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| Typical bedroom aboard a luxury gulet. |
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| Dawn on the Turquoise Coast-waking on your yacht to the smell of Turkish Coffee! |
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| Marmaris harbor: masts at the right are several gulets we toured. |
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| Imagine dining with friends or family after an afternoon of swimming and exploring. |
Gulet: Definition: A gulet is a traditional design of a two-masted wooden sailing vessel from the south-west coast of Turkey.
A number of clients have expressed an interest in sailing the famed Turquoise Coast. I too, have had a yearning to be under canvas on those aqua waters, one day. But my biggest worry has been the uncertainty about the crew that comes with the boat. So when the opportunity to tour 5 of the top gulets in Marmaris, Turkey presented itself last month, I was all over it and able to get many of my questions answered by our charter contact there. Prices are all over the board depending on the month, size of vessel, number of crew and level of amenities. We toured gulets that retail for Euro 9,000-E 35,000 a week. Take into consideration that the higher figure includes six deluxe bedrooms with private baths and a crew of 8. When you divide this by 12 you are at a reasonable rate of about $4000 a week pp. all inclusive ( even wi-fi) for your private yacht charter. At the other end of the spectrum, we saw a still charming vessel suitable for a family of 6-8, for E 9000 in low season-October or April. It's your call where you wish to go-north or south, islands or coastline harbors, but everywhere, turquoise water, ancient ruins, sun beds on topdeck and that wonderful Turkish cuisine making the best use of fresh fish and vegetables. The clients who accompanied me on the tour are ready to book for 2012. Combined with a week in Istanbul and perhaps Cappadochia, or ending with a Greek Island stay, what could be a more memorable vacation?
