 11 – “Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque”
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the “Paris of the East:” – Sunday (BL)
Morning walking tour: We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the “Mehter,” or the Ottoman Sultan Imperial band (mid-afternoon).

DAY 12 – ISTANBUL – Monday (B)
Istanbul is all yours, day at leisure, any way you like it. Grab your Lonely Planet guidebook to Istanbul and stroll along the restored 19th-century thoroughfare of Istiklal Caddesi, once known as the Grand Rue de Péra. Search for spices and folk remedies in the Egyptian Bazaar. Admire the medieval mosaics in the city’s many Byzantine churches. Shop in the chic boutiques around Taksim Square. Climb the Galata Tower, built by the Genoese six centuries ago, for a panoramic view of Old Istanbul.

Day 13 – Cooking class – Tuesday (BL)
This morning we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… Cooking Ala turka: Turkish Cooking Class and Restaurant: Learn how to cook authentic Turkish foods in between visiting Istanbul’s many sights. Classes are generally held from 10:30 to 14:30. We prepare five typical Turkish dishes in a group of 6-10 persons and then have them for lunch in our restaurant. We have aprons at your disposal and we will give you the recipes to take with you. Private classes are held as well (supplement applies). For private groups, evening classes can be considered as well, starting at 16:30, with dinner served from 19:00 to 21:00. Cooking with Chef Eveline Zoutendijk. Remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 14 – DEPARTURE – Wednesday (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home. Gulgule – Bon Voyage!

Rates are per person and include

• All transfers in Turkey.
• Domestic air within Turkey in economy class, tax included.
• Four stars hotel accommodation in Istanbul: Arena or Blue House for the Boutique style hotels, and Aygun Plaza or Madison Hotel or similar if you prefer more contemporary style.
• Cabins are always private basis with private facilities.
• Guided sightseeing in Istanbul as per itinerary, including all entrance fees.

Not included

• Visa Fee: in cash upon arrival, or from any of the Turkish Consulates.
• Tips
• Trip cancellation insurance/travel insurance
• Air fare from/to your home country.

Click here for details, photos and spec’s
Total cost for Charter for one week (exclusive use for you and your party): $10,100 USD – subject to change depending on the season. Half board is an additional $600 USD per person for the one week.

Add a Hamam / Spa Experience to your tour

Amanruya Resort in Bodrum and a
One Week Sailing in The Mediterranean

Private Gulet Yacht Cruise

Enjoying a game of chess while sailing on the MS Myra.

One week Turquoise Coast odyssey. Your own private honeymoon or anniversary yacht cruise beginning beneath the walls of St Peter’s Castle in Bodrum. For the honeymooners, families, private parties and anniversary vacationers with no sightseeing included. You design your own shore excursions & itinerary as you go!

DAY 1 – BODRUM- Saturday- Board Your Private Yacht (BD)
Arrive Bodrum Airport or Port. Our local rep. will meet you at Bodrum airport, where we drive through rich agricultural country, past ancient cities, and to the local harbor to board your Gulet yacht, a traditional Turkish gulet, moored beneath the Crusader castle. After meeting your captain, and crew, you’ll enjoy the first of many delicious dinners on board.

DAY 2 – BAY OF BITEZ – Sunday- On Board Your Private Yacht (BLD)
We cruise out of Bodrum headed for the Bay of Bitez, where we drop anchor for an afternoon of swimming and water sports. Face masks and flippers, sailboards, canoes and fishing tackle are all available.

DAY 3 – CAUNUS – MERSINCIK – Monday – On Board Your Private Yacht (BLD)
Weighing anchor at sunrise, we sail through Gökova Bay to the mouth of the Dalyan River, where we board a motor launch for a voyage upriver to the Roman ruins at Caunus. The sheer rock face overlooking the river is pierced by Lycian rock-cut tombs dating from 600 BC. We return to our yacht and continue our “Blue Voyage” to Mersincik, where we drop anchor for the night.

DAY 4- SEVEN ISLANDS – Tuesday – On Board Your Private Yacht (BLD)
After breakfast we set sail for the Seven Islands, where, if the captain approves, we picnic onshore, followed by a walk. We return to our yacht for swimming, sunning and snoozing.

DAY 5 – INGILIZ LIMANI – Wednesday – On Board Your Private Yacht (BLD)
Headed for Ingiliz Limani (English Port), we look forward to a day ashore in Marmaris, only a 30-minute drive from our anchorage. “Green Marmaris,” as it is called, is surrounded by pine forests. It has a wonderful bustling bazaar, a long palm-shaded waterfront promenade, and a fortress that’s now a museum. We return to our yacht for dinner on deck.

DAY 6 – CEDREAE – TUZLA – Thursday- On Board Your Private Yacht (BLD)
Cleopatra met Mark Anthony for a lovers’ tryst at Cedreae and received the shore as a gift. When she mentioned that it had no sand, Mark Anthony sent his fleet to Alexandria to get some. The Egyptian sand remains at Cedreae to this day, cooled by an ever-faithful breeze, and the spot is as romantic as it was 2000 years ago. From Cedreae we cruise to Tuzla, our anchorage for the night.

DAY 7 – ÇIFTLIK – Friday – On Board Your Private Yacht (BLD)
Back across Gökova Bay we make our way to the anchorage at Çiftlik on our last full day at sea, filled with the pleasures of sun and sea. Swimming, reading, relaxing, and enjoying lazy shipboard lunches could easily become a way of life!

DAY 8 – BODRUM – Saturday – On Board Your Private Yacht (B)
We cruise into the harbor of ancient Halicarnassus (now Bodrum), and tie up beneath the castle walls. Bidding farewell to our captain and crew, complimentary transfer to your hotel: Amanruya Resort: Bodrum, Turkey or similar.

About the resort:
An access road weaves its way through the trees before revealing one’s first glimpse of Amanruya and its graceful setting. Inspired by the region’s traditional architecture and building methods, the resort ascends through a series of levels, offering a variety of courtyards and terraces. This creates the intimate ambience of a village while still providing a sense of space and luxury. The resort combines Mediterranean and Ottoman architectural design elements, all the while complementing and respecting the property’s pristine natural surrounds.

An intricate interplay of light and shadow dapples narrow pathways and courtyards – some open, others tucked away for quiet moments. Building materials include local stone for structural walls, dark acajau wood for furniture, windows and door fittings, white Turkish marble for floors and hand-carved stone for interior wall details. Together, they form a timeless natural palette with clean lines and a contemporary feel.

DAY 9 – BODRUM – Sunday (B)
Breakfast is included daily at the hotel. Full day to explore Bodrum on your own as you wish, or simply enjoy this “Amanruya” Mediterranean paradise.

Amanruya Resort: Bodrum, Turkey – A True Mediterranean Paradise
There are few places in the world which offer classical history and natural beauty in equal measure. The Aegean region of Turkey is one such place. This fabled coastline is where Homer’s heroes were born, where the ancient Greeks consulted their oracles and the Romans built magnificent temples to honour their gods. Everywhere are reminders of this glorious past, vying for attention with spectacular natural scenery including ancient pine forests and scalloped bays. One such bay on the Bodrum Peninsula is home to Amanruya, a tranquil all-season resort. Named after the Sanskrit word for peace, ‘aman’, and the Turkish word for dream, Amanruya is set on a peaceful hillside, offering breathtaking views of the sea and a winding pathway leading to a sheltered pebble beach.

DAY 10 – BODRUM – Monday (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Bodrum Airport. Bon Voyage.

Rates are based on 5 star gulets (air conditioned cabins).

Rates are per person and include:

• Airport, harbor and hotel transfers inTurkey are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur.
• Private Gulets/ yacht sailing, including all tax, service charges and all meals while on board.
• All fuel charges, VAT taxes, port taxes.
• Cabins are always private with private facilities.

Not Included:

• Visa Fee: (procure yours online in advance of travel at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
• Tips
• Trip cancellation insurance/travel insurance,
• Any shore excursion, any sightseeing.
• International air fare from/ to your home country.

Click here for details, photos and spec’s
Total cost for Charter for one week (exclusive use for you and your party): $10,100 USD – subject to change depending on the season. Half board is an additional $600 USD per person for the one week.

Amanruya Resort – Bodrum, Turkey

Amanruya provides a number of excursion options to the wealth of classical sites in the region, including the ancient ruined cities of Didyma, Miletus, Priene and Ephesus. The region also offers natural distractions including winding trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking or horse riding, and beautiful beaches and forest glades ideal for picnics. Boating and other water sports take precedence throughout the summer months, and a golf club offers avid golfers their fix. Amanruya Resort: The Experience

Bodrum
Called Halicarnassus in ancient times and situated just south of Amanruya, Bodrum has long been a favoured summer destination for Turkish city dwellers. Cafes, restaurants and bars have flourished along the city’s marina which is also the starting point of day trips to various Greek islands. Sailing around the Bodrum Peninsula on a gulet is an experience not to be missed.

Shopping in and around Bodrum is quite an adventure, with dozens of shops lining the busy narrow streets. Bodrum also offers a varied nightlife scene. Joining in the singing, dancing, eating and drinking at one of the local meyhanes (taverns) is an unforgettable experience. Bodrum also offers a number of historic sites including its most prominent landmark – the 15th-century Castle of St. Peter.

Didyma
Didyma is a prime tourist attraction due to the ruins of the world-renowned Temple of Apollo, built in the 7th century BC to honour the god of prophecy and oracles. By 500BC, this shrine had become one of the leading oracles of the Greek world, second only to the great oracle at Delphi.

Miletus
Miletus flourished as a centre for art and industry in its heyday, and its most striking attraction today is the 15,000 seat theatre, dating from AD100. The Baths of Faustina, dating from AD43 and named after the wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius are another site worth visiting, and the inspiration for the modern Turkish bath or hamman.

Priene
The ancient city of Priene enjoys a breathtaking setting between mountain and river and is believed to have been settled before 1,000BC. Remarkably well preserved, the city offers the Temple of Athena, built in the 4th century BC as directed by Alexander the Great. The theatre, dating from the 3rd century BC could seat 5,000 and the stadium still today features starting blocks for athletes and a gymnasium adorned with 2,000-year-old, school-boy graffiti.

Ephesus
The ruins of Ephesus (Efes), an ancient Greek city and later a major Roman city, are situated a 2½-hour drive north of Amanruya and can be visited on a day trip taking in Didyma, Miletus and Priene on the way. Other ancient sites worth visiting could include Labranda, Herakleia, Euromos and Pamukkale, with its hot springs, travertines and terraces of carbonate minerals.

Built around 1,000BC, Ephesus is one of the greatest ruined cities in the western world. Most of the surviving structures date from the Roman period when the city became the chief port on the Aegean. Noteworthy sites include the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Gate of Hercules, the theatre and the Colonnaded Street. The House of Mary is another attraction: It is said that the Virgin Mary spent her last days here being looked after by St. John the Evangelist.