Cruise along the Turkish Riviera aboard a private charter gulet /

Luxury yacht charters in Turkey are centered along the Aegean coast in the south and west of the country, where the clear blue waters give the Turquoise Coast its name. There are endless secluded coves, beautiful bustling harbors and towns such as Bodrum, Fethiye or Marmaris where visitors have the chance to embrace the region’s fascinating history and diverse culture.

Turkey is emerging as one of the most sought-after charter destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean and is known for its traditional gulets, classic wooden yachts that sail along the coast – a great way to connect with the local culture. Many gulets are true classics, even down to the original rigging and engineering, while new state-of-the-art vessels are specifically designed and built with five-star private charters in mind. Staffed largely by experienced locals, onboard service is exemplary, characterized by the team’s local knowledge, passion and dedication. In the galley, the onboard chefs will prepare delicious meals using the finest quality local ingredients, likely influenced by the Asian and Mediterranean dishes popular in Turkey.

Chartering a yacht is such a unique experience and can be a perfect vacation for large families looking for an adventure for all ages. Active teens can make the most of the water toys (most yachts have a great selection), while the little ones will love a gentle ride to a white-sand beach. Grandparents can also go ashore to soak up the culture and history of the region and perhaps enjoy a quieter private lunch! Dinner on board is likely to be a relaxed affair with plenty of delicious food, drink and laughter as the stories of the day are remembered. If the family has already left the nest and are on their own journey through life, chartering a yacht with friends can be a great way to celebrate an important birthday or anniversary. Crews are happy to create bespoke parties and a good charter broker will plan an itinerary that meets the requirements of each guest. The first part of a Turkish adventure could be the northern part of the coast from Cesme to Bodrum.

A varied route along the northern turquoise coast

A Turquoise Coast charter takes in the sights over a few days or a few weeks, dividing guests’ time equally between stunning natural wonders, including a particularly lush landscape, the wonders of ancient civilizations, plus contemporary culture and cuisine that can be found in the towns and cities along the route.

Consider starting your charter in the northern town of Cesme, which was originally a quaint and rustic fishing village until it was discovered and transformed into a vibrant destination. Now home to a fantastic marina with an array of chic shops and restaurants, the town still retains much of its authentic charm. A visit to Cesme Castle, west of the main square, informs about the history of local fortifications and offers views over the town, harbor and coastline. Sifne, a short distance from the center, is a small village known for its mud baths and therapeutic pools built right on the beach.

Kusadasi is another popular starting point for charters, where the smell of the local cuisine fills the streets as you explore one of the local bazaars to view handmade carpets, rugs and handicrafts. Unwind after a busy day in one of the beautiful hammams that can be found all over the city, of which ‘Hammam Kusadasi’ is the oldest and most traditional, built in the late 15th century. Once on board, it’s a short cruise to Dilek National Park, full of secluded coves perfect for sunbathing or walking along the white sands or perhaps an afternoon of fun with the water toys.

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Before heading further south along the coast, a 20 minute drive inland to visit the archaeological region around Ephesus is a must. The onboard crew can arrange transportation or book a guided tour to see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On a relaxing day cruise to the south, you can recharge your batteries and enjoy the luxurious amenities on board your charter yacht. The crew ensures that you have everything you need as you sit back and sip a cocktail, sample the delights from the galley and enjoy the view. You need the rest before landing at Gol Turkbuku, where a whole other world of glitz and glamor will lure you ashore. This is where the affluent residents of Turkey’s major cities spend their summers surrounded by luxurious spas, fine dining, cool clubs and high-end boutiques.

If you wake up after your night out in Gol Turkbuku and feel a little worse, the crew will serve you a tasty breakfast, coffee and juice to revive even the most tired party animals. Take a dip in the cool Aegean Sea followed by a lazy morning sunbathing on deck as the captain sails your yacht around the south of the peninsula to Bodrum. The word “Bodrum” means “subterranean vault” and the name is a reference to the ancient tombs built for King Mausolus in 355 BC, once declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Largely destroyed by 12th-15th century earthquakes, the ruins are now part of an open-air museum. After exploring this ancient marvel, the modern, cosmopolitan city of Bodrum has much to offer, including the vibrant Marina Yacht Club which overlooks Bodrum Castle and has a choice of three restaurants serving a unique blend of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.

From Bodrum there are opportunities to extend your charter to visit some of the Greek islands in the Dodecanese, such as Kos, Symi or Rhodes. Experience the famous Greek hospitality and explore the cultural differences before returning to Turkish waters and cruising the southern part of the turquoise coast from Marmaris to Antalya.

In our blog next month we will continue down the coast with our recommendations for luxury charter experiences in the south of Turkey.

Trina Howes is a director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with outstanding yachts at amazing prices – worldwide.

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