Day 1: BODRUM
Our boat opens its doors to an unforgettable week at 03.30 pm. If you come to Bodrum before boarding time, you can leave your belongings to our office with peace of mind. Our boat will stay anchored in the port for the first night so that you and your guests can explore the historical city of Bodrum both before and after dinner. Bodrum, also known as Halicarnassus, has been a remarkable and important city throughout human history; Bodrum is also the birthplace of the historian Herodotus, the author of the Iliad & Odysseia epics.
Here are the must-see symbols of the city:
- Halicarnassus Mausoleum (350 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the World,
- The iconic St. Peter’s Castle built in the 14th century by the Knights of Rhodes,
- Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum, the world’s largest underwater archeology museum,
- Amphitheater with a capacity of 13,000 visitors, which still hosts concerts!
With its white houses decorated with bougainvillea and colorful gift shops, Bodrum is a paradise on the Aegean coast! Getting a MuseumCard before you start your trip will make it easier to visit the ruins. It can be obtained from the entrance of the castle.
Day 2: CNIDUS (DATCA)
After breakfast, we set out to the house of Aphrodite of Cnidus, known as the world’s first nude woman statue, and the majestic Lion of Cnidus exhibited in the British Museum. Another importance of Cnidus, which is a Carian city, is that it was established at the point where the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas meet. On one side of the walking area you will see the commercial harbor as calm as possible, and on the other side (military port) the dance of the waves that keep the old enemies of the city away. Here you can see the ruins of the Agora, the temples of Dionysus, the god of wine and entertainment, the muse and the beauty goddess Aphrodite, and the greatest sundial of its time (around 360 BC). Cnidus is a city that has raised great artists and architects; and is the birthplace of Sosratus, the architect of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors who would like to try different alcoholic beverages can taste “Knidos Beer” from the restaurant located at the entrance of the ancient city. Overnight and dinner are in a bay near this beautiful city.
Day 3: AKTUR - BENCIK
After breakfast, we will set out for Aktur Beach, which has the prestigious and international "Blue Flag" label. Till lunch, you can enjoy the sandy beach here or sip your coffee under the eucalyptus trees. After lunch, we will go to the narrowest part of Datca Peninsula, Bencik. This is also known as Balıkasiran Bay, which means "the place where the fish jumps". According to the writings of Herodotus, around BC.540, Cnidus people flee to Bencik when they get the news of the Persian attack. Here they decided to dig a tunnel to defend the Datca Peninsula as an island, but the plan was useless, the area went under Persian control. After 30-minute trekking to the north, you’ll arrive at Bördübet Cove, where is dazzling with the sparkle of turquoise waters. Overnight stay in Bencik.
Day 4: ORHANIYE - SELIMIYE
The boat will sail to the Hisaronu Gulf and will anchor in Orhaniye (Bybassos). Orhaniye is a peaceful bay that is so quiet that you can only hear the sound you make in the water while swimming, and has its own shade areas with pine trees. Kizkumu Beach in the region stands out with its mythological story: The people of Bybassos (Carian Period), whose people were very advanced in maritime and trade, had a very popular king and princess. The princess fell in love with a fisherman, but they couldn’t get married because he was not noble. Every night, the princess was shedding light on the shore, guiding the young man to cross in his boat. One day, the king recruited soldiers to catch the lovers, but the princess who was not trapped started to run towards the water. Sand accumulated under her feet, and she went to the opposite shore, met her love; but after an arrow came to him, the water became red.
Nowadays, visitors cross this road to make a wish.
In the afternoon, we will anchor in a magnificent town surrounded by mountains and cliffs: our second stop is Selimiye (Hydas). Founded initially with Bulgarian immigrants, the town takes its name from Sultan Selim the First. The water passes from turquoise blue to cobalt here, creating a great opportunity to observe underwater life. If you dive with glasses, you may feel like you are in a vast aquarium. In addition, Selimiye’s coast full of Mediterranean-style luxury boutiques can be visited with a thirty-minute walk. The street, filled with village houses with vegetable gardens and boutique hotels decorated with bougainvilleas, is perfect for those who enjoy photography. You can taste various appetizers of organic Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurants by the sea. In addition to its unique cuisine and sea, Selimiye is an open-air museum! There is also a lighthouse, watchtower, monastery, and theater in the castle, where you can climb to watch the magnificent view of Selimiye from a bird’s eye view. Overnight accommodation in Selimiye.
Day 5: DIRSEKBUKU - BOZBURUN
After breakfast, the boat will move to Dirsekbuku. The bay will gain a special place in your hearts with its Mediterranean vegetation and crystal clear sea. After the break in Dirsekbuku, we will set out for Bozburun, famous for its thyme honey and 2000-year-old monumental plane tree (Platanus). Visitors interested in plants can buy a variety of oils and flavors, all of the products are organic that produced by the village people. In the Carian language, this region is called Larymna, and its people called "people of sand". The ruins can be seen from Asar Hill, about a 45-minute walk distance. Also, Bozburun is the most popular gulet production center after Bodrum and Marmaris. Those who wish during the journey here can learn to manage the boat from the captain.
Day 6: PALAMUTBUKU (CNIDUS)
The next stop after breakfast is Palamutbuku beach, where the turquoise blue sea meets cedar trees...When the midday sun starts to go down, you can leave yourself to cool waters and enjoy the Datca Peninsula. Palamutbuku was also a very important and strategic region for the city of Cnidus in ancient times.
Here’s a tip for gourmet travelers; The Datca Peninsula is famous for its honey, almonds (the best in the world), sea-food (fish). Prepare yourself for the Aegean cuisine to be set on a table by the sea and honey-almond ice creams made by goat milk right after dinner! If you are allergic to almonds there are lots of various ice cream flavors too. No worries and keep enjoying your time! The boat will anchor in Palamutbuku at night.
Day 7: AKVARYUM (AQUARIUM BAY) - BODRUM
Aquarium Bay is a hidden part of the paradise close to Palamutbuku. It will be a great advantage to take your snorkels with you during the swimming break. You can see shoals of fish following the cold water currents close to the cliffs, and look at the marine life and Mediterranean ecosystem from a different perspective. Aquarium Bay is an unforgettable bay with its clean water, the smell of pine trees, and the admirable underwater ecosystem. In the afternoon, we will move to Bodrum for the return. Overnight and dinner in Bodrum or optionally in a bay close to the port.
Day 8: BODRUM
The vacation will be end after the breakfast. (09:30)
The route mentioned above is not fixed, the group can decide where to stay, where to swim and where to go; or the route may be changed according to the weather circumstances. We wish everyone a relaxing and adventurous holiday.