Turquoise Coast Gulet Cruise: Fethiye, Oludeniz & Kekova

Today you board your traditional wooden gulet and begin your voyage along the beautiful Turquoise Coast. In the morning you embark at Fethiye, settling into your comfortable cabin and meeting your friendly crew, before casting off into the beautiful bay dotted with pine-clad islands. As the gulet sails out, you lounge on the broad sun-deck, watching the coastline of mountains and coves slip by, and drop anchor for your first swim, diving from the deck into cool, crystal turquoise water. You might explore the islands and quiet bays of Fethiye Bay, such as the beautiful Gemiler Island with its Byzantine ruins, swimming and snorkelling in the clear water. The freedom and beauty are blissful. As the day ends, your gulet anchors in a silent, star-filled bay. This evening, dine on fresh Turkish food on deck as the water laps against the hull. Rest well aboard, rocked gently by the sea.

Today your gulet sails along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Turquoise Coast. You sail past the famous Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz, gazing over its sheltered, impossibly turquoise water and golden spit of beach beneath towering mountains, with paragliders drifting down from the heights of Babadag above, one of the most photographed sights in Turkey. You anchor off Butterfly Valley, a steep, beautiful gorge tumbling to a secluded beach, home in season to clouds of butterflies, and swim ashore or explore by dinghy. Through the day you drop anchor in further hidden coves to swim and snorkel in crystal water. The beauty and colour are captivating. As the day ends, your gulet anchors in a peaceful bay. This evening, dine on deck beneath the stars as the crew prepares fresh Turkish dishes. Rest well aboard amid the beauty of the Turquoise Coast.

Today your gulet sails east along the beautiful Lycian coast to the charming town of Kas. Through the morning you cruise past pine-clad mountains and hidden coves, dropping anchor to swim and snorkel in crystal turquoise water and to explore sea caves and quiet islands. In the afternoon you call at Kas, a whitewashed harbour town of bougainvillea-draped lanes, ancient Lycian rock tombs, boutiques and waterfront cafes, where you step ashore to wander the pretty streets, browse for handicrafts, and enjoy a leisurely drink or dinner overlooking the harbour. The charm and beauty are delightful. As the day ends, your gulet anchors in a quiet bay near Kas. This evening, savour the relaxed coastal atmosphere and the star-filled sky, perhaps swimming in the warm, dark water beneath the deck lights. Rest well aboard amid the beauty of the Lycian coast.

Today your gulet reaches one of the most magical stretches of the Turquoise Coast, the sunken city of Kekova. You sail slowly along the shore of Kekova Island, gliding over the haunting sunken city where an ancient Lycian town slid beneath the sea in an earthquake nearly two thousand years ago, glimpsing through the crystal water the ghostly staircases, walls and foundations of the drowned town. You anchor near the pretty village of Kalekoy, crowned by a crusader castle above ancient Lycian tombs that stand half in the sea, and swim in the clear water, perhaps taking an optional sea-kayak over the sunken ruins. The history and beauty are haunting. As the day ends, your gulet anchors in a beautiful bay. This evening, dine on deck beneath the stars, savouring the magical setting. Rest well aboard amid the beauty and mystery of Kekova.

Today you savour a final full day of sailing, swimming and coves along the beautiful coast. Your gulet cruises east past the ancient Lycian sites and beautiful coastline towards Finike and the Antalya coast, dropping anchor through the day in hidden coves and bays to swim and snorkel in crystal turquoise water, laze on the sun-deck, and explore quiet beaches and inlets accessible only from the sea. You might step ashore to explore an ancient site such as Simena or Myra with its rock tombs, or simply relish the freedom of the sea. The beauty and peace are blissful. As the day ends, your gulet anchors for a final night in a silent, star-filled bay. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on deck with your crew, reflecting on the beautiful coast, coves and ruins you have sailed. Rest well aboard, savouring your last night at sea.

Today you disembark from your gulet and travel to the beautiful city of Antalya. After a final morning swim and breakfast on deck, you say farewell to your crew and step ashore, transferring along the coast to Antalya, the elegant capital of the Turkish Riviera. You settle into your hotel and explore the charming old town of Kaleici, wandering its cobbled lanes of Ottoman houses, past the Roman Hadrian's Gate to the pretty old harbour, browsing boutiques and pausing for tea with a sea view. You might visit Antalya's excellent archaeological museum, rich in finds from the ancient cities of the coast. The charm and history are delightful after your days at sea. As the day ends, you relax in Antalya. This evening, dine on fresh Mediterranean seafood, reflecting on your beautiful voyage. Rest well ashore amid the beauty of the Turkish Riviera.

After a final morning in beautiful Antalya, perhaps a last stroll through the old town of Kaleici or along the harbour, you are transferred to Antalya Airport for your onward departure, connecting via Istanbul as needed. You leave having sailed one of the most beautiful coastlines on earth aboard a traditional gulet, the crystal coves and hidden bays, the famous Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz and Butterfly Valley, the charming harbour of Kas, the haunting sunken city of Kekova, and the starlit nights at anchor, all cared for by your friendly crew and warmed by Turkish hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, diving from the deck into turquoise water, the sunken staircases of Kekova, and the gulet at anchor beneath the stars. The Turquoise Coast offers beauty, relaxation and romance in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to sail these turquoise waters again.