The Turquoise Coast, cruising the shores of ancient Caria

Itinerary

Day 1

Morning check-in at London Heathrow for Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul connecting with continuing flight to Bodrum Airport. Transfer to Bodrum (30 minutes) to embark the yacht. Dinner and overnight ON BOARD

Day 2

Visit the remains of Halicarnassos, including the theatre. Afternoon cruise to the beautiful Orak Island and visit one of the pre-classical Lelegian fortress towns.

Day 3

Cruise south across the Ceramic Gulf past the Greek island of Kos to the Classical site of Knidos and moor in the ancient harbour in the lea of the Hellenistic theatre. Afternoon visit through the site, visiting the temple of Apollo Karnaios, where the relics of the Dorian Hexapolis where kept, the tholos temple of Aphrodite Euploia which once housed the famous statue by Praxitales, the Doric portico which dominated the Knidian skyline, a number of early Byzantine churches, and the harbour theatre. Overnight ON BOARD moored in the ancient harbour of Knidos.

Day 4

For those that would like a stiff hike, a morning walk to the Knidian acropolis, with spectacular views; otherwise, relax and swim. Afternoon cruise to Palamut Buku, probably the site of ancient Triopium.

Day 5

After breakfast, cruise through the Greek islands of Nemos and Symi, stopping for lunch and swimming at Dirsek Buku. Afternoon sail to the beautiful wooded inlet of Selimiyeh. In this typically village settlement we shall see how local agriculture provides for all the needs of the inhabitants. Overnight ON BOARD.

Day 6

Cruise round the peninsula stopping for lunch and swimming. In the afternoon, cruise into the tiny harbour of Bozburun, a small Turkish fishing village

Day 7

Cruise to across the quiet bay and walk across the Loryma Peninsula (two hours maximum) through the ancient ruins of Kasara. This is an easy walk on the flat through spectacular scenery and ancient remains. Re-embark for lunch and a swim at Serçe Liman before rounding the headland into the ancient harbour of Loryma. Afternoon walk to visit the magnificent Rhodian shore fort guarding the Loryma harbour. The fort preserves some of the finest Hellenistic masonry in the Mediterranean. Overnight ON BOARD in the ancient harbour of Loryma.

Day 8

Cruise along the mountainous shores of eastern Caria to the tiny cove of Ciftlik with its Byzantine church and settlement. Afternoon cruise across the Bay of Marmaris to the cove of Ekincik.

Day 9

From Ekincik here we shall take a river boat into the reed-fringed marshes of the Dalyan river and visit the Roman city of Caunos. Walking from the landing stage, see the well-preserved theatre, Hellenistic in origin and rebuilt in Roman times, the ancient harbour installations with statue bases and quayside Stoa, Byzantine churches and a vast Roman bath complex. Afterwards continue up-river to view the spectacular 4th century rock-cut temple tombs of the Carian kings hewn out of the dramatic cliff-face, before returning to Ekincik for the night. Overnight ON BOARD.

Day 10

After breakfast cruise eastwards to the cove of Agaliman and visit the romantic ruins of Lydae. Walking up a Hellenistic packway where lies the Agora of ancient Lydae, with a number of fine late Roman mausolea overlooking the bay of Fethiye. For those that wish to, a walk of a further hour brings us to the haunting remains of Arymaxa, The views over the coast of ancient Lycia are truly outstanding. The boat will have been relocated to the beautiful inlet of Camlikoy for lunch. Overnight ON BOARD

Day 11

After breakfast, cruise to the Island of Gemiler, the once thriving Byzantine town of St Nicholas. Lots of time for swimming and lunch before going ashore on the island. This monastic community thrived between the fourth and the seventh century AD, and a visit here will conjure up the majesty of high Byzantium at the time of the Emperor Justinian. An outstanding feature is the vaulted processional way. Overnight at Gemiler.

Day 12

A quiet sail across the bay to Fethiye before an afternoon visit to the splendid rock-cut tombs of Telmessos. Overnight in Fethiye Marina. There is an interesting market in the town.

Day 13

Travel to Cadyanda, a classical city dramatically situated in the mountains overlooking the Bay of Fethiye. with stadium and theatre. Overnight Fethiye Marina.

Day 14

Cruise across the delightful Bay of Fethiye, with many quiet inlets and islands. Plenty of time to swim. Lycia is known for its fifth and fourth century rock-cut tombs and at Bedri Rahmi we can visit house tombs and temple tombs commanding a remarkable view of the bay. In the evening enter the harbour at Göcek for our last night dinner. Overnight ON BOARD.

Day 15

Drive to Dalaman for flight to Istanbul and London

NOTE: Itinerary may be changed at short notice due to weather or other conditions out of our control, but every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary published.

Tour Details

DATE:

8-22 September 2012

PRICE:

£2,780 From London

INCLUDES:

Airfare from London, twin or double bedded rooms/cabin, with bathroom, all excursions with local guides including entrance fees, UK departure tax, transfers, full board, expert leader.

Single supplement £650. (Can be joined without flight).

NOT INCLUDED:

Regional connecting flights if not departing from London, Airline taxes other than UK Departure tax (UK passenger service charge, security tax, foreign departure tax, fuel surcharges), insurance, drinks, tips to crew, drivers & local guides.

*May be joined without flights. Ask us for the land-only price.

ACCOMMODATION:

We shall be using a superior class gulet for the cruise portion of your tour, a comfortable and relatively spacious traditionally-designed motor-cruiser with en-suite shower rooms for each cabin. The cabins have proper full length beds and storage for your clothes and possessions.

FITNESS LEVEL:

Moderate - We have graded the fitness level required for participation in this tour as Easy to Moderate. On board the boat the pace will be leisurely and you can choose to stay on board and relax instead of sightsee if you wish. There are no hikes in this tour however many of the sites are large, with steps, an incline or frequent uneven ground. We may be out on site visits for several hours at a time perhaps without the possibility of returning to the boat. Participants need to be able to keep up with the group. Access to the gulets is via a gangplank and this can be steep and wobbly. Disembarking from the gulets whilst in a bay requires a climb down the narrow side steps of the boat into a dinghy which will be moving with the swell of the sea. Steady balance is important. For these reasons we feel that this tour is unsuitable for the frail or for anyone who routinely uses a walking aid. Unfortunately the gulets are not wheelchair accessible. If unsure whether this tour is for you, please check with us.

Trip Lecturer

Until recently, Mark Hassall taught ‘Roman Provinces’ at the Institute of Archaeology, University of London. He has excavated at many sites, including Knidos in south western Turkey where he was assistant director. He has led many Alumni cruises to Turkey

Mark has participated in numerous excavations at sites in Britain and abroad, including the Hellenistic city of Knidos in south west Turkey and the Roman period Capital of the Garamantes tribe at Germa in the Fezzan Desert of Libya. He has a particular interest on the Roman army and the frontiers and has contributed the chapter on the this topic to the Cambridge Ancient History.

Fast facts

• Sovereignty: Turkey is a Republic
• Language: Turkish. English is widely understood
• Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL)
• TimezoneTurkey is 2 hours ahead of the UK all year round
• Immunisations: NHS Fit for Travel advises that all travellers to Turkey Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including vaccines given to special groups because of risk exposure or complications (e.g. hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly). Additional Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; diphtheria; tetanus. Vaccines sometimes advised: typhoid; hepatitis B; rabies. Although Malaria is present in some parts of Turkey, the areas we are visiting on this tour are considered low to no risk and antimalarials are not usually advised.*Note this advice is intended to be a guide only, as we are not qualified to give out medical advice. Travellers should always consult their own GP before they travel to get up-to-date information which is relevant to their own circumstances.
• Visas: A visa is required by most nationalities. US, UK and other EU passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for a fee which varies by country (i.e. £10 for UK, US$20 for USA, free of charge for French and German passport holders) Check with your local Turkish consulate before you travel.
• Flying time: 3 hours to Istanbul from London
• Will my phone work: Turkey uses the 900 and 1800 MHz bandwidth so almost all UK phones will work there as long as your provider has authorised its use abroad. Reception is widespread.

Extensions in Turkey

We recommend a four night stay in magical Cappadocia after your main tour. Cappadocia is the heart of Anatolia and preserves some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in Turkey. There are over 300 churches preserved here carved from the pink and white volcanic ash. Please ask us for a quote.