Gocek - Olympos

1. Day :
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.

2. Day :
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).

3. Day :
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, mausoleum, 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 (Hidden City Canyon), just 45 minutes drive inland. While in Fethiye, enjoy a “soap massage” at the local Turkish bathhouse for the experience of a lifetime.

4. Day :
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 size-able 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.

5. Day :
An early morning start for the crossing of The Seven Capes. By lunchtime, the gullet is anchored outside the small harbor of Kalkan. Kalkan is a small seaside town with steep streets bordered by shops, cafes and some old renovated Greek-style buildings. Colorful 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.

6. Day :
If the weather and the winds are favorable, 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 theater within the castle walls and numerous sarcophagi on the way up the hillside. Overnight here at Kale Koy.

7. Day :
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 theater, 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 Harbor.

8. Day :
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 theater of ancient Antiphellos or just browse through the many souvenir shops. Overnight in Kas Harbor or in an adjacent bay.

9. Day :
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 snorkeling with some small islands dotted about the bay.

10. Day :
A day of cruising on the Bay of Fethiye, anchoring for lunch beneath the pine forests in Deep Bay. Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling or relaxing in this peaceful setting. Later in the day, proceed to Gocek and moor on the town quay, enjoying a memorable farewell dinner.

11. Day :
Disembarkation in Gocek after breakfast.