Fethiye to Olimpos 4 Days 3 Nights Gulet Blue Cruise

If you’re dreaming of exploring Turkey’s captivating coastline by boat, a Blue Cruise from Fethiye to Olympos might just be what you need. This 4-day, 3-night journey on a traditional Turkish gulet promises scenic bays, ancient ruins, and relaxing swim stops—all wrapped up in a manageable itinerary that’s perfect for those wanting a taste of the Turquoise Coast’s magic. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, based on the detailed info and glowing reviews, this trip seems like a solid pick for anyone seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and downtime.

What catches our eye about this cruise? First, the stunning sights—think crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and impressive ruins like the Sunken City of Kekova. Second, the variety of stops—from Butterfly Valley’s lush trails to the lively towns of Kas and Kalkan, there’s a lot to see and do. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour is not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable on boats and with some walking.

This trip feels like a great fit if you’re after a balanced experience: scenic cruising, historical highlights, and the chance to relax onboard. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate natural beauty and ancient sites, and don’t mind a bit of boat time to get there.

Key Points

• Stunning views of turquoise waters, bays, and islands
• Visits to iconic spots like Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz, and Kekova Sunken City
• Comfortable gulet accommodations with private bathrooms and options for twin, double, or triple cabins
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling opportunities in crystal-clear waters
• Includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and water, with optional activities like diving and paragliding
• Not suitable for children under 6 or travelers with mobility issues, due to boat and walking elements

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Fethiye to Olympos Blue Cruise

If you’re considering this cruise, here’s what you can expect—and what you might want to think about before booking.

The Route and Its Highlights

This cruise is set along the famous Turquoise Coast, a stretch renowned for its stunning scenery and ancient ruins. Starting from Fethiye, the journey includes stops at some truly memorable spots, including Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz, Kekova, Kalkan, Kas, and finally Demre/Olympos.

Day 1: Fethiye to Butterfly Valley and Beyond
Your adventure begins with a pickup (location depending on your package), followed by a scenic boat ride to Butterfly Valley. This lush, green gorge is a highlight for many travelers, not just for its natural beauty but also because you can hike its trails or take a swim in the vibrant waters below. Afterward, you’ll head past the famous Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz—one of Europe’s most photographed beaches—where you can relax or swim in those inviting waters.

Day 2: Islands and Ancient Ruins
Next, the boat takes you to St. Nicholas Island just before sunset, giving you time to explore the ruins and enjoy the views. The island’s history adds a fascinating layer to your journey. You’ll also visit Gemiler Island, known for its historical sites, and continue sailing to Kekova—home to the Sunken City. Here, you can snorkel over the submerged ruins or just enjoy the scenery.

Day 3: Kalkan, Kas, and Simena Castle
This part of the trip combines lively coastal towns with historical sites. Kalkan offers quaint streets for shopping and dining, while Kas is a charming spot with a relaxed vibe. The highlight for many is Simena Castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views and stroll around the ruins.

Day 4: Demre and Final Stops
Your cruise concludes with a visit to Demre, famous for the Church of St. Nicholas, before transferring to Olympos for your onward plans. The entire route is designed to give you a taste of Turkey’s diverse coast—nature, history, and local culture.

The Gulet Experience

The gulet itself is a highlight—these traditional boats now boast high standards. Each cabin has a private bathroom, and the boats typically feature sun loungers, shades, and sometimes water toys like snorkeling gear, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery. Cabins are available in twin, double, or triple configurations, accommodating different group sizes comfortably.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour price of $621 per person covers meals, water, and the cabin—so you won’t need to worry about food or basic drinks. You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even 5 o’clock tea, which makes for a pretty relaxed onboard atmosphere.

However, drinks outside of water, entrance tickets to sites, and swimming towels are not included—so if you plan to snorkel or visit specific attractions, budget accordingly. The tour also recommends bringing your own towel, which is a helpful tip.

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Activities and Optional Excursions

While many of the stops are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, there are also optional activities like diving and paragliding, which add some adrenaline if you’re into that. These are not included in the base price but can be a fun way to spice up your trip.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This cruise is well-suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, historical sites, and natural beauty. If you’re comfortable on boats and walking around ruins or hiking, you’ll get the most out of it. Keep in mind that it’s not ideal for children under 6 or anyone with mobility concerns, given the nature of the stops and boat travel.

The Balance of Value and Experience

At just over $620, this trip offers quite a lot—comfortable accommodations, multiple stops at renowned sites, and all meals included. When you consider the scenery, cultural visits, and the unique experience of sailing on a traditional yacht, it feels like a good deal. Plus, the flexibility with booking and cancellation (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance) adds peace of mind.

What We Loved and What to Watch Out For

The reviews say it all—one traveler described it as “wonderful,” highlighting the stunning views and memorable stops. The opportunity to float in crystal-clear waters and explore ancient ruins in one trip is quite appealing. That said, the experience relies heavily on the weather and sea conditions, so it’s worth checking the forecast around your travel dates.

Since some stops involve walking or hiking, be prepared for some physical activity. Also, if you’re traveling with family or children, note that this tour isn’t suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts: Is This Cruise Right for You?

If you’re craving a blend of beautiful scenery, cultural sights, and relaxing boat time along Turkey’s coast, this Blue Cruise is a solid choice. It balances the charm of traditional gulet sailing with enough variety in stops to keep things interesting. The scenery alone—crystal waters, rocky coves, and ancient ruins—makes this a memorable trip.

It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable on boats, enjoy exploring ruins, and want a moderate-paced experience without the rush of full-on adventure activities. If your idea of a perfect holiday involves lounging with a view, discovering history, and tasting Turkish hospitality, you’ll find this cruise hits the spot.

Those seeking a very family-friendly, gentle experience with minimal walking or boat time might want to consider other options, but for most adventurous travelers, this offers a fair mix of relaxation and exploration.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 6 years old, mainly because of the boat and walking involved, and it’s not designed specifically as a family trip.

What’s included in the price?
You get your cabin, breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, and 5 o’clock tea. Extras like drinks, entrance tickets, and towels are not included.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts 4 days and 3 nights, with check availability for specific starting times.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Are there water activities?
Snorkeling gear is usually provided, and swimming in the bays is a major part of the experience. Diving and paragliding are optional extras.

What kind of boat is used?
A standard Turkish gulet, which now tends to have high standards, with private bathrooms in each cabin.

Do I need to bring anything special?
A swimming towel is recommended, and packing light layers for sun and potential wind is always wise.

This cruise offers a well-rounded experience with enough natural beauty and cultural highlights to leave a lasting impression. If your travel style jives with scenic boat rides, ancient ruins, and Turkish hospitality, it’s a journey worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: