jet2 gulet cruise prices

A Quick Guide to Budget Gulet Sailing in Turkey for Backpackers

You won’t find a better way to explore Turkey’s Turquoise Coast than from the decks of a gulet (a traditional wooden boat). But did you know you can experience a blue cruise like this on a backpacker’s budget? You can sail the stunning Turkish Riviera from Fethiye to Olympos on a 4-day cabin charter from just $260. That’s crazy cheap.

Imagine this…

Watching a display of shooting stars as you drift off to sleep, no noise but the waves lapping against the side of the boat. Waking up to the sunrise in a secluded cove, to the smell of pine and herbs and honey. Padding barefoot along the deck, bracing yourself for a dive into water that sparkles like gemstones. Afterwards, you plot the day’s adventures over a breakfast spread of tomato, cheese, cucumber, olives, coffee, bread, and jams.

The catch? For the cheapest prices, you’ll have to share a boat and can expect the facilities to be basic. Oh, but it’s worth it though.

Read on to discover why.

WHY TAKE A FETHIYE-OLYMPOS BLUE CRUISE

I used to be scared of the sea .  One of my first memories is of being on a ferry aged 3, afraid to go anywhere near the guardrail. My mind boggled at how anyone could think boats were safe.

A gulet cruise in Turkey converted me.

It was an ex’s idea. We were in Fethiye , heading for Olympos on the Turquoise Coast on the south-west of the country. A backpacker’s haven with treehouses and beach-side ruins, it has drawn hippy types for decades.

The scenic coastal route to Olympos would take a few days and a few buses. But in Fethiye, we discovered that a 3-night cabin charter on gulet cruise could take us along the same route.

This stretch of coastline isn’t the easiest to explore by road. Many of the villages and bays along this coast were inaccessible to road traffic until the 1970s and, despite the new highways, there are still many parts that are difficult to access by car or public transport.

What better than to drift lazily between them on a boat?

A cabin charter is where you rent a room on a boat with other travellers (I use the word ‘room’ loosely). Once I learned the price, I was sold. With food and accommodation costs factored in, it wasn’t much more expensive than making our own way there.

Any fears I had of water were quickly dispelled once I strapped on a snorkel mask and jumped into those crystal clear turquoise seas. The food was as good as a restaurant, but with a much better view.

It wasn’t long before I was a convert to travelling by boat.

Related read : Top 10 Bluest Waters in the Mediterranean

WHAT IS A BLUE CRUISE?

Gulet sailing in Turkey refers to a type of  sailing charter in this southwestern corner of Turkey, typically week-long liveaboard trips along the stretch of coast from Bodrum to Antalya with an emphasis on enjoying the nature as much as the sights and towns.

Gulet cruises in Turkey are also commonly referred to as a ‘ blue cruise ‘ or ‘ blue voyage ‘. Same thing.

The gulet cruise industry is popularly credited to Cevat Sakir – the Fisherman of Halicarnassus  – a writer who was exiled to Bodrum in 1925.

He fell in love with the simplicity of life and beauty of the area, often taking his literary friends out on sponge-diving boats when they visited. Several books were published about these trips, and before long fishing boats had been converted for the tourists seeking the same experience.

WHAT IS A GULET?

A gulet is a type of traditional Turkish wooden motor sailing vessel, originally used for fishing and sponging. If you’re wondering how to say ‘gulet’, it’s pronounced more like ‘goo-let’ than ‘gull-et’.

Although gulets do have sails, you can expect to motor cruise most of the time. Since gulets became popular for charters, adaptations have been made to the design to make it more comfortable for living aboard but less suitable for sailing. They have roomy decks with plenty of space for al fresco dining and sunbathing, and are wide and stable vessels.

The downside of motor cruising is the engine noise. And if you’re looking to learn how to sail, this is not the trip for you.

But if you want to experience life at sea for a few days and explore the coast by boat then gulet sailing in Turkey is great fun and great value. Turkey isn’t the only place in the Mediterranean you can gulet cruise; similar vessels have cropped up in Croatia and Montenegro, but this stretch of coast is the spiritual home.

Related read : Heading to the Turquoise Coast? Check out our interview with local blog Slow Travel Guide on making the most of this beautiful region.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CABIN CHARTER

Most boats offering cabin charters have around 12 passengers and 3 crew, although some party boats cram on more than that. Your meals are provided on the boat and there’s ample room on deck for lounging around, sunbathing, playing cards. A bimini provides shade and protection from the sun. You’ll spend most nights at anchor, hanging out with your fellow passengers, although there are opportunities to link up with other boats if you feel like it (particularly at the infamous Pirate Bay disco). It’s a great way to travel for singles, although you find plenty of couples and friends on the cabin charters too.

The cabins on budget boats are tiny and unlikely to have (working) A/C, meaning it’s more comfortable to sleep on a mattress on deck. If privacy/air-conditioning/showers are more your style then check out more expensive voyages with higher spec boats.

Typical stops between Fethiye and Olympos include:

• Butterfly Valley

Other hubs where you can start/finish a gulet cruise are:

• Rhodes (for Greek islands)

HOW MUCH DOES A GULET CRUISE COST?

So you think sailing’s just for the super-rich? That’s what I thought too. Having grown up inland with no particular interest or experience of watersports, I’d never given sailing a moment’s consideration. I assumed that it was out of my budget and didn’t see the appeal.

Until I tried it.

Cabin charters are the best way to try sailing on a budget

• Cabin charters are shared trips where you rent a cabin rather than the whole boat
• Itineraries tend to be fixed
• It’s a great way to meet people if you’re travelling solo
• Worried about sharing a small space with strangers? Gulets are spacious compared to standard cruising yachts

What’s a typical price for a gulet cruise?

The cheapest rates I’ve seen online for 2018 are around the  € 200 mark for the 4-day Fethiye-Olympos route, which tends to be the cheapest option. The higher the price, the better the facilities on the boat. 7-day itineraries start at around €3 00 .

When comparing operators it’s wise to check what’s included. Some allow you to bring your own booze, which can make a difference to your budget if you’re bringing the party spirit. Otherwise alcoholic drinks are sold on board.

BOOKING A CABIN CHARTER ON A GULET

If you’re travelling in peak season (July/August) you should consider booking in advance in order to secure the itinerary/boat that you’re after. That said, there is plenty of competition so it’s not strictly necessary.

The benefits of booking when you’re already in Turkey are that you’ll be able to compare operators, get a sense of the other passengers and crew, and potentially negotiate a lower price—particularly in shoulder season or if you’re travelling solo and hope to avoid paying the dreaded single supplement.

Some people like to party more than others, so talk to the operators to find the boat that’s the right fit for you. Find out who else has booked, make sure you know what’s included in the cost, and don’t forget to check out online reviews.

Things to bear in mind:

• You will be sharing a small space and basic facilities with strangers
• Expect to sleep on deck under the stars, it’s too hot in the cabins unless you’re splurging on a luxury boat with A/C
• Hangovers at sea are an awful thing

Speaking of hangovers . . .

How to avoid a party boat, if that’s not your scene:

• The cheaper the voyage, the more likely it will be full of party animals who have lined the freezer with booze
• Particularly so in the university holidays – July/August
• Fethiye-Olympos (and the reverse) tends to be the cheapest route and most popular with backpackers and young travellers
• Check the ages of other passengers when booking

I loved the gulet cruise experience so much that I brought a group of friends back the following year.

It wasn’t my last sailing experience either, since then I’ve gone on to sail on a tall ship around the Balearics , crewed on a classic yacht, and been a volunteer crew member on the Phoenician Ship Expedition around Africa.

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Indulge yourself in discovering the true beauty of Greece with this unique tour. You will have the opportunity to explore the stunning Ionian Sea on a classic Gulet boat, visiting the magical islands of Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada. Additionally, you will island-hop by ferry through the fascinating Aegean Sea, visiting Mykonos, Ios, and Santorini. And of course, no trip to Greece would be complete without a day in the timeless city of Athens. This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to discover the beauty of Greece.

Uncover the wonders of the hidden gem of the Adriatic. Choose between our two 8-day routes: the Grand Route and the Montenegro Gems Route. Set sail on a captivating journey along Montenegro's stunning Adriatic coastline aboard a classic Gulet boat. Traverse the azure waters as you discover the enchanting charm of ancient towns like Kotor and Budva, where history blends seamlessly with breathtaking natural beauty.

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Sailing in Turkey: A Complete Guide to a Gulet Cruise Along the Turkish Riviera

• Holiday In Turkey

Sailing in Turkey , along the stunning Turquoise coastlines is the best way to spend a week in this beautiful country. Stretching from the vibrant port of Fethiye to the famous resort town of Antalya, this coastline has been named the Turquoise Coast or Turkish Riviera for its cristal clear blue seas. The coastline is backed by mountain ranges for all the way along, Abundant pine forests, stunning sandy beaches, and sheer cliffs make the picturesque scenery, and dozens of pristine bays are hidden, only accessible by boat. In the last 2 decades, Turkey sailing became very popular in the world and the traditional Turkish-made gulet cruise boat is a fabulous and the most authentic way to do it. If you’re looking for long, lazy days onboard a traditional Turkish gulet boat , with glorious weather, stunning swim stops, and mouth-watering local foods, then a Turkey sailing trip is just for you. There are amazing sailing itineraries from 3 nights to 7 nights between Fethiye and Olympos   offered by GoTurkeySail company. You can dig in delicious Turkish food, explore ancient ruins, enjoy drinks in lively small resort towns, and jump into the clearest water on the Turkey sailing tours . So here’s a complete guide to the Turquoise Coast, including how to choose a company to sail in Turkey with and what to do in each port of call. Enjoy reading and have fun planning your own sail Turkey trip How to get to the Turkish Riviera? Depending on which route you are planning to sail, you need to have a flight to either Dalaman or Antalya airports. There are many airlines that have domestic flights from Istanbul and many other major cities to these resort towns. You can also get to these towns by bus. If you combine your holiday with some of the Greek islands, then a ferry is also an option between Rhodes and Fethiye. There are more than 50 flights from the Uk and other European counties to those airports in the summer season that you can get really good deals with early planning. When is the best time to go sailing in Turkey? For the best weather and sea conditions, the summer season from early May to late September is the best. In these months, the crowds flock into these towns but the weather is best and you can guarantee long, sunny, hot days that perfect for sailing trips in Turkey ! How to choose a company for a Turkey sailing trip? We are sure you might get a little overwhelmed as there are so many companies that offer blue cruise or Turkey sailing tours . But as an expert on sailing and also being local in the area, Go Turkey sail offers amazing curated sailing tours that have a variety of options from 3 days to 8 days on its web www.goturkeysail.com . Not only it has excellent reviews online, but its customer care service during the booking process is brilliant. The prices offered online are great value. The guaranteed departures work perfectly for anyone to choose the traveling dates easily. The traditional gulets that Go Turkey sail uses for blue cruise holidays are all well-maintained, good size for 16 passengers. The crew is passionate, very organized, fun-loving, and friendliest young mates. It may get really hot especially in July and August so you may enjoy sleeping out on the deck under the stars. There are a lot of comfortable sun-loungers on the deck where you can have amazing sleeping with nice Mediterranean breeze. One of the great things about Turkey sailing tours is making life long friendships with people from all over the world onboard. The sailing tours offered by Go Turkey sail perfectly designed for solo travelers as well. An average of Go Turkey Sail’s passengers are %50 solo travelers. If you have your own group of friends or family, you can also charter one of these amazing gulets privately for yourself. What to pack for a sailing holiday? It is a good idea to bring your beach towels however the bath towels are provided by Go Turkey sail. You will need sunscreen, swimwear, and hats. The sun can be very strong especially in July and august however there is a certain amount of shade on board. Our gulets have quite a few inflatables and snorkeling gears share but it is always more hygienic to bring yours. We offer a full bar on board with an honesty tab system and drinks are reasonably priced therefore we kindly request not to bring any drinks on board. One or two evening outfits recommended for the nights when you dock in a port for a lovely night out Where to stay before or after the sailing trip? The main sailing hubs are Fethiye and Olympos , or the other way round. Fethiye offers a variety of accommodation options from luxury hotels to guesthouses. If you are on a budget, you can find dozens of hostels all-around Fethiye. In Olympos, there is an unusual offering of treehouses in this amazing seaside town. Some of the best options include: • Turkmen Treehouses • Kadir’s Treetop Houses • Olympus Deep Green Bungalows

Towns to visit along the Turquoise coast on Our Sailing tours Fethiye Both thrilling and tranquil, this is one of the resort towns in the Turkish Riviera that you will return to again and again. As being one of the most popular destinations on the Turkish Riviera, Fethiye is also the largest town in Muğla province, is the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Fethiye is one of the biggest ancient cities in Lycian civilization which is also known as Telmessos. Today, Fethiye is one of the main hubs on the Turkish Turquoise coast where famous Turkey sailing trips start or end. Turkey sail is also known as blue cruises Turkey or Blue voyages Turkey . Every year Fethiye accommodates thousands of Turkish gulets as well as private yachts and superyachts in her 2 huge harbors. People from all over the world are choosing Fethiye for their sailing holidays in Turkey . Fethiye with her stunning bays and coves all around offers amazing stops for travelers with Turkish-made traditional gulets . The turquoise water in the tranquil bays is passionately loved by all sea enthusiasts. As soon as you start your blue cruise holiday in Fethiye you will start enjoying the vibrant turquoise sea against the hills. Butterfly Valley Located about 25 km West of Fethiye, Butterfly Valley is the first destination on our blue cruise holidays which is an exceptional earthly paradise. It boasts a natural setting with no establishment. Butterfly Valley is a valley of 2 large looming mountains that drop straight into the turquoise waters down below. The beach has become a popular spot for backpackers from all over the world to come over and stay at the campsite That’s why you may often see tents pitched and plenty of people lazing about along the beach. There no land access to Butterfly Valley, however, it is accessible only by boat. Butterfly valley is also a place where all the blue cruise tours stop on their route to Kekova .

Oludeniz / Blue Lagoon Oludeniz, also known as the blue lagoon, is definitely one of the most famous beaches in Europe. This stunning beach is voted as the most beautiful beach in Europe twice. It really is a beautiful stretch, but as with many gorgeous beaches around the world, it certainly attracts crowds and is pretty touristy. One of the most popular activities to do in Blue Lagoon is paragliding! Every year, over 60.000 people from all over the world come to Oludeniz for a jump-off baba mountain which makes it no 1 spot in the world. We can help you to arrange a jump-off during your blue cruise holiday You depart from the center of Olu deniz in a minibus with all of the paragliding kits and crew on board. Oludeniz is also the starting point for the Lycian Way, one of Turkey’s most iconic hiking trails. In Oludeniz , there are also some great bars and cafes to enjoy some time in if you don’t feel like paragliding. Kaş Kaş means eyebrow in the Turkish language and when you check the map of the area, you can easily understand why. Kaş is a picture-perfect town on the Turkish Mediterranean coasts. If you are after a warm Mediterranean atmosphere you are definitely at the right place. Kaş has all the right elements in hand; phenomenal sea view, narrow cobblestone streets with whitewashed houses, tempting restaurants and cafés, and bougainvillea of course. And while this is quite enough to be felt in love with, we can also add pretty beaches, and a picturesque harbor to complete the Mediterranean vibe. This area is also known for fantastic diving and many dive operators run trips straight from Kaş. You will have enough time in the town to try out Scuba diving as an optional tour on our Turkey sailing trip . You can enjoy fantastic cocktails at Mumi Cafe Beach which is 200 meters away from the harbor. This beach bar has an awesome atmosphere during the day, and we would highly recommend it. Kekova The next stop along the coast is Kekova, Kekova has a unique historical attraction which is lying under the water today; the famous Sunken City. Once It was a huge port city to both Lycian and Roman civilizations, the ancient city was mostly abandoned by inhabitants when an earthquake happened in the 2nd century AD which resulted in most of the city was sink into the water. The city is mostly submerged, however you can still see underwater ruins on the shores thanks to the clearest water of the Turkish Mediterranean. In some places on the island, some defensive walls and ruins from basilicas with some rock tombs are still visible This is a no walk, no diving zone since it is an archaeological site But many boats do sail past every day slowly to take in the incredible sight. You can see rooms, staircases, and doorways above the sea level, as well as make out pathways and more rooms under the water level. Luckily the water is completely transparent, Kaleköy and Simena Castle Simena Castle, also known in Turkish as 'Kalekoy' meaning 'castle village', is located on a stunning Turkish riviera in Kekova Region. Once it used to be a Lycian settlement, the castle remains largely intact upon a hill overlooking Kekova island. Kalekoy is the only Turkish village in the country which has no land access inspite of being on the mainland. The only access to the village today is by boat which keeps the island as it has been there for centuries. Today on our sailing Turkey trips it is one of the highlights especially on Olympos-Fethiye tours where we stop and explore the ancient castle and eat a lot of homemade organic ice cream. In the west of the town, a series of rock-cut tombs are scattered across the slopes of the castle. Olympos

the final spot along the Turquoise Coast to visit is the hippie town of Olympos . It is unspoiled heaven for especially young travelers , backpackers , flashpackers who love to enjoy nature, historical sites, partying in cozy places, sunbathing, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Turkish Riviera . located 90 kilometers from Antalya. It is a stunning spot to start or finish Turkey sailing trips . Olympos is an ancient city that was founded in the Hellenistic period, sharing its name with the nearby Olympos beach. Olympos was one of the 6 biggest cities in Lycian Leauge. Olympos was later invaded and ruled by the Cilician Pirates until the city was captured by the Roman Empire around 78 BC. Olympos can either be a really cool escape from the hustle and bustle in big tourist attractions of Turkey, staying in cozy treehouses, or a more active stop with Turkey sailing boat cruises, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing. Olympos is located along the Lycian Way which is shown in the top 10 hiking destinations in the world with a 500-kilometer marked hiking trail between Fethiye and Antalya. Goturkeysail offers 2 great routes of 4 days blue cruises which start or end in Olympos . For more information, you can visit www.goturkeysail.com So that concludes our guide to sailing in Turkey and exploring the Turkish Riviera by traditional gulet boat . we hope this guide is useful. both for choosing our company for a sail and find out more about the stops on our sailing tours. As mentioned, Turkey sailing tours are often referred to the blue cruise tours or Blue cruise holidays . If you’re considering a longer trip, Go Turkey Sail offers 7 nights / 8 days sailing trips as well you can find details on www.goturkeysail.com/destinations .

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Enjoy the best of both land and sea in Turkey and Croatia with one of our Gulet Cruise and Stay Packages. To enquire please fill in the enquiry form in the availability tab or call us now.

LUXURY CRUISE AND ZEYTIN ADA HOTEL

 14 nights from only £999 pp.

• 1 week   luxury gulet cruise
• 1 week stay at Zeytin Ada Hotel , Bodrum
• Flights & transfers not included, can be arranged on request
• Based on 2 people sharing

LUXURY CRUISE AND 4 REASONS HOTEL & BISTRO

 14 nights from only £1,150  pp.

• 1 week  luxury gulet cruise
• 7 nights stay at  4 Reasons Hotel and Bistro , Bodrum

We can also organise bespoke gulet cruise and hotel combinations based on your preferences. Please get in touch if you would like to stay at a particular hotel or change elements of your package.

Upgrades and Additions:

• Gulet cruise options in Turkey: Shared Cruises , Private Charters
• Hotels or rooms in hotels can be upgraded
• All internal transfers and guided tours and excursions can be arranged and added to the package

CRUISE AND DIVOTA APARTMENTS, SPLIT

 14 nights from only £950  pp.

• 1 week standard plus cruise on Split – Split route
• 1 week stay at double room at Divota Apartments, Split

CRUISE AND VILLA ARGENTINA, DUBROVNIK

 14 nights from only £990  pp.

• 1 week standard plus cruise on Split – Dubrovnik route
• 1 week stay at Grand Villa Argentina Hotel, Dubrovnik

We can also organise bespoke gulet / boat cruise and hotel combinations based on your preferences. Please get in touch if you would like to stay at a particular hotel or change elements of your package.

• Cruise options in Croatia: Shared Cruises , Private Charters
• All internal transfers and guided tours and excursions can be arranged and added to the package.

In our gulet cruise and stay packages we offer you the chance to discover Turkey and Croatia both by land and by sea. Turkey is rich in many areas. Besides its lush landscape and turquoise seas, it’s also steeped in history and culture. Croatian towns are equally beautiful as the Dalmatian Coast. While you’re visiting, why not make the most of your trip and extend your holiday to explore what these great countries have to offer.  Whether you’re travelling as a big group, small group, as a couple or individually there is a way to combine a gulet experience with a land stay option. You can either rent your own private gulet or rent a cabin only and combine it with a hotel or villa stay.

To enquire please fill in the enquiry form in the availability tab.

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Please tell us your preferred gulet cruise and stay package or tell us the details if you prefer a bespoke package in the enquiry form below.

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We have just returned from a fantastic two weeks in Turkey, organised by Gulet Escapes. We broke two weeks at The Four Reasons in Yalikavak by having 3 nights away from the hotel on board Flas 7 sailing east from Bodrum and visitng Sedir island and English Harbour. It was the best holiday we have ever had in the Mediterranean! The hotel was excellent with super staff and the gulet was very comfortable. Highly recommended!!!! A thoroughly professional and personal service from your organisation, we are singing your praises to all that will listen. We are so satisfied with the both the service provided by Gulet Escapes and the accommodation on land and sea that we would happily act as brand ambassadors or references. Lee from Surrey

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Bodrum Tour Blue Cruise

Last Updated on April 28, 2024

Bodrum Tour is a gulet charter company based in Bodrum – which is one of the leading gulet destinations in Turkey. Bodrum Tour operates under a Turkish Tourism Charter License and Tursab membership with over 32 years of yachting and charter experience combined with the knowledge of the resources of Turkey.

Company owners of this blue cruise adventure have a passion for wooden yachts, Turkish hospitality and culture, fine local cuisine, and they love to plan every detail with their guests to make sure they have the best gulet experience in Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, and Fethiye.

Bodrum Tour offers both  Private Charters  and  Cabin Charters .

Private Charters

A private charter, one of the best options, is when you assemble a group of family and/or friends and charter an entire yacht for a cruise of a few days or a week.

Cabin Charter

A  cabin charter  is when you just  rent a cabin  on a Turkish gulet —much like a hotel room—rather than charter the entire gulet. It is a cheaper option for those who aren't traveling with a big group.

What Bodrum Tour Offers

With a flexible itinerary, guests can change their plans for the best vacation of their choice. For example, if guests discover an anchorage that they particularly love, they can choose to spend extra time there. At night, if you have more energy and want to do something more exciting, you might choose to go ashore and enjoy local Turkish cuisine and nightlife. The beauty of a private gulet is that you have the choice.

Bodrum Tour Yachting and Travel offers multiple options based on preference, price range, and itinerary. When choosing the gulet or yacht that best suits your party, you have the option to choose from a range of luxury gulets, deluxe gulets, and traditional models. Each gulet's prices are based on amenities, itineraries, and season (low, high, and peak). May – October low season, June - September high,  July – August peak season for gulet and yacht charter.

Bodrum Tour Yachting and Travel does an excellent job communicating with guests and helping build the perfect plan for your gulet trip based on your preferences. For example, if you prefer to spend more time sailing, they will match you with the right yacht and itinerary for the best conditions depending on the time of year.

Additionally, their gulets are accessible to those with mobility restrictions. Aside from easily accessible cabins and decks, Bodrum Tour also has an incredibly kind and helpful staff who will assist in getting on and off of the gulet and swim ladder as needed.

Bodrum Tour helps you every step of the way to provide a perfect, memorable gulet excursion.

Blue Cruise Tours

Bodrum - gulf of gokova - bodrum.

This cabin charter offers a 7-night, 8-day cruise on a traditional wooden gulet with air conditioning. Starting and ending in Bodrum Harbor, guests embark on Saturdays by 15:30 and disembark before 10:30 the following Saturday. The itinerary includes scenic stops at Orak Island, Seven Islands, Tuzla, Longoz, Balli Su, Cleopatra Island, Okluk Bay, English Harbor, Ayinda, Cokertme, Kisebuku, and Pabucburnu. Activities encompass swimming in crystal-blue waters, forest walks, visiting historical ruins, and optional excursions to explore local life and natural beauty.

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1. Day: BODRUM

Boarding starts at 15:30 from Bodrum Harbor. You will have free time to visit the town's highlights. Your boat will remain anchored in Bodrum for dinner and an overnight stay.

2. Day: ORAK ISLAND - SEVEN ISLANDS

After your breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and boat. Then we will cruise to Orak Island. Here you will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-blue waters of Orak Island and enjoy lunch. We will cruise to Seven Islands, a region which is full of small islands and coral reefs. You can also enjoy a walk in the forest filled with green pine trees. Our final stop in the Seven Islands Region will be Kufre Bay where we will stay for dinner and an overnight stay.

3. Day: TUZLA - LONGOZ - BALLI SU

Morning swimming will soon become a part of your daily activities. Our captain will cruise to Tuzla Bay where you can enjoy the turquoise-blue waters. For lunch, we will set sail to Longoz Bay; another place like paradise, sheltered with huge pine trees. For dinner and overnight stay you will anchor in Balli Su.

4. Day: CLEOPATRA ISLAND - OKLUK BAY

Your Blue Cruise goes on to Cleopatra (Sedir) Island to have a swimming stop. Those who wish will have the occasion here to visit the open-air museum holding an incredible white sand beach, byzantine ruins, and an amphitheater. Afterwards, we will cruise to Okluk Bay for dinner and an overnight stay.

5. Day: ENGLISH HARBOR - AYINDA

After breakfast, does who want may join an optional daily excursion to the famous Turtle Beach and the green delta of Dalyan through the ancient rock tombs from English Harbor. The name comes from the time of World War II as the ships of British Navy forces used to dock here. Following a swimming break, we will anchor for dinner and overnight in the beautiful bay of Ayinda.

MARMARIS - GOCEK - FETHIYE - MARMARIS

This cabin charter spans 7 nights and 8 days aboard an air-conditioned traditional wooden gulet. It begins and ends in Marmaris Harbor, with embarkation on Saturdays by 15:30. The journey includes picturesque stops at Ekincik Gulf, Dalyan, Sunken Bath, Tersane Island, Kizil Island, Fethiye, Gocek Island, Yassica Islands, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sarsala, Aga Limani, Kumlubuk Bay, and Cennet Island. Activities include swimming, optional excursions like a Dalyan tour, Jeep Safari, and a visit to the Turkish bath.

1. Day: MARMARIS

Boarding starts at 15.30 at Marmaris Marina. You will have time to visit the old town and bazaar of Marmaris with its small streets and hundreds of shops, bars, and restaurants. The castle of Marmaris lies on the old town hill and offers a beautiful view across the harbor. Dinner and overnight stay will be in Marmaris.

2. Day: EKINCIK GULF - DALYAN

After breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise itinerary and boat. The cruise will move towards Ekincik Gulf and overnight stay will be in this beautiful gulf. You may join an optional Dalyan excursion. The participants will be taken from the yacht with a smaller boat called 'Piyade' which will bring you into the green delta of Dalyan through the Lycian Rock Tombs. You will have a swimming stop at a unique place called Caretta - Caretta Beach. There will be a mud bath occasion.

3. Day: SUNKEN BATH - TERSANE ISLAND - KIZIL ISLAND

Because of the wavy seas of Disibilmez and Kurtoglu capes that we have to cross, we will cruise earlier than the other days and reach the world-famous Gocek Gulf. We will anchor at Sunken Bath for breakfast and a swimming break. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath. Then we will cruise to Tersane Island. This naturally protected harbor was used as a shipyard in Byzantine and Ottoman times. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Kizil Island.

4. Day: FETHIYE

Arrive at Fethiye Harbor early in the morning. We offer an optional jeep safari tour. For those who will not join the Safari, the boat will anchor at Samanlik Bay for lunch and swimming. Afterwards, around 16:00 the boat will anchor at Ece Saray Marina for dinner and overnight stay.

5. Day: GOCEK ISLAND - YASSICA ISLANDS

After breakfast, depart from Fethiye Harbor for Gocek Island. After moving through uniquely beautiful islands, we finally anchor at Yassica Islands. Lunch will be taken in this beautiful chain of little islands. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear water is recommended. Dinner and overnight will be in a bay amongst the islands of Gocek.

6. Day: BEDRI RAHMI BAY - SARSALA - AGA LIMANI

After breakfast, we sail to the spectacularly stunning Bedri Rahmi Bay, named after a famous Turkish artist, and then to Sarsala Bay. Cruise to Aga Limani after lunch. Overnight stay will be in this lovely bay.

7. Day: KUMLUBUK BAY - CENNET ISLAND - MARMARIS

The cruise starts early in the morning and the breakfast will be served in the bay of Kumlubuk which lies within the sight of Marmaris but is cut off from it by a forbidding set of Limestone Mountains. You will have afternoon tea in a nice bay of Cennet Island. Overnight stay will be at Marmaris Harbor.

8. Day: MARMARIS

Disembarkation by 10:30 after breakfast.

FETHIYE - OLYMPOS

This 3-night, 4-day mini cruise takes travelers on a journey through beautiful bays and historical sites, starting from Fethiye Harbor. Highlights include swimming in Samanlik Bay, exploring Butterfly Valley, paragliding at Oludeniz, visiting St. Nicholas Island, and the sunken city near Kekova. The cruise offers opportunities for snorkeling, exploring Kas town, and visiting ancient ruins and the St. Nicholas Church in Demre, culminating in a transfer to Olympos.

1. Day: - FETHIYE

We leave from Fethiye Harbour around 11.00 am for Samanlik Bay, to have lunch and enjoy swimming. We're cruising to Butterfly Valley for swimming, sunbathing, and an optional hike up to the waterfall - hills, Oludeniz, is one of the world's most stunning beaches and one of the best spots in the world for paragliding, Anchor at St. Nicholas Island for the overnight. You can walk up through the Island's ruins to witness the spectacular sunset.

2. Day: - SHIPS ISLAND

Cruise to Aquarium Bay, near Kalkan town for breakfast & swimming. Cruise to Kas Harbour for lunch. In Kas town, you will have time to explore this small Turkish town for shopping and to use the internet, etc... After Kas town, we will cruise to a secluded bay near Kekova ( sunken city ) where we're docking for the overnight.

3. Day: - KAS

Cruise to the Sunken City, and sail over the ancient ruins of this World Heritage site. Cruise to Simena Castle, walk up to the top of the hill & witness a magical view over the Bay taking in the underwater Lycian Tombs and across to the Sunken City. We're docking at Gokkaya Bay for the overnight.

After Breakfast we continue to the Pirates Cave for snorkeling, then move on to Andriake Harbour for lunchtime, Minibus Transfer to visit the ancient city of Myra and St. Nicholas Church in Demre town and have some free time in Demre for shopping and banking. Free transfer to the Famous Tree Houses of your choice in Olympos.

OLYMPOS - FETHIYE

This mini cruise is a 3-night, 4-day adventure starting from Olympos and ending in Fethiye. It includes stops at the Sunken City, Simena Castle, Aquarium Bay, and St. Nicholas Island, with activities like snorkeling, exploring Kas town, and optional paragliding at Oludeniz. This journey offers a mix of historical exploration and leisure activities in some of Turkey's most picturesque locations.

1. Day: OLYMPOS/DEMRE TO GOKKAYA BAY

We will then cruise onto the Sunken City, an ancient town dating back 2000 years to the Lycian period and destroyed by an earthquake. We will cruise over this protected World Heritage site, however, no swimming, diving or snorkeling is allowed in this area. Your captain will then steer the gulet across to Simena Castle where you can walk to the top and witness a magical view over the bay, taking in the underwater Lycian Tombs and the Sunken City. Our gulet will spend the night in Gokkaya Bay.

Tonight you can party at the nearby island disco of Smuggler's Inn. Meet up with other travelers for a night of dancing under the stars. A free boat service will pick you up and runs regularly all night. If you don't want to party, simply relax and chill out on the yacht. (Please note Smuggler's Inn may not always be open, please check with your captain if you wish to go).

2. Day: GOKKOYA BAY TO AQUARIUM BAY

3. day: aquarium bay to st nicholas island.

oIf you fancy gliding off the cliff tops and taking in the spectacular views of the Blue Lagoon and Oludeniz, please let your captain know on the morning of Day 3 at the latest. Tonight we will anchor at St. Nicholas Island, we arrive in time to enjoy some watersports and the delicious Turkish pancakes served by ladies in wooden boats. Late in the afternoon, you can walk up through the island's ruins and witness the amazing sunset.

Luxury Gulets

Bodrum queen.

The Bodrum Queen is a luxurious 27-meter gulet equipped with 6 cabins (2 master and 4 double) to accommodate 12 guests. It features a range of entertainment and leisure facilities including 2 canoes, 2 paddleboards, a PlayStation, Netflix, 4 smart TVs, unlimited WiFi, snorkeling and fishing equipment, and board games, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all onboard.

The Bella Mare is a 38-meter luxury gulet, staffed by a 7-member crew, designed to comfortably accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins (2 master and 4 double). It's equipped with a wide array of water sports and entertainment options, including jet ski, water ski, wakeboard, ringo, big marble, Seabob, 2 canoes, 2 paddleboards, a PlayStation, Netflix, smart TV, along with unlimited WiFi, snorkeling and fishing equipment, and board games.

The yacht is a 19-meter classic wooden gulet, built in 2006 and refurbished in 2016. The vessel accommodates 6 guests in 3 air-conditioned cabins, featuring 4 WCs and showers. Amenities include entertainment systems, canoe, snorkeling, and fishing gear, alongside modern safety and navigation equipment.

Jeanneau 53

This is a 19-meter wooden classic gulet, constructed in 2006 and refitted in 2016. It accommodates 6 guests in 3 cabins, each featuring air conditioning, alongside 4 WCs and showers. Amenities include a spacious saloon, entertainment systems, a canoe, snorkeling and fishing gear, and comprehensive safety and navigation equipment.

Wicked Felina

Wicked Felina is a new super gulet that launched in April 2017. This gulet debuted at the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show and was the star of the show. It has five double staterooms including one master, for a total availability of ten guests. There is also a Pullman berth in one of the cabins. Wicked Felina also includes several activities like stand-up paddle boards, two jet skis, and more.

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Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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