After crossing the Gulf of Gökova in the early morning, we round Cape Krio and enter the ancient port of Knidos. Swim in the crystal clear waters and snorkel on a breakwater before heading ashore to this impressive site. Knidos was an important port on the coastal route and enjoyed great prosperity in the 4th century BC. The city had two ports, two theatres and was home to a nude statue of Aphrodite by Praxiteles, the foundation of which can be seen today of the temple of Aphrodite. In the late afternoon, we head to Kalaboshi for the night.

Head towards Hisarönü Bay and stop for lunch and water sports at the beautiful bay of Bozburun. Bozburun is surrounded by low, rocky hills and has a definite charm. The locals are all fishermen and sponge fishermen, and are extremely hospitable. The afternoon sail takes us to the tip of the Loryma Peninsula and Bozukkale. In Hellenistic times, Bozukkale was known as Loryma and the city was a deme of the Peraea of ​​Rhodes. We take care to keep to the well-preserved walls of the ancient castle and go ashore to climb the acropolis. This is a great vantage point to see the area and photograph the yacht at anchor below. From here it is possible to see the outline of the Greek island of Rhodes. Overnight in Bozukkale.

Before heading to Ekincik Bay for the day, we will stop at Serçe Limanı for swimming and snorkeling. George Bass and his team of archaeologists have been smuggling glass objects and other interesting trade items from an 11th century Byzantine shipwreck that reached Ekincik Bay.

This morning we boarded a small river boat and headed south-east along a steep, indented coastline before entering the mouth of the Dalyan River. After passing the sandy shores of Iztuzu Beach, it’s a short journey through the reed-lined channels of the delta to the ancient ruins of Caunos. Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach as it is one of the last remaining breeding grounds for the rare Loggerhead Turtle. The ruins of Caunos are situated beneath a hill topped by an acropolis – an exhilarating climb rewarding the climber with magnificent views of the surrounding area. Look out for a theatre, an early Byzantine church, Roman baths and the ancient harbour, the ruins of the Agora and temples. On the way to Dalyan town, you’ll pass beneath a series of Lycian rock tombs on the cliff top overlooking the river. These tombs date back to 400-600 BC and are the finest examples of their kind found anywhere. Returning to the yacht, we head south towards Fethiye Gulf and find a quiet anchorage.

A day of sailing in the Gulf of Fethiye and lunch at Manastir Bay or Sarsala, depending on the weather. Take time to wander through the fragrant pine forests – and for the adventurous, there are a few walks to little-known archaeological sites in the hills above the bays. This evening, depending on your preference, you can anchor at a quiet anchorage such as Boynuz Bükü and have dinner at a “lokanta” (rustic open-air restaurant) or at the town pier in Göcek, where you can choose from a number of very good restaurants. Day 8