|
Turkey-
1 week sample Itinerary
Bodrum to Keci Buku
| This
is an example of a typical itinerary on our Bodrum-to-keci
Buku trips. However, no two trips are ever exactly
the same; one of the greatest things about being on
a sailboat is the flexibility to change our minds
and our route to suit personal preferences, prevailing
wind conditions, etc. The start and finish points
are fixed, of course - but all else is changeable
according to the whims of the wind gods and those
on board !
Pls note;
though the "official" start point for
this trip is Bodrum, it may be possible - space
permitting - to join the boat in Kos (Greece) and
sail across to Turkey with us.
|
Day
One
Rendezvous in Bodrum, on the SW coast of Turkey. Bodrum
is one of the more modern Turkish ports, a busy, bustling
metropolis. Winding street bazaars criss-cross the town,
beautiful old wooden gulets line the waterfront, as do
hundreds of little bars and restaurants. The fortress
of St John is still incredibly intact, and has a fascinating
museum inside. And for those who love their nightlife,
Bodrum claims the largest outdoor disco - "Halicarnassos"
- in Europe ! It's also THE place for those Born to Shop;
great bargains to be had in all sorts of leather goods,
silver jewellery and semi-precious stones; and of course,
the ubiquitous Turkish carpets.
Sail to Knidos
Once upon a time, this was a key city/harbour in the ancient
world, home to many thousands of people. Now it is just
a tranquil and well-sheltered bay - but the remains of
these former civilizations still lie scattered around
the hills, surrounding the bay on all three sides. There
are amphitheatres, stone pillars and carvings, temple
remains - all incredibly intact. It is really a time warp
experience to wander around these hills and try to imagine
the way of life all those thousands of years ago.
Day Two
Sail to Ova Buku - a fairly short, and most likely downside
sail - lovely! We should be at our destination in time
for lunch; and time to explore the tiny village of Ova
Buku Our favourite taverna here has the best home-cooked
Turkish food imaginable - not at all the usual tourist
fare. The village itself has a great little bay for cooling
off; for those looking for a little more privacy, a short
hike away is a lovely long and isolated beach; a perfect
afternoon retreat.
Day Three
Sail to Datca - a very lively little town! The waterfront
is lined little bars and tavernas; one street behind are
several interesting craft & jewellery shops. Walking
towards the beach, there is a tiny lake, with a surprisingly
powerful "mini-waterfall" as it runs into the
ocean; a great and very cooling massage experience !!
For those wanting to dance the night away, Datca has several
lively bars and nightspots - and a "hamam" (Turkish
baths) , to ease any aching muscles the next morning !
Day Four
Sail to Bozburun; a small, very traditional Turkish town;
full of gulets (wooden motor sailors), but not many yachts,
and certainly not many tourists. We dock just outside
the town, on a wooden jetty outside a little family-run
pension/restaurant right on the waterfront. It is a shady,
tranquil little spot to hang out in - and we even get
to borrow their fun kayaks plus a windsurfer or two to
go explore the bay in! Most importantly of all is the
evening's entertainment - for our groups, they will invite
along local friends who play traditional Turkish music
- and even a belly-dancer to teach us all how it is done
!
There is also
a chance to take a minibus trip inland to see some of
the local villages, climb a little waterfall to cool off!
- and visit a carpet-making cooperative, to see firsthand
how it is all done.
Day Five
A gentle run to Dirsek, a secluded little bay about 2
hours sail away. A little taverna lies nestled in one
corner, a blaze of brightly-coloured bougainvillea and
other greenery. Wonderful place to swim and generally
veg out.
Day Six
Sail to Keci Buku. A well-sheltered hideout described
as a "gem" in the Turkish Waters Pilot - and
it truly is. A wide, sweeping bay surrounded by pine forests,
with a fascinating old fortress perched on the top of
an island guarding the entrance - a view which is well
worth the scramble up! It is also just 30 mins drive from
Marmaris - the easiest connection back to the "real
world" of modern-day Turkey, where you can shop-till-you-drop
some more; or just head on through and back to Dalaman,
the closest airport, and domestic connections to Istanbul.
Easy ferry connections also from Marmaris-Rhodes.
Day Seven
Disembark 9am in Keci Buku.
Ongoing connection
info: We can help arrange transportation from Keci Buku
to Marmaris that afternoon/evening, or directly to the
airport at Dalaman, for those who need to catch a flight
right away. Alternatively, we can highly recommend a little
family pension in Keci Buku for an extra night to chill
out; or a hotel in Marmaris for those in need of a more
lively evening / a shopping fix! Ferries run from Marmaris-Rhodes
(Greece) twice a day; approx 9am and 3.30pm.
|
