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Overview

Sailing cruise in Turkey

This unique sailing cruise will take you to the most beautiful spots around Turkey’s Southwest coast, one of the world’s best sailing destinations. Each handpicked leg of this journey features a stunning combination of prestigious history and cosmopolitan culture, offering passengers both relaxation and discovery. In the meantime, sit back, enjoy the ride, and let the Mediterranean sun shine upon you, while a gentle breeze takes you from one exciting destination to other. Ruins of antique Lycia, Byzantine monuments, and Ottoman ambiances blend together in perfect harmony to create a wonderfully rich cultural heritage that’s just waiting to be discovered. Nature lovers will certainly find their fill with beautiful Butterfly Valley, where the trees around Ölüdeniz are painted with the vivid colors of millions of butterflies fluttering freely – not to mention the birds at Delikada Island’s Natural Reserve, and the turtles of Patara.

This sailing cruise in Turkey allows travelers to discover this magnificent country’s endless riches, pristine beaches, mud baths, untouched natural landscapes, and offers plenty of swimming opportunities. Of course, there’s also plenty of R&R on the ship, with a routine centered around leisure, gently sailing on tranquil waters, surrounded by luxury and sumptuous comfort, and navigating between secret islands and bays whose exact location is known only to a select few – just to make sure that they remain the deliciously surprising travel destinations they are now. And when it’s time to eat, luxury is once again the name of the game, with plenty of typical local dishes and fresh fish and fruit to delight your taste buds. To top it all off, you’ll discover the pleasures of the lively city of Marmaris, its multicultural vibe and vibrant nightlife. Though this sailing cruise to Turkey is certainly packed with strong sensations, a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere will follow you throughout the journey, along with the refreshingly calm winds of the Mediterranean.

Contact Uniktour’s travel experts today for more information on this superb sailing cruise along the coasts of Turkey!

Itinerary

Day 1| Marmaris
Arrival at the marina of Marmaris and embarkation starting from 3h:00 pm. Captain’s briefing. Distribution of cabins, placing the personal luggage in the cabins and provisions in the holds (foods, beverages, etc…). Dinner and possible evening in the city center of Marmaris…

Day 2| Bozuk Buku
Breakfast, sailing out of the port, and “safety at sea” briefing… The journey begins, little swim in the open sea and first experience of navigation under sails (3h), anchoring in a wild and picturesque shelter behind the island of (B…A…)* for lunch and bathing in the transparent turquoise water. Navigation (3h) and anchoring in the bay of Bozuk Buku; Hiking through the ancient Citadel of Loryma (splendid view of the bay from the summit). The possibility of spear fishing for amateurs. BBQ on board under the stars…

Day 3| Symi
Navigation (3h) to Symi Island, the most photographed of all the Greek islands. Anchoring in the bay of Panormitis. Visit of the historical monastery, a typical Greek architecture (the ancient church with its icon of St. Michael has an international reputation). Visit of the small museum (optional). Tasting local Greek dishes in a small restaurant overlooking the bay. Sailing (3h) towards the desert island of (I…A…)*… one of our favorite secret anchorages situated in a natural reserve. Bathing in the clear water and snorkeling in a magnificent setting; starfish, giant shells and multicolored fish. Hike and discovery of the islet… picking wild figs & BBQ dinner on board… Night bath in the middle of phosphorescent plankton is an unforgettable sensation.

Day 4| Bozburun
Breakfast, swimming and snorkeling in a magical setting. Navigation (1h) before anchoring in the Aquarium, this crystal clear water bay with its small beach shelters some ancient ruins… Navigation (1h30) to Bozburun bay, its rich waters often attracts dolphins. Unforgettable arrival to the small port of Bozburun, this cute stopover is shared by fishermen and sailboats. It is one of the most peaceful villages of the coast… The inhabitants of a remarkable kindness who were traditionally sponge fishermen became today builders of traditional wooden Gullets. Shopping for those who desire… Crafts, carpets and wooden miniature models of boats… Dinner at one of the several restaurants surrounding the small port of the village, The reflections of the fishing boats on the still water at night delights photo lovers.

Day 5| Bençik
Famous ((Turkish breakfast)) in the village or breakfast on board. Victualling: fresh traditional village bread, delicious fruits and vegetables… we are ready to sail again! Navigation (3h30) and slalom sailing between countless islands… a wild scenery populated with rare and protected species of Angora goats hanging on the cliffs looking down at us. Anchorage beside the island of (K….)*, visit of the Byzantine ruins on the island and snorkeling among underwater ruins or crossing by dinghy to a tiny islet and discover its underwater reef. Sailing to Bencik (1h), entering this magnificent bay carved like a fjord and going deep inland… Surrounded by pine trees coming down to the waterfront, we will drop anchor at the bottom of the bay and will be mooring literally under the pine trees... BBQ on board

Day 6| Dislice - Cifltlik
Navigation (30min) to Dislice island with its remarkable rocks looking like the Grand Canyon. Snorkeling among the colored algae and the most beautiful fishes of the Mediterranean. Navigation (3h) towards the ((Pirate’s cove)), anchorage in this secret bay for lunch, this pirate hideout remained secret until today… It’s one of our ((coup de coeur)). Navigation (4h) to Ciftlik bay nestled in its circus of impressive mountains. Mooring to the wooden pier of one of the seaside restaurants renowned for their local cuisine and specialties of seafood. Possibility to party in the local disco or relax under the stars aboard our sailboat.

Day 7| Kadirga Bay - Marmaris
Navigation (1h30) and anchor in the bay of Kadirga, sometimes dolphins follow us into the bay. Last swim in turquoise waters. In its multiple coves, this bay shelters countless sailboats making their last stop in the wilderness before heading back to civilization in the huge bay of Marmaris. Sailing (2h) back to ((Netsel Marina)), the most famous and largest marina in the entire eastern Mediterranean. We will refuel before mooring to our dock. Ballads, dinner in the city center of Marmaris or the famous “bar street” for the ones who like and partying until dawn in the 2nd biggest open air disco in the world after Ibiza.

Day 8| Marmaris - Disembarkement
Last breakfast on board, tidying up the boat and the personal luggage. Visit of Marmaris; shopping in the big Bazaar etc…

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

1. Do I need a prior sailing experience?
No prior sailing experience is required at all!! If you want to learn about sailing, we’ll be delighted to teach you. However, there are no obligations whatsoever.

2. How many will we be on the yacht?
The sailing yachts or catamarans that we use have 5 - 6 cabins/boat, which means you will be with a max of 10 - 12 persons together, unless you want to charter the yacht exclusively.

3. Can I come with a friend(s)?
Sure you can, but don't feel like you are going to be left out if you don't, as many of our passengers come on their own.

4. Can friends be assigned to the same yacht?Of course, and in case your group is larger than 12 (the max capacity of our yachts), you will be on 2 or 3 boats, but we will always be sailing, mooring, and eating together. It will practically seem as if it was one boat and the fun will be while sailing coast to coast because we will be racing for fun :)

5. Do we sail during the night?
No

6. Do we go ashore when we stop?
Yes, we visit the islands, the villages, the ruins, etc.

7. Will we lose sight of land and islands during our cruise?
No, we will always see the land, even when we cross between islands. We will always have at least one island at sight.

8. What do we eat on the sailboat?
Before the departure we shall take care of the travel provision by ensuring food and beverage provision; We will purchase everything necessary for breakfast (bread, coffee, tea, milk, eggs, cheese, assorted cooked meats, jams, honey, corn flakes…), for the dinners and meals (Vegetables, fruits, pastry, rice, chicken, conserves, spices, oils, sauces, etc…; as well as dried fruits, chocolates, biscuits, snacks & appetizers …Drinks and beverages: soft & sparkling water, Wine, Beer, Rhum, Coke, 7up, Orange juice, milk…)

9. What if I have special dietary needs?
No problem. We make sure we always have nutritious and great tasting ingredients. But if you have special needs such as allergies or are a vegetarian, make sure to let us know prior to the sailing cruise and we will have what you need on board. If you really want special stuff, you can bring along all your needs.

10. Who cooks during the trip?
Everyone shall participate.

11. Can we bring our own alcoholic beverages to the yacht?
Yes, of course you can bring your own beverages. We provide you with the soft drinks, juices, Beer, Wine & Raki that are always available onboard. You can bring different beverages of your choice (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, etc…)

12. Is smoking allowed?
For safety reasons, and to prevent lingering odors remaining to disturb the comfort of actual or future guests, smoking is not permitted inside the yacht. But of course smoking is permitted on deck in the open air.

13. What about drugs?
It’s strictly forbidden to use any kind of drugs or illegal substances including misuse of prescription medication. Any use, possession or association with drug products may be cause for immediate dismissal from the sailing cruise, without refund.

14. Is there music installation on board? Cd or cassette?
Yes, Radio with CD player.

15. Are music instruments allowed onboard?
Musical instruments of any kind are welcomed on board except for “Pianos” since they can be a bit problematic ;)...

16. Does the price include the airfare?
As our passengers fly from all points of the compass, the Sailtogether.com fee does not include the cost of travel to and from Dalaman Airport in Turkey.

17. Is it possible to have GSM network on board?
Yes, we will have most of the time GSM network on the board as most of the islands are covered by local networks. You can buy a local mobile number for Turkey that will cost less than 15 euros.

18. What should we take with us as luggage? Clothes etc...
□ Swimsuits, sunglasses & Sun lotion
□ Docksides, sandals or similar.
□ A pair of shoes or sandals that goes in the water (sea urchins, Coral reefs, etc...)
□ A sweat shirt ( at night it can be a bit chilly )
□ A short wet suit or sweat shirt to wear for snorkeling if you wish to snorkel for long periods.
□ The minimum possible of clothes, we will be most of the time in swimsuits... Travel light.
□ Tidy up all these things in a foldable bag (Backpack or similar).

19. How much pocket money should we foresee?
It depends of everyone, but the average is around 150$.
In order to get Turkish lira the best will be to do the exchange in Marmaris, because the exchange rate at the airport is not good or you can get Turkish liras when withdrawing from ATM machines with your credit card.

20. Are there showers and hot water on the yacht?
Yes

21. Is there electricity on the yacht?
220V when we are in marinas and 12V when we are sailing or on anchor (most of the time) if you want you can bring with you a charger for your cell phone etc. (allume-cigare)

22. Where do we all sleep?
You will be surprised to discover how spacious our yachts can be from inside. Each yacht has 5 to 6 cabins that can accommodate 2 persons each. But, for the most part, the evenings are clear and dry and most of us like to sleep out on deck, swinging in a hammock under the stars.

23. Is there a single supplement?
All cabins are for 2 persons each and most people are quite happy to share a cabin. However, if you really prefer a cabin to yourself, you have the possibility to book the cabin alone and pay additional 50% of the cruise price + Taxes.

24. What about seasickness?
Seasickness is caused when the inner ear organs that enable a human to balance are disturbed by the motion of the boat swaying and pitching. This movement sets off alarm signals to the brain causing nausea, headache, dizziness and sometimes vomiting. This condition can be intensified by the lack of fresh air.
In general, LESS than 10% of the people can be subjected to Seasickness. But since the sailing cruises that we organize always take place in beautiful weather, everybody stays out on deck while we are sailing. While exposed to fresh air, the risk of being Seasick is much lower. Besides, the yachts we are operating are very stable especially when we are sailing (a sailboat is much more stable than any motor boat because of the action of the wind on the sails and the heavy keel that stabilizes the boat).
Finally, you can avoid seasickness by looking at the distant horizon and staying out on the deck. If all these weren't enough for you and you're still seasick, which rarely happens, we always have “Dramamine, Gravol etc.” on board. These are simple medications for motion and seasickness. You can take a pill and you’ll be fine.

25. Which is the nearest airport?
The airport of Dalaman (1H30 by taxi) or the airport of Bodrum (2H30 by taxi) and also the airport of Antalya (4H30 by taxi).

26. If you arranged for me and I already paid for the airport taxi transfers, how will I find the taxi driver at the airport?
The taxi driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate at the airport and he will be holding a paper with our logo printed on it.

27. Do I need a passport?
Yes, a valid passport is needed.

28. Where will the boat be located?The boat will be located on pontoon "N" in "Netsel Marina" in Marmaris, Turkey.
In case of any problem getting there you can contact Laurent Messarra on this mobile number: 0090 538 660 33 44

29. Who is the contact in case of problem?
You can contact Laurent Messarra on: 0090 538 660 3344

30. What does the personal travel insurance include?
It includes: Travel Information Service, Referral to Medical Correspondents, Long Distance Medical Advice, Dispatch of a Specialized Physician, Urgent Messages, Evacuation and/or Medical Repatriation, Transportation to Join Member, Return of Dependent Children, Repatriation of Mortal Remains, Total loss or Disappearance of Baggage, Medical Expenses and Hospitalization Abroad, Sea and Mountain Rescue and Flight Cancellation.

31. Waiver, Release & Assumption of risk.
Every participant shall sign one form upon embarkation.

Overview

Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.

Turkey also has a magnificent past, and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years. Even if you spend only a short time in Turkey, you can see a lot of this great heritage.

There is no doubt that one visit will not be enough, and you will want to come back again and again as you discover one extraordinary place after another.

All of them, no matter how different, have one thing in common: the friendly and hospitable people of this unique country.

Geography

Turkey is situated in Anatolia and the Balkans, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria.

Turkey extends more than 1,600 km (994 mi) from west to east but generally less than 800 km (497 mi) from north to south. Total land area is about 783,562 km2 (302,535 sq mi), of which 756,816 km2 (292,208 sq mi) are in Asia and 23,764 km2 (9,175 sq mi) in Europe (Thrace).

Anatolia (Turkish: Anadolu) is a large, roughly rectangular peninsula situated bridgelike between Europe and Asia. The Anatolian part of Turkey accounts for 97% of the country's area. It is also known as Asia Minor, Asiatic Turkey or the Anatolian Plateau. The term Anatolia is most frequently used in specific reference to the large, semiarid central plateau, which is rimmed by hills and mountains that in many places limit access to the fertile, densely settled coastal regions.

The European portion of Turkey, known as Thrace (Turkish: Trakya), encompasses 3% of the total area but is home to more than 10% of the total population. Istanbul, the largest city of Europe and Turkey, has a population of 11,372,613. Thrace is separated from the Asian portion of Turkey by the Bosporus (Turkish: İstanbul Boğazı), the Sea of Marmara (Turkish: Marmara Denizi), and the Dardanelles (Turkish: Çanakkale Boğazı).

Culture

The question "Who are the Turks?" does not have an easy answer. At the turn of the 20th century the Ottoman Empire was a multinational state extending over three continents. This page limits its discussion to the borders of the Republic of Turkey (founded in 1923). The location of the pictures are given with the name of the city or as a region, in case the source does not mention it.

Turkish culture has undergone profound changes over the last century. Today, Turkey may be the only country that contains every extreme of Eastern and Western culture (along with many compromises and fusions between the two). The Ottoman system was a multi-ethnic state that enabled people within it not to mix with each other and thereby retain separate ethnic and religious identities within the empire (albeit with a dominant Turkish and Southern European ruling class). Upon the fall of the empire after World War I the Turkish Republic adapted a unitary approach, which forced all the different cultures within its borders to mix with each other with the aim of producing "Turkish" national and cultural identity. This mixing, instead of producing cultural homogenization, instead resulted in many shades of grey as the traditional Muslim cultures of Anatolia collided with (or had imposed upon them) the cosmopolitan modernity of Istanbul and the wider West. Thus, Turkish culture in many ways represents a continuum that bridges past a.

Climate

Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal regions enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

Because of Turkey's geographical conditions, one can not speak about a general overall climate. In Istanbul and around the sea of Marmara (Marmara region) the climate is moderate (winter 4 deg.C and summer 27 deg.C); in winter the temperature can drop below zero. In Western Anatolia (Aegean region) there is a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9 deg.C in winter and 29 deg.C in summer. On the southern coast of Anatolia (Mediterranean region) the same climate can be found. The climate of the Anatolian Plateau (Central Anatolian region) is a steppe climate (there is a great temperature difference between day and night). Rainfall is low and there is more snow. The average temperature is 23 deg.C in summer and -2 deg.C in winter. The climate in the Black Sea area (Black Sea region) is wet, warm and humid (summer 23 deg.C, winter 7 deg.C). In Eastern Anatolia and South-Eastern Anatolia there is a long hard winter, where year after year snow lies on the ground from November until the end of April (the average temperature in winter is -13 deg.C and in summer 17 deg.C).

Season and Climate in Turkey Turkey is a year-round destination depending on your itinerary. Although the tourist "high season" (with associated higher rates) is from mid-June through mid-September, Spring and Fall are the best seasons to travel. The sun is warm and skies are generally clear. You can expect mild to warm temperatures and some rain during this time.