Discover Dodecanese: Luxury Gulet Cruise
with Istanbul Extention Option
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
All Inclusive Service
Experience a truly all-inclusive journey where every detail, from handling your luggage to arranging airport transfers, is meticulously taken care of.
Private Chef
Indulge in fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine customized to your diet preferences, prepared by your onboard private chef.
Best Quality Gulets
Immerse in the authenticity of traditional design merged with modern luxury, ensuring an unforgettable nautical journey.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 48° | 48° | 54° | 59° | 68° | 73° | 81° | 81° | 73° | 66° | 55° | 48° |
| Low (°F) | 39° | 39° | 43° | 46° | 54° | 61° | 66° | 66° | 61° | 55° | 46° | 41° |
| Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Highlights of the Tour
- Private Chef and Culinary Delights: Indulge in the luxury of having a private chef on board, who will craft exquisite Mediterranean cuisine to satisfy your palate and enhance your culinary journey.
- Water Sports and Calm Coves: Dive into the crystal-clear turquoise waters, where you can enjoy a range of water sports activities or find tranquility in the secluded and calm coves along the coastline.
- Ancient Wonders: Discover the rich historical heritage of Rhodes, from the renowned Colossus of Rhodes to the Crusader citadel, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site within its medieval Old Town.
- With knowledgeable guides by your side, immerse yourself in the captivating stories and architectural grandeur of these significant landmarks.
1
We choose the best gulets according to their availibility
Optional Istanbul PRE-TOUR
Upon arrival at the Istanbul airport, get transferred to our selected hotel in the historic Sultanahmet District. After settling in, we invite you to join us for a welcome dinner with your guide. Second day, we embark on a journey through Istanbul’s remarkable history, beginning with the Hagia Sophia, which has the title of being the largest building in the world for over a thousand years and we make our way to the Blue Mosque, a testament to the grandeur of 17th-century Islamic architecture. Through the Hippodrome, the bustling center of Roman and Byzantine Constantinople, we explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar and the fragrant Spice Market. Our third day begins with a morning transfer to the airport for our flight to Marmaris, where the next phase of our journey commences. Upon landing at Dalaman Airport, your guide will take you for a riverside lunch at Dalyan. From there, we embark on a tranquil cruise to the ancient city of Kaunos, accessible only by boat, followed by a brief hike to uncover the secluded Greco-Roman ruins. After immersing ourselves in these historical marvels, we journey to our embarkation point, where you will be acquainted with your welcoming crew and the stunning Turkish gulet – a classic wooden sailing vessel from Turkey’s southwestern coast.
Inclusions: Airport transfers, Local Guide, Hotel, All Breakfast, One Lunch, Flight to Marmaris, Dalyan River Cruise
Accommodations: Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton or Vogue Supreme
Day 1 Arrival in Marmaris
You will be greeted with your name at Dalaman Airport and will be transfered to Marmaris Marina where you will be acquainted with your welcoming crew and the stunning Turkish gulet – a classic wooden sailing vessel. To celebrate the onset of our voyage, our onboard chef will expertly prepare an exquisite welcome dinner, which you can relish while sipping your cocktails.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 2 Rhodes
After completing the morning customs procedures, we will set sail for Rhodes, a three-hour voyage away. As one of the largest islands in the Dodecanese group, Rhodes is steeped in ancient history, including the renowned Colossus of Rhodes. This monumental bronze statue of the sun god, Helios, was created by the sculptor Chares of Lindos in 305 BC and once stood as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World“. Rhodes’s most striking architectural remains, however, are from the period of the Crusades (1099-1245 AD). The Knights of St. John constructed an impressive citadel, rich in historical architecture and fortified by a two-mile-long wall. In the afternoon, we will conduct a guided walking tour to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. As evening arrives, your guide will help you select from a multitude of exquisite dining options within the Medieval Old Town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 3 Symi
In the morning, we’ll set sail towards a captivating islet near Symi. Following breakfast, we embark on a swim in Symi’s crystal-clear turquoise waters. We’ll proceed with a visit to the historic Panormitis Monastery, after which we’ll navigate to the harbor of Symi in the afternoon. There, you’ll get to wander through a charming tapestry of Italian-influenced Greek architecture. For dinner, feel free to choose from one of the local Greek taverns, with guidance from your tour guide as needed. We’ll be spending the night in Symi Marina.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 4 Tilos
After breakfast, we’ll cruise towards the tranquil island of Tilos. Known as the least frequented among the Dodecanese islands, Tilos invites us with its untouched charm. Our morning begins with a leisurely swim stop at a serene location, followed by lunch. We’ll then journey through the picturesque landscape of Tilos, dotted with old mule tracks, offering delightful walking routes. A visit to the quaint village of Megala Chorio unveils the historic Taxiarchi Michailis church, built over the remains of a classical temple wall. We’ll also witness a Venetian castle sitting majestically on a hilltop, guarding the town. The day winds down with a visit to a local museum, home to unique archaeological finds, including the bones of small mammoths unearthed on the island. We conclude the day with an overnight stay aboard our gulet in the tranquil harbor of Livadia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 5 Nisyros
Start your day by exploring Nisyros, a picturesque island with a handful of harbors, of which Mandraki stands out with its charming whitewashed houses and vibrantly colored wooden balconies. Visit Nikia, a town perched on the rim of an active volcanic crater. Embark on a descent to the crater’s floor, where you may witness sporadic bubbles and experience its potent sulphurous aroma. Return back to our gulet for lunch and siesta. In the afternoon, stroll through the narrow streets shadowed by two historic castles – Palaiokastro and the Knights Castle. After setting the son at the top of the ancient acropolis, Paleokastro, we will take a short walk to our restaurant in one of the taverns in the small town.. Spend the night onboard our gulet at Nisyros.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation:Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 6 Kos
Embark on a 40-mile cruise around Turkey’s Datça Peninsula, where ancient sailors used the sail, setting course for the island of Kos. Known for fertile landscapes and the birthplace of Hippocrates, the “father of modern medicine,” Kos promises a delightful blend of natural beauty and ancient history. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Kos Town, adorned with palm and pine trees, oleander and jasmine gardens, and an imposing Crusader castle. Delve into the rich history of the ancient Hellenistic agora, an old gymnasium, an odeon (theater), Roman baths, and intricate mosaics. Spend the night aboard our gulet at Kos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 7 Bodrum
After a morning breakfast aboard our gulet, we will journey back to the historic city of Bodrum. Here, we will delve into history with a visit to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the formidable Bodrum Castle where we will trace the Knights of St John in Turkey. Continuing with our cultural immersion, we’ll explore a local carpet ladies‘ cooperative, a fascinating peek into traditional Turkish craftsmanship. As evening falls, after the farewell dinner on-board, soak in the energetic vibe of Bodrum’s nightlife. Spend your night in the heart of this lively city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Luxury Gulet or similar
Day 8 Bodrum, Goodbye Aegean!
After our breakfast on-board, it will be time to part ways with our dedicated crew. From here, you have the choice to return to Istanbul to catch your international flight back home. Alternatively, we offer the option of joining one of our customized post-tour adventures. We’re here to help create an itinerary that suits your interests and schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
What is Included?
- Deluxe traditional wooden gullet or ketch (traditional Turkish boats)
- Air-conditioned cabins with private showers and bathrooms. Mattresses, towels, and bed linen (changed three times within a week tour)
- All meals with bottled water as indicated: Breakfast (7 breakfast), Lunch (7 lunches), Dinner (5 dinners). Most of the meals are onboard and they are specializing in the local cuisine.
- All the local soft beverages on board during the yacht part
- Wine will be served complimentary at welcome and farewell dinners
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- All land transfers throughout the tour including arrival and departure transfers, all by air-conditioned private vehicles
- Complete program of tours as indicated in the itinerary.
- All entrance fees, admissions, and parking fees
- Dalyan River excursion
- Baggage handling
- Embarkation fees in the harbors and all taxes
- One complimentary laundry onboard
What is Excluded?
- International airfares, airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- Alcoholic beverages during the meals on the land and yacht portion of the tour
- Visa (if applicable, it can be obtained online, https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/)
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, and crew
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephones calls, minibar expenses, etc.
- Travel and health insurance
My first trip with Runner Tourism was a part of small group; a twelve-day gullet cruise with a land extension to Cappadocia. For my second trip they put together a ten-day private tour to Eastern Turkey. This was hands-down the best trip of my life. I’ve done a number of guided vacations, and Cemil has been the best of the guides.
We loved the whole trip; one of the most rewarding we have ever taken. Everything ran as planned and exceeded expectations. Somehow we managed to be in the right place at the right time. The mostly boutique hotels were terrific and the food was wonderful. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
