Descriptif
Cross-Border Island Hopping From Bodrum to the North Dodecanese
This 7-night weekly skippered charter introduces a more international character to the classic Bodrum yachting experience by pairing the Turkish Riviera with the charm of the Greek North Dodecanese Islands. Beginning and ending in Bodrum, the route moves through Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos, Kalymnos, and Pserimos before returning to Turkey, creating a week defined by short scenic sails, varied island atmospheres, and a rich blend of culture, history, and easygoing time at sea. For guests who want a private luxury charter that feels broader than a single coastline, this itinerary offers excellent depth while still preserving the comfort and pace of a relaxing Mediterranean cruise.
The appeal of this route lies in its contrasts. Bodrum brings polished marina life and a strong yachting identity, while the Greek islands offer different textures from day to day - lively waterfronts, sleepy harbors, spiritual heritage, village simplicity, hidden coves, and beaches suited to unhurried afternoons. Daily sail times generally range between 1 and 4 hours, which helps keep the week enjoyable for mixed groups, including guests who want plenty of shore time and those who prefer to spend long hours swimming, sunbathing, and using the water toys from the yacht. Throughout the journey, a professional crew ensures that each passage, anchorage, meal, and guest request is handled seamlessly.
A Week Across the North Dodecanese
Day 1 - Embarkation in Bodrum
Guests board at Bodrum at 17:30 and begin the charter with a warm welcome, onboard orientation, and time to settle into the yacht. Bodrumâs cosmopolitan marina setting and historic atmosphere make for a stylish starting point. The first evening is relaxed, giving guests the chance to enjoy the harbor environment or simply unwind onboard before the island-hopping begins.
Day 2 - Kos
After breakfast, the yacht sails for around 2 to 3 hours to Kos, one of the best-known islands in the region. Kos combines a lively marina atmosphere with notable historical interest and an easy island rhythm that works beautifully for a first stop. Guests may choose to visit ancient sites, cycle, stroll through town, or settle into a slower pace with coffee by the water and a late swim. Sunset views and an evening in port or at anchor make for a memorable opening day in Greece.
Day 3 - Leros
The next passage of approximately 2 to 3 hours reaches Leros, a peaceful island appreciated for its calm bays and traditional charm. Leros is less about spectacle and more about mood. Guests can swim in quiet coves, enjoy local cuisine by the waterfront, and explore harbor areas that still feel authentically connected to island life. It is a soothing stop that allows the journey to deepen beyond the busier regional gateways.
Day 4 - Lipsi
A shorter cruise of around 1 to 2 hours leads to Lipsi, one of the itineraryâs most tranquil and intimate destinations. Known for turquoise water and a laid-back island atmosphere, Lipsi is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply enjoying the privilege of reaching smaller, quieter places by yacht. The stop feels deliberately slower, offering a welcome change of pace and a more private holiday mood.
Day 5 - Patmos
The yacht sails around 2 to 3 hours to Patmos, an island famous for its spiritual heritage and striking hilltop presence. Guests can visit the Monastery of Saint John, walk through the town, take in broad island views, and absorb a destination where culture and scenery sit very naturally together. Patmos offers one of the charterâs strongest cultural dimensions, making it a highlight for guests who want the route to offer more than sea and sun alone.
Day 6 - Kalymnos
After another passage of roughly 2 to 3 hours, the yacht arrives in Kalymnos, known for its sponge-diving history and more rugged island landscape. Kalymnos adds energy and character to the route. Guests may choose to explore ashore, enjoy the beaches, or simply take in the islandâs stronger, more dramatic topography from the yacht. It is an island with personality, and that makes it a valuable contrast within the week.
Day 7 - Pserimos
A final short cruise of around 1 to 2 hours reaches Pserimos, a quiet island ideal for slowing everything down before the return to Bodrum. Sandy beaches, clear water, and a peaceful setting make it perfect for a final swim, a long relaxed lunch, and unhurried time on deck. Later, the yacht begins its return toward Bodrum, often sailing in the evening or overnight depending on conditions and the captainâs plan.
Day 8 - Return to Bodrum
After breakfast, guests disembark in Bodrum at 08:30. By the end of the charter, the route feels like a genuine island circuit rather than a simple out-and-back cruise, offering a richer Mediterranean experience across two neighboring yachting worlds.
The Gulet Behind the Experience
The yacht itself plays a major role in making this itinerary comfortable and premium throughout. At 38 meters in length with an 8-meter beam, this gulet is large enough to provide impressive onboard space while maintaining the warm, classic character that makes traditional Mediterranean cruising so appealing. Built in 2008 and refitted in 2018, it is configured with 6 guest cabins for up to 12 guests and is supported by 7 professional crew members dedicated to service, operations, and guest comfort.
Because the itinerary includes multiple destinations across several islands, onboard comfort becomes particularly important. Air-conditioning is available 24 hours a day, ensuring a pleasant indoor environment at any time. The salon and dining areas offer classic gulet interiors suited to both sociable mealtimes and restful downtime, while the exterior lounging and sunbathing decks provide ample room for guests to spread out during the day. Whether underway between islands or anchored in a quiet bay, the yacht supports a feeling of ease that allows the itinerary to remain energizing rather than tiring.
The crewâs role is especially valuable on a route with different ports, island rhythms, and changing daily experiences. Their handling of navigation, service, meals, and guest support turns what could be a complicated week into something smooth and intuitive. This is exactly what guests should expect from a premium fully crewed charter.
The yacht also carries an extensive watersports inventory, including a jet ski, banana, ringo, water ski, wakeboard, mable for 4 persons, 2 kayaks, and 2 stand-up paddleboards. That means beach stops and quiet anchorages are not only scenic - they are interactive. Guests can choose high-energy activity one day and peaceful paddling the next, keeping the week adaptable to mood, weather, and group dynamics.
An Island Route With Character at Every Stop
What makes this North Dodecanese charter so appealing is the way it combines accessibility with variety. Sail times remain comfortable, yet the character of the destinations changes meaningfully from one stop to the next. Kos feels vibrant, Leros calming, Lipsi intimate, Patmos culturally rich, Kalymnos distinctive, and Pserimos wonderfully simple. Returning each evening to a spacious private gulet with attentive service ties all of those experiences together into one cohesive luxury holiday.
For guests seeking a weekly Bodrum charter with a cross-border island focus, this itinerary offers an excellent combination of comfort, scenery, culture, and private-yacht exclusivity. It is ideal for travelers who want the sea, but also want the places along the way to leave a lasting impression.
