Sailing the Blue Voyage of Turkey by Yacht

Arrival today at Bodrum International Airport. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage we will be met at the airport and transferred to the El Vino Hotel for 2 nights.  Breakfast included. This evening we will meet for a delicious welcome to Bodrum dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast we Begin our two-hour walking tour of Bodrum with a visit to  the vibrant marina, where the morning light dances on the water and cafés hum with early energy. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, soaking in views of elegant yachts and the shimmering Aegean. Visit St. Peter’s Castle — a masterpiece of medieval architecture built by the Knights of St. John. Spend some time exploring its towers, tranquil courtyards, and the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which showcases ancient shipwrecks and maritime treasures.

After your castle visit, continue the walk through Bodrum’s charming old town. The streets here are full of character, with whitewashed buildings, bursts of bougainvillea, and inviting boutiques offering handmade crafts and local delicacies.  At the end of our walking tour we will enjoy a delicious lunch.  The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to wander the charming town of Bodrum, or soak up with Aegean sun.  This evening we will meet for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at our hotel this morning. After breakfast we will say good bye to Bodrum and depart for Fethiye.  Enoy a scenic drive through southwestern Turkey’s countryside to Dalyan.  Dalyan is a tranquil riverside town known for its natural beauty and ancient history. Nestled among lush hills and overlooking the delta, Kaunos offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Roman theatre, agora, and most famously, the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs — a hauntingly beautiful sight that has stood for millennia.

Following your exploration of Kaunos, you’ll board a traditional riverboat for a leisurely cruise along the Dalyan River. As you glide past reed-lined banks, you’ll enjoy views of the rock tombs from the water, spot local wildlife, and perhaps stop at the therapeutic mud baths or the pristine Iztuzu Beach, a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. A riverside lunch featuring fresh local cuisine adds a delicious pause to your day.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue by road to Fethiye, a stunning coastal town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, known for its crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins, and vibrant marina framed by lush mountains. Upon arrival at the port we will board our luxurious private Turkish Gulet yacht which will be our home for the next 7 nights as we explore the Blue Voyage of Turkey.  Welcome dinner on board this evening. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we begin our day with a cruise to Butterfly Valley, a breathtaking cove framed by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation. The inviting turquoise waters are perfect for a morning swim, or you may choose to venture ashore for a peaceful walk through the valley, where butterflies flutter among the greenery during the summer months. From there, we sail toward the iconic Oludeniz Beach, renowned for its postcard-perfect Blue Lagoon. Whether you prefer a swim in its calm waters or a short climb to enjoy sweeping views from the rocks behind the lagoon, this stop offers unforgettable moments.

In the afternoon, we arrive at St. Nicholas Island, steeped in history and natural beauty. Known for its Byzantine church ruins and panoramic sunset views, the island invites you to explore its ancient paths or simply unwind in the tranquil bay. We’ll spend the night anchored here, surrounded by serenity. (B,L,D)

As the sun rises and you enjoy a leisurely morning, your gulet glides gently into the tranquil embrace of Yesilkoy Bay, a peaceful cove fringed with olive groves. Here, a delicious breakfast awaits, accompanied by the soft sounds of nature and the option to take a refreshing dip in the calm, clear waters. Later in the day, the journey continues to the charming town of Kaş, where whitewashed buildings, cobbled lanes, and a relaxed, bohemian spirit create an irresistible atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring artisan boutiques, discovering one-of-a-kind jewelry, or sipping Turkish coffee at a stylish café. After a delightful dinner served on board, the evening is yours to wander the lively harbourfront or simply soak in the coastal charm before settling in for the night at anchor in Kaş Harbour. (B,L,D)

This morning, we set sail for Simena, a captivating Lycian village steeped in history and charm. Once ashore, a short walk leads to Simena Castle, where panoramic views of the coastline and scattered ancient ruins await. As you explore the bay, you’ll notice the distinctive Lycian sarcophagi, some gracefully resting in the water, adding a mystical touch to the landscape. After soaking in the beauty and heritage of Simena, we continue our journey to the tranquil village of Üçağız. Here, you can take a refreshing swim, stroll along the peaceful shoreline, or simply unwind aboard the gulet. As evening falls, we’ll anchor in a nearby secluded bay, surrounded by serenity and the gentle rhythm of the sea. (B,L,D)

After a relaxed start to the day, your gulet sets course for the legendary Sunken City of Kekova, a captivating Lycian settlement that slipped beneath the waves following a 2nd-century earthquake. As you cruise along the shoreline, ancient stone walls, staircases, and foundations reveal themselves just below the surface, offering a glimpse into a world frozen in time. Though swimming is restricted to preserve this archaeological treasure, the view from the deck is nothing short of mesmerizing.

As the day unfolds, you’ll enjoy several refreshing swim stops in nearby coves, each offering its own slice of paradise. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Gökkaya Bay, where vibrant turquoise waters meet lush, rolling hills — a perfect setting to unwind or dive in once more. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we’ll cruise to Aquarium Bay, a tranquil spot celebrated for its crystal-clear waters—perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the serene marine surroundings. From there, we continue to Kalkan, a charming town that was once a Greek fishing village. Its stone houses, narrow streets, boutique hotels, and rooftop restaurants create a picturesque setting ideal for exploration. Guests can stroll through the town, shop at delightful local stores, or relax in one of the inviting seaside cafés. For those interested in venturing further, optional excursions will be arranged for those interested to Patara Beach—famous for its expansive sands and ancient ruins—or to the nearby archaeological sites of Xanthos and Letoon, both steeped in Lycian history. After a leisurely dinner onboard, we’ll anchor in a secluded bay just outside Kalkan, offering a peaceful and scenic end to the day. (B,L,D)

As dawn breaks, the crew will gently set sail while you sleep, guiding the yacht toward the serene embrace of Camliburun Bay. When you awaken, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pine-covered hills and calm, crystalline waters—a perfect setting for a leisurely breakfast. The day invites you to unwind completely: swim in the bay’s refreshing waters, bask in the sun, or simply relax and take in the peaceful atmosphere. In the late afternoon, we’ll begin our return to Fethiye Harbour, where we’ll spend the final night onboard.  Farewell dinner this evening onboard in Fethiye. (B,L,D)

Breakfast board our Gulet this morning.   After we say goodbye to our gulet hosts this morning we will be transferred to the nearby Dalaman Airport for a short flight with Turkish Airlines to Istanbul.  Upon arrival in Istanbul we will be met and transferred to the historic city centre of Istanbul for 2 nights stay at the Ottoman Imperial Hotel or similar.  The remainder of the day is free at leisure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.  After breakfast we set off on a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. We will start with a visit to the renewed Sultanahmet Mosque, known popularly as The Blue Mosque an incredibly beautiful mosque known for its blue Iznik (Nicaea) tiles are unique for the fact that it has six minarets. We continue on to the Hippodrome once the vast arena that functioned as the heart of sporting (chariots races and athletics) events and political activities of the old city. From here we go to the nearby Hagia Sophia the Church of Divine Wisdom.

Ranking as one of the greatest marvels of world architecture, this awe-inspiring building was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. After lunch our next visit will be Topkapi Palace which for more than 400 years was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans; now home to the priceless collection’s porcelain, jewelry, calligraphy and many masterpieces of art. The tour will end with the visit to the Grand Bazaar, the vast and legendary covered market that is the biggest souk in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry and carpets.

As this is our final evening in Istanbul the group will enjoy a special farewell dinner together this evening at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  After breakfast transfer from the hotel to the Athens Airport for our return flight home. (B)