Turkey is truly a paradise waiting to be discovered. An incredibly varied and bountiful land offering you a breathtaking array of experiences and wonderful contrasts. To begin with, it’s right at the heart of the world being at the crossroads of three of the world’s great geographical regions: Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Not forgetting that Africa is also just a short journey across the Mediterranean. Turkey is surrounded by no less than four seas: the Mediterranean in the south, the Aegean Sea in the west, the Marmara Sea to the northwest and the Black Sea to the north. No wonder then that it can boast coastline stretching for over 8,000 kilometres. This make turkey one of the favourite destination for sailing yacht charters, and luxury crewed gulets cruise (the so called "Blu Cruise" or "Blu Voyage”) in this part of the Mediterranean. Abundant in flora and fauna, Turkey offers a wide - ranging and absorbing variety of landscapes. You can stroll along golden palm- fringed beaches, sail in the morning, ski in the afternoon, discover rivers, lakes, dams, secret coves and plains. And if this wasn’t enough, this breathtaking country can truly be described as the cradle of civilisation.

The first known settlement in the world was found at Catalhöyuk, northeast from Konya, dating back to an astonishing 6,500 BC. Two of the Seven Wonders of the World are to be found in Turkey: the Artemis Temple in Efes and the Halikarnassos Mausoleum in Bodrum. In fact, being heir to the history of human development makes Turkey a treasure trove of historical and cultural artefacts. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans have all left their mark on this region. Evidence of Turkey’s vibrant and fascinating past can still be seen today in the wealth of statues of gods and goddesses, temples, theatres, agoras, churches, mosques, medresseh and palaces which scatter the towns and countryside. In fact, Turkey is the proud possessor of more recognized historical and archaeological sites than any other country in the world. But Turkey isn’t just a treasure house of historic artefacts: Wonderful climate, friendly, hospitable people, world class cuisine, every kind of sport and leisure activity, great service and reasonable prices make Turkey just about the perfect place for a sailing holiday on one of our yachts or for a luxury motor yacht charters or for an amazing sailing cruise in one of our luxury gullets or ketch also known as the blue cruise: The Blue Cruise or Blue Voyage is a unique cruising and yachting experience in the Aegean waters of Turkey, an adventure that takes you to the magic of myths three millennia old, a relaxing vacation under the sun and swim in the turquoise blue of the crystal clear waters, and an opportunity to taste Turkish cuisine as well as fresh fish. You can shape your cruise itinerary as you wish before booking. Come and discover this enchanting corner of Mediterranean that touch 3 continents at just 3.5 hours flight from London. Imagine yourself on a yacht, sailing along the Turquoise coast of the Mediterranean, walking among ancient marble colons, wandering in the endless tunnels of thousands of years old underground cities, diving into the warm and crystal clear waters, swimming over ruins of the sunken cities, running on the beaches where heroes of the history had landed, resting on the sands where queens and emperors shared their love. A special mention is a worth for sailing holiday on gullets in turkey. The singular design of the gulette, Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style.

Over the years gulettes have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a broad beam and wide deck. Constructed mainly in the shipyards of Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, these boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. The number of passengers a gulette carries depends on the boat's size, although most of them accommodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels have separate accommodation for passengers, and chartering one will also include services and entertainment. Modern gulettes are comfortably equipped with most home comforts, and encourages a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all the passengers with a friendly relationship with the crew. Italy yacht charters provides charters sailing holidays and tours among Turkish coast and Greek islands, the so called blue cruises. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, a gullet can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbours and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships simply cannot. In many ways a gullets is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly.


Antalya
When King Attalos first set eyes on Antalya he dubbed it "Paradise on Earth". It's fertile soil and natural harbour made it ideal for settlers throughout the ages. Antalya has had an extremely chequered history. The Persians, Alexander the Great, The Romans the Arabs and many more have all left their mark on the area over the centuries but no one more so than King Attalos of Pergamon who in 159 B.C.gave the region its name Attalia, from which we derive the modern name Antalya. Antalya and its environs enjoyed a golden era in the first and second centuries A.D., reflected in the magnificence and multitude of cities to be found at that time of which Side and Aspendos in the east and Phaselis, Olympos and Xanthos in the west are just a few.

Those days of glory began to fade however during the Byzantium period at the turn of the 3rd century A.D. with the fall of Constantinople as the capital of East Rome. Later the Arab invasions with their plundering and pillaging signalled the final demise of these great cities. And in 1207 the regions of Antalya and Alanya came to be associated with the Selchuks. Today the city of Antalya is again reliving a golden age. It has been transformed into a cultural and tourist hub with much on offer to satisfy the discerning visitor - whether it's a guided tour through ancient ruins, a fun packed family holiday or just a romantic blue voyage on this part of the Turkish coast called turquoise coast.

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Bodrum
Bodrum is located on the south-western coast of Turkey, along the Aegean Sea. This town of approximately 32,200 inhabitants is the most popular resort in the country. Tourism, fishing and yachting are the main occupations of the residents of the city. Marble quarries and agricultural land is found as one moves away from the coast. Bodrum experiences hot and dry summers and pleasant winters. The temperature during summer often crosses the 30°C mark. Winters are very pleasant, but there are frequent showers. The ancient city of Halicarnassus occupied this region and its mausoleum was one of the ancient seven wonders of the world; it was destroyed during the Middle Ages and the town of Bodrum was built. From an important trading port, it has transformed into one of the best riviera in the country. Bodrum is also one of the favourite destinations and starting point for luxury blue cruise along the Turkish coast.

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Bodrum Peninsula
This part of the Mediterranean coast is an endless line of picturesque coves, turquoise waters and ancient ruins make this suborn adventure one you will remember for a lifetime The season extends from April to November. By mid-May the sea has warmed up with the days long and sunny. June is perhaps the most perfect month with balmy evenings and delightfully warm seas. July and August are not unbearably hot, as the prevailing winds are cool and refreshing, the nights comfortable. September is always popular with temperatures similar to the June. In October the sea is still delightfully warm. Imagine yourself on a yacht, sailing along the Turquoise coast of the Mediterranean, walking among ancient marble colons, wandering in the endless tunnels of thousands of years old underground cities, diving into the warm and crystal clear waters, swimming over ruins of the sunken cities,

running on the beaches where heroes of the history had landed, resting on the sands where queens and emperors shared their love. There are several ways to explore the peninsula of Bodrum, the most enjoyable of which is with one of our wonderful gullets or hiring one of our wonderful sailing or motor yachts. Bodrum peninsula is an ideal place also for team building programs and corporate sailing events. The charm of the Mediterranean seaside will surely make an unforgettable impression for your guests and will guarantee the best ever company holiday experience. Our local skippers can take you to the best sailing and swimming spots around the beautiful islands. Every year more and more companies recognize that sailing events are beneficial to business. Corporate sailing is a unique possibility to host your business partners in an exclusive way and thus strengthen your business partnerships. Your investment in corporate activities will be returned in business success.

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Fethiye Gulf
One of the favourite destination and starting point for “Blue Cruises” and for amazing sailing cruises between Greek islands and Turkish coast is the Fethiye gulf. When you turn around Cape Kurtoglu, on your way from Marmaris, you enter into the Gulf of Fethiye which is one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world. There are 12 islands, both small and large, and many inlets each more beautiful than the other in this gulf situated between the capes of Kurtoglu and Iblis and covered with forests. The inlets and islands which are ideal shelters for yachts, can be reached from Göcek and Fethiye, ideal bases for luxury blue cruise or charming sailing holidays in the Turkish coast. These extremely beautiful inlets will make you have a breathtaking sailing vacation. To wander through the bays of Fethiye is an adventure, an exuberance, a spring of joy. While passing from one to another, the grandeur that spreads out before your eyes is enhanced by the silhouettes of tiny islands, which lead you astray. As we told before Fethiye is one of the preferred charter base and favourite destination for crewed motor yacht charters on board on classical Turkish gullets or simply sailing cruise on sailing yacht. Fethiye seaport with its sheltered natural structure is an important stop for yachtsmen. A new modern marina project will be realised soon for a large number of yachts with all facilities on the other end at the bay.

The whole region excluding Fethiye and Eþen lowlands is covered with high mountains forming the south-western spurs of the Taurus Range. These mountains exceeding 2000 meters extend the coastline. On a sunny winter day it is a real pleasure to view the pines and snow decorated peaks intertwined with the blue sky. Besides the refreshing woody slopes with thyme, sage, laurel and pine trees the exceptional incense forest is another peculiarity of the Fethiye region. Covering a 100-hectare area the incense forest is an ideal campsite and a picnic area. Balsam obtained from incense trees has pharmaceutical and cosmetic value and it is also used as a fumigate in mosques and churches. Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and warm, wet winters prevails in the region temperatures are approximately 30°C in summers and usually not less than 12°C in winters. Seawater temperature is hardly below 17°C all year round. Fethiye GUlf is an ideal place also for team building programs and corporate sailing events. The charm of the Mediterranean seaside will surely make an unforgettable impression for your guests and will guarantee the best ever company holiday experience. Our local skippers can take you to the best sailing and swimming spots around the beautiful islands. Every year more and more companies recognize that sailing events are beneficial to business. Corporate sailing is a unique possibility to host your business partners in an exclusive way and thus strengthen your business partnerships. Your investment in corporate activities will be returned in business success.

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Finike
Finike is a not to be missed destination during the “Blue Cruise” on board on fascinating gullet along Turkish coast, with a perfect blend of history, nature and sea. The district draws attention with the ruins of Limyra and Arykanda both ancient cities. Finike was founded with the name of Phoinikos at the entrance of Aykiri (Arykandos) Brook in the 5th century B.C. It is supposed that the name 'Finike' comes from the Phoenicians who used the region as a trade centre.

Finike is worth to a visit also because here you can meet your necessities concerning water, fuel oil and food and, if you wish, you can see the ruins of Limyra in Turunçova near by and also the ruins of Arykanda in Arif, situated a little higher. Limyra, the capital city of the region, was known as the harbour where the export of its agricultural produces was carried out. With hot and dry summers and warm and rainy winters, the Mediterranean Climate is dominant in the region, that’s why Finike is one of the favourite destinations during Turkish Coast Blue cruise on board on one of our wonderful gulets.

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Kekova
The island of Kekova offers a fun way to combine an exploration of ancient Lycian ruins with swimming in turquoise waters and a barbecue on the beach. Kekova is a submerged port dating back to the 5th century BC, when Lycia was an important kingdom in this region. The Lycian capital was Xanthos, an hour west of Kekova, where King Sarpedon, who fought in the Trojan Wars, originally came from. During you “blue cruise” or your sailing holiday along the Turkish coast you will discover Kekova: a spot that is like heaven on earth.

One first encounters the Sicak Peninsula at the end of which are two islands: Toprakada and Karaada. Kekova island stretches out from here and it is because of this island that the whole area is called Kekova. Passing among the islands and arriving at Kekova, the safest anchorage is Üçagiz, which is a good, all-round harbour. Other places may be used for short periods during visits. At Kekova, history and nature have merged and become inseparable. Such ancient cities are Aperlai, Kekova, Simena, and Theimussa are to be found in the vicinity. This is why Kekova is not to be missed destination during you sailing holiday in Turkey or your amazing “Blue Cruise” along the Turkish coats.

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Olu Deniz
Olu Deniz is worth to a visit during your “Blue Cruise” along the coast of Turkey. Olu Deniz lies 16km to the south of Fethiye, and enjoys a stunning location surrounded by soaring mountains. The Blue Lagoon of Olu Deniz has calm, crystal clear waters which makes it ideal for a variety of water sports and a very safe place for children to swim. Part of the lagoon is now a protected area ( National park). The breathtaking natural beauty of Olu Deniz has made it probably the most famous beach in Turkey. The main attraction of Olu Deniz is undoubtedly its long crescent-shaped swathe of coarse sand, shingle and pebble beach known as Belcekiz Beach. It sweeps around the bay to form a spit of sand, which separates the open sea from the cobalt blue waters of the lagoon. The lagoon area has not surprisingly been designated a National Park, and charges a small entrance fee to visitors (although access to Belcekiz Beach remains free)

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Olympos
Olympos is a worth to a visit during your Turkish coast Blue Cruise between Fethiye and Anthalia. In Lycian times the ancient port city of Olympos was one of the members of the Lycian Federation. Because of the wealth of Olympos, it had three (compared to less wealthy cities that had only one) seats in the federation. During this period the city was subject to raids by pirates. Later, the city was rescued by the Roman commander Isauricus. The city’s wealth was due to its strategic trading position – it benefited from Genoese and Venetian traders who took advantage of the city’s natural harbour.

Moving seventeen centuries on, Olympos is now the destination of those seeking tranquillity in aesthetically pleasing surroundings, during their “blue cruise” along the coast of Turkey. Although it is all so easy to get submerged in a place steeped in such history, it has to be remembered that it is not just the past that attracts people to Olympos. The translucent water of the Mediterranean is too tempting to resist. A swimsuit is an absolute must when visiting. Peering in to the sea from a boat the pebbles appear within hands-reach; they’re probably twenty feet away from the tip of the finger !Looking up from the seashore, the city’s ancient acropolis is clearly visible on the side of the mountain. Those who wish to rid themselves of the salt after swimming should paddle in the stream that flows through the valley, and then meanders through the Lycian ruins, before eventually reaching the sea.

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