Our Turkey Cruise with a visit to Rhodes,Greece

SUMMARY

Dates: Saturday May 8th to Saturday May 15th 8 days/ 7 nights

Guide: Anne Bektas

Walking Grade: 2 Goats. Hikes vary between 4 and 10km taking between 2 and 4.5 hours. The pace is comfortable with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure but for those wanting a slower pace you can take days off to sit and relax on board. We usually do 4 or 5 days of walks but if you prefer you could simply stay on board and relax or do some swimming.

For swimmers this is fantastic with all the opportunities for sea swimming.

Base: Onboard the traditional Turkish Gulet  – expect to start in Marmaris and end in Fethiye. The trip may operate in reverse. The course may change depending on weather.

See the cabins

Arrival: To Dalaman airport – arrive by 17.00 for group transfer to the gulet. We provide one transfer so if you arrive at a different time a taxi can be arranged for approximately 100 euros.

If you would like extra nights in Turkey we can recommend hotels in Marmaris or Fethiye and suggest places in Istanbul or advise on other excursions to extend your stay.

Departure: We arrange a group transfer back to Dalaman airport after a last Turkish breakfast – please book flights for after 14:00.

Price: £2,300 per person single ensuite cabin. £500 discount per person for sharing. Total £1,800 per person in shared cabin with either a double or two single beds.

Price includes :

• Full board with meals prepared by the cook using fresh, local ingredients every day. We had so much good feedback about the food on this trip and know that it’s great for everyone – whether you love to eat everything or have dietary requirements. (7 Breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 8)
  • Turkish breakfast: cheeses, eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, jam, honey, bread, tea and coffee.
  • Water,tea and coffee are provided. Fruit Juice is available at an extra cost
  • Lunch: A healthy packed lunch is provided for walkers although a cooked lunch is often taken onboard
  • Afternoon tea & biscuits
  • Dinner: includes Meze, main course, salad and dessert of fruit

*Vegetarians and other diets are easily catered for if the crew know of requirements in advance. Please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking on your guest details.*

• Rhodes – return ferry and a guided tour
• Riverboat Trip: including entrance fees to Kaunos, mudbaths, riverboat hire and Captain.
• Transfer: There will be one group transfer each way included between Dalaman airport and the gulet. Arrive by 17.00 for a group transfer and book departure flights from 14.00 onwards. If you arrive outside the time for the group transfer then taxis can be arranged at an additional cost to you.
• Drinking Water: water is provided for walks. Please bring your own refillable water bottle. 1.5 water litre bottles recommended.
• Cabin: 7 nights in a twin or double cabin with ensuite private bathroom
• Guide: English speaking walking guide
• Diesel: 3-4 hours cruising per day
• Harbour Fees at Marmaris and Fethiye
• Crew: food and wages

Not included:

• Flights to Dalaman
• Travel Insurance which is mandatory
• Crew tips
• Drinks on the gulet
• Other tips and personal expenses.

DETAILS

This trip is ideal for women who simply love being outdoors. Living on a gulet is a unique experience – you will wake next to the sea with swimming readily available, eat outdoors (in comfort on the gulet) and have constant fabulous vistas of turquoise seas.  It is perfect if you wish  to mix walking with cultural insights, ancient settlements as well as fabulous flora and fauna.  It is of course ideal for those who enjoy swimming and/or snorkelling or those who are unsure of their fitness (as there is always the opportunity to simply relax on board)

You cruise along the coastline between Marmaris and Fethiye, living in comfort on a 7 cabin gulet with a program of 4 – 5 walks that will enable you to enjoy this Lycian coastline. You will be walking on ancient tracks, some of which are still only used by local people tending their animals. The history of this area and the numerous invasions means there is a rich Lycian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine history. Your walks will take you to ancient settlements and as our local guide has befriended once nomadic people, you will be taken to their homes. Your gulet will cruise along the coast to collect you from the end of your walk each day and will ensure that each evening you are anchored in excellent swimming spots..

The crew will take great care of you and ensure you enjoy the best of Turkish hospitality. We always receive rave reviews of the cuisine on this cruise!

This year we have added a visit to Rhodes as it has been very popular extension to our Turkey trip so why not add it to do together !

ITINERARY

Please note that this trip will start in either Marmaris or Fethiye and the order in which the walks are taken is determined by your starting port. The itinerary is subject to change to account for weather conditions. An open mind and free spirit ready for adventure is recommended !

Day 1: Arrival – we recommend arriving at Dalaman Airport for the groups transfer at 17.00.

Transfer from Dalaman airport to the gulet in Marmaris or Fethiye. You board the gulet after 17.00. Allocation of cabins and familiarisation with the gulet. Dinner together on board.

Day 2 : To Rhodes 

After an early breakfast we walk to the ferry port to take our hour long crossing to the Greek island of Rhodes. We will be met by a local guide who will show us around this fascinating medieval walled city once occupied by ancient Greeks, Romans,Byzantines and the Ottomans. We will visit The Palace of the Grand Master, walk the Street of the Knights, have lunch and time to wander the tiny little streets before returning to Marmaris.

Upon arrival to our boat we will leave port for a short cruise to anchor in a small calm area for the night.

Day 3: Kumlubuk Cruise 

After breakfast, we will cruise to Kumlubuk. for our first walk. Starting from a pebble beach we will hike in the mountains to the ruins of an abandoned Byzantine church (2—3 hours walking). Lunch on board and then an afternoon cruising before having time to swim before afternoon tea.

Day 4: River boat and the Dalyan Delta

We start our day by transferring from our gulet to a river boat which will take us through the reedbeds of the vast nature reserve of the Dalyan Delta. We pass Iztuzu beach –nesting ground for loggerhead turtles – and the Lycian burial tombs carved high into the hillside before having mud baths and enjoying the benefits of hot thermal waters. Apparently you will all emerge 10 years younger!

After a short visit to Dalyan, we will return down the river to start our hike. We pass through the ancient ruins of Kaunos, call in to say hello to a once nomadic family and explore the artefacts in their garden before resuming our hike to Ekincik. (4-5 hours)

Day 5: Birdsong, Forest hiking and Cleopatra’s Bath

After breakfast you will leave the gulet and transfer by dinghy to a pebble beach to start todays hike which is partially along a Roman track (some of which is still paved) shaded by pine forest full of birdsong. The route takes you to Lydae with its ancient Roman settlement, including mausoleums and a water cistern. You descend through a forest and stop to meet a small family who were once nomadic. Continuing down through olive groves and pine forest you arrive at the partially submerged ruins of Cleopatra’s Bath. Your gulet will be waiting for you at this cove. (2-3 hours walking)

After lunch on board, you will have time for swimming and snorkelling amongst the roman ruins and along the coastline.

Day 6: A Panoramic coastline walk (2 – 3 hours).

Our hike starts next to Cleopatra’s Bath. We follow the coast along a limestone path through pine and holly oak forest which is protected by the Turkish Forestry Commission. At all times you will have a panoramic view of this dramatic coastline, before passing through an olive grove which leads you into a small bay where our gulet will be waiting for us

Day 7: Relaxation 

A day of relaxation and a chance to reflect on your experience so far, time to swim, read or simply be. We will cruise to Fethiye during the afternoon arriving in port for our overnight stay giving you time to explore this pretty, coastal town.

Day 8: Departures

After breakfast you will say your goodbyes to the crew on your gulet before your group transfer to Dalaman airport for your return flights. You need to vacate your cabin at 9:30 but you can leave luggage onboard.