Yachting in Turkey - Exploring the Lycian Shore

Overview

Turkish history and culture is among the richest in the world, and its cuisine is among the finest. ROW's 15-day small group yacht tours travel the Aegean Sea and Lycian Shore in a mixture of active exploration. Indulge in traditional Turkish meals and savor the excellent red and white wines of the region while wandering through small coastal villages and exploring hidden rock coves, wooded inlets and magnificent ruins from the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

   

• Trip Duration: 15 Days
• Intensity: Easy
• Season: May - October
• Begins in: Istanbul, Turkey
• Closest Airport: Istanbul, Turkey

Details

Turkey borders eight countries and straddles the border between Europe and Asia. 2008 marks ROW's 25th year operating yacht tours in Turkey. With the Mediterranean to the south, Aegean Sea to the West and Black Sea to the north, exploring Turkey by yacht is an excellent option. ROW's 15-day yacht tour in Turkey includes 8 days aboard our traditional wooden motor yacht, or "gulet."

Turkey's strategic location between Europe and Asia has contributed to its unique culture, which is a colorful blend of Eastern and Western traditions. ROW's adventure cruise in Turkey is a mixture of active exploration developed by ROW Founder, Peter Grubb, who personally led these trips from 1984 to 1992 and still leads an occasional departure.

You'll walk through Greek and Roman ruins, swim in turquoise waters and wander through small coastal villages. You'll travel beneath towering mountains that fall into crystal blue seas and visit quaint Turkish villages, hidden rock coves, wooded inlets and magnificent ruins of the Roman, Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Nowhere in the world is there such a rich mix of culture and history as in Turkey. Our expert guides bring the past to life as we travel, making it easy to imagine life as an early seafarer while you stand on the deck of our handmade wooden yacht. The words of Homer and the Greek myths take on new life in Turkey and the experience is certainly romantic.

Some nights we anchor in remote bays where you might hike among the rocks and pines, or swim and relax on a deserted beach. Other nights will find us in small local towns strolling along the waterfront and savoring the local color in neighborhood cafes. The Turks are wonderful people; friendly, open and honest. They are eager to learn about our country and equally eager to share their own.

We travel aboard a traditional gulet, a beautiful yacht handcrafted in Turkey. Ranging from 70-78-feet in length, the gulet's wide beam provides plenty of comfort and space. The yacht has a sitting salon, covered dining area, kitchen, and double cabins. Each cabin has a private bathroom and the yacht has plenty of space for lying in the sun and relaxing. Some people might enjoy sleeping under the stars out on the yacht's deck.

Throughout the trip, traditional Turkish meals are prepared from an array of fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy goods, lamb, and freshly caught fish. Turkish cuisine has a reputation for being among the finest in the world, and the wine and beer is excellent.

Wind conditions on our yacht trips in Turkey can be quite variable, but the seas are generally calm. In order to maximize available time for exploration, we travel under motor power, occasionally raising sails when wind conditions permit. We typically travel around 3-4 hours each day, and spend the remainder of the day ashore or enjoying the comfort of the yacht and swimming in the idyllic seas.

ROW has hosted travelers age 4 to 87 on these yacht tours of Turkey. While onboard, you can participate in as much or little as you like. Whether your interest is Greco-Roman history, modern Turkish culture, swimming, hiking, lazing in the sun, or all the above, you'll find yachting in Turkey a satisfying adventure.

Air temperatures in Turkey range from 80-95 degrees in June through September, and 80-85 degrees in May and October. Water temperatures are warmer in September-October, but still very comfortable for swimming on earlier departures. Each yacht trip to Turkey provides ample time for swimming, snorkeling and wind surfing in the warm, clear waters.

Itinerary

Use the link below for PDF itinerary.