Turkey

A paradise of sun, sea, rivers, mountains and lakes. A land of historic treasures from the world’s ten greatest civilizations. The Mediterranean, Aegean, and the Black Seas, as well as the Sea of Marmara, surround Turkey to the north, west and south.

Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches from which yachtsmen can choose a different and always private anchorage each night. The sailing paradise of Turkey has an idyllic cruise that sail with the winds, into coves and over the seas and becoming one with nature. It is also an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea rather than from the land, a journey which carries you to the private beach of Cleopatra, the eternal fires of Mt. Olympos and the myriad archaeological remains of ancient civilizations. For lovers of the active life, sailing in the clear waters provides the opportunity for swimming, fishing, skiing, surfing and diving.

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Sailing in Turkey also allows you to experience a truly enriching cultural exchange with the hospitable and gracious people of the coastal villages and towns. The tempered winds which generally blow from the west and northwest make the long summers ideal for yachting and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From some of the turquoise coast’s unspoiled and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3000 meters above sea level.

Yachting remains a popular activity for residents as well as visitors to Turkey. Over the past 40 years the industry has grown, and today a large number of marinas dot the coastline between Istanbul and Antalya. These provide supplies, easy access to the shore at major resorts, and safe harbors as well as often becoming local entertainment venues in themselves.

Turkey’s most established marinas lie on the southern Aegean and Mediterranean coasts at Izmir, Atesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris, , Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas, Finike, Kemer and Antalya. In these well equipped harbours, yachters can find the services and provisions they require. Antalya, Dalaman, Izmir, and Istanbul airports provide quick links to all of Turkey’s marinas; after an easy flight you can board your yacht and sail off all within a day.

Shopping is is terrific in Turkey with a rich variety of Turkish crafts available at bargain prices. Together with the most modem objects, traditional handicrafts from villages and provinces are easy to find. Most visitors to Turkey cannot resist buying at least one or two things. The most popular things are, of course, carpets; but the various leather and suede goods, copper and bronze wares, silver, ceramics, handicrafts, embroidery, and the famous Turkish meerschaum and onyx are on many people’s lists.

Turkish suede and leather are particularly important, along with all kinds of fabrics, clothes and other goods such as handbags, belts, shoes, etc., at prices which surprise and please the visitor. In the large stores in main cities; dresses, trousers, and coats, made of extremely fine leather and suede, can be found.

Turkish food is known throughout the world. The preparation is simple, but fresh ingredients brings out the richness of their flavors in a way that never fails to delight. The range is enormous, from a number of soups to an astonishing variety of meze (hors d’oeuvre), followed by meat and fish dishes. Then pause awhile to contemplate the famous Turkish sweets and pastries before finishing with a Turkish coffee. All Turkish food is prepared from fresh ingredients. The country produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and, being surrounded on three sides by sea, the range of fish to be found is also considerable. Among alcoholic drinks are the light Turkish beer, excellent wines, and the national drink, ‘raki’ (an anisette), which clouds when water is added, giving it the popular name of “lion’s milk.” The drinking of raki is a rite in itself, and it is traditionally accompanied by a variety of ‘meze’ (hors d’oeuvre).

Delicious Turkish coffee or tea will be offered to you. Bottled drinking water and mineral water are easily found everywhere. Tap water is drinkable but the taste is not good because it is chlorinated. Especially in large cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, you can also find restaurants which feature anything you desire.

There are many choices where nightlife in Turkey is concerned, Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, the State Symphony Orchestra and State Opera and Ballet offer the works of Turkish and foreign composers under the direction of world famous Turkish and guest foreign directors. Alongside the Turkish theatre, there are foreign theatrical groups which come to Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir from time to time. For a different view of nightlife in Turkey, there are nightclubs and colorful shows. Wherever you are, you will be able to go into a nightclub and taste some Turkish food while enjoying yourself until morning. The discos in resort areas and large cities have the latest facilities.

Levent Marina provides an excellent place to begin a yachting adventure. Sailing in and around the beautiful Gulf of Izmir will prepare voyagers for the wonderful sites that lie ahead. At Urla Iskelesi, the small islands that dot the coast will certainly charm you. Beautiful beaches and excellent moorings with swimming, snorkeling and diving are all available in the area.

Southeast of Atesme, beautiful bays offer splendid scenery and tranquil night moorings in complete safety from the winds and waves. Soon you will arrive at Sigacik, where a picturesque marina rests beneath fortifications that date from the Genoese period. From here, the antique site of Teos, noted for its temple of Dionysus, the god of wine, is conveniently close. It is also an excellent area in which to sample some of Turkey’s superb wines. e Kusadasi Gulf opens to the south and southeast with some of the most enticing beaches, bays and coves on the Aegean coast.

Select exactly the components you want in your Turkey vacation. You choose your hotel, room category -from sea views to suites-, rental car, private transfers and customized sightseeing tours. We do it all! Our Virtuoso Travel and Cruise Consultants will create the Turkey vacation you have always dreamed of.