Blue Cruise in Bodrum

There are many reasons for choosing to spend a holiday afloat. The delights of the thing itself: the special combination of wind and wave and the serenity of sail, the sense of privacy and self sufficiency, the intimate communication with nature, one's companions and one's self are all heightened afloat. But there are many places where fresh winds, sparkling waters and abundant sun make for ideal boating. Why choose Turkeys Aegean coast? The reason is not so much the sailing itself, which after all, can be enjoyed in many places, but what happens after the anchor is dropped: the secluded bays, intimate villages and spectacular historical sites that abound all along the Aegean coast and that make a waterborne visit to Turkey something special.

he waters of the Turkish Aegean are unique in the world, home to ancient wonders and witness to the greatest figures of antiquity. Along this coast the ancient Greeks founded civilization as we have come to know it. Alexander and his legions paused here to plunder the richest cities in the world. Not far from Bodrum, Anthony and Cleopatra frolicked on their private beach while Caesar gathered his fleet. Saint Paul visited regularly; founding the seven churches of Asia as John delivered Mary to her List refuge in the mountains above Kusadasi. In Marmaris Süleyman the Magnificent marshaled his forces before attacking the crusading knights in their stronghold on Rhodes and in the same waters, Nelson chased Napoleon retreating from Egypt.

At that time small cargo ships hugged the coast, never far from shelter it the wind picked up, plying the cry same waters as the pleasure craft of today. Cities were founded and even relocated to accommodate ancient sailors, most notably Knidos: moved from a site near present day Datca a more profitable position at the end of the Loryma peninsula, where passing shipping was forced to stop and wait out the opposing northcrlies before proceeding up the coast. Numerous other examples exist of major Hellenistic cities whose importance and commerce diminished as their harbors silted, denying them life-giving maritime trade.

The era of the small, 15 to 25 meter, cargo ships is only recently passed. As few as 25 years ago a majority of all commercial transport was still carried by these locally built wooden boats. In fact the modern Turkish expression for today's scenic pleasure cruise is 'Mavi Yolculuk", the Blue Cruise, derived from the traditional name for this commercial waterway, Mavi Yol, the Blue Road.

Today, the local coastal traffic is almost exclusively pleasure craft, the big cargo ships keeping well out to sea. With the exception of the occasional fishing boat the hundreds of small Aegean boatyards devote their efforts to construction of pleasure craft; the Gulet. The ideal climate, inviting waters and vast numbers of pristine harbors, bays and beaches, combined with the special sights, charms and hospitality that is modern Turkey make the Turkish Aegean the most attractive cruising in the Mediterranean and have created a special name for this boating paradise, The Turquoise coast.

The Turquoise coast extends from Kusadasi in the north to Antalya in the south, a distance of approximately 350 nautical miles. With the intricate undulations of the coast that distance more than doubles, and across each gulf and around each headland lie a new hay, small village or ancient site.

From Bodrum the possible itineraries are endless. North, around the tip of the Bodrum peninsula lies the secluded Gulf of Gulluk, featuring dozens of deserted bays, where lush forests descend to a rocky shore and the tinkling of goat bells from the herds grazing the wooded hillsides are the only sounds the visitor hears. The Gulf of Gulluk also features the ancient sites of Didyma just a few kilometers inland and lassos, where the seaborne visitor can anchor among the ruins while sampling the latest catch of the local fishermen.

eyond the Gulf of Gokova lay 200 miles of coastline south to Antalya. Nestling beneath the long finger of the Datca Peninsula is the Gulf of Hisaronu, with hundreds of tiny bays and islands for the seaborne visitor to explore. Beyond Hisaronu is the popular resort of Marmaris whose huge hay is home to the Turkish Aegean's largest hotels and marina.

From Marmaris to Antalya the coast unfolds into the spectacular and the sublime. Iztuzu beach, last nesting ground for the Mediterranean Loggerhead Turtle shelters the verdant Dalyan estuary, where small boats ferry visitors across the sand bar at the river's mouth to visit the famous ruins of Caunos. The Gulf of Fethiye features the intimate village of Gocek and the bustling port of Fethiye amongst its many bays and islands.

South of Fethiye lies Olu Deniz, the Dead Sea, whose pristine beaches protect a small harbor of unparalleled beauty. The small villages of Kalkan and Kas provide visitors the chance to see the unique Gulf of Kekova with its sunken city and Ottoman castle. Last stop on the Mavi Yolculuk is the city of Antalya, whose harbor allows the visitor to anchor in the shadow of the old town while sampling the night life and attractions of one of Turkey's largest and most popular resorts. In addition to the many fascinating and serene ports of call, the Mavi Yolculuk also features a special vessel to visit the many sites, the Gulet. Taken from the Italian Gouletta, gulets are contemporary versions of traditional Mediterranean sailing craft. Locally built from Aegean pine, the gulet features broad beamy decks and spacious cabins comfortable for large groups. Manned by captain, cook and crew, gulets are the ideal way to see the delights of the Turquoise coast in a style befitting the scenery.

For more serious wind-in-the-face sailors a variety of vessels can he hired from any of the major ports on the coast: Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris or Antalya. Whether it be chartered yacht, bareboat, flotilla or gulet the boat exists for any sailor, experienced or landlubber to sample the varied delights of the Turquoise coast.

Nature, history and hospitality have blessed the Turkish Aegean. It remains easily accessible yet distantly removed from the day to day trials and tribulations of the modern world. The unique combination of ancient history, isolated bays and villages out of time, only a short distance away from bustling cities and hustling resorts offers even the most jaded visitor the opportunity to come and explore.. The Mavi Yolculuk - Blue Voyage (Blue Cruise) guarantees that those explorations will be met with a country and coastline second to none.