Marmaris

Marmaris has a lovely setting on a large bay with mountains all around. There is a huge yacht harbour with every kind of boat in it. The old town is quite close, but a fair walk as you have to walk all around the yacht harbour to get there.
Today we took our first Azamara Shore Excursion, to Cleopatra Island. Cleopatra and Mark Antony visited there, an early celebrity endorsement. It was about a 45 min drive over the mountainous peninsula to where we caught the boat. It was a beautiful drive through pine forests and small villages. Then about 30 min by boat through the clear blue waters. The island was not busy when we first got there, and we walked around some ruins narrated by our excellent guide. Then went swimming on one of the first sandy beaches we've seen. You aren't allowed to lie in the sand, or even walk across the sand above the water line, there is a guard with a whistle!
We had about 2 1/2 hours to enjoy the island, the water was wonderful. Then back to Marmaris in time to check out the shops.