Luxury Gulet Aegean cruise

From Bodrum airport, transfer the short drive to the bustling resort town of Bodrum and board your luxurious gulet. Your captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board in Bodrum Harbour. Year round balmy temperatures, international marinas, elegant boutiques, chic cafés and nightclubs, and a variety of delightful dining experiences attract many to vibrant Bodrum. The 15th century Crusader castle, the world class Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, bring an important historical dimension to this picturesque city. Spend the first night on board in Bodrum Harbour, or possibly depart for Kalymnos.

Before we arrive at Kalymnos Harbour, we will anchor in the hidden natural harbour of Vathi, the most fertile spot of the island. The lovely houses of the village of Rina trickle down the slopes of two hills, while a small part of the settlement lies in the verdant valley that extends to the fishing village and the natural fjord-like gulf beyond. The charming village fringed with citrus orchards boasts one main street and a scattering of houses; an unexpected patch of lush vegetation on an otherwise dry and arid-looking island. Vathi is the only place on the island that is lucky enough to have it’s own spring water supply, and here it is used carefully to cultivate citrus fruits, figs, grapes and anything else that can be persuaded to grow! This deep blue inlet is also home to a cluster of picturesque church remains dating from the early Byzantine period to the more recent past, and a short but lovely hike from the gulet takes allows us to explore them. We will stop for lunch on board, and swimming and snorkelling in the most incredible waters, before watching the sunset with cocktails on deck and stepping on shore to dine at one of the 2 tiny tavernas in Vathi where the octopus is a must-try! Kalymnos is eternally tied to the sea: beautiful shores, a fascinating seabed excellent for diving and snorkelling, and mouth watering seafood gastronomy, not to mention the fearless and open-hearted residents who are the descendants of sponge divers. Kalymnos has never relied on tourism so has remained wild and unspoiled, and is one of the most authentic destinations among the Greek islands. Sponge diving was a thriving trade in the mid-19th Century until the early 20th Century, and Kalymnos was one of the centres of this activity. In early Spring time the legendary and daring sponge fishermen would venture out to ply the deep open waters of the Aegean Sea and the treacherous Mediterranean as far as North Africa, ‘skin diving’ to depths of 30 metres. Before the first suits were designed, the divers would descend to the seabed weighed down by a heavy marble stone. The legacy of this local trade is evident today and a cherished source of pride and identity for the islanders, young and old. Pothia, is the bustling port and capital of Kalymnos that spreads amphitheatrically on two hills, featuring pink and orange buildings of Italian origin, narrow back streets, and moored yachts, bars and restaurants lining the waterfront. There are still sponges on sale everywhere. The Monastery of Agios Savvas is located on top of the hill above Pothia. Dedicated to Agios Savvas, the patron saint of the island, this lovely stone church has a red tiled roof and some exquisite and newly restored frescos. Its location provides excellent views of the town, overlooking the port and seascape beyond. The beautiful Monastery of Agioi Pantes is also located close by, and is still residence to the elderly nuns. There are long skirts and shawls available for women to wear when visiting this otherwise private area, and you can see the lovely gardens as well as the kitchen and sleeping quarters. It is a rigorous uphill climb to the monastery but a comfortable descent on the return.

En route to Patmos we will visit the islet of Telendos, which is located 700 metres from Kalymnos. Until 535 CE this tiny island was actually part of Kalymnos until an earthquake separated the two. It is a lovely quiet spot with no roads and no cars; just warm and genuine Greek hospitality. A strip of tavernas offering fabulous views back to the escarpment of Kalymnos itself lines the waterfront, and the tiny village has a paved and shady main street which soon leads you to a couple of lovely beaches on the west side of the island. Away from crowds, Telendos is a haven for soaking up some quiet time. Spend the day lazing in the sun, walk along the sea front in the shade of the tamarisk trees, and swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters from your gulet in one of the small secluded coves dotted around the island. The On the Rock establishment on Telendos offers a choice of incredibly tasty Greek signature dishes including freshly caught fish, octopus and moussaka, which taste even better from this fantastic location by the sea. Don’t miss sampling a few from the extensive cocktail and Greek beer menu. We then sail to Patmos and dock in the main port of Skala. Patmos’ breathtaking scenery, dominated by a fortified hilltop monastery, and special atmosphere have made it an ideal getaway for those seeking inspiration or a quiet retreat. The island's focal point is the important Monastery of St. John and its mediaeval fortress, which is visible from nearly everywhere on the island, and stands overlooking Chora as a reminder of Patmos’ historical and spiritual significance. St. John is said to have penned the Book of Revelations and the Apocalypse here on Patmos. The monastery houses some spectacular frescoes and a museum well worth visiting. The smaller monastery of the Apocalypse halfway down the hill from Chora, grew up around the grotto where the Evangelist is said to have heard the voice of God. Other sites of interest in Patmos include a library where there are rare manuscripts 2000 books and 13000 documents; the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in Chora, an example of a real island temple with gorgeous 16th and 18th century icons; and the commune of Evaggelismos in southern Chora, an active monastery where there is a handicraft school for Patmian needlework. The village of Chora, which grew up around the monastery, is built in the Cretian style of many of the first settlers here, and is probably the most beautiful in the Dodecanese, especially by night. From here you can see the 3 windmills, the port at Skala and many of the beaches along the west of the island. On a clear day you can also see the island of Lipsi and the Turkish coast beyond. Patmos’ incredible beaches have also helped to establish this island as a popular travel destination. Those looking for more seclusion can visit one of the many isolated beaches and coves around the island and surrounding islets, accessible only by boat, which is ideal for our Gulet yacht guests! Visiting the island on board a luxury gulet lets you explore the island and still sleep in the lap of luxury. Although Patmos is traditionally a place of spiritual pilgrimage, it is has diversified somewhat, and you’ll also find there great designer boutiques, Greek style local cuisine, cafes with spectacular views, and what’s more after dinner the island certainly doesn’t just sleep and there is a lively buzz into the early hours.

Wake up to the sunshine, have a relaxing breakfast on board and then spend the morning exploring Lipsi. We may head out and cruise to one of the untouched bays or sandy beaches along the coast for swimming and relaxing on board. The virgin nature, crystal clear waters, beaches and the relaxing atmosphere of Lipsi Island attract tourists looking for total seclusion and privacy. This is a frequent destination among naturists and hikers, as many beaches can only be reached on foot or by boat. A fortress crowns the uppermost peak of the island, and in the scattering of small tavernas and cafes below you will find local delicacies like the traditional thyme honey, wine, cheese and grapes. There are so many small churches in the island that it is said there is 1 church for each family in Lipsi. Panaghia tou Harou architecturally has a local feel, Byzantine in perception yet austere and unpretentious. As yet unexcavated, the church was built sometime between the 7th and 8th Century CE. Now to Lipsi’s beautiful beaches! Lientou is by far the most popular and located in town. Venture a little further and discover the Kampos, Platys Yialos - a delightful sandy strip of land stretching out to sea, and the exceptionally stunning sandy beach of Papandria in the south facing the island of Leros. Chochlakoura beach is loved for its pebbles, flat rocks and scenic caves, while Tourkomnima, Xirokampos, Monodendri and Kamares are all remote beaches of wild beauty, and definitely worth the expedition to visit.

We cruise to the small island of Leros, the island of Diana, Goddess of Hunting. This is an island of small fertile valleys sandwiched between rolling green hills, deep coves and pretty beaches. Depending on the winds, we will dock in the harbor of Agia Marina or the more secluded bay of Panteli. Pandeli is the oldest fishing village in Leros, where most of the residents are still in the fishing trade, and located in the island’s most picturesque spot surrounded by enchanting landscapes of green trees, steep mountains and excellent coves. The small settlement is built like an amphitheatre around the natural bay and joins with Platanos, the quaint harbor of Agia Marina, which has selective local shops located in old traditional buildings that sell antiques and handcrafts. The town of Alinda is also gorgeous with its attractive pebble beach and hip beach clubs. These waterfront towns hold most cultural interest, with their neoclassical buildings and pleasant village atmosphere. Leros has a magnificent crusader castle or better known as Kastro, It is a strong mediaeval fortress presiding over the villages of Pandeli and Agia Marina, with spectacular views of the mountainous landscape and the sea. It is a rigorous uphill climb from either village, but once at the top it is truly picturesque and a lovely walk back down directly into either village. The island is a paradise for foodies with a rich culinary heritage, featuring many unique Lerian specialties. You can find the best combination of the local and fusion cuisine, witnessed by the seaside El Greco Restaurant on the Panteli beach. Make sure to try the tuna carpaccio and phyllo bread stuffed with soft goat cheese. The patisserie-cafe To Paradosiako, meaning ‘The Traditional’ in Greek, is in Agia Marina’s harbour, has a lovely setting on the water and offers some of the most delicious and creative treats you can find. With contemporary and spiced up traditional flavours, you will be spoilt for choice with what’s on offer here. After dinner Leros comes alive in bars and nightclubs that feature local Bouzouki as well as contemporary music, warm hospitality and a laid-back ambience, which is at its best in Panteli and Agia Marina.

We now cross back into Turkish waters and from Turgutreis, sail south to into the Gulf of Gokova, a stunning stretch of the Aegean where the sea displays its most remarkable hues. The rugged coastline with its myriad small bays and harbours gives way to a lush backdrop of pine-clad hills and mountains. Drop anchor near Orak Island, one of the Gulf’s large islands, and this one known for its rich sea life and crystal clear water, a perfect site for snorkelling.

This morning cruise to the gorgeous Bay of Kisebuku. Take advantage of the calm midday hours, sailing smoothly along the Gokova shores. Late afternoon we sail into into Bodrum Harbour, or continue to Ada Bogazi, another lovely anchorage, for the last night.

Disembark in Bodrum.