Highlights of Marmaris and Fethiye

Our voyage begins in the colourful coastal town of Marmaris, where our ship and friendly crew await. We’ll meet and embark early afternoon, when you can settle into your cabin before exploring the glittering marina and roaming narrow cobbled streets, browsing bazaar-style stalls, boutique shops, and traditional cafés and restaurants. You may choose to visit the hilltop castle to discover its fascinating history and admire the sublime views over the marina and Mediterranean coast. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow guests on board, before spending the night in port.

After breakfast we sail for the picturesque Ekincik Gulf, an area of stunning natural beauty. Lay back and soak up the rays on deck, as we pass pretty bays and coves backed by pine-covered hills and lapped by sparkling turquoise waters. You can spend the day with our ship, snorkelling and sunbathing, or hop on a smaller vessel for an optional excursion up the River Dalyan. Here, you’ll potter along the lush river delta, visiting the impressive fourth century rock-cut tombs at Kaunos, before stopping at Caretta Beach, home to nesting loggerhead turtles. Dine on board, before spending the night moored in the gulf.

We have an early start today to cross Cape Disibilmez and Cape Kurtoglu, which can be prone to choppy waters. But any waves will soon be forgotten as we sail into Cleopatra Bay for breakfast and a swim amongst the ancient Roman baths, submerged beneath the waters. It’s believed that Marc Anthony honeymooned here with his wife, Cleopatra – and the stunning spot certainly reflects her rumoured beauty. We’ll cruise to Tersane Island, or Telandria as the Ancient Greeks knew it, for a refreshing afternoon dip, before continuing to Kizil Island where we’ll anchor offshore to dine and sleep.

This morning we arrive in the seaside city of Fethiye, built around the ruins of ancient Telmessos. After alighting at the beautiful harbour, you’re free to stroll around the Old Town, Paspatur, to marvel at the tumbledown ruins of the Lycian city and its Hellenistic theatre. If you’d like to join our optional excursion, we’ll be visiting some of the region’s renowned cultural and natural sights on a jeep safari, including dramatic Saklikent Gorge and the ancient Lycian ruins at the hilltop citadel of Tlos. Alternatively, return to the ship for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing at scenic Samanlik Bay. We’ll dine on board and remain in port overnight.

After breakfast we’ll set sail for a leisurely day at sea, passing gorgeous Gocek Island, where pristine white-sand beaches contrast with the cobalt-blue sea and pine-fringed shores. We continue to the uninhabited Yassica Islands to find a secluded spot to tuck into lunch. There’ll be numerous opportunities for a refreshing dip in the silky-smooth waters – and we highly recommend delving into the underwater world on a snorkelling adventure. Dinner will be served on board, and we’ll spend the night moored amid these idyllic islands.

Today we sail for Bedri Rahmi Bay, a spectacular bay named after the famous Turkish poet and painter, Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, who painted a fish on a rock here. Spend the morning swimming in this protected bay, against a backdrop of lush pine and olive trees and flowering oleander bushes, or wander amongst the trees to discover ancient Lycian tombs – historians believe this to be the site of the ancient town of Crya. After lunch we move on to Aga Limani, where you can swim, snorkel amongst the kaleidoscopic reef, try your hand at fishing, or take a stroll along the water’s edge. We’ll moor here overnight and dine on board.

Today is our final full day together. We sail early for Kumlubuk Bay, where we’ll breakfast overlooking the sweeping sandy beach. You’ll have time to sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing morning swim, before moving to Cennet Island, known as Paradise Island. Swathed in pine forest, this enchanting island has breathtaking caves to explore, along with some beautiful hiking paths – climb to the summit for sublime coastal views. Or simply relax on deck, watching local fishermen repair their boats in the shade of the trees. In the evening we’ll cruise to Marmaris for a farewell dinner, where you can reminisce about your adventures with fellow guests, before a final night in port.

Today marks the end of our voyage together. After a leisurely breakfast on board you’ll bid farewell to your captain, crew and fellow guests, before disembarking and beginning your journey home.