21 Day Turkish Cruise
This itinary is completely fleible and can accommodate the wishes of the guests. This particular route visits spectacular rugged locations and is suitable for those guests hoping to see and explore the authentic, spectacular and historic Turkey.
Day 1
Marmaris to Ciftlic
Activity: Training, Embark,
Champagne reception on the yacht to welcome guests, followed immediately by a safety briefing (operation of the yacht will be explained should the guests wish to do so).
Set sail from Albatros Marina, Marmaris. Exit Marmaris lagoon into the Med sea. Steer a course starboard (west), to the picturesque village of Ciflic.
Ciflic is the first 'paradise' location on the trip. Ciflic has its own, exceptionally beautiful lagoon. The water is crystal clear, turquoise and blue - and warm! Perfect for swimming, snorkeling etc.
'On Y Va' is equipped with an inflatable dinghy and has an easy to use outboard motor - ideal for exploring this delightful anchorage.
We will moor 'On Y Va' along side a wooden pier and dine in one of the local Turkish restaurants typical in this region.
Day 2
Ciftlic to Serce
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
We cast off from Ciftlic to continue our passage west to the intriguing inlet of Serce.
Here you will get the opportunity to learn about sailing and plotting routes. This place is very easy to miss and careful observation along with the use of the chart plotter is necessary.
There is a sense of awe, majesty and prehistory about Serce. Redolent of a time before civilisation existed.
A wonderful place to explore at lunchtime, or we can anchor in this amazing bay for the night.
Day 2 /3
Serce to Bozukkale
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
Off sailing with the morning sunrise to the lagoon of Bozukkale.
To the much traveled writer this is perhaps one of the most incredible places one can ever visit, anywhere in the World. Bozukkale was the home of the ancient 'Lorimer ' civilisation. The Lorimer people populated this area around 4,500 years ago and it is very easy to understand why. The entrance to the lagoon is very difficult to identify (and very easy to defend). It looks like you are sailing into the cliff face. A narrow passage is encountered, which opens onto a most stunningly beautiful lagoon.
"I checked our depth sounder and the water was more than 10 metres deep - and yet we could see the seaweed at the bottom of the sea".
One is immediately struck by the sheer pristine environment in this anchorage. We will moor to a pier close to a restaurant and jolly the evening away.
This location is only accessible from the sea. There are no roads to Bazookale.
There is a 1,000 years old Turkish fortress to explore and it is possible to climb 1000 feet to the very ancient Lorimer fortress with its commanding views to the sea approaches.
Day 4
Bozukkale to Orhanye
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
We navigate our way, past the Greek Island of Simi to the gorgeous fishing village of Orhanye.
We can drop the anchor and moor outside the picturesque (but small) harbour and use our tender to motor into the village. If we are fortunate there will be space for us to moor 'On Y Va' to the quayside inside the lovely harbour.
There are delightful restaurants. One is struck by a feeling of time slowing down here in this very relaxing place. This is like going back in time 100 years to a simpler way of living.
Orhanye is the home of boat building in the area. Boats (some of them large) are built by local artisans, the old way, by hand.
Day 5
Orhanye to Sogut
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
For those who enjoy fine dining, the 'Octopus' restaurant in the small fishing village of Sogut is an absolute treat! Their seafood is renown to sailors in this area.
There are also very picturesque walks around the bay, along with most beautiful places to swim/snorkel!.
Day 6
Sogut to Bozburan
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
We sail to yet another wonderful, typically Turkish fishing village called Bozburan.
Here we have to negotiate our route very carefully to avoid a major sandbank. This is the home of many wading birds and other wildlife.
We moor for the night at a pier close to another brilliant and welcoming restaurant.
This area is remarkably tidal for a Mediterranean resort . At low tide there is just enough water to keep 'On Y Va' afloat at the mooring. It is a surreal experience to wake up at low tide to see the sandbank has mysteriously appeared around the boat.
We are able to moor here due to our shallow draft.
Day 7
Bozburan to Selimiye
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
Sail to the fishing village of Selimiye.
This is a popular holiday venue for Turkish residents. There are many shops and restaurants to choose from as well as swimming and playing in the large bay.
Day 8 & 9
Selimiye to Datcha Peninsula
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
We cast off with the morning sunrise and sail West to encounter the legendary Datcha Peninsula.
The geography in this area is breathtaking! Often there is a brisk Northerly wind that makes 'On Y Va' fly under sail. With the following Northerly breeze and both engines turned off, 'On Y Va' will safely cruise at up to 9 knots.
All that can be heard is the sound of the 'wake' as 'On Y Va' slices through the water.
We moor for the night at the harbour in the middle of Datcha Town to explore and to find 'just the right' restaurant.
Alternatively a stopover at Bozokkale on the return journey to Marmaris can be incorporated.
Day 10
Datcha Peninsula to Marmaris
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
We head back to Marmaris and, after a last days sailing we return to the Albatros Marina, Marmaris.
Day 11
Marmaris to Ekincik
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
Set sail from Albatros Marina, Marmaris. Exit Marmaris lagoon into the Med Sea. Steer a course to port (East) to the wonderful small fishing village of Yikincik.
We will drop anchor in the bay and enjoy the limpid turquoise blue, crystal clear sea and can use 'On Y Va's inflatable dinghy to explore this pristine bay, where sea turtles are a frequent sight.
We will use the dinghy to get to the beach, when we will visit the village itself for dinner at one of the splendid authentically Turkish restaurants.
We will spend our first night 'at anchor' in the bay.
From Yikincik it is possible to hire a small boat to take you to Kaunos (a very ancient, very famous Turkish village). This trip also includes a visit to 'Turtle Beach' Yachts are not allowed into this area.
However, 'On Y Va' will await your return. In the event this option is taken then that would take most of the second day.
Day 12/13
Ekincik to Goben
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
We set sail with the rising sun to travel to what is known Internationally as the '12 Islands' This is a perfect sailing area. There are indeed 12 Islands whose pristine beauty are legendary, with many locations only accessible from the sea.
We will moor at an absolutely amazing paradise location called Goben (or Capi Creek). We will try to arrive there before the evening so that a walk from the anchorage, up a hill can be undertaken. The view from the top of this hill puts life into perspective.
The great ocean is presented before you in all it's majesty! There is a very small Mosque at the top of the hill and the very friendly Imam permits visitors to sit on his bench overlooking the ocean. It is even possible to carry a rucksack containing cans of chilled beer, which can be enjoyed along with this most spectacular experience!
Day 14/15
Goben to Tomb Bay
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
After an early morning swim in the amazing, warm, clear water we will sail to 'Tomb Bay' Another must!
It is possible to moor here and to enjoy the incredible scenery. This was the site of an ancient Lycean village 2500 years ago.
If you are in the mood for a scramble you can go to the astonishing Lycean tombs that are located there. You can actually go inside the tomb of the Kings and Queens! Some people are just happy to relax by the sea and perhaps to swim and enjoy the paradise setting!
Day 16/17
Tomb Bay to Gocek
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
From Tomb bay we will sail into the bay at Gocek.
We will drop anchor in the bay and motor into the town. This really is millionaire's row. Internationally famous cuisine, fashion, bars etc.
Behind Gocek is a thousand ft sheer limestone cliff. It looks awesome and impenetrable. I looked at this cliff for several years. It came to my notice that there were rumours about a hidden path? So one day I took a rucksack with a packed lunch and plenty of water and set off to where an old guy suggested the hidden path might begin.
I found what I thought might be the path behind an ancient, gnarled olive tree. This path is not for the faint hearted. The ascent is a steep scramble (but not a rock climb) and you are invading a space where there are no humans. Goats rule! As you ascend the view becomes unbelievable!
Gocek, the 12 islands and the ocean are laid out before you. At the top there is a plateau. This place is like the lost World. There are wild tortoises here and a most delightful walk amongst the greenery of the plateau. The excursion up the cliff will take a day.
It is also possible to visit Gocek Island. There is an exclusive beach and a restaurant here.
There is also a busy and interesting market two times a week at Gocek.
Day 17/18
Gocek to Cleopatra's Bay
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
Cleopatra's bay and Wall Bay are wonderful locations contained within the 12 islands area. There are many places to sail to and swim and enjoy water sports etc.
Day 19
Gocek to Fethiye
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
To enjoy 10 days on 'On Y Va' a visit to the small town of Fethiye is a must.
It is possible to sail from Gocek to Fethiye and to moor in the natural harbour and to use the tender to motor to shore.
There is also a mooring place with a beauty spa, particularly popular with the ladies. There is a huge market at Fethiye and a large fresh fish market, where you buy a freshly caught fish and a chef will cook it for you for dinner, or for lunch?
Day 20
Fethiye to Olu Deniz
Activity: Sailing, Moored, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, Dinner
The Internationally famous beach at 'Olu Deniz' , also known as 'The Blue Lagoon' is a relatively short sail away.
This location was very popular with the 'Hippie' generation in the 1950's and 1960's. It is very easy to understand why they thought this place was just paradise on Earth?
Day 21
Olu Deniz to Marmaris or Gocek
Activity: Sailing, Disembark
Return to Marmaris (a days sail) or why not enjoy a last wonderful day in Gocek and take a short taxi ride back to Dalaman airport?
What's Included?
We offer the best value for money on the Mediterranean.
Learn to Sail
Guests will be invited to participate in the formulation of a 'passage plan'. This plan is based on sea conditions, the weather forecast and destination objectives. It is a written plan and specifies what needs to be taken into account in order to arrive safely at our destination. Progress along our planned route is checked regularly and carefully by manual observations, using the charts and a compass. These observations are then confirmed by observing the vessels chart and plotter/GPS system.
Guests, should they wish to, can participate in the actual sailing procedures. Each team member is given a specific task, for instance, the management of the Genoa (Front sail), management of the main sail, or overseeing navigational checks. Guests can also have a go on controlling of the helm or managing of tacking precedures. Managing of tea and coffee making is an essential position too! The positions can be rotated based on instructions from the skipper - so the tea maker becomes the helmsman etc. Everyone gets to have a go at all tasks, should they wish.
In 7 days it is not possible to become an experienced, qualified sailor. However, I would expect that guests with this kind of enthusiam, would learn to understand the basics regarding navigation and the opeeration of a yacht, and might want to come back for more.
Please note: While we do our best to adhere to our published itineraries, they may be changed at the discretion of the captain due to weather advisories, port traffic, and any other unforeseeable circumstances.
Contact us for more information.
Cancellation / Prepayment
A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to reserve this cruise, with the remaining 90% required upon arrival at Albatros Marina. In the event of a cancellation due to weather or other natural causes, we will refund all monies paid.
