The sparkling clear Turkish waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, are often referred to as the Turquoise Coast due to their vivid shade of blue. The countless charming inlets, isolated coves and uninhabited islands that punctuate these azure waters make the route of our 'blue cruise' one of the most idyllic sailing spots you could wish to find.

Inclusions

• 7 nights accommodation on board the Mediterranean Gulet
• Full board
• Fully escorted
• Amazing beaches and good times

Exclusions

• International flights and departure taxes
• Domestic flight taxes if applicable
• Tips, visas, travel insurance, personal items
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Arrive and departure transfers
• Spending money
• Optional excursions

The Blue Cruise sets sail Friday, so you will need to arrive the day your gulet cruise is due to depart for your first night.

Please note:
The captain may change the route due to weather conditions. There will be plenty of swim stops everyday for you to take the opportunity to swim, snorkel and fish in the crystal blue waters of the Aegean.

Turkey Gay Gulet Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday, June 09, 2012
Marmaris
• Once you arrive in Marmaris, you will make your way to the Yacht Marina and be escorted to your Gulet (Airport Transfers can be booked through us on request).
• Depending on your flight time, after you have checked in you are likely to have free time before and after dinner to explore the local town, the bustling bazaar and the cosmopolitan marina.
• Dinner will be served onboard the Gulet and you will also stay overnight at Marmaris port onboard your home for the week.

Please note we can also include arrival and departure transfers plus additonal nights accommodation.

Day 2 - Sunday, June 10, 2012
Ekincik
• After breakfast one of our guides will come on board and give you information about the route and everything else you will need to know in order to enjoy your stay to the full.
• We will first set sail towards Ekincik.
• When we arrive into the bay you will have the chance to enjoy the optional experience of taking a water taxi up the Dalyan River. This reed lined river is scattered with reefs and takes you past the Lycian Kings tombs which are carved out of the rock face. These magnificent tombs belonged to past kings and their families, you may recognise them from the film 'African Queen' staring Humphrey Bogart! Caretta Caretta beach (Iztuzu) will be the last stop of your journey. The protected Logger Head turtles come to this area to lay their eggs on the beach here.
• We will staying overnight at Ekincik bay.

Day 3 - Monday, June 11, 2012
Agalimani - Batik Hamam - Kizilada
• Early morning the captain will start the engine and we will sail past Disibilmez and enter the world famous Fethiye gulf. In this gulf you will see some of the most fantastic bays in Turkey.
• We will breakfast at Agalimani and later on in the day you will have the option to go to the Batik Turkish Hammam, the perfect way to get a great base for your sun tan!
• The captain will drop anchor in Kizilda for the night.

Day 4 - Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Fethiye
• Early in the morning we will arrive in Fethiye marina, where breakfast will be served.
• Here we also stock up the boat and whilst the Gulet is being cleaned, you will have the option to go on the local jeep safari. The safari will take you to the Secret Canyon of Tlos and also to the golden sands of Olu Deniz (lunch is included in this tour), alternatively you can just take your time to explore the pretty town of Fethiye.
• Dinner will be served on board the Gulet and the boat will overnight in Fethiye marina.
• You might be tempted to check out the local bars for a few cocktails before you retire!

Day 5 - Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Gocek Island - Yassica Island
• After breakfast we will leave Fethiye marina and sail to the Gocek Islands.
• We will pass between some stunning islands and after numerous swimming breaks we will visit the Yassica Islands.
• We will stay overnight here so you can enjoy the amazing views. If its a balmy night this is an excellent opportunity to try sleeping up on one of the loungers on deck.

Day 6 - Thursday, June 14, 2012
Bedrirahmi Bay - Sarsala - Agalimani
• After breakfast we will sail into Bedrirahmi Bay. The views are fantastic as we cruise by bays surrounded by pine clad hills.
• In the afternoon we will head to Aga Limani and overnight there.

Day 7 - Friday, June 15, 2012
Kadirga - Paradise Island - Marmaris
• After breakfast or early in the morning, depending on the weather, we will sail to Kadirga bay, swimming breaks will be made at the various bays along the way as we pass Turunc and then Paradise Island.
• At about 17:00 we will arrive back into Marmaris where a farewell dinner will be served and you and your companions will spend a final night aboard the Gulet to round off your week.

Day 7 - Saturday, June 16, 2012
Marmaris Tour Ends
• The crew will serve breakfast before you disembark at around 10am.

Please note we can also include arrival and departure transfers plus additonal nights accommodation.

Your Gulet and Life On Board

What is a Gulet?
A Gulet is a traditional wooden ketch, originally used for trading along the Turkish coastline. However, nowadays gulets are specially built with modern fittings and equipment, for the comfort of their passengers on a cruising holiday! Normally with between 6 & 10 cabins below deck, the spacious back deck (aft) is designed for dining and lounging in the shade, whereas the forward deck (bow) invites you with its numerous comfy sunbeds. The mid-section of the ship is home to a small indoor lounge area, the bar and the kitchen.

With just a small group onboard there is a calm atmosphere and relations between passengers and crew tend to be relaxed and casual. Unlike cruises on large ships you will have the opportunity to explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of Turkey's fantastic coastline.

Usually the daily duration for sailing is between 3 – 4 hours and the rest is spent in gorgeous coves enjoying the sun & sea. Gulet cruises originated in Turkey and due to the Turkish expertise and hospitality, it still remains the No.1 destination for this unique kind of holiday.

Your Cabin
Due to the fact that the majority of gulet life is spent up on the spacious deck, you will find your cabin to be quite compact and consist mainly of a double bed and a little wardrobe. All cabins have small en-suite bathrooms where the shower is usually of the hand held variety in the same space as the WC. One set of linen is provided per person, however if you like your bath towels big and fluffy - you might want to bring your own! Should you wish to do so, the crew are more than happy for you to take your sheets and blankets up on deck to sleep 'al fresco' on one of the comfy mattresses under the stars – one of our favourite parts of the Gulet experience.

What Clothes to Pack
As little as possible is the key when packing for a Gulet holiday! You will find soft holdalls to be most convenient for stowage whilst on your Gulet. Attire on board both day and night is very relaxed and casual. Generally you will live in your swimming gear by day and shorts and t-shirts for dinner on an evening. For the three nights of your stay that the Gulet spends moored in a harbour, you may want to bring along something smarter in case you want to venture ashore to sample the local night life, although shorts and t-shirts would again suffice if you would prefer.

You won't need shoes on deck, but don't forget your flip flops or trainers for when you go off exploring. If you are planning to cruise early on or late in the season, it's a good idea to bring along a light cardigan or sweatshirt as there can be a cool breeze out at sea late on in the evening.

Essential Items
A beach towel, hat and suncream are all essential items and don't forget insect repellent for the early evenings if you are prone to being bitten.

Your week will be packed with amazing photo opportunities so don't forget your camera. A Gulet holiday is also the ideal opportunity to catch up on all those books you've been meaning to get round to, you might also want to pack some playing cards and your Ipod.

Your Crew
There will be 3 to 4 crew, a Captain, a cook and 2/3 boat boys, working onboard to look after your comfort and safety during the voyage. The Turks are extremely hospitable people and if there is anything you need they will do their utmost to help you – be it fishing tips or teaching you a bit of Turkish. The crew will usually ask the guests on board for a consensus of what time meals will be served at, as everyone sits down together to dine. All meals are cooked fresh on board.

Health & Safety
You will be given a briefing about safety onboard before your gulet sets sail. Every boat is fitted with all necessary safety equipment including: a life-vest per passenger, life-rings and a motorised lifeboat. The captain will advise you of when and where you are able to swim off the boat and we ask that you respect that the captains word is final onboard the gulet. Under no circumstances should you swim under the influence of alcohol.

Weather
The Turkish climate also contributes to the experience of Gulet holidays, with a season that begins in late April and ends in October. In our opinion, June and September are the best months for cruising as the temperatures are cooler and it is not too crowded. July and August are of course the hottest months but being out on the open sea is still a pleasure. April and October still offer up to 8 – 9 hours of sunshine.