Relaxing Gulet Cruises along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
One of the best ways to explore Turkey's spectacular Turquoise Coast, or the Turkish Riviera as it's also known, is by joining an Explore holiday to Turkey and sailing on a traditional wooden gulet. On both Explore’s small group boat tour and our Family Cruising Holiday, you can experience one of the best and most relaxing ways to discover this stunning Turkish coastline. Originally fishing boats, these vessels are hand built in teak and pine and have evolved into the gulets that we see today, which have spacious sundecks and cosy en suite cabins. Although during the warm nights you may prefer to sleep under the stars on the deck.
Much of the sunny Turkish coastline is uninhabited and the secluded coves, sandy bays and off-shore islands provide quiet mooring spots, often only overlooked by forested hills. You can simply relax on board or on the beach reading a good book or swim and snorkel in the clear blue waters. However if you’d prefer to be more active then there are also many opportunities to discover Turkey on foot, which is scattered with ancient sites, panoramic view points and pretty harbour towns. You can also try water sports such as sea kayaking.
Another feature of Explore’s Gulet Cruises is the mouth-watering food. Delicious fresh meals will be provided by the boat’s cook and dinner will typically include locally caught fish or grilled meats with a tasty salad and rice. Traditional Turkish breakfasts consist of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and fruit along with a variety of yogurts, local cheeses and bread.
Gulet cruises are an informal style of holiday and life on board the Explore Turkish boats is relaxed. The best time to take a cruise in Turkey is from May through to early November, and although July and August can be particularly hot, you are never far from a cooling swim. On an Explore cruise you will have a good balance between relaxing, swimming, snorkelling and discovering as much of the impressive coastline as possible.