Turkey is surrounded by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea, to the south, west and north.  Cruising the waters of Turkey can offer a different and private anchorage each night to Yachts cruising the area as well as provide a multitude of coves, inlets, bays and beaches.

Whilst cruising around Turkey allows you to enjoy all it has to offer by sea, the coastal villages and towns offer an experience and warm hospitality by the local people.  Enjoy the Turkish Cuisine, Art, History, Museums and the Remains of Ancient Civilizations.  The Turkish landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires.

The country’s tumultuous history has left a deep legacy.  Turks have an inspiring ability to keep things in perspective, to get on with everyday life and to have a good time in the process.  They enjoy the simple pleasures that life has to offer: family, food, music, football, and friendship.

7 Days In Turkey

Day 1:  Marmaris

Arriving on board, lunch is served on deck whilst still on the dock.  This allows the guests the chance to observe the hustle and bustle that is Marmaris.  After lunch, they are free to explore the town, and discover the Ottoman Castle, which was built by Suleyman the Magnificent in 1522.  Stay alongside in the marina overnight.

Day 2:  Ekitnick Limani

Leave Marmaris for a quick cruise of just 18 miles south to Ekitnick Limani, a bay home to only a handful of beautiful anchorages.  Marina Bay, the most popular, features a small dock built of rock, and on the cliffs above you will find the Marina Bay Yacht Club.  Enjoy the incredible bar / restaurant and the delightful cuisine after a somewhat exciting and rather adventurous ride on a homemade, self-drive funicular railway.

Not far from Marina Bay is the tiny hamlet of Ekitnick home to gorgeous sandy beaches.  The rest of the anchorages offer only solitude and a time to enjoy the crystal clear waters whilst swimming or snorkeling.

Day 3:  Ekitnick Limani

Before rushing off to discover Gocek, first make sure your guests explore the Dalyan River and it’s surrounding nature reserve.  Reed-filled deltas populated by turtles, hawks, herons and kingfishers will delight even the most discerning bird watcher.  The river once the entrance to the ancient port of Cancus, now lies 2 miles inside the silted up estuary.  Amongst the many attractions of this ancient city are the astonishing tombs that are literally carved out of the cliff face opposite Dalyan.  After enjoying the ancient streets of Cancus, re-board your tour boat for the visit to Ilica, famous for thermal springs, sulphur baths and bubbling hot mud.  Great fun getting in and wallowing in the warm, therapeutic goo.   Stay overnight in Marina Bay or anchor off the beach at Ekitnick.

Day 4:  Gocek

Gocek is at heart a fishing village, but over the years has enlarged to embrace fleets of bareboat charter yachts and crewed Turkish Gulets.  The waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants, and inland life revolves around the pretty market square which is lined with little shops selling antiques and crafts as well as the more usual – carpets.

The Bay of Skopea, which stretches out from the village, is a perfect place for cruising; it’s twelve islands offering an abundance of sheltered coves.

Day 5:  Gocek / Ruin Bay

Ruin Bay was so-named as there are partially submerged ruins sitting at the head of the bay – believed by the locals to be the bathhouse used by Cleopatra while she was visiting the area.  Swim from the yacht and snorkel through these ruins before sunset.  Spend the night in on e of the Manastir Bay Anchorages whilst enjoying dinner under the stars.

Day 6:  Olu Deniz

Olu Deniz situated 20 miles or so south of Ruin Bay, is a cluster of little islands set around a bay that has been closed off to boating traffic for environmental reasons.  There are many anchorages here, but the most popular is between the island of Gemel and the Mainland.

Home to one of the largest local communities of cave dwellers, it is great fun exploring the remains of their colony.  Nearby bays offer restaurants ashore, however, it is not uncommon for food to come to you.  Throughout the day locals will approach by boat to show you and hopefully sell you their different goodies.

Day 7:  Kalkan

Heading southeast 30 miles you will discover Kalkan.  This ancient port has been revitalized with pretty painted homes and shops dotted around the picturesque harbor.  The waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants and the noise of visitors chatting, eating and drinking fills the air.  Kalkan is one of the many towns that still boasts a Turkish Hamman,  and there is something to be said after a long tiring days sail or being a busy tourist, to pampering yourself in a Turkish Delight.

Relax and enjoy the last night of your dream vacation before heading home.