Rhodes and Relaxation

Day 1

• Departure from Göcek harbour around 2:00 PM. (Please note that in 2023, our cruises will start and finish in Fethiye harbour.)
• Ağa Limanı

Days 2 and 3

• Rhodes

Day 4

• Ekincik
• Dalyan

Days 5, 6, and 7

• Göcek Islands

Day 8

• Return to Göcek harbour

Day 1 – Fethiye to Ağa Limanı

Welcome on-board Arkadaslik! Once we're cleared by the Turkish passport authorities, we'll lift anchor and head out of the harbour.

Sue and the sailor will start making their rounds – offering refreshments and making sure you're comfortably settled for the journey.

We'll only go a short way from the harbour before Captain Oktay drops anchor for your first swim of the cruise. After you've had the chance for a refreshing dip in the sea, we'll continue the trip.

Today's destination is Ağa Limanı, a small bay about 3 hours away from Göcek. After arriving at Ağa Limanı, enjoy another swim, sip on cold drink as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, or challenge your travelling companions to a game of Backgammon.

The crew will commence preparations for your first dinner of the trip. The chef typically prepares the mezes, salads, and desserts, Captain Oktay oversees the barbecue, and Sue and the sailor are responsible for setting the table and guest service.

Dinner is a relaxed affair, served "family style" on the big table on the back deck. Help yourself from the platters of hot and cold mezes, salads and bread, plus the main course. Once the meal is complete, we'll clear everything away and re-set the table for the fruit plate.

You are welcome to linger at the table as long as you like, but the crew will head to bed around midnight. (There is a long open-water crossing on Day 2 of this route, necessitating an early start to ensure the smoothest possible passage.)

When you start to get sleepy, head to bed in your cabin or stake out one of the sun beds on the mid-deck with your pillow and blanket. Fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat.

Day 2 – Ağa Limanı to Rhodes

You'll wake to the sound of the anchor being raised before 5AM. (Yes, you read that correctly – 5 o'clock in the morning!) Don't worry, you're welcome to stay in bed for the journey. Coffee and tea are available for anyone who joins the crew on deck as we embark on the 5-hour journey to Rhodes.

If the weather is good and the water is smooth, we'll serve breakfast en route. Otherwise, we'll wait until we arrive in Rhodes harbour.

Our yachting agent will greet the boat when we arrive and collect everyone's passports for delivery to the Greek authorities. Once approved, your passport will be returned and you're free to disembark at your leisure.

Arkadaslik will remain in the harbour at the New Marina for the duration of our stay in Rhodes, acting as your floating hotel. At least one crew member will always be on-board for security purposes, so it's safe to leave your belongings behind. (Although we recommend the use of your in-cabin safe for valuables.)

While visiting Rhodes, guests typically opt to eat breakfast on board, and venture into town for both lunch and dinner. (Due to restrictions on the use of barbecues in the harbour, dinners are not provided in Rhodes.) There are some fabulous restaurants in the area – and we're happy to provide recommendations if requested.

Day 3 – Rhodes

Your agenda for Day Three of this unique cruise is entirely at your discretion – although we're always happy to provide advice. Explore the medieval walled city of Old Rhodes Town. Hop on a bus and explore New Rhodes Town. Hike to the ancient acropolis, outdoor theater and stadium at Monte Smith Park for a photography session. Shop 'til you drop. Rent a car and explore farther afield. The decision is entirely yours.

Day 4 – Rhodes to Ekincik

The yachting agent will return to collect passports and take them to the Greek authorities for export processing so we can depart after breakfast.

Today's journey is another long one (about 4 hours across open water), but it's generally quite smooth as we're travelling with the currents of the sea. Weather permitting, Captain Oktay will raise the sails so you can experience the exhilaration of sailing on the open sea.

When the crossing is complete, we'll head to a quiet bay near Ekincik and anchor for the rest of the day.

After lunch, you have the option of touring Dalyan and the Dalyan Delta by water taxi. The trip includes a fascinating trip through the reed-filled Dalyan Delta, and visits to Iztuzu Beach (protected breeding area for the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta), the ruins of ancient Kaunos, the mud baths, and the town-site of Dalyan.

Dinner will be served against the backdrop of pine-covered hills for which this region is famous.

Days 5 through 7 - Göcek Islands

After breakfast, we'll continue cruising towards the Göcek islands region.

You'll start to lose track of time at this point as the days blend one-into-the-next. Sunbathe in bays where Cleopatra once frolicked. Snorkel in water so clear you can see turtles resting on the sea floor 20 meters down. Hike trails to ancient ruins. (Tip: If you're a hiking or climbing enthusiast, Sue can easily be convinced to accompany you on a hike along some of the trails in the area.) All from the comfort of your own floating hotel.

We'll visit places like:

• Tersane Island, which features the partially submerged ruins of a Byzantine monastery and ancient boat-yard
• Bedri Rahmi Koyu, which features a stylized fish painted on a rock by Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğluö, a Turkish writer and artist who first popularized the Blue Voyage
• Martılı Bay, which features the silhouette of a flying bird crafted in white stones laid out on the shore
• Cleopatra's Hamam Koyu, with the ruins of an ancient hamam reputed to have been used by Cleopatra and Marc Antony in 40BC
• Sarsala Bay, favoured by the luxury motor yacht crowd, so you may spot somebody famous
• Flat Islands, so beautiful it is featured on almost every travel brochure for the region

Each morning starts with a leisurely Turkish Breakfast, followed by some cruising, then a stop for a swim. Lunches are laid-back affairs, followed by time for swimming, napping or catching some rays, before we lift anchor and head to the next idyllic spot for more swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Between stops, sit on the front deck and sip a cool drink as we cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Relax on the shaded back deck with a good book. Or stretch out on the mid-deck to work on your suntan under the warm Mediterranean sun.

Around 4:00 each afternoon, the Chef will prepare a treat for "afternoon tea". This civilized practice whets your appetite for the feast being served a few hours later. You'll continue to be amazed by the dinners prepared by the team, each one more delicious than the last.

Evenings are filled with laughter, good conversation and fun. Listen to your favourite music on the boat-wide sound system. Enjoy a midnight swim. Sit on the foredeck and watch the stars. Play cards or board games with your travelling companions. Your imagination is the only limit to things you can do on-board!

Your last night on Arkadaslik will be bittersweet, knowing you'll return to life on land in the morning.

Day 8 – Return to Göcek

Enjoy a last swim and final Turkish Breakfast before we return to the harbour in Göcek to clear customs and say our goodbyes. Until next time… Güle güle! (Please note that in 2023, our cruises will start and finish in Fethiye harbour.)