Turkiye: Hike & Gulet Cruise: Marmaris – Bozburun
Join this hiking holiday in the company of like-minded women with Her on a Hill who are returning for another week of walking, cruising and relaxation on this exclusive chartered gulet.
Throughout your stay, you have sole use of a traditional Turkish gulet as you cruise along the coast of this most beautiful area. With its numerous unspoilt bays and secluded coves, approaching by boat is by far the easiest and most dramatic way to explore this incredible coastline.
The sea is a deep turquoise blue and the walking is on little used paths exploring the lesser known routes following the Lycian coast. You will discover ancient ruins; traditional villages and the most amazing coastal views. Since creating this itinerary, many of these hikes are now included in the long distance hike known as The Lycian Way.
On board you will be looked after by Anne who will be guiding your walks as well as looking after you on the boat. In charge of the boat will be Captain Adil and his crew including a chef who will prepare the most wonderful Turkish fare for the group.
The itinerary includes walking on 4 or 5 days and a rest day for swimming, kayaking, reading or simply being at leisure. On most days, there will be time to swim directly off the boat or from the shore.
Surely there’s no better way to explore the beautiful beaches and coves of the Turkish Aegean Sea than cruising and hiking.
Day 1: Arrive in Marmaris. Dinner onboard with opportunity explore the old town.
Day 2: Cruising after breakfast, we will anchor close to the starting point for our first hike which will give us panoramic views, the ruins of a christian chapel and where we often see birds of prey circling high above. (2.5 – 3 hours 6 km) A coastal cruise during the afternoon will take us to a quiet bay for swimming and relaxing overnight.
Day 3: A day full of variety as we explore wetlands from a river boat, taking in ancient tombs, thermal bathing waters and mudbaths. All before hiking from the Lycian ruins of Kaunos, taking in outstanding coastal views along paths once used by local traders long before they had road access. (3.5-4 hours 9km)
Day 4: An early start sees us moor in a bay of turquoise waters. Our hike follows old goat trails with some steeper sections and magnificent views across to the greek island of Rhodes. (2 hours 3 km) During the late afternoon we can explore the ruined citadel of Bozukkale (broken castle) said to have been built around 700BC (1 hour)
Day 5: A day for cruising and relaxing; plenty of time to swim in these turquoise bays, catch up with your reading or simply immerse yourself.
Day 6: After a day of rest we start our next hike from a small fishing harbour which is protected by high cliffs on each side. Our hike takes us through an almost abandoned village following trails made by village people over the centuries. We then gain some height meandering through the terracing in the hills behind before reaching our summit (300m); we are then rewarded with magnificent coastal views for the whole of the walk down to the village of Selimiye. (3 hours 8 km)
Day 7: We will start our cruise back around the peninsula enabling us to arrive in Bozburun during the evening. A day for using your watercolours, finishing your books and reminiscing about the trip.
Day 8: Say your goodbyes to the crew and your new friends in Bozburun.
*The itinerary is subject to change at short notice – this is a rare occurrence but adverse weather conditions occasionally leave us with no choice.
This holiday is operated by Meridian Travels. Your booking will be made directly with them. Please check the terms and conditions for this trip before placing your booking as they differ from Her on a Hill’s conditions.
The walks are up to 7 miles with some shorter half day walks included. The tracks are mainly goat tracks and can be rough and stony underfoot. There are some short steeper sections which will be taken at a leisurely pace.