Yacht Charter Itinerary Bodrum to Rhodes to Gocek, Turkey

Written by Missy Johnston

Bodrum Castle
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Arrive in Bodrum to board your Gulet for a relaxing aft deck drink. After a briefing from the captain concerning the yacht and how your cruise will proceed, settle in and enjoy dinner. Stay the night in Bodrum Harbor, exploring the myriad alleyways of the Bodrum Bazaar just behind the castle near the marina. The town’s charm is well-known, attracting a diverse population of vacationers who stroll along its long palm-lined waterfront. Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries. This community has encouraged an informal daytime life style and a night-time of excitement. Overnight on board in Bodrum.

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

In the am be sure to visit the impressive medieval castle next to the harbor built by the Knights of Rhodes built to guard the entrance to Bodrum’s dazzling blue bay, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet.

The Bodrum Castle, or the medieval castle of St. Peter, is a fine example of 15th century crusader architecture, and has been converted into an outstanding Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with shipwreck salvaged remains dating as far back as the Bronze Age from the ancient trading route along the southern Turkish coast. The stunning panoramic view from the castle parapets of the harbor is much photographed by visitors to the Museum.

In the afternoon head towards the ancient harbors of Knidos to overnight ringed by the ancient ruins of this important ancient trading city.

Knidos Ruins
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Depart after breakfast for a cruise across the Gokova Gulf to the ancient port of Knidos, a center of art and culture in the 4th-ashore to visit the site of Knidos itself, an ancient port and center of art and culture in the 4th century AD which includes city walls, two theatres, terraced streets, and the remains of several temples including the temple of Aphrodite. Leave in the early afternoon for a cruise to the Greek Island of Symi to overnight.

Symi Main Harbor
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Symi Town has a special charm in a striking island setting. From the heights above Simi Town see the straits in which the Spartan fleet in 411 BC trapped the Athenian fleet, beginning two decades of Spartan supremacy from Caunos to the Hellespont. See as well remains of the monument (tropaion) erected to celebrate the victory (just beyond the last windmill). Explore Symi and settled into the harbor to overnight.

Rhodes Castle
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Cruise in the am for Rhodes. Some believe the Colossus stood on the east wall of the smallest of Rhode’s three harbors. It’s certain this is the port from which Hospitaller Knights sallied forth in fast galleys to ravage infidel shipping and coastal towns, until 1522 when the infidels threw them out. The Hospitaller castle remains, however, and is a major attraction as is the old town surrounding it. In the afternoon, cruise around to the lovely harbor of Lindos on the island of Rhodes to overnight and visit the ancient ruins overlooking the harbor.

Marmaris

Cruise to Marmaris in the am coming in stern to along the quayside in front of the old castle. This is a town where the bazaar curls down to the waterfront through various little alleyways. This is a great location to explore the shops of the bazaar if Turkish rugs or other items are of interest and engage in the age old exercise of bargaining.

Lycian Tombs
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Early am departure with breakfast underway for Ekincik for the Dalyan River Trip, which is an extra charge. On arrival mid morning, a flat bottomed river boat will pick you up from your yacht for the Dalyan River Trip with Abidim Kurt as your guide for the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos and a view of the Lycian Tombs.

This tour takes you inland along the reed-lined channels of the Dalyan River delta, where you need to keep an eye out for turtles, herons and kingfishers. At Caunos visit the remains of a theater, a Byzantine church, a Roman bathhouse and an agora. For the adventurous, there is an acropolis on the hill above the site, which rewards the climber with a magnificent view of the entire area. Head up-river to the town of Dalyan, and pass beneath the Lycian Tombs. Stop in the town of Dalyan where your guide Abidim will arrange a lunch at a riverside Taverna of fresh Dalyan River seafood and other fresh Turkish food for non seafood eaters. Take a brief stroll through the town before returning by river boat to the yacht in Ekincik. Head towards Gocek Bay, perhaps to anchor and swim over the ruins of Cleopatra’s Baths or visit Tersane Island. Overnight on anchor, dinner aboard.

Gocek Bay Tersane Island
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Disembark in Gocek in the am for transfer to Dalaman airport for flight to Istanbul.