Turkey Blue cruise itineraries!
Turkey blue voyage comes in different forms. Departures are possible from Bodrum area, Dalaman area, Antalya or Greece. Check out all the possibilites.
Top Turkey destinations
Kusadasi, Turkey
Kusadasi is one hour south of Izmir's Adnan Menderes International Airport. It is also 12 road miles southeast of Ephesus, perhaps the most interesting Roman city to be found anywhere. Its theater still hosts performing arts two millennia after construction. Its marble streets annually host more visitors than does any other archaeological site in Asia Minor. Excavation meanwhile brings more of the city to light each year. While adjacent Greek Ephesus and theTemple of Artemis date from the eleventh century BC there is also a rare Seljuk fortress dating from the eleventh nearby century AD. Kusadasi itself has an extensive bazaar, fine seafood restaurants and unprincipled merchants.
Cifit Kalesi, Turkey.
Twenty-one miles on the wind northwest of Kusadasi. Ancient Myonneus off which a Roman flotilla in 190 BC defeated a Syrian force under Antiochus III, ending Syrian hegemony in Ionia. Settlement remains include parts of a Cyclopean wall from the 5th Century BC and a causeway now knee-deep joining the island to the mainland.
Sigacik, Turkey
Eleven miles on the wind north of Cifit Kalesi. A charming walled village with fort originally Genoese. Freya Stark's choice of place to live in Ionia. Port two thousand years earlier one of two serving ancient Teos, the latter a short hike south through olive groves. Teos was founded at the beginning of the first millennium BC by Greeks from Boeotia, sailors who derived a living from the sea. To the surprise of almost no one, they were also devotees of Dionysus, the god of wine. The Temple of Dionysus at Teos still stands in part, an unusual trapezoid in the Ionic order. There are in addition a theater, odium, walls, and south harbor mooring blocks, among other items of interest not to be missed. Fine dining on Sigacik's waterfront near a thirty-ton marble block abandoned by the ancients.
Cesme, Turkey
A beach resort and thermal spa twenty-five miles on the wind northwest of Kirkdilim Liman. Here in 1770 an Ottoman fleet met a fiery end after suffering a defeat at the hands of Catherine the Great's Count Orloff in the straits east of Chios. The Ottoman fleet withdrew to Cesme where it was followed by two Russian fire ships. All of the vessels in port burned to the waterline. There is a 14th Century Genoese castle later improved by the Ottomans, but as 1770 bore witness, not improved enough. There is also an Ottoman caravanserai dating from just before the naval disaster.
A beach resort and thermal spa twenty-five miles on the wind northwest of Kirkdilim Liman. Here in 1770 an Ottoman fleet met a fiery end after suffering a defeat at the hands of Catherine the Great's Count Orloff in the straits east of Chios. The Ottoman fleet withdrew to Cesme where it was followed by two Russian fire ships. All of the vessels in port burned to the waterline. There is a 14th Century Genoese castle later improved by the Ottomans, but as 1770 bore witness, not improved enough. There is also an Ottoman caravanserai dating from just before the naval disaster.
Dikili, Turkey.
Fifteen nautical miles off the wind from Mitilini. Port of Entry from which to visit Pergamum, one of the more majestic of archaeological sites in Turkey. Founded no later than the eighth century BC, Pergamun rose to pre-eminence during the hundred and fifty years before its last king in 133 BC bequeathed all of western Anatolia to Rome. Pergamun today covers a terraced hill rising to 1300', its spectacular theater, library rivaling that at Alexandria, temples, gymnasium, Asclepieum with Ionic columns, roads, and walls, all leaving unforgettable impressions. In modern Bergama at the foot of Pergamun's hill there is in the archaeological museum a life-size statue in excellent repair of a young man. Sculpted during the 7th or 6th century, it comes from ancient Pitane (following entry). As for Dikili itself, it is mostly famous as Atarneus, the port at which Xerxes in 480 BC made rendezvous with his fleet en route to the invasion of Greece. The fleet comprised 1,207 triremes, according to Herodotus, plus 3,000 triaconters, penteconters, and support vessels, a gathering appropriate to an army numbering, again according to Herodotus, one million seven hundred thousand.
Fifteen nautical miles off the wind from Mitilini. Port of Entry from which to visit Pergamum, one of the more majestic of archaeological sites in Turkey. Founded no later than the eighth century BC, Pergamun rose to pre-eminence during the hundred and fifty years before its last king in 133 BC bequeathed all of western Anatolia to Rome. Pergamun today covers a terraced hill rising to 1300', its spectacular theater, library rivaling that at Alexandria, temples, gymnasium, Asclepieum with Ionic columns, roads, and walls, all leaving unforgettable impressions. In modern Bergama at the foot of Pergamun's hill there is in the archaeological museum a life-size statue in excellent repair of a young man. Sculpted during the 7th or 6th century, it comes from ancient Pitane (following entry). As for Dikili itself, it is mostly famous as Atarneus, the port at which Xerxes in 480 BC made rendezvous with his fleet en route to the invasion of Greece. The fleet comprised 1,207 triremes, according to Herodotus, plus 3,000 triaconters, penteconters, and support vessels, a gathering appropriate to an army numbering, again according to Herodotus, one million seven hundred thousand.
Candarli, Turkey.
Eighteen miles off the wind from Dikili. Ancient Pitane, blocks from which were used by Venetians in the 14th century to build the impressive castle still dominating what today is mostly a beach town.
Eighteen miles off the wind from Dikili. Ancient Pitane, blocks from which were used by Venetians in the 14th century to build the impressive castle still dominating what today is mostly a beach town.
Foca, Turkey
Twenty miles off the wind from Candarli, Foca is the site of ancient Phocaea, a maritime city state which founded offspring throughout the Mediterranean, including Marseilles. While little (check the petrol station on the edge of town) of the ancient city remains, there is a large Phrygian tomb five miles east of Foca thought to date from the time of Midas. Any gold found there, however, should not be touched. A 13th Century Genoese fortress set amid cobbled streets and red-tile roofs commands the port. Fine seafood restaurants on the waterfront.
Twenty miles off the wind from Candarli, Foca is the site of ancient Phocaea, a maritime city state which founded offspring throughout the Mediterranean, including Marseilles. While little (check the petrol station on the edge of town) of the ancient city remains, there is a large Phrygian tomb five miles east of Foca thought to date from the time of Midas. Any gold found there, however, should not be touched. A 13th Century Genoese fortress set amid cobbled streets and red-tile roofs commands the port. Fine seafood restaurants on the waterfront.
Dalyan Ildur, Turkey
Eight nautical miles off the wind from Ildir. A fjord town with upscale facilities and charm. Several exquisite restaurants.
Eight nautical miles off the wind from Ildir. A fjord town with upscale facilities and charm. Several exquisite restaurants.
Bodrum, Turkey
Halikarnassus and 5th century BC birthplace of Herodotus, this town is striking from the sea and interesting once ashore. The Castle of St. Peter which dominates the harbor is well preserved and encloses fascinating museums, including one of treasures from the Nefertiti bronze age underwater recovery off Kas. The bazaar has considerable variety and there is a broad selection of restaurants, some good. Site of Seven Wonders tomb (c353 BC) of Mausolus of Caria, port in which his wife Artemisia the Younger trapped the Rhodian fleet in 352 BC, and location of the only real resistance to Alexander's march through the Near East. Port of Entry with its own international airport thirty minutes from the harbor.
Skrophes Bay, Turkey
Eighteen sailing miles from Kurin, on the wind, this is a beach and boardwalk town with a carnival atmosphere, including costumed vendors serving up ice cream in an elaborate ceremony. Three miles by taxi from ancient Didyma and its unfinished but substantial Temple of Apollo, fifteen miles from ancient Miletus and its 15,000 seat Greco-Roman theater. And at Miletus a Byzantine castle on the hill above. Good cuisine, great ice cream, and enterprising rug merchants.
Kusadasi, Turkey
Twenty sea miles from Trogyllium, on and off the wind, Kusadasi is 12 road miles south of Ephesus, the latter perhaps the most interesting Greco-Roman city extant. Its Roman theater still hosts performing arts two millennia after construction, while its marble streets, library facade, temples, stadium, agora, and residential quarters require a knowledgeable guide. And do not miss Greek Ephesus a few miles distant with its Seven Wonders Temple of Artemis dating from the sixth century BC. Kusadasi itself has an extensive bazaar, fine seafood restaurants (try Ibrahim Usta's salt-baked fish, near the Kismet Hotel), and unprincipled rug merchants. Port of Entry.
Marmaris, Turkey
Ancient Physcus, only 15 miles east of Çiflik. One of our bases both for sailing boats and main base for gulet charter cruises. Once a small village, now small city with all facilities. Several restarants in center of city, near the sea or inside Netsel Marina.
Göcek, Turkey
It is situated up against pined slopes of a national forest in the NW corner of the Gulf of Fethiye with its arcipeago of islands and may be the site of ancient Hyparna, a fortified town defended by mercenarie which fell to Alexander during the winter of 334/333 BC. By the first century before the Christian era Gocek was called Callimache, a port the Roman Stadiasmus places 50 stade (about 5 nautical miles) each from Rhodian Daedala (Inlice) and Lycian Crya (Tomb Bay). Marinas and Gocek Town are thirty-five minutes from Dalaman International Airport. Today Gocek has an enviable charm as an emerging tourist destination and yacht haven. It is also the site of a rare temple tomb in the Doric order. From Göcek we often accompany guests by car to ancient Calynda, and from there up into nearby hills to inspect temple tombs in the Ionic order at a site not yet identified but which may be ancient Telandros. In Gocek there are several good restaurants, among them Alternative on the waterfront, Nanai on the central square, Verandah at Port Göcek Marina and Can restaurant just in front of Skopea Marina.
Tersane Island
One mile from Tomb Bay. Perhaps once Telandria, a dues-paying member of Athens' Delian League. Ancient evidence, however, is limited to remains of what may be a watch tower now mostly watching the Simavi estate on Domuz Adasi, a substantial fortress-like structure the lower courses of which are isometric, and the remains of a handsome tomb in the Cadyanda order. There are in addition numerous ruins reminiscent of 1923 when the last Greek residents were forcibly deported. Yesim Acar, the local restaurateur and full-time goat herd/shepherd, serves a superior fare based on her pastures.
Tomb Bay (Taskaya)
Six miles from Gocek, Tomb Bay is delightful for dining, swimming, or boat drive-by below Carian and Lycian rock tombs (Ionic temple, house, and pigeon-hole tombs). Originally Carian and latterly Lycian, the ancient city of Crya is still evident among the olive trees and oleander, while its Carian acropolis is a short scramble above a seaside restaurant. Lycians, Herodotus asserted, were Minoans driven from Crete by Minos of Knossos. Carians, he believed, were native to Asia Minor.
Cleopatra's Bay, Turkey
Three miles from Tersane. Another exquisite setting with thick pine to the water's edge. Monastery ruins half submerged testify to medieval presence of the Greek church. Also called Ruin Bay, a 55-minute hike takes the inquisitive to ancient Lydae. Off the beaten path and rarely visited, Lydae features mausolea, agora foundations, statue remnants, Corinthian column sections, and inscribed pedestals from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Cleopatra, by the way, was here twice, once in 46 BC and again in 32 BC honeymooning with Marc Antony. He, Antony, was en route to Actium. She, Cleopatra, was transporting the Egyptian treasury to fund his misadventures.
Gemiler (St. Nicholas) Island
Fifteen miles from Wall Bay. Once home to Lycian and Byzantine pirates, the remains of an entire village are there to be explored, from pirate-ship parking covered passage to basilica. A wonderful place to swim and snorkel, and an equally wonderful place to take in a hilltop sunset with a bottle of wine.
Cold Water Bay
One mile from Gemiler Island, Cold Water Bay derives its name from a pair of fresh water springs rising beneath its sea and, perhaps, from its site under hills which block the sun during late afternoon. The ghost-town of Kaya emptied by the Turkish-Greek population swap of 1923 begins at the crest of those hills about twenty minutes distant. A century ago Kaya was known as Levisse, a prosperous Greek town, and Fethiye (see below), then Macry, was no more than Levisse's port. Careful examination of the ghost town reveals an occasional ancient block. These mark the only remains of Lycian Cissidae. Ali Tuna, the accommodating restaurateur at Cold Water Bay, is a genial host who entertains with campfire and conversation.
Olu Deniz
Two miles from Cold Water Bay, Olu Deniz (meaning Dead Sea) is the most photographed and picture-postcarded of any beach in the Eastern Mediterranean. Photos are best taken during a 30-minute paraglide down from Baba Dag (Father Mountain). The lagoon at Olu Deniz in 67 BC harbored the Roman galleys of Pompey the Great, there to eject Lycian pirates from Gemiler Island.
Butterfly Valley
Two miles from Olu Deniz and inaccessible except by sea, this striking spot is backed by almost sheer mountain from which water falls. Even the beach is bounded left and right by vertical rock promoting a unique privacy for more than one hundred varieties of butterfly, both lepidoptera and mammal.
Sarsala Bay
Sixteen miles from Butterfly Valley, Sarsala is yet another striking pine-surrounded bay in which to swim and kayak. It is also a convenient starting point for a ninety minute hike to ancient Lissa, notable for inscribed walls dating from the 3rd century BC rule of two of Cleopatra's Ptolemy forebears and for the majestic positioning of its acropolis above a fresh-water lake. The restaurant at Sarsala is above average.
Kappi Creek (Goben Iskelesi)
Two miles from Sarsala Bay, Kappi Creek is an idyllic all-weather anchorage surrounded by pine and olive trees. It features ruins of uncertain vintage, swimming alternatives, and, serving a superior fare, the oldest of the bay restaurants. A pleasant stroll through olive groves followed by a short climb takes the venturesome to ancient Arymaxa, a deme of Lydae. Arymaxa features a Roman mausoleum inscribed in Greek on the land side, a Byzantine cistern, and numerous ruins of speculative origin.
Fethiye
Twelve miles from Kappi Creek, Fethiye is ancient Telmessos and site of several of the finer rock tombs in Lycia, some featuring Ionic porticoes. Once home to Alexander's seer, Aristander, there remains a part of a Roman theater as well as a fortress built by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem atop an ancient acropolis. Fethiye is proximate to the heart of ancient Lycia, and from there excursions to Cadyanda, Tlos, Pinara, and other Lycian settlements are rewarding. In Fethiye there are covered markets and lots of other shopping, particularly on Tuesdays. There is also an excellent restaurant offering a splendid hors d'oeuvre of artichoke heart and tuna, as well as another featuring fine Turkish cuisine. Bougainvillea abounds. And a truly exhilarating sail in and out of port.
Kas
Fifteen miles from Kalkan, Kas teems with off-beats and expatriates frequenting chic shops and cafes. All-night drinking spas trumpet music from the past. The finest French restaurant in Turkey (Chez Evy), rack of lamb the specialty. Inscribed sarcophagus in the middle of the principal shopping street. Roman theater.