As the new season approaches and travelers are pondering the thought of their next vacation abroad, yachts and gulets are getting all fixed up and undergoing a good maintenance for their new and return guests in 2014 yacht charter season. For ideas, one favorite place to begin planning is Southern Turkey. Yachts are starting to launch into the waters and mooring at the harbors. Excited crews are getting all ready for a wonderful and fun time at sea with their guests.

Along Turkey’s beautiful coastline there are many luxury yacht charter destinations to visit and explore. A very popular city to begin such relaxing holidays is from the diverse and exciting city of Marmaris. From here, travelers can embark, choosing from an array of itineraries.

Luxury yacht charter – Marmaris harbor

Located on the border of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas of Turkey, Marmaris offers much that one can do before or after their luxury yacht charter holidays.  Boasting 4 major marinas and a choice port of call by yachtsmen and blue cruise travelers, Marmaris is known to be the gulet heaven of the Carian coast. To see a small selection of yachts and gulets embarking from Marmaris, there is a Yacht Charter Show in the month of May where the harbor is lined with all sorts of yachts of different classes to board and look around.

Turkish gulet cruises – Marmaris harbor 2012

One reason why blue cruise travelers choose Marmaris for their gulet charter holidays is because of its near proximity to the Dodecanese and Cyclades islands in Greece. The island of Rhodes is a very short cruise away and from there, most itineraries will follow the route to Symi island and Kos.

Greek island hopping in the Dodecanese from Turkey

Not limited only to the Greek Islands, the surrounding regions offer plenty of alternatives in routes. Traveling from Marmaris to the Eastern Mediterranean will lead you to discover the quaint and ever so popular port of Gocek and the 12 islands, the splendid city of Fethiye and all the other little bays in between such as Bedri Rahmi and Aga Port.  There is also the ancient city of Caunos in the town of Dalyan.

Symi island visit during 7 night yacht holidays from Turkey

Blue cruise pleasures do not stop  there. Gulet cruising to the East will open even more routes to other fantastic destinations. Heading to the west a leading itinerary among travelers is from Marmaris on a 7 nights’ gulet cruise to Bodrum. The special part about this luxury yacht charter destination route also takes you to the islands of Rhodes and Symi as well as the Datca peninsula to see the ancient city of Cnidus (Knidos). Therefore you have the pleasure of seeing not only the magnificent Turkish coastline but also the historic country of Greece along the way.

Bodrum Turkey

Turkey yacht charter itineraries that originate in Marmaris usually begin with an overnight stay in this colorful city, where guests can explore the different shops, seafood restaurants, bars, discos and pristine beaches such as the one in the nearby town of Icmeler. A few of the popular places to see in Marmaris before the following day of embarkation is the Old Town where the castle resides as a museum. The Old Town is split – parallel between the world famous Marmaris Bar Street and the wide assortment of waterfront restaurants and cafes which offer amazing views of Marmaris harbor. The harbor is truly breathtaking particularly at night as the reflection of the colorful lights from the waterfront shops and restaurants shine against the water.

Embarking for Marmaris gulet holidays in Turkey

However Marmaris is also quite beautiful in the mornings when the sun comes out and the harbour glistens peacefully. You can witness this panoramic beauty during your Turkish breakfast aboard your yacht.

Marmaris harbour at night