An archaeological cruise that interweaves the magic of the Turkish coast with two awe inspiring Greek islands. We head east to Göçek from our start point, Bodrum, ancient Halicarnassus, site of the Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
We visit some of the greatest archaeological gems on Turkey’s southwest coast: Caunos with its exquisite rock-cut temple tombs, and beautifully preserved Knidos, a monumental marbled city arranged around a double harbour. We will also visit one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world, Rhodes, (a powerhouse in antiquity too) and the neighbouring Greek island of Simi, decked out in the finest neo-classical style. This archaeology tour weaves the same magic combination of magnificent sites, quiet coves, wondrous walks, fantastic food, breathtaking vistas and glorious swims as our original, Sailing the Lycian Shore.
Cruising aboard the gulet Almira our ever changing horizon is a wild, remote and mountainous landscape cut into long peninsulas, deep inlets, secluded coves and pine-fringed fjords. Exploring this unspoilt coast, we rediscover the ancient realm of Mausolus, ruler of Caria, 2400 years ago. With such rich and strategically vital cities, the area was a crossroads of civilisations. Alexander the Great liberated it from Persia, Rhodes sought to carve it into an empire, and the legacy of Crusader castles still speaks of the epic battle between Christianity and Islam. The periods of this tour are June 4 - 17 and September 17 - 30.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Our gulet is about 30 minutes from Dalaman airport at Göcek, a pretty harbour beneath mountains on the Bay of Fethiye. Welcome dinner on board.
Day 2: We sail to the beautiful inlet of Aglimani and walk up an ancient track to the city of Lydae, set in a forgotten valley filled with the tinkle of goat bells.
Day 3: West we take a boat through a lagoon into the reed lined Dalyan River to see the city of Kaunos. Its monumental public buildings surrounding a silted up harbour speak of its once great wealth and fame.
Day 4: On to the fortress of Amos, ringed by mighty walls, and with spectacular views out to sea.
Day 5: South to the Greek island of Rhodes. Through the giant moat beneath the medieval city walls to the Palace of the Grandmaster. Time to visit the splendid archaeological museum, and wander through this living breathing world heritage site.
Day 6: Morning visit to the temple and stadium of classical Rhodes. We cruise on to the Greek island of Simi, to savour the magnificent architecture and local cuisine.
Day 7: Back in Turkish waters, we cruise through the beautiful gulf of Hisarönü to the lonely Byzantine church on Kameriye Island.
Day 8: South to ancient Kasara. A gentle walk across the peninsula, then inland to explore the remote citadel city, Phoenix.
Day 9: To Loryma, a magnificent Rhodian fortress guarding a strategic bay.
Day 10: Cruise west to spectacular Knidos. We climb up to the temple of Aphrodite that once housed the fabled first female nude in history.
Day 11: North east to the head of the Ceramic gulf, to wander through the island ruins of ancient Cedreae.
Day 12: Inland to two evocative sites, Lagina, shrine to the underworld goddess Hekate, and Stratonikeia, with its stunning gymnasium.
Day 13: A last chance to swim as we set sail west, to explore Halicarnassus, Mausolus’s great capital city. A final opportunity to shop, and a fitting end to this inspirational archaeology tour.
Day 14: Transfer from our gulet to Bodrum airport, about 30 minutes away.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices quoted are for June trip.
Price includes:
- Full board accommodation on the gulet Almira;
- All road transfers;
- All crew services on gulet;
- Entrance fees & tips on land;
- 12 day excursions with Peter.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Archeology/History
Boating and Sailing
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