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The spectacular Turquoise Coast of Turkey plays host to thousands of visitors every year who come to experience its stunning Mediterranean beauty. Although there is plenty to keep you busy on the land side, why not try something different and get a whole new view on Turkey by taking a gulet cruise? Aboard the traditional sailboat of Turkey, a gulet cruise is the most relaxing and luxurious way to see the entire Turquoise Coast without lifting a finger - except perhaps to point out the next breathtaking piece of scenery.
Because of the limited numbers facilitated on board, the attentive and friendly staff on your gulet cruise are able to focus solely on the guests. The luxuriously appointed cabins are surprisingly large and are equipped with their own bathrooms. There's plenty to do both onboard and off, with many opportunities to jump ship and go snorkeling or diving in the sheltered lagoons and bays where the gulet will drop anchor. One of the most enjoyable activities on your cruise however, will undeniably be mealtimes. The chefs on board prepare a fusion of traditional and modern cuisine, and the standard of meals is definitely five star.
Breakfast
Awakening to the soft swish of gentle waves hitting the bow of the gulet, you will head up on deck to a sumptuous buffet breakfast. The traditional way to start the day is with fresh baked Turkish breads and a selection of home made jams, honey and butter. The jams will be packed full of exotic fruity chunks and the honey will probably be the delicious Marmaris honey for which the region is famous. Even the butter tastes better in Turkey, coming from the well-fed milch cows, with a rich creamy texture. Spread it the local way by mixing it with spoonfuls of honey on your plate first then smear over your bread. You'll wonder why you ever did it any other way! The buffet will probably also contain olives, tomatoes, preserved meats and a selection of cheeses. Full fat and a little salty, the delicious Beyaz Peynir sheep's milk cheese has a wonderfully unique taste. You'll wash down your breakfast with a strong brewed tea, or a weaker version of the famous Turkish coffee, and then you can sit back, relax and start thinking about your lunch...
Lunch
Did somebody mention lunch? Depending on the schedule of the day on your gulet cruise, either lunch or dinner will be your main meal. More often than not, the hot dishes will be preceded by plenty of fresh, crisp salad which is delicious enough to be enjoyed on its own.
This will be followed by a dizzying selection of exotic dips and breads for appetisers, as well as lashings of delicious Turkish olive oil. As would be expected on a cruise, seafood features highly on the menu. Usually either poached or fried, it is served simply with some lemon and vegetables. After lunch you can have a snooze on deck or a quick dip in the ocean before heading back to your cabin and getting ready for dinner...
Dinner
Dinner onboard the gulet cruise is a romantic affair. The wonderful ambience of the ancient duel-masted gulet is enhanced by the gentle rolling of the waves and the beautiful painted sunsets of the magical Turquoise Coast. Dinner may be a barbeque, but unlike any barbeque you have ever had before. Moist tender lamb, beef or chicken is grilled over charcoal and cut into chunks before being stuffed into a floury pita bread with salad. You may finish with the chef's own version of the famous sweet and sticky Baklava, or some other honey-based pastry.
Turkish cuisine is a food lover's kaleidoscope, fusing the flavours of Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean and it will take your taste buds on a journey as fabulous as the gulet cruise itself.
