CRUISE THE RUGGED SHORES OF CARIA

Turkey’s Mediterranean shores are blessed with some of the finest scenery and the purest seas in the world. Cruise from Bodrum to Fethiye, ancient Telmessos and you will find that these waters are among the quietest in the Mediterranean, with wild, rugged shores and many deep secluded inlets. There are also beautiful walks and hikes through this unspoiled landscape.

CARIA - EIGHT DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1
Flight to Bodrum/Milas Airport. Transfer to Bodrum (20 minutes) to embark our yacht. Afternoon visit to the Bodrum Museum. Housed in the 14th Century Crusader castle of St. Peter, the museum is famous for its underwater collections excavated from wrecks around the coast of Asia Minor. Dinner and overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 2
After a brief visit to the ancient remains of Halicarnassos, mid-morning, cruise south across the Ceramic Gulf past the Greek island of Kos to the classical site of Knidos where we moor in the ancient harbour in the lea of the Hellenistic theatre. Perhaps one of the most spectacularly sited of cities in Asia Minor, Knidos was built in 360 BC and still retains many original Hellenistic features. Afternoon visit through the site, visiting the temple of Apollo Karnaios, where the relics of the Dorian Hexapolis where kept, the tholos temple of Aphrodite Euploia which once housed the famous statue by Praxitales, the Doric portico which dominated the Knidian skyline, a number of early Byzantine churches, and the harbour theatre. Overnight ON BOARD moored in the ancient harbour of Knidos.

DAY 3
After breakfast, cruise through the Greek islands, stopping for lunch and swimming. Afternoon sailing regatta to the beautiful wooded inlet of Selimiye. In this typically village settlement we shall see how local agriculture provides for all the needs of the inhabitants. Its main exports are thyme-honey and village-made traditional carpets. Overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 4
After breakfast, cruise to across the quiet bay and walk across the Loryma Peninsula (two hours maximum) through the ancient ruins of Kasara. This is an easy walk on the flat through spectacular scenery and ancient remains. Re-embark for lunch and a swim at Serçe Liman, site of the famous glass wreck excavations and where our vessels will have been relocated, before rounding the headland into the ancient harbour of Loryma. Afternoon walk to visit the magnificent Rhodian shore fort guarding the Loryma harbour, and consider the whole development of the Rhodian Peraea and the mainland demes of Rhodes in the Fourth Century. The fort preserves some of the finest Hellenistic masonry in the Mediterranean, and nowhere is better suited to the understanding of the growth of the Hellenistic world. In all likelihood it was built about 304 BC after the lifting of the siege of Rhodes by Demetrius Poliorketes, son of Antigonus Monopthalmos, one of Alexander’s successors. The island of Rhodes, largest of the Greek Dodecanese, is clearly visible across the straights, and it was on this occasion too that the Colossus of Rhodes, another wonder of the ancient world, was cast here to celebrate the same event. Overnight ON BOARD in the ancient harbour of Loryma.

DAY 5
After breakfast we shall cruise along the mountainous shores of eastern Caria across the Bay of Marmaris to the cove of Ekincik. From here we shall take a river boat into the reed-fringed marshes of the Dalyan river and visit the Roman city of Caunos. Walking from the landing stage, we see the well-preserved theatre, Hellenistic in origin and rebuilt in Roman times, the ancient harbour installations with statue bases and quayside Stoa, Byzantine churches and a vast Roman bath complex. Afterwards we continue up-river to view the spectacular 4th century rock-cut temple tombs of the Carian kings hewn out of the dramatic cliff-face, before returning to the vessel at Ekincik for the night. Overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 6
After breakfast we cruise eastwards to the cove of Agalimani and visit the romantic ruins of Lydae. Walking up a Hellenistic pack way we reach the crest of a hill where lies the Agora of ancient Lydae, with a number of fine late Roman mausolea overlooking the bay of Fethiye. For those that wish to, a walk of a further hour brings us to the haunting remains of Arymaxa, once a Roman latefundia, the country estate of the Diaphantes family whose mausoleum dominates the landscape. The views over the coast of ancient Lycia are truly outstanding. The boats will have been relocated to the beautiful inlet of Çamlikoy for lunch. Overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 7
After a swim and time to relax, we cruise across the delightful Bay of Fethiye, with many quiet inlets and islands. Lycia is known for its fifth and fourth century rock-cut tombs and at Bedri Rahmi, a scenic and secluded backwater, we can visit house tombs and temple tombs commanding a remarkable view of the bay. A last chance to relax and swim. In the evening we enter the harbour at Göcek for our last night dinner. Overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 8
Morning transfer to Dalaman Airport (20 minutes) for flight to Istanbul with connecting flights.