Turkey Gulets
LUXURY GULETS & LEISURE
After a year of continuous working, your holiday is your reward and we know the value of it and provide the best services for your holiday. Especially Bodrum - Antalya section is just like a part of heaven because of its nature and crystal clear water and sandy beaches like Oludeniz, Bodrum or Lara that count as some of the best beaches in Europe. Besides, all great resorts and boutique hotels, natural bays of this region are very famous and welcome all yachts to their sheltered water. Small or big, each of them is like priceless gem with their turquoises color water, especially Gocekthat is like a pilgrimage place for gullet lovers. As your travel organizer, we can arrange the best resort hotels and the most comfortable private gullet. For the guests who want a little adventure in their leisure, we can also provide scuba diving, paragliding or ATV safari depends on the region.
You may have heard the expression 'blue cruise' mentioned in conjunction with sailing holidays in Turkey and wondered where this term comes from. A 'blue cruise' is a leisurely voyage along Turkey's unspoiled southern Mediterranean coast in a traditional wooden handcrafted yacht. Our southern coastline is, for the most part, rocky with abundant vegetation growing down to the waters edge. It is this combination of amazingly clear water and shoreline vegetation that turns the water an incredible azure blue color - hence the description 'blue cruise'.
The Bodrum Peninsula has been the center of wooden boat building for over a millennium. Craftsmen continue to use traditional techniques combined with today's technology to deliver premium wooden vessels. Modern luxury gulets feature; spacious cabins with well-appointed en suite bathrooms, generous saloons equipped with the latest entertainment systems, deck arrangements with ample space for relaxing in the sun or shade and modern engines for cruising at comfortable speeds.
Along the magnificent Turkish coast; archaeological sites bear witness to past empires, lush coves and idyllic bays wait invitingly, and quaint marinas and villages are nestled against a backdrop of pine forests and rugged mountains. The crew has expert knowledge of these waters and can guide you to ancient sites only accessible by water, the best quayside cafes and restaurants, and special bays to discover beautiful forests and the best snorkeling spots.
The Blue Cruise is unique to Turkey and there is something to please everyone; booklovers can curl up in a cushioned corner, gastronomes can learn the chefs recipes in the galley, nature lovers can hike or bike on coastal tracks or snorkel in the warm Mediterranean waters. The Blue Cruise offers a friends and family escape where you can do as much or as little as you like…
THREE EASY STEPS
1. Finding the right Gulet;
- How many cabins do you need?
- Do you need double or twin bed arrangements?
- Do you want lots of sailing or more motor cruising?
- Do you need a yacht that can visit some of the Greek Islands?
- What dates do you have in mind?
- What is the budget?
2. Once we have chosen a gulet that suits your needs, we will propose a sailing route and suggest excursions to suit your tastes and special interests.
3. Next we book the vessel. A 50% deposit, of total charter amount, is required to secure the booking, the balance is payable six weeks prior to the start date.
COSTS
All of the gulets we work with are priced on a daily hire 'all inclusive' basis, which covers: charter of a crewed and insured yacht, sumptuous fresh meals served with local wines, beer, spirits and soft beverages, all local taxes and harbor fees in Turkish ports.
Guide to yacht charter seasons:
- May and October - low season
- June and September - mid season
- July and August - high season
Prices range between €1000 - €7000 per day. The gulets range from 3 to 6 cabins, 72 to 124 feet and have between 3 to 8 crew members. All gulets come with water sports equipment; water skis, ringo, canoes, windsurfers, snorkeling and fishing equipment.
Sea Song Tours works directly with the yacht owner, we have met the Captain and crew and tasted the food. We are experienced in matching guests to the perfect yacht and then crafting a truly unique sailing itinerary.
SAMPLE GULET SAILING ITINERARY
8 days / 7 nights
Day 1, EMBARK IN BODRUM
In the afternoon embark your luxury Gulet. Meet the captain and crew, completing harbor formalities and safety briefing. Cruise from Bodrum Harbor to a nearby bay for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy the first of your sumptuous meals onboard, which will showcase great tasting Turkish cuisine prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
Tip: It is well worth visiting the Bodrum Underwater Museum prior to embarking your gulet.
Day 2, CROSS GULF OF GOKOVA
Cruise southwest across the mouth of the Gokova Gulf to the ancient city of Knidos. This city was one of the six cities founded in the 7th Century BC by the Dorians. Knidos is also recognized as the point that separates the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Lunch and swim in the quiet southern bay. Continue to Palumut Bay for the evening, you can go ashore to try the delicious almonds and thyme-scented honey that is produced locally.
Day 3, EXPLORE DATCA PENINSULA
An easy start to Datca Harbor, today you can opt for an excursion into the Datca Peninsula. Meet your guide for a short drive through the countryside arriving at the beautiful Kocaev Mansion (a Relais& Chateaux property). This stone residence dates from the early 19th Century and has undergone a meticulous restoration, enjoy a lunch featuring special regional tastes in a beautiful garden setting. Wine lovers can venture into the Cave Cellar to discover some surprising new Turkish wines, and nature lovers can walk in the surrounding area discovering the plants and herbs unique to the Datca area. Return to your gulet for a refreshing afternoon swim. You can choose to overnight in Datca Harbor or cruise to a nearby peaceful bay.
Day 4, GREEK ISLAND OF SIMI
Cruise to the picturesque Greek Island of Simi, which many believe to be the most beautiful of the Dodecanese Islands. Arrive in the town of Ghialos where houses in neo-classical style spill down the hillside in pastel shades. You may decide to explore the maze of streets on foot, discovering charming restaurants and local tavernas along the way. It is also possible to tour around the island visiting the Panormiti Monastery, many beautiful churches, an ancient wine press and enjoy the panoramic vistas. Overnight in the harbor or in a nearby bay.
Day 5, AROUND BOZBURUN PENINSULA
Cruise to Bozukkale and Serce Bays for swimming and lunch. This area has beautiful clear water and is great for snorkeling and water sports. A total of six shipwrecks have been located in these waters, the most famous being the wreck of cargo vessel which sailed from the Syrian coast in 1025. The ship and all of its contents are on display at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. You can enjoy your evening in a nearby secluded bay.
Day 6, EKINCIK BAY
Cruise to Ekincik Bay for an optional excursion in ancient Lycia:
- Enjoy a day of mountain biking in the beautiful countryside. Ride along forest tracks, stop for a local lunch of trout beside a beautiful stream. You may want to enjoy a dip in the water to cool off. In the afternoon ride through local villages to Dalyan town, here you will board a riverboat and visit the environmentally protected Dalyan Delta wetlands.
- Join you open-topped jeeps for a tour of the countryside. Take a tea break on OlumezMountain which offers great views of the coastline and the river. Nearing Dalyan town you will stop for a homemade lunch of local flavors. Enjoy some free time in Dalyan town before boarding a riverboat and visiting the environmentally protected Dalyan Delta wetlands.
Your riverboat will pass through the Dalyan Delta wetlands with beautiful tall reeds and diverse wildlife. While journeying on the twisting emerald-green river you can see the huge Lyciantombs which were carved into the cliff-sides centuries ago. You can also visit the ruins of Caunos and make a stop at Turtle Beach for swimming before returning you to the Gulet. Overnight near to Ekincik Bay in Disibilmez Cove.
Day 7, GULF OF FETHIYE
During the day you will cruise for 4-5 hours to reach the Gulf of Fethiye. This could be a perfect day to learn some of the Chef's recipes in the galley. Your yacht will pass Tersane Island where you can see the remains of abandoned stone houses, some of which are partly submerged. In the afternoon you will arrive at Gocek and spend some time to exploring this charming village. You may choose to have dinner on your yacht or in one of the charming local restaurants.
Day 8, DISEMBARK IN GOCEK
Enjoy your last breakfast before departing the gulet. Guests are required to disembark before 10:00am.
Also see INCA for more Luxury Gulet options.
Contact: info@smallshipcruises.net or (303) 504-0400 - USA & Canada (888) 321-0103. International Calls Welcome.
