Step on board your luxury yacht charter and into a world of pristine Aegean and Mediterranean beaches that ribbon the coast of beautiful Turkey. A mixture of the new and old, Turkey boasts fascinating ancient ruins that are situated throughout its heavily forested hills. Charter a luxury yacht along the coastline to spot glimpses of ancient ruins and cliff-face tombs which sit just above the water. Step ashore and enjoy a sip of Turkish coffee at the lively waterfront restaurants while seated on a colorful Turkish rug, luxuriate in a Turkish Hammam, revel in delicious raki-balik, and sample powdery sweet Turkish delight. Snorkel or dive through crystal clear waters, and spot sunken ships and remnants of ancient walls shimmering just below the surface. Hop from one island to the next and explore the exclusive seas beyond Göcek, which can only be accessed by boat. Visit the infamous Blue Lagoon, Kabak, Butterfly Valley, Olympos, and Cleopatra beach, or find a private cove of your own, and be taken on a splendid Mediterranean journey you won’t soon forget.
Reasons to visit
Turkey is home to some of the oldest remaining archaeological sites in the world. Just south of Bodrum, you can find ruins of an ancient city built by the Greeks, named Knidos, and a little further north Didyma. In each, you can wander through the ruins and spot breathtaking statues of Aphrodite and a stone head of Medusa. Don’t forget to visit the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site Pamukkale,
famed to be one of the most photogenic spots in the country. Take a dip in the scenic mineral-rich pools, which cascade down the mountainside like giant steps, and be rejuvenated. Take some time to explore the colorful city, haggle in the street markets redolent with rich spices, sample delicious local cuisine and walk cobblestone pathways that wind through Ottoman-Greek whitewashed houses.
Local Culture and Cuisine
Influences from the Persian, Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine empires have left their mark on Turkey’s culture and cuisine. Walk in the steps of Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great and admire the architectural splendor in alluring Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome still leaves visitors awestruck after a millennium. Turkish cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Balkan, and Eastern European cuisines. Some Turkish dishes include yogurt salad, seafood and meat, stuffed and wrapped vegetables, and drinks like sherbet, ayran, and raki. It’s customary for the Turks to enjoy raki with an assortment of small dishes, which are served as an appetizer and are called mezes. Try some on the waterfront, or have your 5-star onboard chef prepare a selection of traditional dishes for you to enjoy.
Best places for wining and dining
A few steps away from the Karakoy ferryboat hub in Istanbul sits the stylish Neolokal fine dining restaurant. With a garden of its own and ample creativity, the restaurant offers traditional dishes with a twist, like lamb and chard sarma with apple uveyik wheat, lamb jus and rose pickled apples, and delicious geranium rice pudding with fruit leather, dried nuts, and fruits. Ask your crew to book a table, or if you don’t feel like going out, fish from the comfort of your own deck and allow the onboard chef to prepare a 5-star meal with the catch of the day.
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In Cappadocia, you have the unique opportunity of waking up to the most beautiful sight: hot air balloons riding over the region in the crisp morning sky. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco on the deck while enjoying the view. Or rather, see Cappadocia from above, on an astonishing hot-air balloon ride that flies over canyons, fairy chimneys, and other fantastical rock formations. Truly unforgettable.
Bodrum
Bodrum is famous for its nightlife and is often compared to the French Riviera. In Bodrum, there are just as many cosmopolitan bars, amazing restaurants and boutiques as there are historic and cultural sites. The embankment is full of amazing restaurants, that during the summer months are humming with the voices of those who have gone ashore from their exclusive yachts for a few hours to blend in with the atmosphere of drive, noise and excitement.
Bodrum has an extensive history. Visit the ruins of the Mausoleum in Halicarnassus. This ancient tomb, dated back to 353-350 BC, was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and today is one of the most famous sites of interest in Turkey. Soak up the atmosphere of the ancient world, then head to the Sultan Turkish baths and indulge in a traditional bathing ritual.
Fethiye
Occupying the site of ancient Telmessos, Fethiye is rich in historical sites. The impressive cliffs around the city still contain the carvings of magnificent rock tombs.
The natural harbour is said to be one of the best in the region. Most of the coastline can only be reached by yacht, making it a favorite stop on yacht charter routes. The harbor also serves as an ideal base for getting acquainted with Fethiye Bay, famous for its Twelve islands.
Drop anchor in the isolated waters of the neighboring Scopea Limani Bay. Spend the afternoon lying in the sun or snorkeling. A popular stop here is called Kapi-Creek. Enjoy meals in a restaurant built over the water that boasts magnificent views of the surrounding hills and calm waters.
Marmaris
When it comes to a charter holiday in Turkey, Marmaris needs no introduction. Located in the very heart of the Turkish Riviera, the town of Marmaris is crowned by the famous Ottoman Castle, offering magnificent sea views.
No matter what you’re looking for, this port city has everything you need: from gorgeous historic sights to picturesque natural beauty and the vibrating energy of Bar Street. Marmaris is also a popular destination for lovers of diving. There are around 52 locations for diving here. One of the most famous is The Baca Cave, also known as “The Chimney”, with a depth ranging from 5 - 50 meters, making it ideal for both novices and experienced divers. Of course, there is loads to do onshore, too. Don’t miss your chance to haggle in the Grand Bazar.
After an active day, there is no better way to recover your strength than at a traditional Turkish hammam. Marley Maris Suleymaniye Hamami Hotel will help you to enjoy a massage.
Göcek
Göcek, with its elegant atmosphere, is without a doubt the favorite destination of all sophisticated travelers. It has the charm of a sleepy Mediterranean fishing settlement where numerous hotels, restaurants and shops have recently appeared, increasing the atmosphere of splendor. Here, you will find lots of exquisite places to have lunch on the quay. Order the house special mezze plate in Omer’s and enjoy it while sipping a glass of raki. Amigo’s restaurant can only be reached by water. Pilot your yacht here, and the landlord will meet you offering you a traditional hotpot made of wild boar.
The city lacks its own sandy beach, but this only means that it has not become a tourist trap and remains one of the best places for yachting in the East Mediterranean. Göchek boasts a wide array of modern marinas for yachts. Renting a yacht to Göcek Bay is the perfect way to explore the many islands that are located here, with countless deserted beaches.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a world of wonders. Steeped in ancient history, this megapolis is a veritable treasury, housing lots of sites of interest and architectural masterpieces. Be inspired by the love of this city in the books of Elchin Safarli and go ashore to plunge into the magic of this unique place. Visit the relics of the Ottoman Empire, the amazingly well-preserved Byzantine churches, and bustling markets bursting with aromas of spices.
In Istanbul, tradition and modernity live side by side, and architectural wonders morph into gorgeous villas and exclusive restaurants. Enjoy a strong, bitter Turkish coffee, visit Topkapi Palace, and see the breathtaking frescoes of the Chora Museum. Walkthrough the Blue Mosque and its atmosphere of humility, ride a retro tram and end the day at the 5-star spa.
Turkey Private Yacht Charter
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