Chartering in the Eastern Mediterranean

Turkish Delight – luxury yacht charter Turkey,
Gulet charter Turkey

 

 

Turkey is the most amazing country to visit and to take a Yacht Charter in Turkey is even better. This spring I visited for the 1st time in 8 years and had the most magical time. We flew with Turkish Airlines and what impressive and courteous service we received, I now know that the airline has won many awards and they are well deserved. They have many routes from the USA and Europe and should definitely be considered when booking flights in and around the country. We transited through Istanbul and flew to Dalaman airport a 45 min drive from Marmaris the port where we met our traditional Turkish Gulet charter yacht. Our driver greeted us at arrivals with our names on a sign and cold bottles of water waiting in the car, so off we set already starting to relax.

The old port in Marmaris is easy to reach and our driver helped get the luggage down to our Gulet where the crew happily took over, inviting us onboard. Once settled in our very spacious cabins with ensuite bathrooms we gathered on deck for the Captain’s safety briefing, where life jackets are kept, fire extinguishers, life raft and general rules of the road that would make our yacht charter Turkey easy and enjoyable.

The four crew on our 85ft Turkish charter Gulet worked seamlessly together as we pulled off the dock into open calm water crossing the Bay of Marmaris (Limani as it used to be called). We motor sailed to a beautiful anchorage tucked in behind a small island for our Lunch stop. One of the beauties of a Gulet is their space, the aft deck dinning table completely shaded easily sat 10 comfortable and as the crew served a delicious lunch and wonderful Turkish wine, a light crisp white, we really felt that our holiday had begun.

After lunch we set sail once again to our evening stop of Buzuk Buku, with bright blue water and ancient fortress and Castle atop a small hill, we discussed walking to the top which we did the following morning after breakfast and were able to take wonderful photos of the anchorage with our Turkish Gulet charter yacht and of the fort itself with wild donkeys roaming here and there.

The second day of our yacht charter in Turkey was spent sailing and eating fabulous food as we cruised up the coast towards the Greek island of Symi and stopped in the Turkish bay of Dirsek with pine trees lining the beach, the water was an incredible blue, swimming was a must as the water was surprisingly warm for spring. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful lunch served by our chef and crew who were fast becoming good friends. That evening we stopped in Bozburan a sleepy village that we still managed to make a shopping experience with very friendly shop keepers trying to speak English, it was great fun.

Day three of our Yacht Charter Turkey the wind was a little better and we managed to sail with no motor to the very pretty bay of Bencik and Knobbly Island with wonderful rock formations, very unusual. The captains anchored in a shallow bay and again swimming was perfect in the light blue crystal clear water. Some took out the paddle boards, others snorkeled and we swam to the beach and walked up and down exploring and enjoying the smell of the warm pine trees in the Mediterranean breeze.

Day four and our last was spend sailing up the beautiful coast line dotted with forts, castles and ancient walled settlements and steep rocks coming down to dark clear blue waters. We ate lunch on the way, as our Turkish Gulet was very stable while underway and that evening we arrived in Orthaniye a deep bay dotted with islands and a nice small marina full of local boats and some nice bars and restaurants. A nice walk ashore and a bit of exploring was a must and our final dinner onboard was divine.

In fact every meal was beautifully put together, three courses at lunch and dinner, fresh and tasty, presented with a smile by the charming crew, a perfect mixture of Turkish and international dishes.

Our transportation was arranged back to Dalaman airport the following morning and we sadly said goodbye while swapping email and contact addresses promising to stay in touch and return.

Nicholson Yacht Charters & Services has a great database of Luxury Yacht Charters Turkey and Gulet charters Turkey. We have several wonderful itineraries incorporating great sailing, watersports and food along with the deep and rich history and culture of the Turkish coastline to share with you. We can also arrange VIP transportation from and too any airport and historical site you wish to visit along the route.

After leaving our Yacht Charter in Turkey exploring the amazing coastline, we spent three nights in Istanbul’s old city, visiting the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, the Blue Mosque, the Sultans palace with Harems palace and gardens, a trip up the Bosfurus to see where Asia meets Europe. We took a Hamam in one of the oldest Turkish Baths in Istanbul and ate many delights along the way. The Turkish people are warm, friendly, honest and inviting, we felt safe and welcomed everywhere we went. It would be a pleasure to arrange such a wonderful trip for YOU!

I personally want to thank Captain Warren, our amazing chef Elizabeth, along with deckhands Brother and Ukan for their hospitality while we were aboard their Gulet TURKISH DELIGHT, you made our stay a most memorable experience and we will be back for more sailing, exploring and gourmet delights in beautiful Turkey.

Sicily on the road and by yacht.. will be our next blog.

For any yacht charter or yachting enquiry please do not hesitate to contact us:
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