TURKEY’S LYCIAN SHORES

This cruise is full of theatres, tombs and the beautiful Taurus Mountains which in Lycia rise from the sea to heights of over 10,000 feet. It's one of our most popular itineraries because of the ancient sites and the outstanding scenery.

LYCIA - EIGHT DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1
Flight with Turkish Airlines to Dalaman, on Turkey’s south coast, and transfer to Göcek Marina to embark the yacht at the quayside. Dinner and overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 2
After breakfast, cruise southwards to the Island of Gemiler, the once thriving Byzantine town of St. Nicholas. Lots of time for swimming, lunch and a siesta before going ashore on the island. This monastic community thrived between the fourth and the seventh century AD, and although now in ruins a visit here will conjure up the majesty of high Byzantium at the time of the Emperor Justinian. The island of Gemiler and the surrounds include the remains of no fewer than seven churches, some with wall paintings. An outstanding feature is the vaulted processional way linking the upper church to the large ecclesiastical complex in the middle of the island. Free time for swimming and relaxing. Dinner and overnight ON BOARD at Gemiler.

DAY 3
The yacht will leave early to cruise down mountainous shores of the ancient Lycian coast to near Xanthos (about three hours). After breakfast, take minibuses into the hidden Xanthos valley, heart of ancient Lycia. First visit Letoon, a classical religious centre with remains of a number of temples, an agora, a well preserved Greek theatre and a large Byzantine church of the sixth century, after which continue to Xanthos with the Roman theatre and Byzantine citadel, the remains of several Lycian tombs including the Nereid Monument, the reliefs of which are now a key exhibit in the British Museum, and a very large Byzantine church. Return to the harbour at Kas. The village is very pretty, with bars, tavernas etc. Overnight ON BOARD at Kas.

DAY 4
Sail from Kas to the Island of Kekova, possibly the most beautiful and remote part of the Mediterranean coast. After a short cruise, visit the island of Kekova with its Byzantine ruins on a secluded beach and cross the sound to the tiny hamlet of Kaleköy. This is a fascinating but very small Turkish village, site of the classical town of Simena. Along its stepped streets are ancient blocks used as café seats, Lycian sarcophagi which depute for chicken coups and marble columns at which fishing boats tie up! The dramatic citadel has Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman remains as well as a haunting Lycian necropolis. Loads of places to moor for swimming. Dinner and overnight ON BOARD.

DAY 5
A relaxing day spent in the inlets and islands of Kekova. There are Byzantine churches tucked among the shrubs and trees in what is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean. Mainly Byzantine, the remains are under water and will be seen by small boat. Overnight ON BOARD at Karaloz, a deep-set lagoon in the centre of the island.

DAY 6
An easy and relaxing day sailing to Kalkan. Moor in a quiet inlet for the main part of the day, for swimming, relaxing and snorkeling. In the evening, if wished, moor in the tiny harbour of Kalkan. There are some interesting small shops and bars here too. Overnight ON BOARD at Kalkan.

DAY 7
Early start to cruise into the Bay of Fethiye, stopping for lunch and a last chance to swim, before late afternoon sail into the harbour of Göcek. Last night ON BOARD.

DAY 8
After breakfast transfer to Dalaman Airport for flight to Istanbul connecting with flights.