Sail in Turkey: Bodrum to Marmaris via the Gulf of Hisaronu

Embark in Bodrum in the afternoon and sail south to Mersincik, a small cove with crystal-clear waters and one of the prettiest stops along the coast. Take a kayak and enjoy the rocky foreshore and promontory covered in forest, or take a tender ride ashore and hike up to the top of the hill. Dinner on board in Mersincik Harbour.

Rounding the tip of the Datca Peninsula, anchor in the eastern bay at Knidos. After lunch, go ashore and explore the ruins of this ancient Carian city, famous as a centre of art and culture in the fourth century B.C.

Knidos was once a flourishing trade city and had two theatres, two harbours and a large number of residential homes. Praxiteles’ most famous statue, the Aphrodite of Knidos, was a tourist attraction here and many, many sea travelers would come to Knidos specifically to see it. The remains of this temple are visible today, as are those of the agora, the theatre, an odeum and a temple of Dionysus - among many other interesting buildings and structures.

In the late afternoon, move on to Hayit Buku and a chance to walk the shores of this lovely little bay. Hayit Buku, with its backdrop of majestic mountains, is a truly magical place. Swim, snorkel and enjoy some walking around the village. Tonight, dine in typical Turkish style at the “lokanta” just a little way inland, “Yakamengen”, a converted stone mill and perhaps the most charming and rustic restaurant on the peninsula.

Overnight in Hayit Buku.

Sail along the eastern side of the Datca Peninsula, dropping anchor in Datca Harbour for an hour’s sightseeing along Old Datca Town’s cobble-stone streets. In the afternoon, cruise up the Gulf and into Selimiye, anchoring alongside a small quay, close to the village. Selimiye is a farming and fishing community, situated along the shores of a large bay backed by well-rounded hills that descend through olive groves and almond orchards to the shore. Dine ashore tonight at a local fish restaurant, “Sardunya”, which is renowned for offering some of the finest local fare in the region.

Overnight in Selimiye.

To Keci Buku, to kayak and swim alongside the tiny islet which sits out in the middle of the bay. If you’re keen to try some uphill trekking, there’s an ancient citadel on top of this island which is well worth climbing. Onto the village of Orhaniye, set at the foot of tall, forested mountains to take a stroll through the village. There’s more to discover in this rural paradises if you’re willing to hop in a taxi and drive inland to the village of “Bayir”.

Move on to Dislice Island in the late afternoon. There is plenty to see here, so set out in kayaks or on a paddle board and take in the scenery. Dinner onboard the yacht anchored off Dislice Island.

Overnight at Dislice Island.

Enjoy a kayaking adventure in Bencik this morning, all to the sounds of the earth coming alive. Bencik is a very attractive bay on the Datca Peninsula with thick pine-forested slopes below rocky red outcrops creating stark contrast wit the blues and greens of the sea.

To Dirsek on the southern side of the Yesilova Gulf. Here, the pace of life is slow and the sound of waves lapping gently at the hull will lull you to sleep after lunch.

Bozburun beckons later in the day, and as it is set among islets and inlets, have your camera on the ready to capture your arrival. Bozburun was once the sponge-fishing capital of Turkey but is now regarded as one of the country’s boat-building centres. There will be time to shop for local honey and nuts and wander through this charming little port town this evening.

Overnight in Bozburun with dinner on board or ashore.

From Bozburun, we make the short journey to Bozukkale, and anchor beneath the walls of ancient Loryma’s well-preserved citadel. This is an ideal place to enjoy watersports of all kinds and a trip ashore will bring some rewarding discoveries - among them, the fabulous view of the nearby Greek island of Rhodes.

Enjoy a relaxed meal on board tonight, anchored amidst dramatic scenery with the sound of goat bells to accompany your good cheer.

Cruise to Serce Harbour and spend the morning swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. It was here that George Bass discovered the famous Islamic Glass Wreck, some of the artefacts from which can be seen today at Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeology Museum. Continue on to the pretty anchorage of Kadirga, or, if there are plans for a final night’s party ashore, sail a little further and moor on the quay at Kumlu Buku Yacht Club. The “Yacht Club” has an excellent menu with both local and international dishes on offer and is set among carefully-tended gardens, overlooking a pebbled beach.

Overnight in Kumlu Buku with dinner ashore.

Disembark in Marmaris after breakfast.