ITINERARY : Sailings from APRIL - NOVEMBER The coasts of Asia Minor, with their towering cliffs and
high mountain ranges, have changed little since pre-Classical times. These were the sea lanes navigated by
the Myceneans of the Bronze Age.
Early peoples settled along these peninsula¡¦s and later the armies of
Alexander left their mark. The Emperors of Rome and the merchants of
Byzantium created the wealth with which fabulous new cities were endowed. It is their inaccessibility by land
that has ensured the unspoiled condition of these ancient remains. Amongst the promontories and islands
are preserved some of the most delightful archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. To appreciate these fully, they are
best reached by sea, cruising through the clear waters of the Turquoise Coast,
enjoying the sybaritic luxury of your private yacht, with chef and steward to pander to your every need. We combine this with a brief visit to
Istanbul, one of the great cities of the world, the ancient city of
Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. From 330 to 1453 AD it was fabulously wealthy, with its hippodrome,
palaces and churches becoming the stuff of legend. Chief among its monuments was the Hagia Sophia, the Church
of Holy Wisdom, still standing today after 1500 years one of the most enduring
monuments of Christendom. Many other churches survive from this early
history, with their fine mosaics and grand domes they bring this period vividly
to life. Istanbul was also, for
400 years, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Sublime Porte, which, during
the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent outshone Constantinople, its
predecessor, with its towering mosques and oriental bazaars. Day 1 Arrive Istanbul. Remaining in transit, connect with regional Turkish Airlines
flight to Bodrum Milas Airport in Southern Turkey. Short transfer to Bodrum harbour, overlooked by the Crusader
Castle of the Knights Hospitalier.
Embark your private yacht. M/Y
Odysseus at the quayside. The yacht MY Odysseus Welcome champagne reception and cabin
allocation. Lunch on board.
Afternoon at leisure to visit the remnants of the ancient site of Halicarnassos
including the well preserved theatre and the newly excavated remains of the
tomb of Mausolus (the Mausoleum) Satrap of Caria in the mid-4th century BC,
which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Bodrum
castle by day and by night Also you may wish to visit the Castle,
which houses the best underwater archaeology museum in the world. Day 2 After breakfast and with the formalities
completed, we cruise south past the Greek Island of Kos to the ancient site of
Knidos where we moor in the ancient harbour beneath the Hellenistic
theatre. Spectacularly sited,
Knidos was built in 360BC and still retains many Hellenistic features.
Afternoon visit through the site, visiting the temple of Apollo Karnaios, the
tholos temple of Aphrodite Euploia which once housed the famous statue by Praxitales, a number of early Byzantine
churches, and the harbour theatre.
Dinner and overnight on board in the ancient harbour of Knidos. Day 3 A cruise between the Greek Islands of Symi
and Minos to the Bozburun Peninsula. We shall stop for lunch and a swim among
the islands and inlets of Eastern Caria.
Nearby are the current excavations of the underwater wreck of a
Byzantine merchant ship being conducted by the American Institute for Nautical
Archaeology. We shall consider the
exciting and newly discovered landscape and remains of pre-Classical Asia
Minor, with funerary monuments, packways and villages. Late afternoon cruise to the small
harbour of Bozburun, with quiet bars and shopping opportunities. Day 4 Cruise across the quiet bay and walk across
the Loryma Peninsula (two hours maximum) through the ancient ruins of
Kasara. This is an easy level walk
through spectacular scenery and ancient remains. Re-embark for lunch and a swim at Serce Liman, site of the
famous glass wreck excavations and where our vessel will have been relocated,
before rounding the headland into the ancient harbour of Loryma. Late afternoon visit to the magnificent
Rhodian shore fort guarding the Loryma harbour. We shall consider the whole development of the Rhodian
Peraea and the mainland demes of Rhodes in the Fourth Century BC. The island of Rhodes, largest of the
Greek Dodecanese is clearly visible across the straights. Overnight at Loryma Day 5 Cruising along the mountainous shores of
the Loryma Peninsula we reach the bay of Ekincik. From here we take a riverboat into the reed-fringed marshes
of the Dalyan river and visit the Roman city of Caunos. Walking from the landing stage, we see
well-preserved theatres, Byzantine churches, Roman bath complex, ancient
harbour installations and Stoa.
Afterwards we continue up-river to view the 4th century rock-cut temple
tombs of the Carian elites before returning to the vessel at Ekincik for the
night. Day 6 After breakfast we cruise eastwards to the
cove of Agaliman and in the afternoon visit the romantic ruins of Lydae. Walking up a Hellenistic pack way we
reach the crest of a hill where there are a number of fine late Roman mausolea
overlooking the bay of Fethiye and the Agora of ancient Lydae. For those who wish to, a walk of a
further hour brings us to the wild remains of Arymaxa, once a Roman latefundia. The views here are outstanding. The
boat will have been relocated to the beautiful inlet of Camilikoy for the
overnight stay. Day 7 Morning cruise across the Bay of Fethiye
along an attractive mountainous shore and moor in the lee of the Island of
Gemiler, the once thriving Byzantine town of St Nicholas. Time for swimming, lunch and a siesta
before going ashore on the island.
This monastic community thrived between the fourth and the seventh
century AD, and although now in ruins a visit here will conjure up the majesty
of high Byzantium at the time of the Emperor Justinian. The island of Gemiler and the surrounds include the remains
of no fewer than seven churches, some with wall paintings. An outstanding feature is the vaulted
processional way linking the upper church to the large ecclesiastical complex
in the middle of the island. Late
afternoon sail to Gocek. Time for
last minute shopping. Dinner and
overnight on board at Gocek. Day 8 Transfer to
Dalaman Airport Flight to
Istanbul. From here fly
back to Hong Kong INCLUDES: * 2 transfers * 7 Nights, 8 days cruising * Full board. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner * Services of our Local Guide * Full crew. Includes Ship's master, Chef & Steward * All Cabins with en-suite bathrooms * Tour/Cruise notes * Complimentary bottle of local wine *All flights * Drinks from the bar * Gratuities * Items of a personal nature Please call us for availability and price. This is a complete vacation in its own right, but if you
would like to extend the stay in Turkey or even Europe, this can be arranged,
call us for a quotation. TURKEY
Coastal Cruising In Turkey
Introduction
Aerial view of the Bosphorus Entrance to
Topkapi
ITINERARY
Pictures of the wreck near Bozburun
The canal at Caunos
Rock Tombs
Typical view of Turkey.
EXCLUDES