Day 1: MARMARIS
Our boat opens its doors to an unforgettable week at 15.30. If you come to Marmaris before the 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 our visitors can explore the touristic city of Marmaris before and after dinner.
Marmaris, known as Phyckos in Caria, is a city that has hosted many civilizations. Also, recent excavations show that the settlement in the city dates back to 10,000 BC. Herodotus mentions a huge castle in his writings. Marmaris Castle is damaged during the occupation of Alexander the Great, then it is repaired by the order of Suleiman the Magnificent before the Rhodes campaign. When we come to 1798, the place where Lord Nelson protected his navy before fighting against Napoleon is again Marmaris Port. You can reach a mosque and caravanserai from the Ottoman period by passing through the narrow streets between Greek houses. Marmaris is also famous for its large yacht marina, bars and tattoo artists.
Day 2: ARAB ISLAND - BOZUKKALE
The boat will move towards Arab Island where lunch will be served and a swimming break will be given. The crystal-clear water and untouched nature of the shallow island beach are perfect for those who seek peace and quiet away from city life. You can chat with the locals of the region and enjoy the silence on the pebble beach.
In the afternoon, we will go to Bozukkale (Loryma), following the fortification structure surrounding the hills of the bay. The limestone walls of the castle, 120 meters long and 10 meters wide are still intact. The castle was built in a sheltered way, dominating every point of the bay. Cnidus made its preparations in this bay before the naval war in 395 BC. Visitors can explore the ruins or swim in the calm cobalt blue waters. Overnight accommodation will be held in Bozukkale.
Day 3: DATCA
After breakfast, we will anchor in Datca town, which is the main town of Datca Peninsula. Datca is a modern and charming fishing town. You can find many seaside fish restaurants and gift shops on the streets parallel to the marina. When you walk into the city, you will see the cafes and live music in various concepts. The town has three beaches, you can lie down to the beach and taste fresh almonds on ice while sipping your cold beer. Those who wish can join the optional Cnidus Ancient City tour. The city also stands out with its sunset view. Overnight accommodation in Datça or a nearby bay.
Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: DIRSEKBUKU - BOZBURUN
After breakfast, the boat will move to Dirsekbuku, the last sheltered bay in Hisaronu. 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 7: KADIRGA - MARMARIS
Dear diving enthusiasts, attention! On the fifth day of the trip, we will depart for Kadırga Bay for dinner and overnight stay. The shipwreck and lighthouse at the tip of the Kadırga Peninsula is one of the favorite destinations of underwater archaeologists and divers. Galley type ship is the name given to military warships used in the Mediterranean between the 7th and 17th centuries; The name of the region probably comes from the shipwreck located here. We strongly recommend snorkeling around the rocky area in the middle of the bay!
After lunch, Paradise Island, which is accepted as an archaeological and natural site, will be visited. Nimara Cave on the island was used by people from the Paleolithic Age to the Bronze Age. Reflecting its name, Paradise Island is one of the most fascinating regions of Marmaris with its turquoise waters and pine trees.
Dinner and overnight accommodation will be anchored in Marmaris.
Day 8: MARMARIS
The route ends after the breakfast, 09:30 am.
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.