Gulet Cruising Holidays in Turkey

January 2009 - Gulet Cruising Holidays in Turkey

Turkey is an incredible country, with amazing weather, a huge range of perfect beaches and interesting, ancient ruins for you to explore. You can visit them on land if you want, but that involves long hours of road travel, and you may well end up spending half of your holiday in Turkey in the car. No one likes using precious holiday time just travelling from one place to another and not enjoying it. So why not take the effort, bother and discomfort out of it by taking a gulet cruising holiday in Turkey instead?

What is gulet cruising?

Gulets and gulet cruising have been traditional in the eastern Mediterranean for hundreds of years. Gulets are a specific type of two-masted sailing ships, usually about 14 to 36 meters in length. They are known for their smooth passage through the water because of the shape of their hulls and in the warm, placid waters often found around Turkey, cruising in a gulet is the perfect way to see the coast.

Most gulet cruising holidays are run under diesel power, meaning you experience all of the relaxing aspects of sailing without the stress of having the crew running all over the place tacking or watching out for a swinging boom as you sunbathe. In fact, most of the ships are designed with gulet cruising holidays in mind, and are tailored to your every need. The berths aren't slung hammocks and a canvas pillow. They include luxury single or double beds (depending on your choice and needs) and en suite facilities. Most of the ships have in and outdoor saloons where you can sit and relax, sun bathe and watch the scenery glide past.

Why go gulet cruising?

Going on a gulet cruising holiday is a great way to see the coast of Turkey and find undisturbed areas, coves and inlets. It also means that travelling from site to site is relaxed and enjoyable rather than the long haul it would be by road. As well as being more relaxing, you don't have to steer yourself around either. Maintaining and steering the boat is taken care of by the expert crew, who also have separate quarters to guarantee your privacy.

Different itineraries are available, meaning you can choose the length of your trip and the amount of activities you want to take part in. You can go on a short cruise with a few stops, or a longer more expansive one with more variety. Destinations vary from Marmaris on the Turkish mainland to trips to Kos and Rhodes. There are varied activities involved as well, from visiting 18th century monasteries to swimming in the warm clear water of Turkey's beautiful coves.

Gulet cruising is an excellent way of experiencing Turkey's coast. It blends the best aspects of sailing with a relaxed, un-hurried holiday and some of the most exceptional weather and scenery Turkey has to offer; Gulet cruising is a wonderful experience, and makes any holiday to turkey incredibly memorable.