(Boarding time for the yacht is at 15.30. If you arrive earlier you have the opportunity to visit the 15th century Crusader castle, which houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, exhibiting ancient shipwrecks raised off the coast of Turkey, and the intact remains of a Carian princess’ tomb dating to the time of Alexander the Great. Otherwise you can visit the Bodrum Castle after you disembark on day 8). Depart Bodrum, sailing across the Gulf of Gokova to the site of Knidos. Here is the border between Mediterranean and Aegean seas, where this two waters mix. (optional): Tour the excavations of Knidos, famous in antiquity for the cult of Aphrodite started there. Situated at the end of the Datca peninsula, this Dorian city was built on terraces rising to the acropolis. Straddling the peninsula, it had a harbour on either side, and flourished during the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. This site was excavated in 1857 by C. T. Newton and from 1967 by Iris Love. Famous as a center of art and culture in the fourth century BC, Knidos was established at the same time that Halicarnassus was, as one of the six Dorian colonies in Asia Minor. It seems to have kept a purer Greek character, no doubt because it set its sights seaward and had little contact with the interior. Around 360 BC, the city was rebuilt at the windblown tip of the peninsula, banking on the fact that a good harbor at the outer corner of Asia Minor would become a popular calling-port for ships on the Aegean - East Mediterranean transit routes. The rocky island facing the shore at the new site was joined to the mainland with a causeway, creating two deep harbors on either side of the isthmus: one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The island section held the residential quarters, a series of colonnaded walkways rose in tiers on the land side. Two large theaters, an Odeon and three temples completed what must have been a striking ensemble in the midst of a desolate crag. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love Aphrodite overlook remains of the two harbors: the arcaded way was built of white marble heart - shaped columns. The legendary Aphrodite of Praxiteles statue, reputedly one of the most beautiful sculptures of the antiquity, once graced this temple. The city was renowned as one of the most beautiful in ancient Greece. Continue to Palumutbuku, an ideal bay for a quiet and peaceful moor away from noise. It has a long beach, with sand in some parts and flat pebbles in some parts. It is a natural wonder with its sparkling beaches, bays, olive, almond and pine trees where you will see many shades of green. This place was an important settlement of Knidos with its port and fertile lands in ancient times. Today there are family run cafes and small restaurants, tea gardens and number of bars on the beach.

Sail into the Gulf of Hisaronu with a mountainous coastline that offers numerous anchorages within. Stretching for 30 nautical miles into the Aegean Sea between the Greek Islands of Kos and Rhodes, this gulf provides a sailing paradise with late morning winds and deep blue seas with secluded coves, rugged mountains as a backdrop, and small tranquil villages. Bencik Bay resembles a miniature fjord. The inlet extends inland about 1.5 nautical miles and has steep wooded slopes on either side. Bencik is located at the one of the narrowest part of the peninsula that divides the Hisaronu Gulf from the Gokova Gulf. Aktur Bay is the narrowest part of the peninsula basically two spheres of water held at bay by a slim slice of land. The Persian army back in 550BC (Xerxes and the 300) built a tunnel so he could connect directly to the Gulf of Gokova to speed up his fleets attacking capabilities. Today Aktur Bay is a vision of beauty and one of the most beloved bays of the Turkish Coast. Bozburun is a picturesque fishing village with some amazing boutique hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants all serving local cuisine using the freshest sea food and locally farmed produce. It also has small shops and boutiques. It is used to be the center of sponge diving along the Turkish coast, but nowadays locals here earn their living in a much less dangerous way by building the typical broad-beamed wooden gulets.

Depart for the Bay of Bozukkale, which means ‘broken castle’ as one side of the castle is missing. The entrance to the bay is guarded by an ancient citadel 350 meters long and 30 meters wide. In ancient times it was known as the city of Loryma and throughout history this port was used by the Greek navy forces during Peloponnese Sea. The Colossus, at nearby Rhodes, was built to celebrate the defeat of Antigonus’ invasion force in 305 B.C. It was in Bozukkale Bay that the invasion fleet was assembled. Hike up to the ruins for some spectacular views of the Greek Islands of Simi and Rhodes. Gerbekse Bay, otherwise known as the “Pregnant Church” in English, finds its name from the remnants of a Byzantine church that looks over this beautiful small bay. In the Bay of Kadirga there is an absence of any structures, buildings or much signs of life at all, except for the boats and yachts that come into the bay to anchor and relax. A great place to swim and the water here is clean the bay is surrounded by small cliff like rock formations giving the bay shelter and a feel of seclusion. The history of the bay is sketchy but we know it was a small fishing port and also a snug hideaway for Barbary pirate ships in the 17th century as were many of the bays and coves along the southern coast of Turkey.

Cruise to the remote Bay of Ekincik to visit Dalyan, a fishing village located on the Calbis River. The sandy Istuzu Beach is now the last breeding ground for the pre- historic Loggerhead turtle. A trip by fishing boat takes you past the remarkable river scenery, once the backdrop for the film ‘The African Queen’, to the awe-inspiring cliff tombs and ancient city of the Caunians. One of the most beautiful features of the site is the rock tombs sculpted in the form of the porticoes of small Ionic temples. These are among the most splendid examples of Lycian type funerary architecture in Turkey, although the builders were Carians. The original occupants of the tombs are obscure but are assumed to have been Caunian noblemen and rulers; in most cases they were vacated and reused in Roman times. The largest one is unfinished, providing a curious glimpse of the method of construction. The prosperity of Caunos was threatened by the silting of the harbor after which the city was eventually abandoned. The Mediterranean, which once surrounded the hill on which archaeological site stands, has now retreated 5 km. to the south, pushed back by silt from the Dalyan River. The marsh which formed appears to have already been a problem for the harbor activities in Strabon times. The border between the sea and the internal marsh is a long narrow beach called ‘Turtle’s Beach’. This beach is one of the few remaining locations in the Mediterranean Sea that has the right conditions for the Giant Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) to reproduce. The Giant Loggerhead Turtles have used this beach as a laying ground since time immemorial, especially in June. The females lay their eggs by night in the soft sand, in clutches of about 100. Since the early 90’s the beach is closed to the public from 8 pm to 8 am to protect them. The beach is open during the day but swimmers and sunbathers are asked to exercise special care.

The port town of Marmaris, also known as Paradise Bay, is proud of its four-kilometer waterfront, filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a world renowned Turkish holiday resort and coastal town. The name means “Turquoise Coast” and it’s aptly named. Pine - clad mountains serve as the towns back drop and the harbor is filled with palm trees, greenery, flowers and multi-colored hotels as a backdrop. Marmaris is a natural harbor and is rich in history and steeped in ancient culture. Serce Limani has an amazing sheltered harbor and pristine clear waters. The area is steeped in ancient history and many of the local finds are now housed in Bodrum’s underwater archelogy museum. The bay cuts deeply in to the land offers perfect places for anchorage and is very popular among sailors because of its wild, romantic charm. This is a stunning, get-away-from-it-all bay with just the noise of the goats climbing the steep slopes surrounding the bay. No road, no cars no electricity just nature.

Early morning set sail to picturesque resort of Datça. Enjoy a stroll through town, which offers some lovely shopping and cafés. Renowned for its natural beauty and climate, this town provides a window into the life of rural Turkey of 50 to 100 years ago. Village life is still based on agriculture, fishing, and the building of the gulet (the traditional 2-masted Turkish wooden sailing vessel). Pine, oak, and myrtle filled mountains plunge down to a serene beach and two natural harbors. Datca’s Kumluk Yolu (Sandy Way) isn’t sandy at all. It’s a pedestrianized cobbled way that lines the coast and the Datça beaches. Along the main stretch, it is lined with restaurants, many of which make their presence felt by filling the route with vibrantly colored flowerpots. Eski Datca is home of the late Turkish poet, Can Yücel, one Turkey’s most famous poets. Eski Datça is all about stone houses, narrow alleyways, pretty gardens and bougainvillea-clad walls. It is a village with a sense of age, depicting the traditional Turkish lifestyle hundreds of years ago and its unique charm. Nearby is the Resadiye Mosque, inherited from the Seljuks period. It has been beautifully restored and is well worth seeing.

Mersincik Bay is a stunning bay where the sea bed is shallow making the waters here seem extra turquoise. Located at the far end of the Datca Peninsula in the Gulf of Gokova, this bay has been protected from all forms of tourism, the perfect bay in which to relax surround by fragrant pine-forested hillsides and soft breezes. Year round balmy temperatures, international marinas, elegant boutiques, chic cafés and night clubs and a variety of delightful dining experiences attract many to the lively Bodrum harbor. The 15th century Crusader castle, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, add an historical dimension to this resort.

Depart after breakfast for Bodrum airport for your return flight or transfer to your next destination. For touring in the Dalyan Caunos the service of a professional English speaking guide, river boat with captain and entrance fees are included. Arrival transfer to the yacht and departure transfer from the yacht for the airport or other incurs additional charges Includes beer, wine and soft drinks. Nominal charges for other drinks onboard will be incurred. Route applies according to weather changes at the discretion of the captain.