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Sample itinerary · Turkey · 7 nights
One Week by Gulet from Bodrum
A sample seven-night crewed gulet or yacht itinerary from Bodrum into the Gulf of Gökova, with pine-fringed bays, Cleopatra’s Island and the ancient city of Knidos.
Bodrum is the home of the gulet, the broad-beamed wooden yacht that has carried guests along the Turkish coast for decades. Just east of the town lies the Gulf of Gökova, a long inlet of pine forest, empty bays and water so calm in places that it barely moves. It’s one of the most relaxing cruising grounds in the Mediterranean, and it begins at the marina.
This sample week is a starting point for a crewed charter in summer 2027, on a gulet or a modern motor or sailing yacht. Your captain will adjust it around the weather and your group. For more on the coast, see our yacht charter in Turkey page, and for the coast further east, our Göcek to Kekova gulet itinerary.
Why Bodrum and Gökova work so well by yacht
Milas–Bodrum Airport is around 40 minutes from the town, and Bodrum’s marina is a well-equipped base. The town itself is the site of ancient Halicarnassus, home of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its great harbour landmark today is the Castle of St Peter, built by the Knights Hospitaller from the early 15th century, which now houses a museum of underwater archaeology.
The Gulf of Gökova is a protected area, with much of its coastline undeveloped and some zones closed to fishing to help marine life recover. Bays are close together, the water inside the gulf is often flat, and the evenings are quiet: exactly what a gulet week is about.
The week, day by day
Day 1 · Bodrum – board and settle in
Meet the yacht in Bodrum, unpack and talk through the week with the captain and chef. If there’s time, walk up to the Castle of St Peter before a first dinner on board.
Day 2 · Orak Island
Cruise out into the Gulf of Gökova to Orak Island, known for its startlingly clear, turquoise water over white sand. It’s one of the best swimming and snorkelling stops on the coast. Spend the night in a sheltered bay nearby, such as Çökertme, where a few simple restaurants welcome yachts.
Day 3 · The Seven Islands
Head deeper into the gulf to Yedi Adalar, the Seven Islands, a cluster of small islets and narrow channels sheltered from the wind. It’s a place to swim, paddleboard and kayak among the pines, and to enjoy a long, slow lunch at anchor.
Day 4 · English Harbour and Sedir Island
Visit İngiliz Limanı, English Harbour, a long, wooded inlet that, so the story goes, sheltered British boats during the Second World War. Then on to Sedir Island, also known as Cleopatra’s Island, with the ruins of ancient Kedreai and a famous beach of fine, pale sand. Legend says the sand was brought from Egypt for Cleopatra. The beach is protected today, with strict rules on access and what can be taken onto it.
Day 5 · Akbük and the southern shore
Cross to the gulf’s southern shore and anchor in one of its quiet, pine-lined bays, such as Akbük. Afternoons here often bring a steady sea breeze, ideal for a few hours of sailing, before the wind drops in the evening.
Day 6 · Towards the Datça peninsula
Work west along the long, narrow Datça peninsula, stopping in its coves for swimming. If you want to stretch your legs, the old stone village of Eski Datça, inland from Datça town, is a lovely place for a stroll.
Day 7 · Knidos
At the very tip of the peninsula lies Knidos, an ancient Greek city with two harbours. In antiquity it was famous for Praxiteles’ statue of Aphrodite. Today you can wander among the theatres and temples above the water, then watch the sunset from the ruins before a farewell dinner at anchor.
Day 8 · Return to Bodrum
Cross back to Bodrum after breakfast for your flight home or a few extra nights in town.
Tell us your dates and group size. Jake will send a free shortlist of crewed gulets and yachts for Bodrum and Gökova, with availability and rates.
Gulet or yacht?
A traditional gulet offers generous deck space, shaded lounging areas and a large crew, which makes it ideal for families and groups who want to slow down. A modern motor yacht covers distance faster and suits groups who want to see more, while a sailing yacht or catamaran makes the most of Gökova’s afternoon breezes. We can shortlist all three, so you can compare like for like.
When to go and how to book
The Turkish season runs from May to October, with warm water well into autumn. June and September are often ideal, hot but less busy than July and August. Turkey is not in the EU or the Schengen area, so check the entry rules for your passport before you travel, and allow for formalities if you plan to combine the week with the nearby Greek islands. Our guide to booking a Mediterranean charter for 2027 early explains why the best yachts go first.
Crewed charters are usually quoted as a weekly charter fee, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) for fuel, food, drinks and berthing, and taxes where they apply. Our plain-English guide to yacht charter costs explains each element before you commit.
Keep planning
More Turkey guides
Yacht charter in Turkey
Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye and the Turquoise Coast: where to cruise in Turkey.
Read the guide →
Göcek to Kekova by gulet
A sample week through the Twelve Islands to the sunken city of Kekova.
Read the guide →
Charter costs explained
The charter fee, APA, VAT and tips, in plain English.
Read the guide →
Plan your Bodrum charter
Tell us your dates, group size and the kind of yacht you have in mind, whether that’s a traditional gulet, a sleek motor yacht, a spacious catamaran or a classic sailing yacht. We’ll come back with a shortlist of crewed yachts, with photos, crew details, availability and rates. Contact us or message Jake on WhatsApp to start planning your summer 2027 week in Turkey.
Plan your charter
Your free yacht shortlist in 30 seconds
Tap your answers and send them to Jake on WhatsApp. You’ll get yachts, crews, availability and rates, usually within one working day. Free, with no obligation.