Between the Mediterranean and the Gulf, Turkey is a lively mélange of the best of both worlds, and a long time favourite with yachts, thanks to its clear waters and great sailing conditions. A true escape from the charter routes of the western Mediterranean, a yacht charter in Turkey offers a new perspective on the world.
Bodrum
Join your yacht in lively Bodrum. After lunch on board, head to one of the many beach clubs on the peninsula. Visit the 15th century Bodrum Castle with its Museum of Underwater Archaeology and learn about the fascinating history of the town. Or head to Caresse Spa for a wonderful massage to ease your travel kinks. Wander the maze of streets and soak up the atmosphere. Have your first taste of delicious Turkish fayre in the Marina Yacht Club looking across at the floodlit castle.
Golturkbuku
Wake up anchored off Golturkbuku. Have an early morning jog around the Bay. Take the day to visit the truly atmospheric ancient city of Ephesus. Go diving to Black Island and explore 3 wrecks teeming with marine life or enjoy watersports off the yacht. Shop in the Palmarina shopping mall in nearby Yalikivak for locally designed one-off items of clothes or jewellery. Watch your carpet being handmade at Etrim village. Then, relax at the Mandarin Oriental Resort—whether it’s on the beach or in the spa. Conclude your day with an overnight cruise.
Marmaris
Enjoy the morning in Sogutkoy, an anchorage of calm clear waters for waterskiers, paddleboarders and kayakers. Sunbathe on the top deck. Take the tender to the nearby beaches. After lunch, the yacht will cruise to vibrant Marmaris boasting a pretty harbour, crowned by a castle. Haggle with vendors over apple tea for hand-loomed rugs, custom-made leather coats or handpainted pottery. Party in Bar Street, or seek out more tranquil waterfront bars and restaurants lining Barbaros Caddesi and the marina.
Dalyan River
Your charter yacht will anchor near the mouth of the Dalyan River, where a local guide boat will meet you. Cruise along fertile, beautiful waterways to see the Lycian Tombs, or Kings Tombs, intricately carved high up into the cliffs Kaunos was an important Carian city by 4BC and the remains of the theatre are well preserved as are the impressive ruins of a Roman bath and a 6th-century church. There are fabulous views over the surrounding countryside.
Gemiler Island
Visit the haven-like Gemiler Island, believed to be the original location of St. Nicholas’s tomb, the original Santa Claus, before it was moved to its current place in Myra. Walk along the winding path through the remains of this site and five Byzantine churches. Take in the breathtaking views over turquoise seas and green-forested hillsides. Don’t miss the photo opportunity at the top, with fantastic 360-degree panoramas. Sip champagne cocktails on board while watching the glorious sunset.
Kas
Kas is a pretty town with a Bohemian feel. Wander deep into the bougainvillea-shaded streets and discover artisans at work, creating fine handmade clothing and beautifully designed original jewelry. Explore the colourful small island of Meis just opposite the town. Go wreck diving just offshore. Take a trip to the ancient and mysterious sunken city of Kekova visible below the water. Have cocktails on the waterfront before trying a popular local restaurant like Kosk or Natur-el for dinner.
Kalkan
Kalkan is a harbourside town built round a horseshoe bay. Wander the maze of streets, browsing the many boutiques for souvenirs. Visit 18km long Patara beach, home to Loggerhead turtles, which have been laying their eggs here for the past 4 million years. Head inland and visit secluded mountain villages. Go canoeing on the nearby Dalaman river or horse riding in the surrounding hills. Head to Villa Mahal at cocktail hour for the best view of the sunset. Dine in a rooftop restaurant in town.
Gocek
Have a leisurely breakfast and relax on the sundeck as the yacht cruises to Gocek. Admire the beautiful coastline and take a few last photographs of your holiday before disembarking the yacht for your onward journey.
