Visit A Sailing
Paradise In Turkey For Your Next Holiday Or Vacation
- by Gurhan Ebren
If you like sunshine, the
smell of the sea air, water sports, Mediterranean cuisine, and a
chance to visit important historical sites, then you should set
your sites on Turkey. It is here where you can explore one of
civilization’s great crossroads, choosing from a variety of
sailing options.
You don’t have to be a sailor to enjoy a sea holiday in Turkey.
One of the popular choices of tourists in Turkey is to hire a
crewed yacht. On a crewed yacht, a professional crew takes care
of the boating and you can turn your attention to snorkeling,
soaking in the sun, visiting quaint villages, historical sites
and enjoying the dishes prepared by the onboard chef.
If you fancy travelling on a vessel that is reminiscent of a
romantic galleon or old pirate ship, then a cruise on a Gulet
(or Gullet) is in order. Gulets are traditional wooden and
handmade Turkish boats, usually equipped with a crew of three
comprising of the captain, the cook, and a sailor. The boats
have a motor as well as sails. The route can be fixed , or
arranged to the preferences of the group, and the group shares
the expenses.
Although Gulets are traditional vessels, the modern touring
Gullets are fully equipped with the comfort of the tourist in
mind. They usually contain four to ten cabins, equipped with
en-suite showers, WCs and hot water facilities. Turkish Gulets
also have music systems, navigational, electronic, fishing and
diving equipment. Spacious and light sitting-space provided at
the back of the boat is one of the distinguishing
characteristics and advantages of this type of vessel. Sitting
at the large table in this section, you can have your meals
under the sunshade, you can get a sun tan or you may watch stars
at night.
For those who want more freedom and enjoy doing their own
sailing, then the best choice is a “bareboat” vacation.
“Bareboating” is the term given to a chartered holiday where you
hire a whole vessel for a fixed period. You will be fully
responsible for the boat and can sail her yourself, if you have
a licensed captain in your group, or hire a professional to do
it for you.
Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey there are a
number of scenic routes that you can choose from touching a rich
array of historical sites including the ancient cities of
Pergamon, Ephesus, Miletus, Knidos, Xanthos, Myra, Perge,
Aspendos and Side. There are also dozens of other, smaller sites
dating back many thousands of years, the remains of which are
equally as interesting. If you are on a Gulet cruise with a full
crew, then you will benefit from an experienced guide with a
deep knowledge of the area.
The Mediterranean is also renowned for its great cuisine and a
cruise holiday in Turkey will give you a chance to get
acquainted with Turkish hospitality and the colorful and tasty
dishes of this region
Sunshine, the sea, historical sites, sailing, swimming and fine
cuisine: add it all up and you have the makings of an
unforgettable holiday or vacation.
About The Author
Gurhan Ebren is the owner of El Paso Travels, a tourism and
travel agency specializing in yacht and sailing tours in Turkey,
since 1985. Visit http://www.elpasotravel.net to find out more
about sailing holidays in Turkey.