Fethiye – Antalya
Do you want to travel Ancient Lycia from one end to the other? We’ve created a boat cruise route which thousands of people round the world would die to do. It’s a full package where you can explore the natural beauties and historical richness of the southern coast of Turkey all the way from the Aegean to the Mediterranean.
Day 1 – Fethiye
Start your Turkey gulet trip in the laid-back city of Fethiye, site of ancient Telmessos. Explore this 2000-year-old site by visiting the huge Tomb of Amyntas or touring the excellent Fethiye museum. Or, if relaxing is your thing, why not try a Hamam at the famous Old Turkish Bath.
Day 2 – Butterfly Valley – Ölüdeniz – Gemiler Island
Butterfly Valley is simply breath-taking. Sapphire waters are sheltered by steep valleys as if they are trying to protect this beauty from the outside world. Drop anchor and plunge into the pristine seas. Your boat then sets sail to Ölüdeniz where you can swim or kayak around the peaceful lagoon. Your boat then sets sail to Gemiler Island, a beautiful spot famed for churches built between the fourth and sixth centuries. It’s also known as St Nicholas Island because of the belief that it was the location of the original tomb of St Nicholas (that’s Father Christmas to you and me!)
Day 3 – Kaputaş Beach – Yeşilköy
Kaputaş Beach is the place you’ll see on most Visit Turkey adverts: sapphire sea, white sand and dramatic cliffs, it’s reminiscent of the pristine beach of the Maldives. After a dip in the crystal clear waters, your next stop is the beautiful and peaceful Yeşilköy.
Day 4 – Kekova
Kekova is the base for exploring Üçağız Cove, home to one of the most intriguing of ancient sites in Turkey. Due to an earthquake the ancient city of Apollonia (Dolchiste) is now 2 metres under water. Explore Turkey’s famous sunken city as well as some stunning, partially submerged Lycian tombs. And as if that wasn’t enough, Üçağız Cove is a prime turtle spotting territory.
Day 5 – Olympos
Visit the site of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos and the nearby Mount Olympos, now called Tahtalı. This was one of the many ‘thrones of the gods’ and featured in Homer’s Odyssey. It’s home to the Chimaera, a remarkable and almost unbelievable site where flames continuously burn on the ground. The area is now largely a national park and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s also home to a long sandy beach, which is beautifully pristine.
Day 6 – Antalya
The main city of the Turkish Riviera, this stop is a great opportunity to explore the cultural richness of modern-day Turkey and the historical sites of the region. Antalya is home to some of the best modern restaurants in the country. Swot up on the history of the region in the wonderful Antalya Museum or get soaked, scrubbed and massaged at one of the many great Hamams (Turkish Bath).
Day 7 – Kemer
Kemer is one of the greenest holiday resorts in the south of Turkey. Surrounded by pine forests and set at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, it’s one of the most popular spots for nature walk lovers. Stretch your legs and stock up on fresh mountain air.
Day 8 – Porto Ceneviz – Phaselis (Tekirova)
Enjoy the peace and seclusion of Porto Ceneviz (or Genoese). Soak up the sun on deck and plunge into the clear water. Later in the day your captain will take you along the coast, where you can opt to visit the stunning ruins of Phaselis or enjoy the stunning beach and sea at Tekirova.
Day 9 – Adrasan – Finike
After a swim in Adrasan bay your gulet will head for Finike, home of orange groves where streets are lined with orange trees.
Day 10 – Gökkaya Cove – Demre (Myra)
You’ll spend the morning in the quiet and stunning Gökkaya Cove. After which, your boat will set sail to Demre, the ancient city of Myra. Home of St Nicholas (yes, Santa Claus is Turkish), Myra was one of the most important cities of ancient Lycia. Explore the Byzantine St Nicholas of Myra church or the rock tombs further in land.
Day 11 – Kaş
One of the pearls of the Mediterranean, Kaş is a charming town that’s both tranquil and very stylish. Reminiscent of a French village, enjoy the winding lanes, the Bougainvillea covered buildings and a host of excellent cafes and restaurants.
Day 12 – Kalkan
Today you’ll hit the hot spot of Kalkan. According to the ‘Sunday Times’, this beautiful town attracts the kind of visitor who would also enjoy Tuscany or the Dördöğne while the ‘Guardian’ likens the town to “the Italian Riviera minus the poseurs.” Doesn’t sound too bad!
Day 13 – Turunçpınarı – Samanlık Cove
A day of sun, sea and seclusion. Enjoy the natural setting and sounds of birdsong as you swim and relax on deck in the beautiful coves of Turunçpınarı and Samanlık.
Day 14 – Kızılada
Spend the day swimming in the turquoise coves of Kızılada (Red Island), so called because of the colour of the beach at sunset. A final day of complete relaxation and a chance to reflect on the amazing journey you’ve just taken.
Day 15 – Fethiye
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, you’ll disembark at 10am with an air relaxation and head full of memories from the boat cruise of a lifetime.
Please note: In the case of bad weather or sea conditions, for the safety and comfort of guests, Gulet Escapes reserves the right to change routes entirely or partially.
