Private Weekend Mini Cruises

A mini-odyssey along the Lycian coast
The rhythm of the wine-dark sea, spectacular sunsets viewed over glasses of chilled wine, and the endlessly changing coastline: these will form the backdrop for your memories of a mini cruise

Goulette – Usturmaca

Twenty one (21m) metres of sailing power with a large master cabin and its own en-suite shower. It also has a plasma TV. Add two small guests cabins (suitable for singles or children), along with the comfort of air-conditioning, lounge,  plasma TV and DVD player, a spacious deck with lounging futons great for basking, reading or dozing, and you have a recipe for R & R.  There’s also a large canopy cover for those who prefer to keep away from the excess of the sun.
Usturmacais a classic boat operating at a comfortable level with an awesome crew and amazing catering. Canoe, snorkelling and fishing equipment is available and, if you want water sports, the captain will liaise with travelling water companies.

We’ll be using her for daily cruises for no more than six couples, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week.

Then, at weekends, you can embark upon your own two-day mini-Odyssey along the Lycian coast. It’s perfect for a couple, or family with two young children. Top up your tan while the dramatic scenery of the coast slips by only pausing at remote bays for a cooling dip.

Your Crew

A crew of three: Captain, Deck Hand and an English speaking stewardess who will have their own separate quarters.

What’s Included

Full cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner, unlimited tea, coffee, bottled mineral water, all beverages, high tea, fuel, 24 hour air-conditioning, marina charges.

Sample Menu

Aubergine, courgette and tomato casserole, ‘Borek’ (mouth-watering Turkish cheese pastries with stuffed vine leaves), Turkish salads, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Drinks (local charges apply).

The Itinerary

Saturday: Embark at the new marina in Kas, with the first night spent at the Limanagzi Peninsula which has a delightful beach.

Sunday: Sunday cruise to the famous sunken City of Kekova with its ruined arches and lintels shimmering enticingly in the translucent water.  Half-submerged randomly on the shore are squat stone sarcophagi in which the Lycians buried lesser ranks. Lycian nobles were entombed with all the necessities for a comfortable afterlife (including their wives) in decorated rock tombs carved out of the hills. Overnight at Gokkaya Bay.

Monday: The furthest point of the cruise and, for many people the highlight is the remote settlement of Kale, crowned by the crenelated ramparts of a crusader castle which lies among a jigsaw puzzle of houses, with balconies dripping bougainvillea and gardens brimming with hollyhocks and figs.  The children play between the ruins of sarcophagi while the women display their embroidery on fallen columns.

Note also that your route takes you through prime dolphin country so don’t be surprised if these friendly escorts arrive to keep your company.  Monday late afternoon you return to the private marina at Kas to disembark after pausing for a leisurely lunch at one of the picturesque bays.

Please note:

• The Goulettes have sails mainly for aesthetic reasons, they may be raised for a pleasing visual effect, but the motors are the prime source of power.
• Prevailing local conditions, including the weather, may force some changes to be made to the stated itinerary.  For practical and safety reasons the captain’s word is final on these matters.

Please check out our sister hotel, Hotel Hemithea