Your Perfect Honeymoon Vacation
Come to Istanbul or Cruise the Nile for your
Luxury Anniversary or Family Vacation

The ceiling of the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. Public domain | Wikimedia Commons.

Travel In Style.com is your best choice for exalted standards when booking your Mediterranean honeymoon or luxury tour in Turkey and Egypt.

The Turkish Republic, With its dramatic landscapes and disarmingly friendly people, is a land almost twice as large as California – located in the same latitudes, but washed by the warm waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, the perfect honeymoon destination.

DEPARTING IN BODRUM AND ENDING IN GOCEK

Day 1, Saturday. Transfer to the enchanting Bodrum harbor and board your luxurious sailing yacht in the afternoon. Your captain and crew will be waiting for you on board. (Transport from the airport is an additional charge.)

About the Gulet: Delight in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean shores aboard this elegant sailing yacht, handcrafted of hardwoods mahogany and teak. Spacious fore, aft, and side decks, air-conditioning and advanced nautical equipment have been added to her ancient design to provide full modern comfort. The ingenious interior features luxurious living quarters with high ceilings and wide corridors. The spacious salon includes a stocked bar (nominal charges for drinks) and romantic cushioned seating area surrounding an elegant table. Mahogany walls aesthetically complement spacious cabins complete with queen beds, reading lights, generous storage space, air- conditioning, and private bathroom that includes a vanity with marble countertop and an enclosed shower.

A three- to five-person crew consisting of captain, cook, first mate, and deckhands take care of all needs of passengers and the yacht. The crew’s responsibilities include (among others) navigation and helm details, radio and telephone communications, ports-of-call details, raising sails when appropriate, cooking, cleaning, serving drinks and snacks throughout the day, and waiting on clients at meal times. From the fully equipped galley a skilled chef, whose expertise ranges from haute cuisine to regional specialties, guarantees satisfaction for even the most discriminating palate. Cuisine on board a gulet is imaginative and flavorful. Seafood is served Mediterranean style. Herbs, vegetables, and fruits of the season used on board are fresh and organically grown.

Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing, and board games or cards are just some of the extra activities available to passengers. Each day the captain will arrange visits ashore for hiking, site-seeing, shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, the exploration of ancient sites. Clients should be prepared to spend the next seven days leisurely sailing, sunbathing, swimming, and shopping, all while exploring three thousand years of ancient history. The first night is spent on board in the Bodrum harbor or nearby bay or cove.

Day 2, Sunday. Year round balmy temperatures, international marinas, elegant boutiques, chic cafés and night clubs, and a variety of delightful dining experiences attract many to the lively Bodrum harbor. The 15th-century Crusader castle, the renowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, add an important historical dimension to this resort city.

(Optional): This morning visit the 15th-century Crusader castle, which houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Museum exhibits include ancient shipwrecks raised off the coast of Turkey and the intact remains of a Carian princess’ tomb dating back to the time of Alexander the Great.

Depart from Bodrum, sailing across the Gulf of Gokova to the beautiful archeological site of Knidos, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean.

(Optional): Tour the excavations of Knidos, famous in antiquity for the cult of Aphrodite begun here. Situated at the end of the peninsula, this Dorian city was built on terraces rising to an acropolis. Straddling the peninsula, the city had a harbor on either side and flourished during the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Old Knidos was excavated in 1857 by C. T. Newton and, from 1967, by Iris Love. Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourth century BC, Knidos was established at the same time as Halikarnassos was, and it was one of the six Dorian colonies in Asia Minor. It seems to have retained a relatively pure Greek character, no doubt because it set its sights seaward and had little contact with the interior. Around 360 BC, Knidos was rebuilt at the windblown tip of the peninsula. The city banked on the fact that a good harbor at the outer edge of Asia Minor would become a popular port of call for ships on the Aegean-eastern Mediterranean sea routes. The rocky island facing the shore at the new site was joined to the mainland with a causeway, creating deep harbors on either side of the isthmus, one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The island section comprised the residential quarters. A series of colonnaded walkways rose in terraced tiers on the land side. Two large theaters, an Odeon, and three temples completed what must have been a striking ensemble in the midst of a desolate, craggy site. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, overlook remains of the two harbours. The temple’s arcaded way was built of white-marble, heart-shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles’ famous statue, reputedly one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple. Knidos was known as one of the most beautiful cities in ancient Greece.

Day 3, Monday. In the early morning cruise to the picturesque resort of Datca. Enjoy a brief stroll through the town, which offers limited shopping and café possibilities. Known for its natural beauty and pleasant climate, Datca provides a window on the life of rural Turkey some 50 to 100 years ago. Village life is still based on agriculture, fishing, and the building of gulets (traditional two-masted Turkish wooden sailing vessels). Mountains abounding in pine, oak, and myrtle plunge down to a sand beach and two natural harbors.

Set sail for the tiny Greek Island of Simi, which hugs the Turkish coast in the Straights of Marmaris. The scenic natural landscape consists of jagged coastline with sheer cliffs, narrow fjords, private coves, and high mountains. Since classical times, Simi has flourished due to the success of it sponge-diving and boat-building industries. It launched up to 500 ships a year. Indeed, it became the third richest island of the Dodecanese. The island’s well protected natural harbors prompted the Italians to occupy it at the beginning of the 20th century. German occupation followed in World War II. After these occupations, Simi never recovered economically, and the mansions built in better times slowly crumbled. Today, elaborate churches, elegant boutiques, seafood restaurants, and cafés line the fairy-tale-like harbor painted in numerous shades of pastel colors. Simi is notably different from other Dodecanese islands, retaining its many signs of refinement and aristocratic charm. These are noticeable both in the carefully restored neo-classical homes and in the gracious hospitality of the island’s inhabitants. The opposite (western) side of the island is the peaceful setting of the Panormitis Monastery of the Archangel Michael with its impressive Byzantine frescos. Enjoy a swim in the Bay of St. George. Then sail back to the stunning, storybook harbor of the city of Simi.

Day 4, Tuesday. Set sail for the nearby Greek island of Rhodes. From the boat’s marina moorage it is possible to spend the day independently in Rhodes exploring the narrow streets, shops, galleries, cafes, gardens, and ruins of the medieval old city.

(Optional): A privately guided morning exploration of the Island of Rhodes, the capital and largest island of the Dodecanese. The famous Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The perfectly intact medieval old town was restored by the Italians during their occupation in the 1930s. Four kilometers of medieval city walls encircle narrow cobble-stoned lanes leading to the street of the Knights and the magnificent Grand Masters Palace. Today this palace houses an extensive archaeological museum and Roman mosaics transported from the Greek Island of Kos. The Mandraki harbor is the hub of life and the link between the old and new towns. The new city, in contrast to the old, has wide streets, modern cafés, and upscale boutiques.

(Optional): If you wish to visit other parts of the island with a van in the afternoon, you have two choices:

A tour of the lesser known sites of the island of Rhodes. Drive 30 minutes to the small harbor at Skala Kamiros, full of traditional fish restaurants. On the ancient site of Kamiros stood one of the three powerful cities of Rhodes in ancient times. Rediscovered in 1929, it has been called the Greek Pompei because nobody can explain why and how the city was deserted and buried.

This island drive also runs through the laregely agricultural interior of the island, which and has spectacular views, small villages, old monasteries, and forests.

Or

The more typical tour. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then get back into the van and continue with a one-hours drive to the site of Lindos. To see the remains of ancient Lindos requires a sturdy climb to the acropolis, which offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. The hospitable whitewashed village of Lindos, with its winding alleyways, old houses with red-tiled roofs, and a lovely Byzantine church, lies at the foot of the acropolis, Nearby island cliffs were used as setting for filming a major part of “The Guns of Navarone.”

Day 5, Wednesday. Return to the Turkish coast, docking in the lively and attractive resort city of Marmaris. Once a little fishing port, Marmaris is now often referred to as “The Jewel of the Turkish Riviera.” Surrounded by pine- covered hills, this cosmopolitan city hugs one of the world’s largest and most beautiful natural harbors where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The old town, with its castle, historically preserved homes, and bustling bazaars, is a tourist’s delight. Shopping opportunities are many here. In the early evening set sail for a secluded cove outside of the Marmaris Bay for night anchorage.

Day 6, Thursday. Cruise to the remote Bay of Ekincik to visit Dalyan, a fishing village located on the Calbis River. The sandy Istuzu Beach is now the last breeding ground for the pre-historic Loggerhead turtle.

(Optional): A trip by fishing boat takes you past the remarkable river scenery, once the setting for the classic film “The African Queen,” to the awe-inspiring cliff tombs and ancient city of the Caunians. One of the most stunning features of the tomb site is rock tombs sculpted in the form of the porticoes of small Ionian temples. These are among the most splendid examples of Lycian funerary architecture in Turkey, although the tomb builders were Carians. The identity of the original occupants of the tombs is unclear, but they are assumed to have been Caunian noblemen and rulers. In most cases the tombs were vacated and reused in Roman times. The largest one is unfinished, thus providing a fascinating glimpse into the method of construction. The prosperity of Caunos was threatened by the silting of the harbor, after the silting the city was eventually abandoned. The Mediterranean shore, which once surrounded the hill on which the archaeological site stands, has now retreated 5 kilometers to the south, pushed back by silt from the Dalyan River. The marsh that subsequently formed appears to have been a problem for harbor activities already in the time of historian Strabon.

The border between the sea and the internal marsh is a long narrow sand bar called “the Turtle’s Beach.” This beach is one of the few remaining locations in the Mediterranean Sea that has the right conditions for the Giant Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) to reproduce. Loggerheads have used this beach for reproduction since time immemorial. Eggs are laid principally in June. The females lay their eggs by night in the soft sand in clutches of about 100. Since the early 1990s the beach has been closed to the public from 8 pm to 8 am to protect the turtles. The beach is open during the day, but swimmers and sunbathers are asked to exercise special care.

Day 7, Friday. This day is devoted to enjoying the lovely bays around Gocek. The day concludes with sailing, swimming and snorkeling.

(Optional): Drop anchor late near Kizil Island. At the island’s pinnacle is a beautiful restaurant called the Lighthouse. Getting there before sunset is a good idea in order to explore the gardens in daylight.

Dock in the picturesque port of Gocek. Gocek is a small seaside farming village that has been transformed into the premier yachting center of Turkey. It lies in a valley surrounded by hills on three sides. Due to abundant freshwater, warm climate and very fertile deltaic soil, farming continues here. Just two blocks from the seaside promenade, houses still have their little gardens where residents grow many kinds vegetables, from tomatoes to eggplants. The seaside walkways are corridors of orange, tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon trees. The city’s green panorama is further accented by the ever-present pine trees in the nearby hills.

Day 8, Saturday. Depart after breakfast for the Dalaman airport and a flight back to Istanbul or for a transfer to your next destination. (Transport to the airport or transfer to another destination will be charged additionally.)

*Greek Island harbor fees are extra.

*Where entrance fees or the service of a guide and/or van are required in optional touring, the charges for these are extra.

*Optional restauranting on land is not included in the price, but meals off-board will be deducted from the on-board catering fees. Restaurants on shore require reservations.

DEPARTING FROM BODRUM AND ENDING IN GOCEK

Day 1, Saturday. Transfer to the enchanting Bodrum harbor and board your luxurious sailing yacht in the afternoon. Your captain and crew will be waiting for you on board. (Transport from the airport is an additional charge.)

About the Gulet: Delight in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean shores aboard this elegant sailing yacht, handcrafted of hardwoods mahogany and teak. Spacious fore, aft, and side decks, air-conditioning and advanced nautical equipment have been added to her ancient design to provide full modern comfort. The ingenious interior features luxurious living quarters with high ceilings and wide corridors. The spacious salon includes a stocked bar (nominal charges for drinks) and romantic cushioned seating area surrounding an elegant table. Mahogany walls aesthetically complement spacious cabins complete with queen beds, reading lights, generous storage space, air- conditioning, and private bathroom that includes a vanity with marble countertop and an enclosed shower.

A three- to five-person crew consisting of captain, cook, first mate, and deckhands take care of all needs of passengers and the yacht. The crew’s responsibilities include (among others) navigation and helm details, radio and telephone communications, ports-of-call details, raising sails when appropriate, cooking, cleaning, serving drinks and snacks throughout the day, and waiting on clients at meal times. From the fully equipped galley a skilled chef, whose expertise ranges from haute cuisine to regional specialties, guarantees satisfaction for even the most discriminating palate. Cuisine on board a gulet is imaginative and flavorful. Seafood is served Mediterranean style. Herbs, vegetables, and fruits of the season used on board are fresh and organically grown.

Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing, and board games or cards are just some of the extra activities available to passengers. Each day the captain will arrange visits ashore for hiking, site-seeing, shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, the exploration of ancient sites. Clients should be prepared to spend the next seven days leisurely sailing, sunbathing, swimming, and shopping, all while exploring three thousand years of ancient history. Spend the first night on board in the Bodrum harbor or a nearby bay.

Day 2, Sunday. Year round balmy temperatures, international marinas, elegant boutiques, chic cafés and night clubs, and a variety of delightful dining experiences attract many to the lively Bodrum harbor. The 15th-century Crusader castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, add an important historical dimension to this resort city.

(Optional): This morning visit the 15th-century Crusader castle, which houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeolog. Exhibits in the museum include ancient shipwrecks raised off the coast of Turkey and the intact remains of a Carian princess’ tomb dating back to the time of Alexander the Great.

Depart from Bodrum, sailing across the Gulf of Gokova to the marvelous archeological site of Knidos, where the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean meet.

(Optional): Tour the excavations of Knidos, famous in antiquity for the cult of Aphrodite begun here. Situated at the end of the peninsula, this Dorian city was built on terraces rising to an acropolis. Straddling the peninsula, the city had a harbor on either side and flourished during the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Old Knidos was excavated in 1857 by C. T. Newton and, from 1967, by Iris Love. Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourth century BC, Knidos was established at the same time as Halikarnassos was, and it was one of the six Dorian colonies in Asia Minor. It seems to have retained a relatively pure Greek character, no doubt because it set its sights seaward and had little contact with the interior. Around 360 BC, Knidos was rebuilt at the windblown tip of the peninsula. The city banked on the fact that a good harbor at the outer edge of Asia Minor would become a popular port of call for ships on the Aegean-eastern Mediterranean sea routes. The rocky island facing the shore at the new site was joined to the mainland with a causeway, creating deep harbors on either side of the isthmus, one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The island section comprised the residential quarters. A series of colonnaded walkways rose in terraced tiers on the land side. Two large theaters, an Odeon, and three temples completed what must have been a striking ensemble in the midst of a desolate, craggy site. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, overlook remains of the two harbours. The temple’s arcaded way was built of white-marble, heart-shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles’ famous statue, reputedly one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple. Knidos was known as one of the most beautiful cities in ancient Greece.

This evening drop anchor near the idyllic Bay of Mesudiye.

(Optional): There is an excellent restaurant here, the Ortam, which serves specialties like hot bread from their stone oven and stuffed calamari and octopus marinated in red wine and grilled to perfection.

Day 3, Monday. Early morning set sail to picturesque resort of Datça. Although this town offers limited shopping and café possibilities, it is an excellent place for a brief walk and observations. Known for its natural beauty and climate, Datca provides a window on the life of rural Turkey 50 to 100 years ago. Village life is still based on agriculture, fishing, and the building of the gulet (the traditional 2-masted Turkish wooden sailing vessel). Pine, oak, and myrtle abound on the mountain slopes plunging down to a pleasant beach and two natural harbors.

Sail into the Gulf of Hisaronu. The mountainous coastline and secluded rocky coves offer numerous anchorages. Stretching for 30 nautical miles into the Aegean Sea between the Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes, this gulf is sailing paradise because of its prevailing late morning winds, deep blue seas, and the backdrop of rugged mountains and small coastal villages.

Bencik Bay resembles a miniature fjord. The inlet, which extends inland about 1.5 nautical miles, is bounded by steep wooded slopes on either side. (Bencik is located at the narrowest part of the peninsula that divides the Hisaronu Gulf from the Gokova Gulf.)

Afterwards sail into the wide Bay of Selimiye, one of the safest natural harbors in the Gulf of Hisarönü. Surrounded by magnificent scenery and largely unspoiled by modernity, Selimiye village gives the impression of having been frozen in time.

You have a chance to walk and observe in this village before cruising to Bozburun, a small, quiet fishing village. It was once the center of sponge diving along the Turkish coast, but nowadays locals here earn their living in a much less dangerous way – building broad-beamed wooden gulets.

Sail to the quiet Orhaniye Bay for the night. Behind the village of Orhaniye is an ancient acropolis. At its crown are the ruins of a medieval castle. The bay itself is known for its unique currents of sea-water known as “kiz mumu” (girl’s candle). The up-and-down swishing of the water has spawned numerous myths about a reddish sandy way or sea-road running from the shore to the mysterious interior of the sea. Anchor near the bay’s small island, where you can view the ruins of the castle and the spectacular watery expanses of the bay.

(Optional): An exceptional restaurant called Club Mistral is located by the sea shore in the village of Orhaniye.

Day 4, Tuesday. Depart for the Bay of Bozukkale, which means “ruined castle,” a reference to the fact that one side of the ancient castle here is missing. The entrance to the bay is guarded by this castle, 350 meters long and 30 meters wide and dating back to 430 BC. When you arrive in the bay, you can clearly see the ruins of the ancient harbor. In ancient times this site was known as the city of Loryma. Throughout history, because of its isolated location, the site was used chiefly for refuge rather than trade. Occasionally, however, it was also used to assemble naval fleets. The Athenian fleet assembled in Loryma during the Peloponnesian War around 400 BC. In 305 BC Demetrios Poliorcretes of Macedonia assembled his battle fleet of 200 ships and 150 auxiliary vessels here in an attempt to take the city of Rhodes. Despite his large force, he had to give up his campaign. In 304 BC he signed a peace agreement, leaving behind a huge store of military equipment in Rhodes. The Rhodians sold this equipment and used the proceeds to erect a magnificent statue dedicated to their sun god, Helios. To the modern world this statue is known as the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Colossus was later destroyed by a powerful earthquake. Loryma is mentioned in the writings of Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos as an arsenal, and until recently it was known as opsolika (arsenal bay). Hike up to the ruins for some spectacular views of the Greek Islands of Simi and Rhodes. Afterwards cruise to the Bay of Serce, two miles south of Bozukkale. The entrance to the Serce harbor resembles a giant door made of enormous boulders. The western side of the harbor consists of steep slopes and rough, rocky terrain.

Day 5, Wednesday. Cruise to the remote Bay of Ekincik to visit Dalyan, a fishing village located on the Calbis River. The sandy Istuzu Beach is now the last breeding ground for the pre-historic Loggerhead turtle.

(Optional): A trip by fishing boat takes you past the remarkable river scenery, once the setting for the classic film “The African Queen,” to the awe-inspiring cliff tombs and ancient city of the Caunians. One of the most stunning features of the tomb site is rock tombs sculpted in the form of the porticoes of small Ionian temples. These are among the most splendid examples of Lycian funerary architecture in Turkey, although the tomb builders were Carians. The identity of the original occupants of the tombs is unclear, but they are assumed to have been Caunian noblemen and rulers. In most cases the tombs were vacated and reused in Roman times. The largest one is unfinished, thus providing a fascinating glimpse into the method of construction. The prosperity of Caunos was threatened by the silting of the harbor, after the silting the city was eventually abandoned. The Mediterranean shore, which once surrounded the hill on which the archaeological site stands, has now retreated 5 kilometers to the south, pushed back by silt from the Dalyan River. The marsh that subsequently formed appears to have been a problem for harbor activities already in the time of historian Strabon.

The border between the sea and the internal marsh is a long narrow sand bar called “the Turtle’s Beach.” This beach is one of the few remaining locations in the Mediterranean Sea that has the right conditions for the Giant Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) to reproduce. Loggerheads have used this beach for reproduction since time immemorial. Eggs are laid principally in June. The females lay their eggs by night in the soft sand in clutches of about 100. Since the early 1990s the beach has been closed to the public from 8 pm to 8 am to protect the turtles. The beach is open during the day, but swimmers and sunbathers are asked to exercise special care.

Day 6, Thursday. Sail early morning to the Bay of Agia Liman, the site of ancient Lydae. An uphill hike leads you to an awesome panoramic view and to Byzantine ruins. Afterwards sail south to Olu Deniz, the “Sea of the Dead,” Turkey’s most photographed lagoon. Sail to a bay near Gemiler Island and visit the island an hour before sundown. The sunsets here are incredible.

Ancient Lydae, off the beaten path and thus rarely visited, requires a thirty-minute uphill hike. Lydae features, among other intriguing sights, tombs, a basilica, protective walls, cisterns, sections of Corinthian columns, inscribed pedestals from the Roman and Byzantine periods, and a vaulted Carian rock tomb in two levels. The tomb dates from the 5th or 4th century BC. In 46 BC the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra visited the Bay of Agia Liman at age 23, beaching her galleys to rest her oarsmen while en route to Rome to plead Egypt’s case before the Senate. The bay has two beaches, one that is shaded from the sun and rich with flowers and one from which the ancient road runs upward to Lydae.

Olu Deniz, with its stunning blue lagoon, is regarded as the most picturesque beach in Turkey. Thus the water is the main attraction here, particularly for paragliders who come from all over the world to glide over the turquoise waters from atop the Babadag Mountain. Photographs of the crystalline blue lagoon and its photogenic grey-white beach adorn almost every Turkish travel brochure. Olu Deniz is now in a conservation area, and new development is strictly controlled. There is a small entry fee to the lagoon beach itself, which is well suited for children and has shaded areas, cafés, and showers. On the other side of the sandbar, Belçekiz beach presents a crescent-shaped stretch of pebbles and sand with a backdrop of splendid pine-clad mountains. Olu Deniz literally means “Sea of the Dead.” The origin of its name is attributed to the following legend: once upon a time a father and son, out on a fishing trip, were caught in a powerful storm. They were in mortal danger of sinking. The son claimed that if they approached the rocks on shore, they could take shelter in a cove he knew of. The father, however, convinced that there were no coves nearby, insisted that their boat would be flung onto the rocks and destroyed by the pounding surf, and they would both die. In his terror, the father knocked his son (who was at the helm) into the sea with an oar and took over the helm himself. Just as the boat was about to hit the rocks of the cape, the water around him turned into a peaceful, calm bay. The son had drowned in the stormy waters, however, and thus the cove was named Sea of the Dead.

(Optional): Gemiler Island is covered with Lycian ruins, including a covered walkway built for a princess who (according to legends) was regarded by her father as either too beautiful to be seen by the populace, or albino and so in need of protection from the sunlight, or just very spoiled. Other features include an ancient palace that contains some of its mosaics, several Byzantine churches, and the remains of a harbor later used (according to legend) by pirates.

Day 7, Friday. In there morning you can opt to visit Kayakoy, and in the afternoon you many wish to enjoy the lovely bays around Gocek. There is time enough for sailing, swimming, and snorkeling.

(Optional): Another opportunity is a rigorous one-hour hike or, for those who prefer driving, a 10-minute mini-bus ride from the Gemiler dock to the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy. One should wear good walking shoes, even if taking the mini-bus, because in the deserted village one walks marble streets.

(Optional): There is an excellent and attractive restaurant in Kayaköy, the Sarnic Restaurant, where one can lunch. The restaurant is a fully restored deserted home (see below) that has also been turned into an ethnological museum. The restaurant serves its specialties in a beautiful, shaded courtyard.

The captivating Ghost Village of Kayakoy, six kilometers from the Gemiler pier, was evacuated during the Turkish- Greek population exchange of 1922. The history of Kayakoy dates back to 3000 BC philologically. The oldest remains, however, are a few sarcophagi and rock tombs from the 4th century BC. The buildings on the slopes belonged to Greeks who had settled here under provisions extended to minorities by the Ottoman Empire during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century. During the early years of the Turkish Republic, the Greek residents in this region were exchanged with Turks living in Western Thrace. But the re-population failed here. In time, wooden panels in doors, windows and the roofs fell victim to natural dereliction and ruin and the city acquired a ghost-like appearance. The 350-400 houses of this deserted city, each a maximum size of 50 square meters, had been built according to a plan that allowed for panoramic view and light fusion. The ground floor was usually used for storage purposes, and there were underground water cisterns to collect the rain from the rooftops. Scattered among the houses were many chapels, a school building, and a customs office.

Return to the yacht and sail into the Gocek Bay.

(Optional): Drop anchor late near Kizil Island. At the top of the island is a beautiful restaurant called the Lighthouse. You should arrive there before sunset so as to have the opportunity to view the gardens in daylight.

After dinner, dock in the picturesque port of Gocek. Gocek is a small seaside farming village that has been transformed into the premier yachting center of Turkey. It lies in a valley surrounded by hills on three sides. Due to abundant freshwater, warm climate and very fertile deltaic soil, farming continues here. Just two blocks from the seaside promenade, houses still have their little gardens where residents grow many kinds vegetables, from tomatoes to eggplants. The seaside walkways are corridors of orange, tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon trees. The city’s green panorama is further accented by the ever-present pine trees in the nearby hills.

Day 8, Saturday. Depart after breakfast for the Dalaman airport to fly back to Istanbul or transfer to your next destination. (Transport to the airport or other destination is an additional charge.)

*Where entrance fees are required or the service of a guide and /or van are needed in optional touring, the charges are extra.

*Optional restaurant meals off the yacht are not included in the price, but such meals off board will be deducted from the catering fees. Restaurants on-shore require reservations.

DEPARTING AND ENDING IN BODRUM

Day 1, Saturday. Transfer to the enchanting Bodrum harbor and board your luxurious sailing yacht in the afternoon. Your captain and crew will be waiting for you on board. (Transport from the airport is an additional charge.)

About the Gulet: Delight in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean shores aboard this elegant sailing yacht, handcrafted of hardwoods mahogany and teak. Spacious fore, aft, and side decks, air-conditioning and advanced nautical equipment have been added to her ancient design to provide full modern comfort. The ingenious interior features luxurious living quarters with high ceilings and wide corridors. The spacious salon includes a stocked bar (nominal charges for drinks) and romantic cushioned seating area surrounding an elegant table. Mahogany walls aesthetically complement spacious cabins complete with queen beds, reading lights, generous storage space, air- conditioning, and private bathroom that includes a vanity with marble countertop and an enclosed shower.

A three- to five-person crew consisting of captain, cook, first mate, and deckhands take care of all needs of passengers and the yacht. The crew’s responsibilities include (among others) navigation and helm details, radio and telephone communications, ports-of-call details, raising sails when appropriate, cooking, cleaning, serving drinks and snacks throughout the day, and waiting on clients at meal times. From the fully equipped galley a skilled chef, whose expertise ranges from haute cuisine to regional specialties, guarantees satisfaction for even the most discriminating palate. Cuisine on board a gulet is imaginative and flavorful. Seafood is served Mediterranean style. Herbs, vegetables, and fruits of the season used on board are fresh and organically grown.

Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing, and board games or cards are just some of the extra activities available to passengers. Each day the captain will arrange visits ashore for hiking, site-seeing, shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, the exploration of ancient sites. Clients should be prepared to spend the next seven days leisurely sailing, sunbathing, swimming, and shopping, all while exploring three thousand years of ancient history. Spend the first night on board in the Bodrum harbor or a nearby bay.

Day 2, Sunday. Depart Bodrum and sail across the Gulf of Gokova to the fascinating archeological site of Knidos, where the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean meet.

(Optional): Tour the excavations of Knidos, famous in antiquity for the cult of Aphrodite begun here. Situated at the end of the peninsula, this Dorian city was built on terraces rising to an acropolis. Straddling the peninsula, the city had a harbor on either side and flourished during the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Old Knidos was excavated in 1857 by C. T. Newton and, from 1967, by Iris Love. Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourth century BC, Knidos was established at the same time as Halikarnassos was, and it was one of the six Dorian colonies in Asia Minor. It seems to have retained a relatively pure Greek character, no doubt because it set its sights seaward and had little contact with the interior. Around 360 BC, Knidos was rebuilt at the windblown tip of the peninsula. The city banked on the fact that a good harbor at the outer edge of Asia Minor would become a popular port of call for ships on the Aegean-eastern Mediterranean sea routes. The rocky island facing the shore at the new site was joined to the mainland with a causeway, creating deep harbors on either side of the isthmus, one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The island section comprised the residential quarters. A series of colonnaded walkways rose in terraced tiers on the land side. Two large theaters, an Odeon, and three temples completed what must have been a striking ensemble in the midst of a desolate, craggy site. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, overlook remains of the two harbours. The temple’s arcaded way was built of white-marble, heart-shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles’ famous statue, reputedly one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple. Knidos was known as one of the most beautiful cities in ancient Greece.

In the early evening anchor near the idyllic Bay of Mesudiye.

(Optional): There is an outstanding restaurant here, the Ortam, which serves specialties like hot bread from their stone oven and stuffed calamari and octopus marinated in red wine and grilled to perfection.

Day 3, Monday. Sail into the Gulf of Hisaronu. The mountainous coastline and secluded rocky coves offer numerous anchorages. Stretching for 30 nautical miles into the Aegean Sea between the Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes, this gulf is a sailing paradise because of its prevailing late morning winds, deep blue seas, and the backdrop of rugged mountains and small coastal villages.

Bencik Bay resembles a miniature fjord. The inlet, which extends inland about 1.5 nautical miles, is bounded by steep wooded slopes on either side. (Bencik is located at the narrowest part of the peninsula that divides the Hisaronu Gulf from the Gokova Gulf.)

Afterwards sail into the wide Bay of Selimiye, one of the most tranquil natural harbors in the Gulf of Hisarönü. Surrounded by magnificent scenery and largely unspoiled by modernity, Selimiye village gives the impression of having been frozen in time.

You have a chance to walk and observe in this village before cruising to Bozburun, a small, quiet fishing village. It was once the center of sponge diving along the Turkish coast, but nowadays locals here earn their living in a much less dangerous way – building broad-beamed wooden gulets.

Sail to the quiet Orhaniye Bay for the night. Behind the village of Orhaniye is an ancient acropolis. At its crown are the ruins of a medieval castle. The bay itself is known for its unique currents of sea-water known as “kiz mumu” (girl’s candle). The up-and-down swishing of the water has spawned numerous myths about a reddish sandy way or sea-road running from the shore to the mysterious interior of the sea. Anchor near the bay’s small island, where you can view the ruins of the castle and the spectacular watery expanses of the bay.

(Optional): There is an excellent restaurant in the village of Orhaniye named Club Mistral, which serves delicious starters using organic vegetables and herbs from their own garden.

Day 4, Tuesday. Depart for the Bay of Bozukkale, which means “ruined castle,” a reference to the fact that one side of the ancient castle here is missing. The entrance to the bay is guarded by this castle, 350 meters long and 30 meters wide and dating back to 430 BC. When you arrive in the bay, you can clearly see the ruins of the ancient harbor. In ancient times this site was known as the city of Loryma. Throughout history, because of its isolated location, the site was used chiefly for refuge rather than trade. Occasionally, however, it was also used to assemble naval fleets. The Athenian fleet assembled in Loryma during the Peloponnesian War around 400 BC. In 305 BC Demetrios Poliorcretes of Macedonia assembled his battle fleet of 200 ships and 150 auxiliary vessels here in an attempt to take the city of Rhodes. Despite his large force, he had to give up his campaign. In 304 BC he signed a peace agreement, leaving behind a huge store of military equipment in Rhodes. The Rhodians sold this equipment and used the proceeds to erect a magnificent statue dedicated to their sun god, Helios. To the modern world this statue is known as the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Colossus was later destroyed by a powerful earthquake. Hike up to the ruins for some spectacular views of the Greek Islands of Simi and Rhodes.

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.

Day 5, Wednesday. In the early morning set sail to picturesque resort of Datça. Although this town offers limited shopping and café possibilities, it is an excellent place for a brief walk and observations. Known for its natural beauty and climate, Datca provides a window on the life of rural Turkey 50 to 100 years ago. Village life is still based on agriculture, fishing, and the building of the gulet (the traditional 2-masted Turkish wooden sailing vessel). Pine, oak, and myrtle abound on the mountain slopes plunging down to a pleasant beach and two natural harbors.

Set sail for the tiny Greek Island of Simi, which hugs the Turkish coast in the Strait of Marmaris. The scenic natural landscape consists of rugged coastline with sheer cliffs, narrow fjords, private coves, and high mountains. Since classical times, Simi has flourished due to the success of it sponge-diving and boat-building industries. It launched up to 500 ships a year. Indeed, it became the third richest island of the Dodecanese. The island’s well protected natural harbors prompted the Italians to occupy it at the beginning of the 20th century. German occupation followed in World War II. After these occupations, Simi never recovered economically, and the mansions built in better times slowly crumbled. Today, elaborate churches, elegant boutiques, seafood restaurants, and cafés line the fairy-tale-like harbor painted in numerous shades of pastel colors. Simi is notably different from other Dodecanese islands, retaining its many signs of refinement and aristocratic charm. These are noticeable both in the carefully restored neo-classical homes and in the gracious hospitality of the island’s inhabitants. Dock in the exquisitely beautiful city harbor in the early evening.

Day 6, Thursday. Depart from the Simi harbor and cruise to the island’s western side to take in the sweeping, peaceful view of the Panormitis Monastery of the Archangel Michael. Among its features are its Byzantine frescos. Enjoy a swim break in the Bay of St. George before returning to the Turkish coastline.

Cruise to Palamut Bükü, the most western anchorage in the Gulf of Hisaronu. It is well known for its sparkling and pristine sea, fresh fish, and delicious, large, locally grown almonds.

Afterwards sail to Mersincik, located in the Gulf of Gokova. Mersincik is bordered by high mountains and woods. Its clear waters and seclusion make it a favorite spot for spending the night.

Day 7, Friday. This morning cross the Gulf of Gokova to the Bay of Kesibükü and its pine-clad shores. Take advantage of the calm morning hours to sail in the quiet waters along the coast. Stop over at Karaada Island. Late in the afternoon enter the Bodrum harbor or continue to the attractive bay of Ada Bogazi for night.

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

(Optional): Karaada Island is noted for its thermal features and mud baths. Enjoy a hike around the island and swim in the comfortably warm thermal sulfur baths.

(Optional): This afternoon visit the 15th-century Crusader castle, which houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Exhibits ancient shipwrecks raised off the coast of Turkey and the intact remains of a Carian princess’ tomb dating back to the time of Alexander the Great.

Day 8, Saturday. Depart after breakfast for the Bodrum airport to fly back to Istanbul or transfer to your next destination. (Transport to the airport or your next destination is an additional charge.)

*Greek Island harbor fees are extra.

*Where entrance fees or the service of a guide/or van are required, the charges are extra.

*Optional restaurant meals off the yacht are not included in the price, but meals off board will be deducted from the catering fees. Restaurants onshore require reservations.

DEPARTING AND ENDING IN BODRUM

Day 1, Saturday. Transfer to the enchanting Bodrum harbor and board your luxurious sailing yacht in the afternoon. Your captain and crew will be waiting for you on board. (Transport from the airport is an additional charge.)

About the Gulet: Delight in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean shores aboard this elegant sailing yacht, handcrafted of hardwoods mahogany and teak. Spacious fore, aft, and side decks, air-conditioning and advanced nautical equipment have been added to her ancient design to provide full modern comfort. The ingenious interior features luxurious living quarters with high ceilings and wide corridors. The spacious salon includes a stocked bar (nominal charges for drinks) and romantic cushioned seating area surrounding an elegant table. Mahogany walls aesthetically complement spacious cabins complete with queen beds, reading lights, generous storage space, air- conditioning, and private bathroom that includes a vanity with marble countertop and an enclosed shower.

A three- to five-person crew consisting of captain, cook, first mate, and deckhands take care of all needs of passengers and the yacht. The crew’s responsibilities include (among others) navigation and helm details, radio and telephone communications, ports-of-call details, raising sails when appropriate, cooking, cleaning, serving drinks and snacks throughout the day, and waiting on clients at meal times. From the fully equipped galley a skilled chef, whose expertise ranges from haute cuisine to regional specialties, guarantees satisfaction for even the most discriminating palate. Cuisine on board a gulet is imaginative and flavorful. Seafood is served Mediterranean style. Herbs, vegetables, and fruits of the season used on board are fresh and organically grown.

Sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, canoeing, fishing, and board games or cards are just some of the extra activities available to passengers. Each day the captain will arrange visits ashore for hiking, site-seeing, shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, the exploration of ancient sites. Clients should be prepared to spend the next seven days leisurely sailing, sunbathing, swimming, and shopping, all while exploring three thousand years of ancient history.

Depart from Bodrum for the Gulf of Gokova, the stretch of the Aegean where the sea displays its most remarkable hues. The rugged coastline with its myriad small bays and harbors gives way to a backdrop of pine-clad hills and mountains.

Drop anchor near Orak Island, one of the large islands in the Gulf of Gokova. Looking out from its shores you can see many shades of blue. The island is renowned for its rich sea life and crystal clear water, a perfect site for snorkeling.

Day 2, Sunday. Cruise to the picturesque fishing hamlet of Cokertme, which is nestled in the foothills of Kiran Mountains. This stop offers the delightful opportunity to hike through the village’s winding walkways, some of them not much more than a goat path.

(Optional): A short southerly sail brings you to the intriguing village of Oren. If the sea is calm, you can drop anchor at the sea wall and either walk about a mile or take a minibus up to the old village. Here you will find villagers living amongst the ruins of ancient Keramos. If you explore the various footpaths, you will eventually be surprised and delighted by an ornately carved temple doorway (now part of a barn wall), the remains of a Byzantine church in the bottom of a garden complete with a clearly visible fresco, and the remains of a Roman bath complex.

Continue your voyage to Cleopatra Island, the site of the classical love-nest constructed by Mark Anthony for the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. Here you find extensive archaeological remains scattered along one of Turkey’s most breath-taking golden beaches.

When you depart and sail along the island’s southwestern coast, you will notice how the forests come down to meet the shores of deep inlets fingering inland from the bays. This rugged coastline is known as the Bay of Sixty-six Inlets.

(Optional): Cleopatra’s Island is like an open-air museum with its ruin-marked beach, golden sand, and crystalline water. The inland area has a Dorian-style temple that Christians later turned into a church, a 1,500-person amphitheater reminiscent of the pre-Roman era, small buildings with domed roofs, cisterns colored red on the inside, and tunnels. The surrounding area is strewn with broken columns, capitals, and stones decorated with pictures and reliefs. The numerous knights’ coats of arms suggest that the island was used by the Knights of Rhodes. Legend has it that the sand of Cleopatra Beach was brought by Mark Anthony for Cleopatra from the deserts of North Africa. It is forbidden by law to remove even a few grains of sand from this island.

Day 3, Monday. In the morning sail into the bay of Karaga Sogut. In the afternoon cruise to the secluded English Harbor, which abounds with thick green foliage. The harbor acquired its name from the fact that in World War II English torpedo boats hid in this cove. When you leave the harbor, you will cruise leisurely to Cati Lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful moorage sites in this gulf.

(Optional): You have the chance to take a local minibus from Karaga Sogut and drive 30 minutes through the mountains to the lively resort of Marmaris. Once a little fishing port, Marmaris is now often referred to as “The Jewel of the Turkish Riviera.” Surrounded by pine-covered hills, this cosmopolitan city hugs one of the world’s largest and beautiful natural harbors where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The old town, with its castle, historically preserved homes, and bustling bazaars, is a tourist’s delight. Shopping opportunities are many here, and the marina area has numerous cafés and bars. Return with a van to your yacht.

Day 4, Tuesday. Set sail for the Lönguz Bay, where the forest crowds the water’s edge. There are lovely hiking possibilities in this bay. In the early evening drop anchor in the Seven Islands, another favorite snorkeling area full of coral reefs. Here you will have time to swim in the bay’s warm water.

Day 5, Wednesday. Set sail for the Datca Peninsula. Datca is accepted as the geographic dividing point between the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean. (The famous geographer Strabon once declared, “God would send his beloved servant to Datca to live longer.” According to legend, a ship sailing through peninsula threw its plague-ridden crew members overboard, and they landed on the Datca Peninsula. Left to suffer and die, they recovered.) More than 50 bays, many of them unreachable by road, shape the Datca Peninsula. Datca is famous for three delicious products: pine honey, fresh almonds and seafood (local fish, octopus and calamari).

Anchor this evening near the idyllic Bay of Mesudiye.

(Optional): Ortam, an excellent restaurant in Datca, serves specialties like hot bread from their stone oven and stuffed calamari and octopus marinated in red wine and grilled to perfection.

Day 6, Thursday. Depart for the Carian city of Knidos, located on the tip of the Datca peninsula. Knidos was described by Strabo as “a city built for the most beautiful of goddesses, Aphrodite, on the most beautiful o peninsulas.” Drop anchor this evening in the quiet bay of Mersincik, ringed with high mountains and woods. The bay’s clear water and close proximity to the ancient city of Knidos make it a favorite spot for an overnight stay.

(Optional): Tour the excavations of Knidos, famous in antiquity for the cult of Aphrodite begun here. Situated at the end of the peninsula, this Dorian city was built on terraces rising to an acropolis. Straddling the peninsula, the city had a harbor on either side and flourished during the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Old Knidos was excavated in 1857 by C. T. Newton and, from 1967, by Iris Love. Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourth century BC, Knidos was established at the same time as Halikarnassos was, and it was one of the six Dorian colonies in Asia Minor. It seems to have retained a relatively pure Greek character, no doubt because it set its sights seaward and had little contact with the interior. Around 360 BC, Knidos was rebuilt at the windblown tip of the peninsula. The city banked on the fact that a good harbor at the outer edge of Asia Minor would become a popular port of call for ships on the Aegean-eastern Mediterranean sea routes. The rocky island facing the shore at the new site was joined to the mainland with a causeway, creating deep harbors on either side of the isthmus, one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The island section comprised the residential quarters. A series of colonnaded walkways rose in terraced tiers on the land side. Two large theaters, an Odeon, and three temples completed what must have been a striking ensemble in the midst of a desolate, craggy site. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, overlook remains of the two harbours. The temple’s arcaded way was built of white-marble, heart-shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles’ famous statue, reputedly one of the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity, once graced this temple. Knidos was known as one of the most beautiful cities in ancient Greece.

Day 7, Friday. This morning cross the Gulf of Gokova to the pine-bordered Bay of Kesibükü. Take advantage of the calm morning hours to sail smoothly along the Gokova shores. Opt for a stop at Karaada Island. In the late afternoon enter the Bodrum harbor or continue to the attractive bay of Ada Bogazi for night.

Year round balmy temperatures, international marinas, elegant boutiques, chic cafés and night clubs, and a variety of excellent dining opportunities attract many to the lively Bodrum harbor. The 15th-century Crusader castle, the renowned Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, add an important historical dimension to this resort city.

(Optional): Karaada Island is well-known for its thermal features and mud baths. Take a hike around the island and swim in the thermal sulfur baths, where the water is comfortably warm.

(Optional): This afternoon visit the 15th-century Crusader castle, which houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Museum exhibits include ancient shipwrecks raised off the coast of Turkey and the intact remains of a Carian princess’ tomb dating back to the time of Alexander the Great.

Day 8, Saturday. Depart after breakfast for the Bodrum airport and flight back to Istanbul, or transfer to your next destination. (Transport to the airport or transfer to other destinations will be charged additionally.)

*Where entrance fees or the service of a guide and/or van are required in optional touring, the charges for these are extra.

*Optional restaurants off the yacht are not included in the price, but meals off board will be deducted from the on- board catering fees. Most restaurants on-shore require reservations.