Lycian Coast By Luxury Gulets

Blue Cruise > Itineraries > Lycian Coast By Exclusive Gulets

CRUISING THE LYCIAN COAST BY EXCLUSIVE GULETS / GOCEK - GOCEK

Our experienced team at Exclusive Gulets have planned the ultimate itinerary for you You will be sailing around the Lycian Coast, once known as the "Untouched Virgin of the Lands" and today it is as if all the magnificence of the entire Mediterranean was concentrated in one bay. Its islands, coves, long sandy beaches, and the entire riches of its history and natural beauty are before you to explore. It is a paradise for a remarkable holiday. The most impressive ancients ruins, the best sites for pragliding and water sports, most magnificent bays and beaches come together, along with mouth watering gastronomy.

DAY 1: Commence your cruise from the colourful port town of Gocek which has long been a desirable destination for both Turkish and foreign yachtsmen, as well as a favorite stopover for jet-setters and celebrities alike. Strict development laws ensure that this very unique setting is protected. Since there is no over-supply of hotels, it is never crowded and there is a variety of gourmet restaurants around the marina for a real alfresco treat. The first night we’ll stay in Gocek harbour so that you’ll have ample time to get acquainted with this friendly little town.

DAY 2: A relaxing morning followed by a leisurely sail across the Gulf of Fethiye. Stop for lunch and a swim before moving on to the overnight anchorage of Gemiler Island which was a town of the middle ages. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. Close to sundown, go ashore and walk up to the summit, admiring the many Byzantine ruins along the way. This land is literally covered with ruins and the most intriguing of these is the covered walkway that leads from one of the island's three churches down to the water edge.  These churches were constructed during the the early Byzantine-era. There was a huge number of pilgrims who journeyed to the holly land. On their way to these sites in Palestine and Jerusalem, pilgrims who travelled from Europe, passed by the sanctuaries of their saints. Gemiler Island was one of those holly sanctuaries. This is also why four churches were constructed on such a small island.

DAY 3: Enjoy an early morning swim from the beach ashore, followed by a delicious Turkish breakfast of fresh local bread, olives and white cheese, pine honey and quince jam, sliced spiced sausage and eggs and many, many servings of hot Turkish tea served in tulip-shaped glasses. When ready, we will set sail to Olu Deniz, a hidden paradise which possesses intriguing beauty. Though vessels have been prohibited from entering the world famous Olu Deniz since 1983, it is possible to drop anchor in the inner part of the cape. This tranquil beauty was also discovered by people who lived hundreds of years ago. Another interesting site in the area is Mavi Magara. Its interior is covered in piercing blue water. Because the sunlight doesn't reach inside of the cave, the algae found here takes on a turquoise hue. This is where the cave gets its name. Swimming in this sparkling clean water is a delightful experience. Overnight stay and dinner on-board at a nearby anchorage.

Day 4: An early morning departure for the Kelebek Vadisi, one of the most impressive of all the “Blue Cruise” destinations on this section of the coast. Awaken to the beauty of this valley where the rocks extend down to the sea like a wall making a home  for 40 different species of butterflies, including the famous tiger butterflies. They reach to a count of million or more in June when they mate. This enchanted place has been reserved just for the butterflies, so there is no development allowed. The valley is also lined with a waterfall, which just adds to the beauty. Scented flowers at the base of the waterfall disperse their scents in the cool breeze. After a relaxing day at the valley we will set sail to Kizilada Island for overnight stay and dinner.

Day 5: Today we will be exploring the gulf of Fethiye, which has delighted sailors for thousands of years with its clear, calm waters for anchoring and open stretches for exciting sailing. This area is a green and blue wonderland of small, sheltered inlets; shallow coves with enticing pebble beaches; wild, forested mountains and a shoreline overhung by immense pine trees, their branches reflecting in the waters below. Much has been written about this area, so deeply immersed in ancient history as to be something of an open-air museum. Ruins in the area include an ancient shipbuilding settlement on Tersane Island, the partially-submerged ruins of a bathhouse in Hamam Bay, a set of 5,000-year-old rock tombs in Bedri Rahmi Bay and the city walls of ancient Lydae running up the hill from Manastir Bay. Overnight stay and dinner at Bedri Rahmi bay.

Day 6: Following a relaxing morning after breakfast, our yacht will will head towards Manastir Bay, just one nautical mile west of Bozburun. In the south-eastern quadrant of the bay, one can see ruins in the sea that have been named by the locals as Cleopatra's Hamam. However this is a fallacy as these ruins do not date back to the time of the Egyptian Queen, but rather to that of the Byzantine Empire. The pines lean into the sea as if they are kissing it and they stretch from water's edge to the top of the hills, adding distinct beauty to the bay.  In the western part of the bay is an old, long wall which was built to protect the ancient settlement of Lydae at the top of the isthmus and its village Arymaxa. From here it extends up to the hill and then back down to the sea again. Thusly, the peninsula was securely cut off from the mainland. Once you venture to the top of the hill, the beautiful view of Gokgemili Bay is going to amaze you. The shoals off the coast are just like a motif of the panoramic view, so if you decide to do the walk, make sure to take your camera with you. Overnight stay at Manastir bay.

Day 7: In the morning we will untie our mooring lines from the trees along the seashore and set a course for a new bay as we continue our search for hitherto undiscovered hues of green and blue. Along the way is Yassicalar, the most interesting set of islands in the gulf. To the north, is the fascinating Gocek Island which is covered with the greenest pine trees and bask in its sheer pleasure. After a swimming break and lunch, we will head towards Domuz Island, which is situated between Gobun bay and Tersane island. Rising 256 meters above sea level, the olive and pine covered Domuz island provides and eye catching view where greens melt with the turquoise sea. Later on today we will set sail back to Gocek harbour for dinner and overnight stay. Tonight is your chance to celebrate with a “Farewell” dinner and the opportunity to snap a super group photo.

Day 8: Following breakfast on board, it is time to farewell your yacht and crew.