Marmaris & Bodrum

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And so we come to the end of our Turkish adventure...my Mum & Dad (Colin's that is) came out to meet us in Marmaris for a couple of weeks, and we had some great nights out, especially at the Irish bars! Marmaris has got some of the best and worst of what Turkey has to offer, although it was nice to get "English" tea for a change. And the weather was perfect - sunny pretty much every day, and my folks were in their element.

But after 2 weeks my mum and Dad went home, and we just wanted Turkish tea again - and because Turkey is magic, we got our wish, on the gulet....We had kept a trip on one of these Turkish boats as a treat for our last week, and it was worth it...

We departed Marmaris from the Old Port, after spending the first night on board, and set off for a relaxing 6 days up the coast. it was the crews last trip of the season and they were in good spirits, and we had a good group of fellow travellers to ensure the trip was the right blend of relaxing and socialising. We've pasted in the itinerary below, with some notes about what we did at each...

Day 1-: Marmaris
Transfer from Dalaman Airport to your yacht in Marmaris harbour. When all members of your group have arrived, the skipper will welcome you and answer any questions you may have about the trip. Your first night on board we will stay in the harbour, this will give you time to become acquainted at your leisure with lively Marmaris.

Day 2- : Marmaris - Paradise Island - Semizce
After the morning departure formalities we cruise towards the breathtaking scenery of Paradise Island, that afternoon we set sail for on of the many uninhabited tranquil bays of the surrounding area, here in Semizce we settle for an overnight stay.
Day 3- : Ekincik (with an optional day trip to Dalyan/Caunos)
Today we make an early start for Ekincik with an exciting day of sailing ahead of us. At this location you have the chance to take an optional day trip to Dalyan/Caunos. Lunch will be taken in a beautiful riverside restaurant and later you can take a dip at the famous mud baths with their famous healing qualities. Then on to see the famous “turtle beach” with its sparkling white sands and blue waters.
Day 4-: Fethiye Bay (optional day trip to Olu Deniz)
Arriving in Fethiye harbour for lunch, you have the option to visit the spectacular blue lagoon of Olu Deniz. We stay overnight at this beautiful resort in Fethiye harbour with the towns lively bars and discos.
Day 5- : Gocek Bay (Manastir - Sarsala Bay)
Our next stop in the itinerary of the spectacular blue cruise is Gocek Bay the surrounding scenery, with its pine clad and misty Blue Mountains. Later that day after a generous helping of lunch, you can spend the day snorkelling and swimming in the clear crystal blue waters of the Aegean. Overnight at Sarsala Bay
Day 6- : Fethiye Bay - Gocek Bay (Aga Limani)
Today we begin to explore the coastline on the way to Gocek bay and have a pleasant day cruising and sunbathing, overnight at a natural Bay inlet called Aga Limani.
Day 7- : Aga Limani - Marmaris Bay (Kadirga or Icmeler)
After breakfast we set sail for Kadýrga Bay or Cennet Island where you can spend time swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters of Marmaris Bay, In the afternoon we start back for our journey into Marmaris harbour, where we are due to arrive back around 5 p.m. Overnight and dinner onboard gulet in the harbour..


And then it all over, just a few days left in Bodrum to chill out, and it was a great spot to finish our trip in. After the Brits Abroad, touting, madness of Marmaris was a welcome return to Turkey as we had come to know it - laid-back, cultured, and sure of itself...we will be back!!!

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