Eastern Med Crewed Sailing Yachts

Will We Really Get to Sail?

Contemporary Sailing Yachts are designed for sailing performancde and will use their sails throughout your cruise as their primary propulsion, relying on their auxilliary engine for docking & anchoring maneuvers and charging ship's systems.  Motor Sailors on the other hand, are not truly designed for Sailing Performance, but for stamina!  They are designed with large, powerful twin engines capable of moving these heavily built vessels through any kind of seas - while maintaining a comfortable motion, and the use of the sails as "an assist" when the conditions are ideal. If REAL SAILING is what you are looking for, you are best to focus on Contemporary Designed Sailing Yachts and Catamarans. Of course, there are some Motorsailors that do use their sails as much as the wind and conditions allow, and we are happy to make recommendations if that is your preference.

 

SAILING IN GREECE        See more itineraries

 

If you’re looking for a truly relaxing and invigorating holiday, discovering the ancient sites, bays, coves and harbours of Turkey, Greece & Croatia, then our gulet cruises will be perfect for you. Cruise in style on incredible journeys of discovery that have to be experienced to be believed.

 

Cruising on a Turkish Gulet or Greek Kahiki

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to gulets, and our superb range of vessels have been carefully selected to ensure both comfort and the quality that you would expect.  Every gulet is hand-crafted from luxious woods and features that will evoke their historical beauty. Gulet cruises can host groups from 2 to 24 people, with options for master suites, double or twin cabins, even triple and quad cabins.

Gulets were designed for Trade, with powerful engines and sails used mainly as a "boost" if the winds were ideal. While the modern Gulet has certainly enriched the amenities on board for guests comfort (rich, wood panneled cabins, large windows open to the sea, copious lounging areas, shaded on Deck dining and Sun Decks), they are heavy, stable and typically more fuel economical than Motor Yachts. But, Gulets are not know for their Speed under Sail.  If the winds are ideal, the sails will be used, but they are primarily motor driven. Many Gulets rarely use their sails as the demands of reaching your next port of call are more critical. Of course, some Gulets sail better than others, and we can suggest those that use their sails more frequently.

Life aboard a traditional Turkish gulet

On most itineraries gulets cruise by motor for an average of three hours a day, to keep to schedule, and ounder glorious sail when weather and time permits. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking as your gulet journeys along the coast. This wonderful way of travelling is sometimes known as a ‘blue cruise’.

Service is a prime consideration and we boast experienced captains and excellent cooks to make your adventure simply unforgettable. Mealtime panoramas range from secluded coves to picturesque old fishing villages. All food is prepared in the gulet’s galley by the onboard cook, who conjures up a variety of fresh local delicacies in tune with your specific menu requests planned in advance.

Turkish & Greek Cuisine

Turkey and Greece are well known for a healthy Mediterranean diet.  Breakfasts on board typically consists of bread, tomatoes, olives, cheese, eggs, yoghurt and honey. Lunches (and dinners) are usually hearty meals with grilled meats, fresh fish, accompanied by a variety of salads and tasty side dishes (mezza), followed by fruit or filled pastry. Delicious local wines are stocked on board, along with a range of spirits, beers, soft drinks and fruit juices. To sample local cuisine and immerse yourself in the local cultre, we recommend dining ashore most evenings in local tavernas or cafes.

 History of Gulets

The word ‘gulet’ (pronounced "goo-let)) probably derives from the French goulette, or schooner. These two-masted wooden vessels, are typically made from pine and mahogany, and were long used for transporting goods and fishing along the southern coasts of Turkey. Typically designed with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded stern, they are incredibly stable and offer  an easy motion even in the roughest seas. These days they are designed and fitted with comfort for guests, rather than the safety of cargo.

 Gulet Cruise Itineraries

We offer the finest gulet charters and sailing vacations with a historical, archaeological and cultural theme, coupled with watersports and culinary treasures of the Lycian coast, the Dalmatian Coast and Greek islands. Enjoy total relaxation, beautiful food, and superb swimming along with archaeological adventures and exploring local Bazzaars, Cafe's and historical sites. We have a wide range of gulet cruise itineraries throughout the  Aegean and Antalya coasts, as well as throughout the Adriatic Sea and Dalmatia.

When & Where to Go

The Eastern Mediterranean cruise calendar runs from spring thru autumn, though werecommend late Spring and late Summer/Fall to avoid summer crowds. Weather in Turkey is the warmest of all the Mediterranean regions, and the least affected by the Meltemi winds that are so common in mid summer - especially in the Greek Cyclades. The most popular Cruising areas in Turkey are the Gulf of Fethiye and Gulf of Gokova, which include some of the most beautiful harbors and bays in all of Turkey. 

We have been working as a gulet cruise specialst for well over two decades, since our first cruise in Turkey in 1994, and we continually inspect Gulets all over the Eastern Mediterranean to assure your expectations are met or exceeded. We will be delighted to use our experience and knowledge to help create the perfect gulet vacation and blue voyage for you. Contact a Gulet Charter Specialist today!

 

Visit our Destinations Page for more sample cruising itineraries.