Sail the North Dodecanese Islands

The first night of your yacht tour will be spent in Bodrum which is where the elegant vessel awaits. You’ll be welcomed at Bodrum Airport, with a private transfer bringing you to the port. If you arrive early, enjoy the city’s cosmopolitan vibe with many upscale boutiques, hip cafes, and fine dining restaurants. You can also explore fascinating history like the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, located on the promontory east of the harbor. Once it’s time to board, the captain and crew will welcome you onto the ship.

Departing Bodrum, you’ll sail towards Kalymnos, stopping to enjoy Vathi’s hidden natural harbor and the fishing village of Rina, with its thriving citrus orchards fed by its own spring water supply. In the sapphire inlet, you’ll see ruins of a church that dates from the early Byzantine era – it can be reached with a short, scenic hike. Snorkeling or swimming can be enjoyed in the bay and rock climbing is possible too. Once in Kalymnos, famous for its sponge diving trade that was booming from the mid-1800s to the early 20th-century, you can explore the lively port and capital, Pothia, with a monastery that sits on a hill above.

While your final destination is Patmos, you’ll stop at the islet of Telendos, a tiny island just off Kalymnos that was originally part of it, until an earthquake in the 6th-century separated them. It’s car-free, with no roads but there are several tavernas for enjoying warm Greek hospitality along with some picturesque beaches for swimming. Once in the main port of Skala on Patmos, famous for its religious past as the island where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelations in the Cave of the Apocalypse, you’ll see the monastery and medieval fortress that overlooks Chora. There are many amazing beaches here too.

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Lipsi, known for its privacy and seclusion. You might cruise the coast to discover one of many beaches that can only be reached by boat or on foot. The water is crystal-clear and fabulous for swimming. At the island’s peak there’s a fortress and below are a number of cafes and tavernas serving local delicacies, including cheese, grapes, honey, and wine. There are many small churches to visit, in fact, there is said to be one for every family, including one built between the 7th– and 8th-centuries that has a holy icon of the Virgin, reputedly with miraculous powers.

Dock in the harbor of Agia Marina or in the secluded bay of Pandeli at Leros, a small island with lush valleys tucked between rolling green hills with lovely beaches and coves. Pandeli is the island’s oldest fishing village, and most locals still make their living fishing here. It also sits in one of the prettiest spots with the small settlement built around the bay. You’ll find many mouthwatering eats here, including contemporary dishes with traditional flavors. After dark, the bars and nightclubs in both Pandeli and Agia Marina have a laid-back atmosphere for enjoying local Bouzouki tunes and more contemporary music.

Return to Turkish waters, sailing to the resort town of Turgutreis, the second largest town on the Bodrum Peninsula with its many sandy beaches, before cruising south into the Gulf of Gokova. In this impressive stretch of sea, the shades of blue and green are surreal. You’ll pass many small bays and harbors along the rugged coast before the shore begins to become much more lush, with mountains and pine-covered hills. This evening, anchor near one of the larger islands in the gulf, Orak, renowned for its remarkably rich marine life and exceptional visibility that make it a top spot for snorkeling.

On the final full day of the cruise, you’ll begin making your way back to Bodrum, crossing the Gulf of Gokova to beautiful Kisebuku Bay. By sailing at midday, you’ll be able to take advantage of the calm waters along the shore. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach Bodrum harbor where you can spend your last night or continue your journey a bit farther to Ada Bogazi, another fabulous place to anchor. Many feel it’s the prettiest anchorage in the gulf. This evening, you might take advantage of the buzzing Bodrum nightlife, toasting to the end of a fantastic week of sailing.

After a week of cruising the Aegean coast, your journey comes to an end. Enjoy breakfast onboard and then disembark in Bodrum where you’ll transfer to the airport to begin your trip back home or head out on further travels elsewhere. It’s also possible to catch the ferry to Kos, ending your cruise there with a transfer provided to Kos Airport. If you have other plans or would like to make them, please reach out to our expert travel staff who can help. Otherwise, we wish you safe travels, with many memories and photos to bring back with you.