Loryma and Betche Tour (8 days)

Looking at a map of the Marmaris-Datca Peninsula, you will notice its outlying position. This isthmus is barely connected with mainland Turkey. Due to this geography the peninsula is the most quiet and original Mediterranean region of the country. Except for Marmaris, which has developed into a modern beach resort, the rest of this virtual island is characterised by beautiful and unspoilt scenery, where mountains, forests, picturesque villages and fantastic bays caress the eye.

The Marmaris-Datca Peninsula can be divided into two main areas. The first, to the south, is the wild mountainous Loryma Peninsula, overgrown with primeval forests on its eastern and bold rocks on its western slopes. The second is the more agriculturally developed Betche Peninsula to the west of the isthmus.

On this tour you will be introduced to all variations of this unique region. You will walk through green forests and arid landscapes. You will swim in crystal clear waters along beaches with the typical vibrant atmosphere of the area. And you will also visit completely secluded bays, which can only be reached by boat.

Days of leisure alternate with days on which you will climb rocks, visit villages or explore ancient ruins. You will also be shown the age-old crafts of making olive oil and honey, wine and village bread. You may also witness how the peasant economy still functions here today.

Another famous feature of the peninsula is its very hospitable population. You can stroll through their villages, sip tea and communicate with them; or just let village life pass you by while sitting in the afternoon sun on a terrace.

The excellent cuisine that has developed on the peninsula deserves a special mention. Every lunch and dinner will be in a new setting, where yet another pleasant restaurant with good food and drinks caters to your tastes.

The timetable of this tour has been fully synchronized with the rhythm of life in this part of the world. This means taking a relaxed time for all activities and leisure, whether it is for excursions or explorations, swimming or dining.

Day 1: Airport arrival and transfer to hotel

Arrival at Dalaman Airport. Welcome by your guide and transfer to your hotel at Eski Datca.

Day 2: Flora and fauna tour

A guided tour through the hills and fields in search of the local flora and fauna. Afterwards, discovering the ‘couleur locale', the scenery, community, sea and bays. In the evening, dinner on a cosy beach.

Day 3: Villages tour + ruins of Cnidos

A wonderful tour along some of the most characteristic villages of Betche. Discovering hidden quarters and colourful life. The afternoon is for exploring the ruins of Cnidos on the point of the peninsula. Dinner in the historic harbour of this antique city.

Day 4: Red Indian rock hike and honey maker

Excursions to a honey maker and an olive oil factory. Later to Red Indian Rock for a climb to the ruins of a Carian fortress. Dinner at a surprise spot in a secluded bay.

Day 5: Loryma tour

Visiting Loryma, the eastern part of the Marmaris-Datca Peninsula. Here the landscape is pretty different from Betche, with more barren, rocky mountains and an incredible intricate coastline.

Day 6: Architecture tour and local market place

The morning is free. In the afternoon, visit to the local market. Also a tour of modern, restored and old buildings of Betche with an architect-guide, to learn about the traditional features of constructions, and good and lesser adaptations in current constructions.

Day 7: All-day boat tour

The most romantic day of the programme. Tour on a small fishing boat along the beautiful Mediterranean coast of the peninsula, in search of crystal clear waters and untouched sub-tropical bays.

Day 8: Transfer to airport at Dalaman/Bodrum

Transfer to airport and departure.