Overview
A less-traveled route, the leisurely pleasures of the sunny Aegean Coast and Greek Isles, a beautiful Turkish motor-yacht—what more could you ask for? Share the hidden delights of this idyllic region and a deep knowledge of the treasures of the Greek, Byzantine, and Roman worlds. Step aboard to enjoy the delights of yacht life with swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking available almost every day. Hike to remote ruins, visit quaint seaside towns, and be spoiled by our gulet crew with gourmet meals served on the deck of our traditional yacht. Even if you’ve already taken our popular Turquoise Coast journey, you’ll enjoy this one as we explore all new places on the cruise. Add to this the epic monuments of Ephesus, and you’ve got the perfect getaway! Extensions to the fascinating city of Istanbul and the fairy-chimney tufa formations of Cappadocia are available.
Our time aboard the gulet was great. The food was terrific, and the chef and all of the crew were exceptional.
— Bill P., Santa Fe, NM
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Ephesus / Priene / Bodrum / Board Gulet
After arriving in Izmir, spend a wonderful day at majestic Ephesus, a remarkably well-preserved Roman city, declared the capital of Roman Asia by Emperor Augustus, and another day hiking to fabulous Greco-Roman sites in the peaceful Meander Valley. Continue to Bodrum and board your gulet, a beautiful 65-foot wooden yacht.
Days 4-5
Bodrum / Kos Island, Greece / Nisyros
In Bodrum, explore the towering Castle of St. Peter, an open-air museum with fantastic views from its ramparts, and the fascinating artifacts of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology within it. Heading to Greece, visit the Asclepion on Kos, an ancient healing center established for the island’s native son, Hippocrates (460-370 BC), known as the father of scientific medicine. After a morning swim at a seaside hot-spring, head to out-of-the-way Nisyros Island for a hike into its volcanic crater and a chance to sample soumada, the fermented almond-milk drink unique to this island.
Days 6-7
Tilos and Halki Islands
On Tilos Island, explore an ancient monastery overlooking the Aegean and walk in the picturesque abandoned village of Mikro Horio. Cruise to Halki, one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese, with its clear waters and picturesque village with pastel and white-washed two-story houses. Colorful small fishing boats bobble along the quay, and you may see the orthodox priest in his black garb clambering off his boat with the day’s catch. The hands of the harbor clock are stationary, stopped years ago because the noise of its chiming kept everyone awake!
Days 8-9
Symi / Bozburun, Turkey
With the yacht at anchor in a peaceful cove, enjoy a delightful swim at tranquil Nanou, then visit picture-perfect Symi, a town with a fascinating heritage in sponge diving that dates back to the time of the sultans. Cruise back to Turkey to arrive at Bozburun, with its many ruins scattered in the countryside. These last days along the Turkish coast are in an area full of delightful inlets and lagoons—a paradise for yacht cruising. Hikes here include one to a deserted monastery, and another to Kalamaka, a ruined Greek village with a windmill and sweeping views in every direction.
Days 10-12
Loryma Cruising / Mamaris / Istanbul
A short sail brings you to ancient Loryma, set on a natural bay and geographically recognized as the Rhodian Peraea and marked by an impressive Carian fortress dating from the 4th century BC. You can walk along the ramparts circumnavigating the peninsula, then enjoy a refreshing swim. Enjoy lunch in a family home at Taslica Village, then hike downhill to meet the gulet at Arap. After a last morning of cruising and exploring, bid farewell to your crew, head to Marmaris and fly to Istanbul. Depart on Day 12.
Greek Islands and the Turquoise Coast Private Journey
