A glorious week cruising and walking through the Turqouise Coast. Explore this remote and wild archipelago by traditional Turkish gulet, getting to know the character, mythology, and unique coastline.
- Duration
- 7 nights
- How We Travel
- Walking and sailing
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Activity Level
Graded between 1 (easiest) and 5 (most challenging). Click for more details
- Price
- From per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 10 guests
Journey Highlights
- Explore secluded beaches and rugged landscapes on the Dalyan River and Bozburun Peninsula.
- Explore the ancient city of Knidos, a classical city and trading hub once home to a prestigious medical school and the celebrated statue of Aphrodite.
- Walk through ancient ruins and cities and take in the crystal-blue coves.
- Savour local flavours, from wine tastings at family-run wineries to the freshest, local seafood at tiny tavernas.
- Swim in the Carian coastlines turquoise waters, cooling off in secluded bays.
- Settle into a traditional Turkish gulet, your home for the week complete with a dedicated crew and an amazing onboard chef.
Good to Know
- We are at the mercy of the winds on our voyage around the Turquoise Coast, which may determine our route and where we can anchor.
- Although you won't be joined by a host on this trip, you will be looked after by two experienced English-speaking guides and a dedicated gulet crew.
Welcome to The Slow Cyclist
This journey is a unique opportunity to bike, walk, cruise, and sail along the best-preserved coastline and most scenic routes of the "wine-dark sea," as Homer famously described in his epics. Our guided experience, kindly organised by our friends at The Slow Cyclist, leads us away from the popular holiday spots to discover the hidden gems of rural towns and ancient landscapes. The region boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Caria, the homeland of the famed historian Herodotus, and our journey begins with an exploration of the ancient city of Knidos, a classical city and trading hub once home to a prestigious medical school and the celebrated statue of Aphrodite. As we continue, we will discover Hellenistic rock-cut tombs tucked away in small villages, hike to the historic Loryma Castle, and travel through rural highlands offering perfect vista points over deep canyons and the Gulf of Gökova. Our e-bike routes will weave in and out of crystal-blue coves and through the almond orchards of the Datça Peninsula, eventually leading us toward the "ghost town"of Kayaköy and the final scenic coastal routes into Fethiye.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
The Journey
This journey is a unique opportunity to walk, cruise, and sail along the best-preserved coastline and most scenic routes of the "wine-dark sea," as Homer famously described in his epics. Our guided experience, kindly organised by our friends at The Slow Cyclist, leads us away from the popular holiday spots to discover the hidden gems of rural towns and ancient landscapes. The region boasts a rich history dating back to ancient Caria, the homeland of the famed historian Herodotus, and our journey begins with an exploration of the ancient city of Knidos, a classical city and trading hub once home to a prestigious medical school and the celebrated statue of Aphrodite. As we continue, we will discover Hellenistic rock-cut tombs tucked away in the cliffs of the Dalyan River, hike the rugged ridgelines of the Bozburun Peninsula to the historic Loryma Castle, and traverse fragrant pine forests offering perfect vista points over the Gulf of Gökova. We will enjoy a slow pace with short daily walks, weaving in and out of crystal-blue coves and exploring ruins and ancient cities. Our voyage eventually leads us toward the "ghost town" of Kayaköy and the vibrant harbor of Fethiye
Is It For Me?
Slow Cyclists are curious travellers with a bit of juice in their legs, approaching their time with us as an opportunity to explore rather than a test of fitness. That’s not to say we don’t pedal hard sometimes, just that we are often distracted by the food, history and people that make this place so special. When we see something interesting, we tend to stop and take it in rather than race by. If this sounds like your sort of holiday, we're pretty sure you'll love your time with us.
The Walking
The journey is designed to be accessible for almost all levels of fitness; our team is skilled at gauging your confidence and adapting the pace accordingly. Our walks are a vital part of the adventure, ranging from short 1 km walks to 7 km explorations. While these are not technical, you should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and navigating some inclines, particularly when exploring the ruins of Knidos or the rocky paths of Gemiler Island. There will always be a guide walking at your pace, as this is a journey to be savoured rather than rushed. The goal is to take your time and soak in the remarkable vistas of the Carian coastline
The Sailing
This is a Slow Cyclist journey with a difference; your home for seven nights will be a traditional Turkish gulet which will transport you around the coastline. Your gulets have been hand-selected by our team and will include a dedicated, experienced crew. A highlight of any boat journey is the food, and you'll be amazed by what your onboard chef can whip up in a galley kitchen.
Food & Drink
We’ll travel with an exceptional chef who will create the seemingly impossible from their small below deck kitchen, using local food and produce purchased en route. Of course, there will be an abundance of seafood. Delicious breakfasts will be on board each day, and some lunches and dinners will be in tavernas on the islands. During the day we provide local fruit and snacks. Allergies and other preferences are noted at the time of booking.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday 18 September - Arrival in Bodrum
Transfer, Milas-Bodrum (BJV) Airport to Bodrum Marina
Upon arrival at Milas-Bodrum (BJV) Airport, we will be met by our private transfer and driven to Bodrum Marina to meet our beautiful boat and her diligent crew. After welcome drinks and settling into our cabins, we will begin our adventure with an afternoon cruise to the southern bays of the Gökova Gulf. Here, we will spend our first night together anchored in a quiet, secluded cove under the stars.
Day 2 - Saturday 19 September - Knidos to Bozburun
Morning walk 4 kms — Afternoon cruise
After a leisurely breakfast, we begin the day with a walk through the ancient city of Knidos, a classical site once home to a prestigious medical school and dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. After exploring the ruins and the ancient harbor, we will return to the boat for lunch before enjoying an afternoon cruise toward Bozburun area, known for its calm waters and traditional maritime character, where dinner will be served onboard under the evening sky.
Day 3 - Sunday 20 September - Bozburun to Serce Cove
Bozburun to Serce Cove
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast onboard before starting today’s hike on the Bozburun Peninsula, where the trail delivers dramatic views over both the Aegean and Mediterranean. Walk through fragrant hillsides and open ridgelines, with plenty of photo stops along the way. For those who want more, an optional extension climbs up to Loryma Castle for an extra dose of history and panorama. Return for a well- earned lunch, then afternoon cruise onward for a peaceful evening at Ekincik Cove.
Day 4 - Monday 21 September - Dalyan to Sarsala
Morning cycle 33kms
After breakfast, cruise to İztuzu Beach and transfer to a small river boat for a scenic ride along the Dalyan River. Visit the ancient city of Kaunos, then continue by boat past the famous rock-cut tombs carved high into the cliffs. Return to the yacht and enjoy lunch onboard before cruising onward into the sheltered bays near Sarsala Cove. The afternoon is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in the calm atmosphere before dinner onboard.
Day 5 - Tuesday 22 September - Sarsala to Sunken Bath
Morning walk 4.5 km
After breakfast, start your hike at Sarsala Cove, taking a few minutes to enjoy the turquoise bay before following the coastal path as it climbs gently through fragrant pine and maquis scrub. The trail weaves along rocky viewpoints above the sea, with short, shaded sections and occasional clearings that open to wide views of Gocek’s islands. As you approach Sunken Bath (Kleopatra’s Bath), the route descends toward calm, crystal-clear water where ancient stone remains sit partly submerged along the shoreline. Finish with a well-earned swim and snorkel around the ruins. Lunch and dinner on board.
Day 6 - Wednesday 23 September - Sunken Bath to Agalimani to Gemiler Island
Morning walk 4 kms — Afternoon sunset walk 1.2 kms
After enjoying the breakfast with the morning breeze, today’s first hike starts from Sunken Bath and ends in Agalimani. Visit the ancient city of Lydae along the hike and stop by a local’s home to taste some local products. Cruise to Gemile Island in the afternoon for a short sunset walk in the island and explore the ancient orthodox church.
Day 7 - Thursday 24 September - Kayaköy to Fethiye
Morning walk 7.4 kms
After a leisurely breakfast, we start the day with a morning hike from Soğuksu to Kayaköy, a poignant “ghost town” that remained inhabited by Greeks until the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. From there, we will cruise to Fethiye. You will have some free time to explore the vibrant town of Fethiye before we gather for a special farewell dinner at the local fish market to celebrate the end of our journey.
Day 8 - Friday 25 September - Departure from Fethiye
Transfer, Fethiye to Dalaman (DLM) Airport
After a final breakfast onboard with the crew, it is time to say our goodbyes. A private transfer will take you from Fethiye to Dalaman (DLM) Airport (approximately 1 hour) for your journey to Thessaloniki.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. Each guide is fluent in English and is very familiar with the region you'll be travelling through. We’re sure you will become firm friends by the time you leave. As well as the two local guides, our exceptional Turkish gulet crew will look after you every step of the way.
Accommodation
Our home will be a fully crewed, traditionally designed wooden gulet with six en suite cabins. The boat is beautifully presented with an exceptional team; you can truly make yourself at home with no need to pack and unpack each day. The gulet may vary depending on availability.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels we will send you an online Information Pack including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list as well as some of our favourite books about the Dodecanese and Greece.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Total in group |
Per person |
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All pricing is subject to change due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Extras |
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We are often told how nice it is that almost everything is paid for up front. So, while you are with us you can forget about your wallet, relax and enjoy yourselves. Included are:
- Group airport transfers (1 x arrival, 1 x departure)
- Support team, vehicle and luggage transfers
- 2 x English-speaking local guides. Only 1 guide will be walking with you and the second guide will be driving the support vehicle
- 7 x nights accommodation
- All meals, snacks and drinks
- All activities
- One complimentary laundry onboard
- 100% financial security
- Tip for gulet and local teams
- 1% donation to local causes aligned with our values
- Flights
- Personal costs
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
- Water sports with engines
Payment / cancellation terms are slightly different than our usual terms listed in our Standard Terms & Conditions. They are:
- A deposit of 30% is payable on booking but if you book within 121 days of departure then the full price is payable.
- The balance of the full price is payable at least 121 days before departure.
- If you cancel any time after booking until 121 days before departure, you forfeit your deposit.
- If you cancel between 91 to 120 days before departure, you forfeit 50% of your trip price.
- If you cancel between 61 to 90 days before departure, you forfeit 75% of your trip price.
- If you cancel between 1 to 60 days before departure, you forfeit 100% of your trip price.
Please make sure you are familiar with our Standard Terms & Conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our Guest Services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flights
Included in our price is one transfer for the group on arrival and departure but flights themselves are not included and you are responsible for booking your own.
We recommend a morning flight into Bodrum, arriving at around 12 noon to 1pm. At the end of your journey, we will return you to Dalaman Airport where we suggest booking a flight after 2pm.
If you would like help researching and booking your flights we recommend contacting Liz Rees, who helps many of our guests with their supplementary transport requirements. Please let her know your departure dates and preferred airport.
Her contact details are liz.rees@travelcounsellors.com or +44 7816 936876. Please let her know your departure dates.
Transfers
We will provide one transfer for the group on arrival and another on departure. If you require alternative transport options because you are arriving or leaving earlier or later please contact our team on +44 1865 587 994 and we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. If you're interested in planning an onward journey, we recommend contacting Liz Rees who can help with flight and train arrangements.
Protect the Planet
We are thrilled that increasing numbers of our guests are choosing to get to and back from their Slow Cyclist adventure in creative ways, for environmental reasons. We understand that this may not be practical, but urge you to consider doing so if you can make it work. Of course, you can undertake the research and book yourself, or Liz Rees can organise your journey for you.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.