Top 3 gulet charter itineraries – Southern Turkey is one of the best destinations for gulet charters, offering beautiful coastlines. With ancient ruins and clear waters, you can experience more than your expectations from your holiday. In this wonderful geography, you can visit beautiful and magnificent regions with a gulet rental holiday model. And let’s not forget, the pleasure of gulet holidays is incredible.
Here are the top 3 gulet charter itineraries in Southern Turkey, each with a distinct flavor for different types of travelers:
1. Bodrum to Gulf of Gokova
Ideal for: Nature lovers, and those seeking secluded bays and serene landscapes.
Highlights:
- Bodrum: Start in Bodrum, the heart of Turkish gulet culture, known for its vibrant nightlife, historical sites (like the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus), and bustling marina.
- Orak Island: A beautiful island near Bodrum with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- Çökertme Bay: A picturesque bay surrounded by pine forests where you can enjoy peaceful evenings and delicious fresh seafood at local taverns.
- Seven Islands: An ideal stop for water sports enthusiasts, offering kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The surrounding islands and calm waters make for perfect exploration.
- Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island): Famous for its unique white sandy beach said to have been imported from Egypt for Cleopatra. Explore the ancient ruins and swim in the clear, shallow waters.
- English Harbour: Named after British naval forces hiding here during WWII, this bay offers calm, pristine waters and a tranquil atmosphere for swimming and relaxation.
Duration: 7 days
Best for: A relaxing cruise through secluded bays, with a mix of nature, history, and swimming in some of the most pristine waters of Turkey’s Aegean coast.
2. Gocek to Fethiye and Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz
Ideal for: Families and history lovers looking for beautiful beaches and a mix of cultural exploration.
Highlights:
- Göcek: Known for its luxury yachts and beautiful marinas, Göcek is the starting point of this stunning journey through the Turquoise Coast.
- Yassica Islands: A series of small islands with calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring uninhabited beaches.
- Tersane Island: Known for its historical shipyard ruins dating back to Byzantine times. The island is also ideal for a quiet swim and relaxing.
- Fethiye: A bustling town with a famous marina, surrounded by ancient Lycian rock tombs. Visit the Tomb of Amyntas or explore the local market for authentic Turkish souvenirs.
- Butterfly Valley: A breathtaking bay with towering cliffs, home to a variety of butterfly species. It’s accessible by boat or a hike up to the waterfall. Ideal for nature lovers.
- Ölüdeniz: Turkey’s most famous beach, renowned for its stunning blue lagoon. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters or try paragliding off nearby Babadag Mountain for spectacular views.
- Gemiler Island: Explore the Byzantine ruins, including churches and cisterns, while enjoying a secluded bay for swimming.
Duration: 4-7 days
Best for: A perfect mix of nature, beach relaxation, and cultural exploration, ideal for families or groups looking for both adventure and downtime.
3. Marmaris to Kas (via Kekova and Lycian Coast)
Ideal for: History enthusiasts and adventurers interested in ancient ruins, sunken cities, and cultural treasures. One of the best tour route between Marmaris to Lycian way gulet cruise holidays.
Highlights:
- Marmaris: Known for its lively atmosphere, great shopping, and a beautiful marina. Start your journey here with some time to explore Marmaris Castle and the bustling bazaar.
- Ekincik Bay: A beautiful bay with the option to visit Dalyan for a riverboat excursion to see the Lycian rock tombs and the ancient city of Kaunos. You may also enjoy the famous Dalyan mud baths.
- Göcek Bays: Relax in the stunning bays of Göcek, offering pristine waters for swimming and snorkeling.
- Kalkan: A small but charming harbor town with cobblestone streets and boutique shops. Great for an evening stroll or a traditional Turkish meal by the sea.
- Kekova Island and Simena: The highlight of this itinerary is Kekova, home to a stunning sunken city that you can explore via kayak or boat. Nearby, the village of Simena is accessible only by sea, featuring ancient Lycian tombs and a Byzantine castle with panoramic views.
- Kas: A laid-back coastal town famous for its diving spots and underwater ruins. Stroll through its charming town center, filled with local artisan shops and waterfront cafes.
- Patara Beach: An optional stop near Kas, Patara is home to one of Turkey’s longest sandy beaches, as well as the ancient ruins of Patara, the birthplace of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus).
Duration: 7-10 days
Best for: Travelers seeking a blend of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. This route combines ancient Lycian treasures with stunning coastal landscapes, making it perfect for those who want to explore Turkey’s cultural richness.
Additional Tips for Luxury Gulet Charter Itineraries:
- Customizable Routes: Most luxury gulet charter tours are highly customizable, allowing you to modify the itinerary based on your interests, whether you want more beach time, more historical sites, or additional water sports activities.
- Ideal Duration: While the typical duration is 7 days, some shorter routes (4-5 days) are available if you’re on a tighter schedule. Longer charters (10-14 days) offer deeper exploration of both the Turkish and nearby Greek coastlines.
Would you like more details on any specific itinerary or help finding the best gulet for one of these routes?