Twelve languages – like the twelve gates of the Holy City

“And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates.” – Revelation 21:12

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Acts 21 · 8 days · from/to Marmaris

Between the Aegean and the Mediterranean – Blue Cruise Marmaris – Fethiye

“And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara.”Acts 21:1
Blue Cruise Marmaris–Fethiye
8 days7 nights
MarmarisStart
MarmarisEnd
Price on requestPrice
Reading pathEnquire →

Opposite Marmaris lies Rhodes, and from there the Apostle Paul, returning from his third missionary journey, set course for Patara on the Lycian coast (Acts 21:1). For a week aboard a gulet you explore exactly this coastland, where the Aegean merges into the open Mediterranean.

The wooden two-master takes you east as far as the Bay of Fethiye and back again. Along the way you encounter the royal tombs of Kaunos carved into the cliff face, ancient Telmessos with the Tomb of Amyntas, and the small island of Gemiler. There a roofed processional way links the ruins of several Byzantine churches – according to ancient tradition an early pilgrimage destination in honour of St Nicholas.

Between these stations there are swimming stops, meals under the sun awning and evenings at anchor when a psalm or a passage from the Book of Acts is read. You travel in a small circle; churches can also book the whole ship for themselves from four cabins.

The Bible reading path

Passages you will read on site

Ps 139:9–10Marmaris

At the start of the voyage the psalm reminds us that God's hand leads and holds us even “in the uttermost parts of the sea”.

Ps 93:3–4Ekincik

On the way to the bay of Ekincik the psalm confesses that the LORD is mightier than the mighty waves of the sea.

Gen 1:9–10Bay of Fethiye

The island world off Fethiye invites you to read the creation account of the separation of land and sea.

Mark 6:30–32Göcek

Jesus takes his disciples apart by ship so that they may rest – a word for the days at anchor among the islands.

Ps 46:10Gemiler

In the evening after the walk to the church ruins, the call to be still before God is fitting.

Mark 4:35–41Kadırga

On the longest sailing day we read how Jesus silences wind and sea.

Acts 21:1–3Marmaris (view of Rhodes)

With Rhodes in sight, we follow Paul's voyage via Rhodes to Patara and on to Syria.

Tip: bring your own Bible – at each place we open the relevant passage together.
Bible quotations: King James Version.

Day by day

Itinerary

Day1

From Dalaman to Marmaris Marina

Dalaman Airport → Marmaris Harbour

Your guide welcomes you personally at Dalaman Airport; the drive to Marmaris harbour takes about an hour and a half. Marmaris, with its large marina, is considered the gateway to the Lycian coast. On board the gulet a non-alcoholic welcome drink and a short introduction to the ship and cabins await you. You can spend the evening on the seafront promenade or in the lanes of the old town before the first dinner is served on board.

Ps 139:9–10Overnight: on board – Marmaris Harbour
Day2

The Rock Tombs of Kaunos

Marmaris → Ekincik · Kaunos/Dalyan

The gulet follows the coast eastwards; a first swimming stop breaks the voyage. The destination is the bay of Ekincik. From here you can optionally take a river boat through the reeds of the Dalyan River. High above the bank, the façades of the royal tombs of Kaunos are carved into the rock; in the ancient city itself the theatre, among other things, has survived. If you like, you can take a mud bath in Dalyan. The night is spent at Ekincik.

Ps 93:4Overnight: on board – Ekincik
Day3

Into the Bay of Fethiye

Ekincik → Tersane

A calm day at sea brings you into the Bay of Fethiye, whose many small islands are among the most delightful sailing waters in the country. At midday the gulet makes a swimming stop in a picturesque cove. In the evening it anchors off Tersane, the “shipyard island”, where remains of a Byzantine settlement survive – a quiet place to close the day with a word from the Bible.

Gen 1:9–10Overnight: on board – Tersane
Day4

Göcek and Ancient Telmessos

Tersane → Göcek → Fethiye

In the morning the ship glides through the bay of Göcek, where turquoise water and sheltered anchorages invite you to swim. In the afternoon you reach Fethiye, which as Telmessos was one of the important cities of Lycia in antiquity. You climb steps up to the rock tombs, above all to the Tomb of Amyntas with its temple-like façade. The evening belongs to the harbour promenade, the bazaar and the town's cafés.

Mark 6:31Overnight: on board – Fethiye
Day5

Gemiler, the Island of St Nicholas

Fethiye → Gemiler

Several small coves invite you to swim in the morning. In the afternoon you go ashore on Gemiler and follow a rising island path to the ruins of Byzantine churches. A roofed processional passage once connected the places of worship; tradition links the island with St Nicholas. From the top the view sweeps far across the sea. At sunset you gather for devotions on deck.

Ps 46:10Overnight: on board – Gemiler
Day6

Long Sailing Day to Kadırga

Gemiler → Kadırga

Today the gulet covers the longest distance of the week, sailing back west along the coast. On the way there is time to sit on deck, to read or to swim. In the afternoon you reach the sheltered bay of Kadırga near Marmaris. The clear water invites you to swim; those who prefer solid ground underfoot can take a short walk ashore. Dinner and the night in the bay.

Mark 4:39Overnight: on board – Kadırga
Day7

Back in Marmaris, with Rhodes in View

Kadırga → Marmaris

After a last swim in a cove outside the town, the gulet enters Marmaris harbour in the early afternoon. Out at sea lies Rhodes: from there Paul crossed to this coast at Patara before sailing on to Phenicia. A stroll through the old town and bazaar leaves time for your own impressions. On the farewell evening everyone shares what has moved them during this week.

Acts 21:1–2Overnight: on board – Marmaris Harbour
Day8

Disembarkation and Journey Home

Marmaris Harbour → Dalaman Airport

A last breakfast under the sun awning, a farewell to the crew – then you leave the ship at around ten o'clock. In time for your return flight, the transfer takes you to Dalaman Airport in about an hour and a half. If you would like to extend the trip, you can add a few beach days on the coast – just ask us.

Ps 121:8
The route

On the map

Marmaris1MarmarisEkincik2EkincikKaunos3KaunosTersane4TersaneGöcek5GöcekFethiye6FethiyeGemiler7GemilerKadırga8
1Marmaris2Ekincik3Kaunos4Tersane5Göcek6Fethiye7Gemiler8Kadırga9Marmaris
Inclusions & price

What the tour price includes

Price on request

The tour price depends on dates, group size and room allocation. You will receive your personal offer – free of charge and without obligation.

Enquire →

⛔ No shopping stops: carpet, jewellery or leather showrooms are not part of this tour.

Included

  • Seven nights on the gulet in double cabins with shower/WC; single cabin available
  • Breakfast and dinner on board (half board)
  • Non-alcoholic welcome drink
  • Transfers Dalaman Airport – Marmaris Harbour – Dalaman Airport
  • State-licensed, English-speaking tour guide
  • Admission fees as per itinerary

Not included

  • Flights – on request we will enquire about suitable connections for you
  • Lunches – full board on board available on request
  • Drinks
  • Tips for the crew
  • Optional: river boat trip to Dalyan/Kaunos and mud bath
  • Travel insurance
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What price should I expect?

We quote the price on request in a personal offer. The enquiry is free and without obligation.

Which airport is the right one?

You will be picked up at Dalaman Airport. Flights are not included; on request we will enquire about suitable connections for you.

How often does the cruise depart?

From May to October a gulet sets sail from Marmaris every week. A private charter makes a date of your choice possible.

Can our church book the ship on its own?

Yes – from four cabins you can charter the gulet exclusively. There is room for no more than 14 guests in total.

Are the shore excursions to the rock tombs strenuous?

In Fethiye steps lead up to the tombs, on Gemiler a rising island path. Both are quite manageable at a gentle pace; if you prefer, you can stay on board.

Enquiry & booking

Enquire about this tour

Between the Aegean and the Mediterranean – Blue Cruise Marmaris – Fethiye

Type of tour
Preferred travel period
Extension

Would you like to extend your trip?

Contact
Free of charge and without obligation – prices on request.

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