1-8 Oct 2012 (Mon-Mon) a relaxed week with beautiful walks along the Turkish coast while staying for 7 nights full board on a traditional wooden yacht, ‘East Meets West’ The sea will be beautifully warm for swimming off the boat.
Fuller detail
A unique walking holiday exploring the Turkish coast and staying in ensuite twin or single cabins on a traditional, crewed sailing yacht. Journeying from Marmaris, along the Fethiye Gulf and around the famous Gocek Islands, we’ll walk on 4 or 5 days to the next rendezvous point along forested tracks with views to the mountains, the forest or out over the islands along this lovely coast. These walks are on remote tracks following this unspoilt and undeveloped coast, most of which can only be accessed from the sea, making for a unique walking experience.
The walks vary to suit the terrain, averaging low intermediate with one or two steeper ascents, but taken at a comfortable pace for the group. Once we drop anchor there’s plenty of ways to relax whether you spend your time snorkeling, swimming, using the onboard canoe or catching up on your reading, you are sure to have a great holiday. A wonderful combination of walking, relaxation, sightseeing, alfresco eating, drinking and of course cruising along this stunning coastline.
Enjoy excellent Turkish cuisine cooked every day by the onboard chef using the best local ingredients. Full Board is included with a packed lunch for walks. Vegetarians can easily be catered for. We have chartered a luxury 27m gulet where you will find onboard that every cabin has a newly fitted-out private en-suite bathroom with home style toilet and shower cubicle.
Rough itinerary
Day 1
Welcome on board in the lively town of Marmaris, a natural harbour surrounded by wooded mountains. Adil – the captain of the boat and co-owner with Anne – will meet us with their crew of 2 (cook and deckhand) at the boat and there will be time to settle into our cabins before dinner. We will also have time for an optional trip to the Hamam for a Turkish Bath before dinner. Cost £25.
Day 2
After breakfast in port enjoy your first cruise towards Serce where our walk takes us across a varied terrain to the bay of
Bozukkale (broken castle) where the Knights of St John took shelter. (3 hours)
Day 3
After breakfast we cruise towards Tavshan where our walk starts from a beach, past a shepherd’s hut and on to Dirsekbuku – where you can still see the submerged ruins of a Roman harbour. (2 – 2.5 hours)
Day 4
Today our walk starts from a very pretty, small cove still used by fishermen. Across mixed meadowland with a wide variety of Spring flowers bypassing Bozburun as we head over the tops of the hills finishing in Selimiye. (2 – 3 hours). Overnight in the pretty fishing port of Selimiye.
Day 5
We spend our time relaxing onboard in small bays as we make our way towards Datca.
Day 6
We travel by coach to the start of our first walk in Yazikoy on the Northern side of the Datca Peninsula. A very varied walk through a small village, passing old Greek settlements with wonderful sea views before finishing in the ancient city of Knidos. (4-5 hours) Plenty of time to explore this ancient city and all its ruined architecture. On our return journey we stop at Yazikoy and eat handmade Gozleme and Ayran prepared for us by a local family.
Day 7
An afternoon walk around Paradise Island where this is evidence of Goddess worshipping some 10000 years B.C. (2 – 2.5 hours) before returning to Marmaris port for the evening.
Day 8
After breakfast, bid your farewells to the captain and crew and check-out of our cabins. Tips for the crew are discretionary. The cruise ends at Marmaris port. We will vacate our cabins after breakfast but our luggage can remain onboard until our transfer to Dalaman airport.
Additional Notes:
1. Itinerary subject to change at Captain’s discretion, for example due to weather.
2. Occasionally, a walk may not go ahead if weather conditions don’t allow.
Price includes: 7 nights full board in ensuite twin cabins (Ensuite single supplement £10 a night); shared evening transfer from Dalaman airport; Datca – Knidos trip, crewed yacht & all transport to walks.
Not included: Flight to Dalaman, Turkish tourist visa (£10.00 in Sterling cash), drinks from the bar including all soft drinks except water for walking. It is customary to tip the crew at the end of the trip, recommended £30 per passenger. A trip to the Hamam (Turkish Baths) costs £25. These optional trips can be paid for in Sterling or Turkish Lira, as can your bar bill.
Allow for lunch and dinner on the last day as breakfast will be the last meal we have on the boat.
