Sail Turkey: Fethiye to Olympos Gulet Cruise

Imagine setting sail on a traditional Turkish gulet, gliding along the famed Aegean coastline with crystal-clear waters beneath you and history whispering from the shores. For four days and three nights, this Fethiye to Olympos cruise offers an authentic and leisurely way to discover some of Turkey’s most iconic sights, from Butterfly Valley to Sunken City of Kekova. Priced at around $511 per person, it balances comfort, adventure, and cultural richness, making it an appealing choice for travelers looking to mix relaxation with exploration.

What we love most about this cruise is how it combines stunning natural scenery with historic ruins—imagine swimming in turquoise bays in the morning and wandering ancient Lycian ruins in the afternoon. Also, the delicious Turkish cuisine, served plentifully on board, adds a flavorful touch to the entire experience. However, as with all travel adventures, be prepared for limited air conditioning hours and the fact that drinks and some activities are not included, which might affect your overall budget.

This cruise suits those who crave a comfortably-paced, authentic experience that blends scenic beauty, history, and local hospitality. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to explore varied landscapes, or for anyone who simply wants to unwind on a boat while soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

Key Points

• Authentic Gulet Experience: Travel on a high-standard, private Turkish boat with private en-suite cabins.
• Varied Itinerary: Visit Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz, St Nicholas Island, Kas, and Kekova.
• Cultural & Natural Gems: Mix of ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and vibrant local villages.
• All-Inclusive Food & Water: Enjoy Turkish breakfast, lunch, dinner, and plenty of water on board.
• Flexible & Authentic: Optional activities like snorkeling, diving, and paragliding available.
• Limited A/C & Drinks: Air conditioning is limited to certain hours; drinks are sold separately onboard.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Fethiye to Olympos Gulet Cruise

What the Experience Feels Like

Traveling on a Turkish gulet is like stepping back in time—yet with modern comforts. These boats are beautifully crafted, combining traditional charm with high standards of safety and comfort. The cabins, with private bathrooms, provide a cozy retreat after days packed with sightseeing and swimming. The sunbathing areas and shaded deck give you options for relaxing under the sun or enjoying a shady spot for lunch, all while drifting past picturesque coastlines.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Fethiye to Butterfly Valley and Oludeniz
Your journey begins in Fethiye, a vibrant harbor town. Once aboard, the first stop is Butterfly Valley, a lush canyon hugged by towering cliffs that house an array of butterflies (hence the name). Here, you can hike into the valley, exploring its flora and possibly spotting some butterflies, or simply enjoy your first swim in the blue waters nearby. The highlight comes later with a visit to Oludeniz and its Blue Lagoon, often called “Europe’s most photographed beach.” Expect calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming or just soaking in the scenery.

Day 2: St Nicholas Island and Kas
The next morning, you’ll cruise to St Nicholas Island, known for its ancient ruins and stunning sunset views. Exploring the remnants of old churches and castles feels like walking through a living museum. Later, you’ll head to Kas, a charming seaside town where shopping, strolling, or just grabbing a coffee is a pleasure. The reviews mention how stunning the stops are, and this day is no exception, offering both historical intrigue and leisure.

Day 3: Kekova and the Sunken City
One of the voyage’s real treasures is the Kekova region, famous for its Sunken City—an ancient Lycian town submerged just below the water’s surface. Sightings of ruins beneath the water are a photographer’s dream, and boat trips often include opportunities for snorkeling. Visiting Simena Castle adds a medieval touch, with panoramic views over the bay.

Day 4: Ucagiz Village and Transfer to Olympos
The cruise concludes at Ucagiz, a small village, from where you’ll be transferred to Olympos, a town famous for its ruins and relaxed vibe. This part of the trip is perfect for reflecting on the journey, or planning your next Turkish adventure.

The Comfort & Convenience of the Gulet

While not a luxury yacht, the gulet offers modern amenities—private en-suite bathrooms, limited air conditioning, Wi-Fi (though reception can be spotty)—which are essential for a comfortable trip. The cabins vary from twin to triple, catering to different group sizes. Onboard, you’ll find plentiful Turkish dishes, fresh seafood, and local hospitality that make the cruise feel like a floating Turkish home.

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Activities and Optional Add-Ons

The cruise provides opportunities for snorkeling and diving, and some days include optional activities like paragliding—though these are paid separately. If you’re the active type, these add-ons can make your trip extra memorable. The reviews note how the food was tasty and plentiful, with some evenings featuring BBQs, which adds a fun, communal element to the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers meals, water, port fees, taxes, fuel, linen, and towels. Wi-Fi is available but may be unreliable in remote areas. Drinks, including alcohol, are purchased separately, so if you’re planning to toast your trip, budget accordingly. The limited air conditioning hours mean you might want to bring a fan or just plan for some warm nights.

Authenticity & Value

This cruise offers great value for the variety of sites visited and the inclusions. The reviews praise the friendly staff, delicious food, and stunning stops. One traveler said, “All the places and spots we stopped were absolutely stunning,” highlighting how much visual and cultural richness is packed into just four days. The experience of cruising on a traditional gulet adds an extra layer of authenticity that’s hard to replicate on land-based tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to explore Turkey’s coast without the hassle of planning logistics. It suits those who enjoy mixing history, nature, and relaxation—and aren’t afraid of a bit of travel time on a boat. If you love stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and savoring delicious local food, this is a trip that delivers all that in a compact, well-organized package. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with a group or family, as the cabins accommodate different needs comfortably.

The Sum Up

The Fethiye to Olympos Gulet Cruise offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, history, and genuine Turkish hospitality. The experience of sailing along the Turquoise Coast with stops at iconic sites like Butterfly Valley and Kekova makes it a memorable journey. The all-inclusive meals, comfortable cabins, and scenic stops create a sense of adventure without sacrificing comfort.

While limited A/C hours and the need to buy drinks onboard are considerations, they don’t significantly detract from the overall value of this cruise. For travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed, and scenic way to explore Turkey’s famous coastline, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate stunning views, good food, and a touch of history—plus, who isn’t tempted by the idea of drifting past ancient ruins and turquoise bays?

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
Yes, the cruise’s comfortable cabins and varied stops make it suitable for families looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts four days and three nights, giving enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 5 o’clock tea are included throughout the cruise. Drinks are sold separately onboard.

What amenities are on the gulet?
You’ll find private en-suite bathrooms, limited air conditioning (6 hours per day), Wi-Fi (spotty in some areas), and sunbeds.

Can I book optional activities?
Yes, activities like snorkeling, diving, or paragliding are available but are paid separately from the base price.

What should I bring?
Bring your beach towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. Towels are not provided, but linen and bath towels are.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Wi-Fi is available but cannot be guaranteed in remote parts, so plan for some disconnection.

How do I get to Olympos after the cruise?
You’ll be transferred from Ucagiz Village to Olympos at the end of your cruise.

What makes this cruise special compared to other tours?
Its combination of scenic beauty, historic sites, and authentic Turkish hospitality, along with high-quality gulet accommodations, makes it stand out along Turkey’s coast.

Embark on this gulet cruise for a chance to see Turkey from a uniquely scenic and cultural perspective. It’s a voyage that promises both excitement and serenity, ideal for those who want to experience the best of the Turquoise Coast with a touch of tradition and adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: