Your itinerary

This is a sample itinerary. Weather or other outside factors may mean that your skipper sets an alternative course.

Arrival Day

Embarkation is possible from 5PM. You can check in and drop off your luggage earlier though, at our office in the Palmiye Hotel. Your vessel will be moored on the Palmiye jetty in the charming village of Orhaniye, in the beautiful bay of Keci Buku, near Marmaris, Mugla. This is one of the favourite yachting destinations of Southern Turkey. Upon arrival at our office in the Hotel you will be greeted by our operations manager who will go through the check-in procedure with you. Then you’ll be introduced to your crew, your fellow sailors and your TradeWinds yacht whilst you enjoy a refreshing Welcome cocktail. After being shown to your cabin and your new home for the week, take a little time to settle and enjoy a delicious dinner aboard. Your yacht remains on the jetty for the evening to allow you to acclimatize and have either a relaxing time onboard or to explore the village of Orhaniye.

Cruising Day 1

Breakfast is served followed by a safety briefing and a first look at the proposed itinerary for the week. You will then set sail into the Gulf of Hisaronu, a beautiful, fiord like, tree-lined gulf, dominated, at its south-western entrance, by the Greek Island of Symi. After visiting a ruined monastery off the entrance to the bay of Selimiye we spend the night in the aptly named Paradise Bay. If you want to participate in the handling of the yacht and sails, you can do so but, if you prefer, just lie back and relax. It is all up to you. When you arrive in Paradise Bay, jump in to the crystal clear waters for some snorkelling before lunch is served. After lunch a trip ashore is highly recommended followed, perhaps, by a cocktail or beer in the isolated but charming Paradise Bay Restaurant and Bar. As there is no road access to this bay peacefulness and solitude is assured.

Cruising Day 2

Following a scrumptious breakfast, we sail away to the harbour of beautiful Bozburun, located on the western end of the Bozburun Peninsula, for a lunch stop and run ashore. Later, a short hop around the corner brings us into the deserted bay of Bozuk Buku, site of the ancient Citadel of Loryma, from where, in 1552, Suleiman the Magnificent launched his successful campaign to defeat the Knights of Rhodes. In this location there is virtually no light pollution whatsoever and your captain may invite all guests up on deck for a night cap and an evening of the most amazing stargazing.

Cruising Day 3

Early in the morning, we set sail, north about Symi, to the wonderful town and harbour of Datca where we moor stern-to on the dock. While the crew carry out some necessary administration you have the opportunity to explore this charming, Turkish, holiday destination. On your return sunset drinks are served onboard while you prepare for an evening ashore at one of the nearby restaurants.

Cruising Day 4

After breakfast we sail along the south coast of the Datca Peninsula, stopping along the way for lunch, before arriving at the ancient city of Knidos once home to 70,000 people and now a fascinating and famous site of antiquity. Dinner is served onboard.

Cruising Day 5

Having finished your breakfast and a morning swim, we set sail for the Greek Isle of Symi where we will anchor in the bay of Pedi for the night. Symi is a beautiful, Greek Island though the architecture in the town and port is decidedly Italian. Exploring Symi town, reached from Pedi by bus, taxi or walking, is highly recommended, especially to examine the history of the Symiot sponge divers.

Cruising Day 6

After breakfast we raise the anchor and depart for one of the secluded bays on the north coast of the gulf where you can swim and snorkel to your heart's content. We head back into the bay of Keci Buku to arrive on Palmiye jetty in time for lunch. As this is the last evening on board we will dine ashore in Palmiye where you can sample Mama Emine's delicious, home-cooked food.

Departure Day

After breakfast onboard, it is time to gather your belongings and memories. Your crew will arrange transport back to the airport before exchanging fond farewells. You will already be planning your next cruise.….