Join Anne on this ever popular Turkish gulet holiday in the springtime. Throughout your stay, you have sole use of a traditional Turkish gulet as you cruise along the coast 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 our walks as well as looking after us 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. Expect spring flowers, the heady perfume of wild sage, thyme and lavender, outstanding hikes, fabulous food and all in the company of interesting women.

Surely there’s no better way to explore the beautiful beaches and coves of the Turkish Aegean Sea than cruising and hiking.

Itinerary (subject to change)
Day 1: Arrive in Marmaris. Dinner onboard with opportunity to go to a Turkish Bath.

Day 2 Cruise to Kumlubuk for our first walk in the mountains to the ruins of an abandoned Byzantine church (2—3 hours)

Day 3 Pretty walk in the mountains from Aga Limani with it’s ancient Roman village before arriving at the ruined Cleopatra’s Bath. (2-3 hours)

Day 4 Today’s hike starts at Cleopatra’s Bath and follows the coast along a limestone path with panoramic views of this dramatic coastline (2 – 3 hours).

Day 5 A rest day off the boat as we explore the ancient city of Tlos and the abandoned village of Kayakoy.

Day 6 We start our day by boarding a river boat which will cruise through the reedbeds of this vast nature reserve, passing Iztuzu beach – nesting ground for loggerhead turtles – and ancient burial tombs carved high in the hillside before taking us to bathe in hot thermal waters. We will return down the river and start our hike by visiting the ancient ruins of Kaunos, call in to say hello to a once nomad family and explore the artefacts in their garden before resuming our hike to Ekincik. (3.5-4 hours)

Day 7 Our final hike at Paradise Island before cruising into Marmaris for the afternoon.

Day 8 Say your goodbyes to the crew and your new friends in Marmaris.

*This itinerary could start in Fethiye and finish in Marmaris.
**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.