Yachting in Turkey is Lifestyle Luxury

Bodrum, a beautiful seaside town on the Aegean, is the perfect location from which to start your Lifestyle Luxury yachting holiday.  Ancient Halicarnassus, one of the oldest and most attractive coastal towns of Anatolia and frequently referred to as the St. Tropez of Turkey, is about 2.5 hours from Selcuk.

A few months back, during some routine visits, I was impressed to observe the amenities of some of the newer yachts.  Some had super-contemporary interiors with white leather furniture and chrome, others were more classic in decor, and bathrooms were the real surprise for me:  Italian marble and porcelain were not uncommon and they were spacious, as were the very luxurious and spotless cabins, complete with Egyptian linen towels and bedding.  The menus can be tailored to any taste and are guaranteed to include local, fresh and delicious ingredients.  Witness the skills of the chef as he prepares freshly caught seafood, deliciously crisp and flavourful salads and variations of vegetarian dishes using eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil etc.  Needless to say, your crew will pamper to your every need – or not, if you prefer more seclusion.

There are many different routes and yachts available.  The key is knowing which works best for your lifestyle, group dynamics, timing and budget.  This is where my  close connection with Southern Cross Blue Cruising comes in.   Working as a team, we will make sure that your sailing trip is exceptional.  And the price to you is the same whether I co-ordinate with them or you do it directly.  The benefit of working with me, though, is that I will take care of all the details:  transfers, hotel accommodation where needed, domestic flights, etc.  so that all you need to do is review the itineraries and menus that I will send to you, show up … and relax.

If you prefer to sail on a beautiful wooden, custom built schooner, known in Turkey as a ‘gulet’  you will be surprised at the luxury these vessels offer.  These hand-crafted yachts are of ancient design with a wide beam and enormous forward and aft deck space, ideal for lounging and eating whilst sailing along ancient trade routes.  You’ll be visiting antiquities only accessible from the sea while your professional crew oversees all of your needs.

Naturally, there are several routes to choose from.  One of the itineraries would have you embark in Bodrum, the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.  where you are first welcomed by your captain and crew for a safety briefing before departing the harbour.

Your Blue Cruise will explore the Gulf of Gökova, a protected gulf which cuts deeply into the interior of the country from west to east. The pine forest covered shores contain numerous bays, some with family owned taverns yet others completely unpopulated. Crystal-clear waters invite you to take a sea bath or to enjoy some snorkeling. Steady winds, especially in the early afternoon and moderate swells guarantee a true sailing pleasure. You’ll visit the ancient Roman theater and silky beach of Cedreae, the ruins of Knidos, the privately owned World Heritage bays of Mersincik, the labyrnth of bays called English harbor where English submarines used to hide from enemy warships, the old ruins at the village of Kissebukku, the wild donkeys of Black Island and the peaceful bay at Orak Island.

Your gulet is fully equipped with snorkeling gear, fishing lines, beach towels, linens and the crew speak English.  One of the highlights of the cruise is fresh, locally grown produce featured at all meals which are taken on the aft deck.  The Blue Cruise is one of the most memorable trips of a lifetime, bringing together famous Turkish hospitality, comfort and the rich history of the Aegean.

Iif you would like to know more about a yachting holiday or Blue Cruise in Turkey, please contact me.