Bodrum to Greek Islands (South Dodecanese)
Boarding starts by 15:30 from Bodrum Harbor. You will have free time to visit the town’s highlights. This is a perfect time to visit this wonderful city and enjoy your first taste of Bodrum. Bodrum is a jewel surrounded golden sunsets and azure waters. You really should partake in all the local cuisine, cultural attractions and visit the waterfront outside the famous Bodrum Castle, built from the stones of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. It houses an amazing underwater archeology museum and is a must see when in Bodrum. Your boat will remain anchored in Bodrum for dinner and overnight stay.
After your breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and boat. When the customs formalities are completed, we will cruise to Kos Island. Kos is one of the most prominent Dodecanese islands, most probably only second to Rhodes. This is where Hippocrates taught in the Asklepion, the ancient Greek college that was set under a Plane tree that still stands in its place. Kos is steeped in history, and there are many archeological treats to find here, including Corinthian columns that line the roads, the Castle of the Knights of Saint John, and the famous Kos harbor. With all this magnificent history, it is not surprising to see how modern tourism fits in perfectly, with an international marina, lost of shops, tavernas and leading restaurants that offer local cuisine as well as international dishes. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Kos Harbor. You may join our optional Asclepion & Zia Village tours or you may also explore the city by yourself.
Early in the morning, we will have a swimming break at a bay of Gyali Island on the way to Nisyros Island. Gyali is a small volcanic island that is situated just south of Kos and above north from Nisyros Island. This is not a tourist site, in fact, it’s a very industrious strip mining operation. There is a special thermo powder called “Perli” mined here and shipped all over the world. It’s also a great sail to see how strip mining can reduce an island. There is a small islet nearby which you can anchor off and enjoy.
In the center of the Dodecanes group of islands you will find Nisyros island. This small island is volcanic but full of vegetation and has a rich history and culture. There are approximately 1,000 inhabitants and there is still an active volcano in the center, called Stefanos crater. The town of Mandraki has a lovely port and this picturesque village is filled with tourists visiting the natural beauty of this island. There are many small coves to anchor off, or you can just visit Mandraki and enjoy the whitewashed houses with blue windows that stand out form a clear blue sky and warm brown mountainside. You can take an optional bus tour to the crater (volcano). Your yacht will stay here for the dinner and the overnight.
Symi has a lot to offer, but one of its most amazing locations is the bay of Nanou. This is a large bay that is accessible to both Yachts and cars, and it is a pebble beach. While this might seem deterring, don’t let it fool you, this bays waters are warm, and exceptionally inviting. We will anchor at Symi Port late in the afternoon. You can see the shoreline with its neo-classical houses and the peripheral districts. You are going to adore Symi Island for its pine and oak forests and unique bays.
We will cruise to Rhodes early in the morning. The island has a unique historical harmony and beauty. Rhodes is a world-famous island, with its UNESCO world heritage town and is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Rhodes has over 200 kilometers of coastline and is filled with everything an advanced society based on ancient heritage can provide. You have access to culture, architecture, history, religion, entertainment and of course, cuisine. Unfortunately, what you cannot get is a view of the Colossus of Rhodes, this amazing feat of ancient sculpture was destroyed in an earthquake centuries ago, but there is plenty more to see around the old walled town. Here you can join our optional old city tour. After dinner, we recommend you to enjoy in Rhodes Town night out.
One of the popular coastal stops is Datca, a small southern shore yachting stop over 75kms west of Marmaris. Datca is located in an area that provides you with many small covers along the peninsula, so you can anchor along the coastline and enjoy a swim in the privacy of your own cove. The coast is dotted with small fishing villages and farming towns, and the local tomatoes and olives are famous for their depth of taste. While visiting Datca, enjoy some local produce and maybe even ask your chef to use it as a staple ingredient.
At the tip of the southern coast of the Datca Peninsula of Turkey nestles the lovely town of Palamutbuku. This amazing quiet town, close to the historic ruins of Knidos, is home to some of the most desired long and quiet beaches, green streets, and walled gardens. Like a fairytale town come to life, as you walk along the seaside and look down into some of the clearest waters in the Aegean. In fact, you can walk well into the sea, and be able to see every stone and fish around your feet even when the waters reach head high. The sea is full of fish and many a dinner is caught just moments before it is on your plate, served alongside exceptionally tasty local produce. What is still wonderful is that this coast is still virgin from all the expected tourism, and the town hosts many wonderful taverns and restaurants, as well as the amazing residents that make your stay even more memorable. Today our final destination will be the world-famous ancient city of Knidos. You may visit the open air museum after a swimming break. This is one of Turkeys finest historical legends preserved in amazing condition. You find the Statue of Demeter in one location, and in the ancient harbor, there were two Lions that stand guard but are now in the British Museum in London. The main attractions are the temple of Aphrodite and the Necropolis. Excavations are ongoing and have been unearthing more and more amazing finds for over half a century. Since Knidos is considered to be remote, the best way to reach it is by yacht. This is a must stop for all yacht charters and one site that will provide a lot of great memories as well as photos.
Approximately 5kms from Bodrum is the amazing Black Island, known locally as Kara Ada. Kara Ada is famous for its Sulphur springs and mud paths, which are considered to have healing properties. Take note that the water is around 29oC to 32oC and it flows into the sea creating a warm bathing opportunity and mud baths that you can cover your skin, let dry and then wash off for maximizing its therapeutic properties.
We will leave the boat by 10:30 after breakfast.
