Thanks Jules -

We're used to Ramadan having lived in Egypt for many years. We are currently in a muslim-but-very secular country now...so I think it will be a lot like Turkey.

Did you encounter any problems being served food or alcohol during the day? I have no problems now, and the problems in Egypt were sporatic - some places refused to serve anyone, some places would serve food but no booze, some places did it all!

In Egypt, those last couple of hours before the Iftar were chaotic! I hated being on the roads because the driving got crazier than normal!

Re. the drive to Fethiye: The major curves (ups and downs) and the back-ups (because of trucks) are between Mugla and Fethiye.

There is a really nice viewpoint for photos on the road above Fethiye. It's also a nice place to stretch your legs, especially if you will be driving a standard. Actually, I think it's the only place you can really pull over. It may be around Gocek, but I'm not quite sure.

Anyway, there is a guy who has a little foodstand there. We gave him the knives we had to buy (for one of our picnics) and quite unexpectedly as we were leaving he gave each of us a salted cucumber slice for a nice snack. He's a real sweetheart. You can also get drinks from him and other snacks if need be.

Re. the gulet trips, it's a real mixed bag. Even with the best most recommended gulet companies, be prepared for good things and some not so good (kind of unprofessional) things.

I really recommend an overnight trip as sleeping on deck under the stars is just amazing. Also, in my opinion the overnight gulets are much prettier and in better shape than the boats that take daily trips. I'm not even sure they are gulets.

When I was at Butterfly Valley, there was a daily boat moored there, and it was definitely a booze cruise. Lots of dancing and drinking on deck. If you take a daily, make sure it's the "scene" you want.

You should also know that for whatever reasons, most gulets don't sail (even though they have sails, etc.). We asked our captain if we could sail (several of us are experienced sailors), and he seemed to suggest that it was too choppy (it wasnt). My friends who were on another boat with another company also asked their captain if they could sail and it never materialized.

Re. Butterfly Valley, here's the website. Click on transport for different ways to get to the valley. There are many alternatives. Also, you can stay overnight in the valley as well.

http://www.kelebekvadisi.com/home.htm

As for hiking to the waterfall, it's pretty easy. Takes maybe 10-15 minutes if you dont stop for photos, etc. There are parts near the stream that can be a little bit slippery or muddy, however, and parts where you will need to climb over some rocks.

That said (and this goes for hiking in general, in my opinion), you will want to wear shoes with good soles and ankle support. Your comfort and confidence level for exploring craggy areas or ruins will be much greater. Flip-flops or smooth soled sandals would be a VERY bad idea.

I wore New Balance trail runners, but Keen makes several nice lightweight outdoor shoes as well. I know you said you have bad feet--I was also able to put my orthotics in my shoes, so you might consider something like that or SuperFeet (which you can get at any running store).

Also, you mentioned that you were going to spend some time in Fethiye proper. I did go up to the Tomb (the highlight of the town), but it was so hot I took a cab there. It was about 5 lire one way. The taxi stand is near the fountain/post office/supermarket in the center of the marina. You can easily walk back--it's downhill from the tomb-- and I recommend it, as you will see a different side of Fethiye (the poorer side).

Ok, hope this all helps. Do let me know if you have any further questions. Like I said, I was just there.