Sail Turkey: Bodrum to Fethiye (Turkish Gulet) Itinerary

Starting in

Bodrum, Turkey

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

7

Lunches included

6

Dinners included

4

Ending in

Fethiye, Turkey

Accommodation

Comfortable Turkish Gulet (7 nights)

Transport

Comfortable Turkish Gulet

Set sail for the stunning Turkish Riviera on this eight-day sailing trip from Bodrum to Fethiye. With the perfect combination of sightseeing, hiking, swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and shopping, you’ll be soaking up the sights and sounds in the most famous resort towns in Turkey. Spend your days on the boat, hopping from one beautiful bay to the next, swimming and snorkelling in search of colourful fish and glittering ocean waters. Make stops in Datca, Marmaris, Ekincik and Gocek to see UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient ruins, incredible peninsula views and secluded beaches, perfect for kicking back and toasting to the perfect yacht adventure.

Day 1: Bodrum

Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Bodrum – home to white-washed Mediterranean houses, cobblestone streets and high-end shopping that make this city one of Turkey's best retail destinations. If you arrive early, explore the twin bays at your own pace – boasting views of the iconic Bodrum Castle – a medieval fortress that was partly built with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – there's plenty to do and see here! At 4 pm, you’ll board your beautiful Turkish gullet (a classic wooden yacht from the southwest coast of Turkey). After a welcome meeting to meet your fellow travellers, you’ll have a briefing on what to expect over the next eight days of living on the boat. Then, sail to Black Island. When you arrive, why not jump into the crystal-clear waters for your first swim of the trip. Have dinner as a group and spend your first night aboard, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves.

Day 2: Knidos - Palamutbuku - Datca

After breakfast on the boat this morning, sail to the Knidos Ancient City and if you like, hop off the boat to explore the impressive ruins that are still undergoing excavation. Climb to the top of the hill for views over the city's two harbors and maybe take a dip in the bay. Then, sail to Palamatbuku – renowned for its turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling. When you arrive, jump in the bay’s crystal-clear waters in search of marine life and colourful fish. After swimming, head on to Datca. Here, a shuttle is available to the main town, where you can choose to spend your afternoon exploring the Old Town, scattered ancient temples, local cafes and some of the various historic sites.

Day 3: Kadirga - Bozukkale

This morning you’ll set sail for Kadirga’s secluded beachfront. When you arrive, recharge with a refreshing swim, relax in the sun and have some lunch. Then, you’ll continue to Bozukkale, where you’ll spend the night. Have dinner on board the boat, chilling out under the stars.

Day 4: Kumlukbuku Bay - Paradise Island - Marmaris

Today, cruise to Kumlubuku Bay – home to the ruins of the ancient city of Amos. When you arrive, you’ll hike to the historical site, exploring the ruins of the Acropolis, Amphitheater, temple and an altar dedicated to Dionysus. From the hill, soak in views across the bay, then make your way back to the water for some snorkelling and swimming. Your next destination is Paradise Island, covered in pine forests and the perfect spot for a dip in the sea. Refuel with some afternoon tea, then carry on to the vibrant city of Marmaris. Sitting along the Turkish Riviera, this city has evolved into a hotspot for travellers. You’ll have a free evening here, so you can explore the town’s winding narrow streets, shops, cafes and restaurants. Maybe grab a few of your fellow travellers and explore the nightlife, as Marmaris is also home to many clubs and bars.

Day 5: Gocek - Ekincik - Dalyan

Sail towards Ekincik this morning – naturally beautiful, this village boasts a 2 km stretch of gravel beach surrounded by local wildlife. When you arrive, head out for a swim and a spot of snorkelling. Later, if you like, you can opt for an excursion to Dalyan – this small village sits within pine-covered hills, cotton fields and unspoiled coastline. Take a piyade (a small riverboat) to Turtle Beach, soaking in the natural beauty of the delta along the way. Stop for a swim at the beach – this is where the endangered Loggerhead Turtles lay their eggs during nesting season (May to October)! After a dip in the ocean, make your way to the ancient city of Kaunos – this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to ancient Rock Tombs, which were carved into the cliffs 2500 years ago. End the day at the nearby mud baths, where the warm, sulfur-rich water will work wonders on your skin, leaving you soft and rejuvenated. Later, have dinner on board.

Day 6: Gocek

Have breakfast on the board this morning as you cruise to Cleopatra's Bath (also known as Sunken Bath, due to the submerged remains). Your leader will share the stories that surround this place, where Cleopatra was said to have spent time with Marc Antony. Stop for a swim, then set sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay – this place pays homage to Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu, an esteemed Turkish master of literature and art. During a summer cruise in 1973, Bedri Rahmi left his mark by drawing a fish on a rock at the bay's entrance and the iconic Fish Rock still welcomes passengers to the bay today. Swim around the clear waters of the Tersane Islands (also known as the Shipyard Islands) among colourful fish, then head on to Gocek. Disembark and maybe go in search of some delicious traditional cuisine for dinner – your leader will always have the best recommendations!

Day 7: Tarzan Bay - Fethiye

Say goodbye to Gocek this morning and cruise to Tarzan Bay, popular for its crystal-clear waters. Swim in the turquoise haven when you arrive, then carry on to Fethiye – your final destination. When you dock, maybe wander through the lively bazaars or relax along the coast. Have a final dinner aboard the boat as the sunsets and toast to an amazing adventure, then why not keep the night going in town and find a few local bars to raise a glass in.

Day 8: Fethiye

After breakfast on the boat, your adventure along the southern coast of Turkey comes to an end. Disembarkation will be at about 9.30 am. You might like to stay in Fethiye for an extra couple of days and explore anything you didn’t get a chance to yesterday. You could also continue your journey to one of the nearby Greek Islands, like Kos, and bliss out on the beaches. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Bodrum Municipality Halikarnas Marina, , Bodrum, Mugla Province, TURKEY

Finish point

Fethiye Municipality Marina, , Fethiye, Mugla, TURKEY

Important information

This trip will be onboard a traditional Turkish Gulet.

Trip starts at 4pm on day one and finishes after breakfast on day 8

PASSPORT DETAILS
Please provide your passport details at time of booking. It is essential we receive these details at least 14 days prior to departure as we must provide them to the Port authorities in order to comply with Maritime regulations.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Single travellers will share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender. If you’d prefer not to share, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge. A single passenger cannot be booked or confirmed in a double cabin (with a double bed) unless a single supplement is paid.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





Intrepid Turkey Office: +90 850 309 68 76

Is this trip right for you

This trip is aboard a traditional Turkish gullet (a traditional wooden Turkish motor sailing boat). All cabins will have ensuite bathrooms and you’ll stay in a mixture of twin share and double bed cabins, all on the same deck. It’s recommended that you pack light, as cabins are cosy.

All cabins will experience a light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when you drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

A good swimming ability is essential on this trip to enjoy all activities.

Many meals are included onboard the boat. Where meals are not included, you’ll have time on land in beachside towns and resort towns for optional meals.

Some activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting ancient sites and historical places, and at times you may be walking on uneven ground in hot conditions. If you have any concerns, please speak to your local leader.

If you’re travelling with your own group of friends or family and would like to book a private departure on this sailing trip, our Tailor-Made team will be happy to help: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/tailor-made

Why we love it

Sail along the Turkish Riviera on a relaxed trip full of swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, sightseeing and shopping. What more could you want while you cruise along the sparkling Mediterranean?, Swim in Cleopatra's Bath – these submerged ruins of an ancient Roman bath are also known as the Sunken Bath, where Cleopatra was said to have frequented with her lover, Marc Antony., Swap the Turkish gullet for a riverboat and cruise the delta to see the ancient Rock Tombs of Kaunos, carved into the cliffs 2500 years ago., Soak in the rejuvenating mud baths of Kaunos, where the warm, sulfur-rich waters will leave you soft, radiant and relaxed., Shop, explore and feast on fresh seafood with your free time in the resort towns of Fethiye, Bodrum, Marmaris, Datca and Gocek.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip.

In Turkey, in accordance with local regulations your Leader will also be a registered Guide with the Ministry of Tourism. They will have vast general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, specialized knowledge of the sites visited and provide full guiding services.

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 


DRINKING WATER
As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels.

Onboard your Turkish Gulet clean drinking water will be provided free of charge. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle so as you can refill throughout your trip and you can take it with you during onshore excursions.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

ON BOARD ACCOUNT
An account will be opened for your cabin for purchases aboard the Turkish Gulet. This will include bar purchases onboard. The boat currently only accepts payment by cash to settle your onboard account. It is also wise to travel with sufficient cash (in local currency) to pay for incidentals on your last day such as taxis and tipping for your crew and leader.

TIPPING
If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. If you are happy with the services received, the suggested amounts below are an appropriate amount for your leaders and crew onboard. At the end of your trip, you will be provided with 2 envelopes onboard one for your crew and one for your leaders. Any tips that are placed in the envelope will be split amongst the crew or leaders.
Leaders EUR6 to EUR8 per day
Crew EUR10 to EUR15 per crew member per week.
Most of our voyages are half board, so breakfast, and at least one other meal daily will be included whilst on board the Gulet. This leaves plenty of opportunities for you to go out and explore local cuisines on shore for the remaining meals. Please ensure you have read the Essential Trip Information carefully and have budgeted for meals not included.


COMMISSIONS
Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

Please travel as lightly as possible so as not to restrict space in your cabin. Soft bags are more practical than hard suitcases.
The dress code on board ship is casual.
Swimming will be offered so swimwear is essential.
Below is a suggested general packing list.

Daypack (a smaller back pack that you can take with you on shore excursions)
Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants]
A sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings or early mornings
A light rain coat or poncho
Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions
Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals
Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn]
Sunglasses
Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water]
Swimming costume
Water bottle
Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap
Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry]
Insect repellent
European adaptor/electrical plug
Camera
, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

Climate and seasonal

The best time to sail Turkey is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) with July and August being the hottest months in Turkey. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water.

Air conditioning is provided onboard however it is limited to the following hours 2 hours 7am to 9am, 2 hours 6pm and 8pm and another 2 hours 10pm to 12pm.

As we sail in the summer season, it's rare that we have bad weather. However, the itinerary may be subject to change, based on winds and sea conditions which may render anchorage and landing at some stops difficult. We reserve the right to change the itinerary for the safety of passengers and the ship.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

We use a traditional Turkish Gulet which is a comfort standard. There is a mixture of cabin types, 2 Deluxe Double bed cabins, 3 Standard twin share cabins and 3 standard double bed cabins. All cabins have their own ensuite bathrooms. There is a dining area, spacious lounge areas, a large sundeck and a bar where you can enjoy delicious drinks. The Tukish gulet accommodates a small group of only 16 customers, you will be accompanied by an experienced crew and an Intrepid leader. 

Transport notes

A Turkish Gulet is a traditional Turkish wooden motor sailing vessel. Although gulets do have sails, you can expect to motor cruise most of the time on this trip.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.