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Turkish Gulet Cruise


The best value in Turkish tourism are the 'cabin charter' Gulet cruises. Known also as 'Blue Voyages', these tours conducted aboard large, traditional, wooden, Gulets are the most authentic way to visit the magnificent Turkish coast. These all-inclusive trips take budget conscious adventurers from Marmaris for a one week adventure round trip stopping at some of the most important historic locations as well as the most beautiful quiet forested bays of the Turkish Aegean.

The Gulets

The Gulets, or motor sailors, are like scaled down Caribbean windjammers at only 30+ meters (100 + feet). Unlike windjammers, they accommodate only 20 guests so they are more intimate and a great way of meeting other international travelers, while cruising this ancient center of trade and culture. Although the Gulets are smaller than Windjammer type cruises, the accommodations are more spacious and comfortable with double and single berth cabins with private en suite washroom facilities.



INCREDIBLE VALUE CABIN CHARTER (US$ person/week)
April/May/June/July /Sept/Oct
$700
August
$800
Single supplement
50%
Included: Full-board 3 meals per day (but not beverages), VAT, crew, fuel, water for running the boat, Turkish harbor taxes, linen & tenderboat with outboard.
Not included: Drinks(All beverages are available on a 'cash bar basis' only, at supermarket prices, and cannot be brought aboard). Cabin charters are on non air-conditioned boats. If the boat used has a/c it will not run during the charter.

All prices subject to change without notice

Proposed Itinerary

 

Day 1

Boarding the yacht at 17:00 you will be greeted, then briefed on the tour by the captain and crew before enjoying an excellent dinner aboard. As the first night is a 'sleep over aboard' at Marmaris, it is a good opportunity to explore the town's grand bazaar and world class night-life.


Day 2

Wake to a healthy breakfast served on the stern dining area before departing for the forested bay of Semisce and a swim and snorkel in the translucent, turquoise waters. Ekincik is the next stop and one of the most exciting. Scuba diving is offered as an excursion but don't miss the riverboat trip up the Dalyan river. Comfortable river boats lined with Turkish carpets take guests up the river's winding delta which is lined with reed beds. Watch for turtles, Grey heron and other waterfowl. This tour takes you to see Lycian cliff tombs, hot springs, ancient Caunos and Roman, Greek and Crusaders ruins. The highlight are the wonderful mud baths at the top end of the river. Good for both the skin and the soul; the mud cleans your pores and you laugh so much while pasting on the gooey mud, turning into a dried mud monster in the sun, and then rinsing off in a pool. On the return trip you will pass by Turtle beach before returning to the Gulet and a wonderful meal under the stars at Ekincik bay.

Day 3

Embrace the morning sun over a strong Turkish coffee and breakfast before departing for a fun filled day of water sports at Tersane bay. Try wind surfing the gentle breezes blowing down from the towering mountains surrounding this quaint bay. Later at Manastir bay, otherwise known as Cleopatra's ruin bay, snorkel among underwater ruins which stretch from the shallows of the shore deep down into the bay - the water is crystal clear with snorkelling visibility of over 20 metres.

Day 4

Continue your exploration of the ancient cove before lunch then depart for isolated Gemiler island. Ashore, this uninhabited island has exceptional Byzantine ruins with mosaic floors. Spend the afternoon discovering, swimming and relaxing before another night under the Aegean stars.

Day 5

Continue your cruise fit for a Sultan, exploring another quaint bay at Gemiler island before setting sail for the 'Jewel of the Turkish Aegean coast', Ulu Deniz. This mile long sandbar under magnificent, forested, Baba mountain is a spectacular site from the Gulet. Walk up and down the beach looking for turtle tracks and collecting sea shells. Late afternoon the Gulet makes its way to a quiet bay near Fethiye for the night.

Day 6

Spend the morning in the beautiful lagoons of Bedri Rahmi and Aga Limani. After a hearty Mediterranean lunch head for the town of Fethiye and shop for antique kilim weavings, carpets and beautiful Turkish pottery and artifacts. There is also a medieval monastery and the largest and best preserved Lycian rock face tomb. Eat diner aboard and experience the unique night life this port town offers.

Day 7

A big breakfast at Fethiye is followed by a cruise to Kadirga and a lunch / swim stop. A stop is made in the afternoon at Paradise island and another swim or island walk. That night is the return to the home port of Marmaris and a fun farewell evening meal and celebration. Night life at Marmaris is also tempting for the late night crowd!

Day 8

A farewell breakfast is followed by wishes of safe return home and an invitation back to the Gulet, 'Güle Güle'!

Please note that the Gulet itinerary is subject to change as a result of weather and navigational conditions as well as guest preferences. Excursion costs are not included; scuba diving, Dalyan river boat trip, entrance to sites, meals ashore, etc, etc...

Additional Information on Turkey

http://www.turkey.org/tourism_fr.htm

U.S.A.

The Ministry of Tourism Republic of Turkey
821 United Nations Plaza,
New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel: (212) 687-2194
Fax: (212) 599-7568

CANADA

TURKISH EMBASSY
360 Albert Street, suite 801
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7X7
Tel: (613) 230-8654
Fax: (613) 230-3683