WALKING AND RUINS IN THE GULF OF GÖKÖVA
19 – 26 MAY 2018
This gulet-based walking holiday explores the Gulf of Gököva in the company of two leader-guides who know the region exceptionally well: travel writer Jeremy Seal and Yunus Özdemir, archaeologist and co-founder of the Carian Trail, the long-distance footpath which has done so much to pioneer walking in this remote and lovely coastal region. Daily walks to classical sites like Keramos and Knidos rarely last more than three hours, giving time for plenty of lazing – leisurely swims, turns in the kayaks, backgammon battles – on the gulet before we head on to the next evening’s idyllic anchorage. Informed talks on the history and culture of the region over evening drinks, then another fine dinner under the stars…
This holiday dovetails, for those interested in exploring inland, with the four-day Walking and Ruins in Bafa tour.
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Day 1/ Sat 19 May 2018: Guests are met at Bodrum Airport for the half-hour transfer to Bodrum’s harbour where our gulet and a light supper awaits.
Day 2/ Sun 20 May: After breakfast we motor east out of Bodrum to put ashore at Kisebükü where a diverse trails leads through pine forests and olive groves. The gulet awaits us at Cakıllıyalı. We overnight in nearby Hurma Bay.
Day 3/ Mon 21 May: We put ashore for the short minibus transfer to the beginning of our walk at Alatepe. The views are spectacular as we begin our long descent – which may test some knees – to Ören. Tourism has entirely bypassed this town, ancient Keramos, which is littered with interesting ruins and retains a charming period feel. In the afternoon we sail on to overnight in the exquisite bay at Akbük.
Day 4/ Tues 22 May: We put ashore to transfer to the beginning of our walk at Sarnıç, a picturesque village some 700 metres above the shore. Our path follows the old caravan road, intact in sections, in a zig-zagging descent back to Akbük.
After lunch we cross the Gulf of Gököva to the south shore to overnight among the remote Seven Islands.
Day 5/ Wed 23 May: We put ashore where a minibus transfers us to the attractive village of Bayır. After a fortifying tea under the great plane tree in the centre of this attractive village we follow a spectacular ravine, with its series of waterfalls, down to Turgut where a short climb brings us to a fascinating hilltop tomb. We rejoin the gulet at the end of the day.
Day 6/ Thurs 24 May: Today’s walk to the westernmost point of the Datça Peninsula leads us into the storied city of Knidos where our gulet awaits us in the striking harbour. Our anchorage is overlooked by the great theatre and behind it are the extensive remains of roads, temples, cisterns, chapels and fortifications.
Day 7/ Fri 25 May: A morning walk to the acropolis above Knidos and a final swim before we head back across the Gulf of Gököva to Bodrum in time for some last-minute shopping and a visit to the great mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 8/ Sat 26 May: Our tour ends.
Background on gulet holidays is available here.
Cost: £1775 per person sharing a cabin, £2300 per person for sole occupancy of a cabin. Prices includes
Cost: £1775 per person sharing rooms, £2300 per person sole occupancy of a cabin. Price includes all meals, alcoholic drinks, guiding, entry fees and talks, airport transfers, outings and tips. Does not include flights, visas or onshore alcohol.
Your holiday is fully bonded and administered by Heritage Group Travel (www.grouptravel.co.uk) in Bath. For a small charge Heritage can also assist with your flights.
The trip will only run with sufficient numbers; early indications of interest are much appreciated.
All initial enquiries, or requests for printable copies of this itinerary, to Jeremy Seal. (jeremy@somewherewonderful.com; 07757 703604, or 01225 329269).