There are many reasons for choosing to spend a holiday afloat. The delights of the thing itself: the special combination of wind and wave and the serenity of sail, the sense of privacy and self sufficiency, the intimate communication with nature...

The waters of the Turkish Aegean are unique in the world, home to ancient wonders and witness to the greatest figures of antiquity.

Today, boats bearing remarkable similarities those ancient craft still ply Turkey's Aegean coast. Diesel engines have replaced lateen sails and sun worshippers the ancient cargos of oil, copper and glass.

Boat designs, materials and construction techniques have changed only slightly over the centuries. Traditional boat building can be found throughout the length of Turkey's Aegean.

Comfortable accommodation and first rate meals are standard features on these gleaming wooden crafts, designed along the traditional lines of Aegean sailing boats. The opportunity to combine sun, sea, history and the hikes on land is best experienced on a Blue Cruise. You can either relax in your bathing suit all day long, enjoy the good food and the sun or you can experience more exciting activities like diving, snorkelling or fishing.

Visit historic sites: Ancient cities such as Knidos,Kaunos, Telmessos, Antiphellos, Myra, Olympos, Phaselis and the rock-tombs in the Lycian cities are yours to explore. Your yacht could be sailing through the antique regions of Karia, Lycia and then on to the Pamphylia region. Every day a new cove, a new bay to be explored. Endless natural beauty and history enjoyed whilst cruising under the Mediterranean sun.

What is a Gulet (or Goulette)? Traditional Turkish yachts are called "Gulet". A gulet is an all wooden handmade motor sailing yacht built for cruising the coasts in the calm, warm waters of the Mediterranean. These yachts are built to center life on deck during the charter. A spacious deck and  a large, half-moon shaped aft, dining and lounging areas are their main features. Accommodations from 6 to 16 persons in seperate double cabins, some with en suite wc/shower is available. They might not all be equipped to sail, but most havea main sail to be used when the wind is suitable and the clients wish.

Life on Board You could  lounge on the deck sunbathing, sipping your drink; read your favorite novel or explore the turquoise waters with your snorkel. Deck ladders downto the sea and deck showers to get the salt off come in really handy. Windsurfs or surfboards should definitely be tried out for endless fun. Water skis and jet skis arealso available for rent at most beaches. Land trips to ancient ruins  are extra. You can even fish for your supper and your cook will gladly prepare it for you. Mealtimes are another form of entertainment with all that exquisite Turkish cuisine and wonderful conversation. Having a meal under the stars on a serene sea, gently touching the sides of the boat is an experience not to be missed. For those who prefer a different view each day and are prepared for the changing moods of Mother Nature, a holiday on a goulette is the perfect solution.

What to Bring You need casual wear only; non slip foot wear, swimming suit, a sun hat,some t-shirts and shorts, a sweater for cool evenings and for excursions and climbs, blue jeans and strong footwear. Instead of one large suitcase, we recommend that you take two small soft bags as they are more convenient to store in your cabin. What else? Well, some towels, a mini first aid kit including antihistamine, cream plus toiletries, for the gentlemen who don't want to grow a holiday beard, a battery operated razor and shaving soap. Handsoap is available upon request and one hand towel and bedding is provided.  Please be forewarned that electrical appliances may only be connected while the yacht is tied up to land.

Your Crew Crew usually consists of a captain, cook and a seaman/mechanic. On the larger gulets a fourth crew member will be at your service. They are very friendly, ready to help you for arelaxed atmosphere but at the same time extremely professional, familiar with the coastalwaters and the gulets inside out. The crew members are usually source of information on the local history and surroundings, being able to advise the best places to snorkel and anchor etc. Also you can get some tips from the cook on localcuisine.

How to charter a gulet

Private Yacht Charters: For groups of people up to 16 people, you can charter an entire gulet privately. Please visit the links below for detailed information about the yacht charter agencies, yachts, itineraries, prices and yachting conditions at the south-west coasts of Turkey. Cabin Yacht Charters: Even if you are single or only a couple and do wish to enjoy a blue cruise, you can  book a cabin on a blue cruise along the Turkish coast.