MARMARIS, TURKEY

We leave our ship for a drive of approximately 90 minutes to the village of Dalyan – a conservation area since the discovery of the endangered loggerhead turtles, which has allowed the village to retain its natural charm and beauty.

We leave our ship for a drive of approximately 90 minutes to the village of Dalyan – a conservation area since the discovery of the endangered loggerhead turtles, which has allowed the village to retain its natural charm and beauty. From Dalyan we board small boats to travel along the channels of the Dalyan Cayi and through rustling reed beds. With a mixture of fresh and saltwater, these wetlands are home to a vast number of fish, and many species of bird including the sparrow hawk, kingfisher and jay. We will pass the stunning Lycean tombs carved into the rocks here. The tombs are elaborate funeral chambers, many carved like the façade of timber Lycean houses with protruding beams, usually one or two storeys high. Our boat trip will take us to Caunos. This ancient city stands midway along the channel, and sprawls over a broad slope overlooking the sea and delta. Once a major seaport of Lycia, the city lost its purpose, after the harbour began to silt over; it is now five kilometres (three miles) from the sea. We will have a chance to discover the old city of the Lycean Kings, before reboarding our boats to sail out of the narrow reed delta along to Dalyan Village – where a buffet lunch will be served. Following lunch we will continue to Koycegiz Lake for the mud baths. Here we have the chance to take a mud bath – which locals say will make us 5 years younger! After this unusual experience we will head back to Dalyan, where we will disembark our small boat and board our coach to return to our ship. There is a moderate amount of walking involved, approximately 1½ hours over uneven terrain. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume and towel if you wish to take a mud bath.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES