Blue Voyage

Hotels in Bodrum

  

With rocky coastlines backed by dramatic forested mountains and waters of heavenly peacock hues, this is an idyllic region for a leisurely sea-voyage.

Gulets are the graceful traditional Turkish motor-yachts, still constructed locally of the red pine that covers the hillsides. Most are now built for the tourist business and they're comfortable and well equipped. They may be chartered by group, or a cruise can be an alternative "package" holiday.

 

A typical Blue Voyage will sail from Bodrum to Marmaris by way of pretty Gokova, mooring here or at one of the neighbouring fishing villages or coves, and along the north of the narrow Datça Peninsula, doubling back to Datça, with its busy harbour and waterfront. Fjord like Keci Buku Bay provides anchorage on the journey east to Marmaris, at the traditional fishing village of Selimye, or Bozburun, renowned for its boat building. Just short of huge, hectic Marmaris lie the more tranquil bays of Turunc and Kumlubuk.

 

The gulet will be at sea for several hours each day - possibly under sail - anchoring for swimming, visiting fishing villages or, for those withan interest in history, archaeological sites. The captain will establish his passengers preferences. Scattered around the Gulf of Gokova are the remains of several ancient towns; at the tip of the Datça Peninsula the ancient city of Cnidos, and on a promontory south of Bozburun, are the ruins of Loryma, with its sheltered harbour.

 

HOW

By gulet

WHEN TO GO

Late April to June, September and October.

TIME IT TAKES

One week

HIGHLIGHTS

The Crusader castle of Saint Peter dominates Bodrum Harbour; it contains the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaelogy.

Cnidos is an important site in a wild and beautiful location. A steep street flanked by the remains of houses, a temple and theatre, overlooks ancient twin harbours.

Swimming from the gulet in deep, transparent, cool, blue sea.

At anchor is a quiet bay - watching shooting stars and listening to the lullaby of gently lapping waves.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Children under 12 are not usually allowed on gulet cruises.

Hotels in Bodrum 

 

Bosphorus Ferry Trip

Hotels in Istanbul

 

Istanbul, capital of mighty Christian and Islarillc empires, was always a bridge between east and west; now Europe and Asia are linked by road, but ferries remain essential to life in this great city. Tour companies nm Bosphorus Cruises with fast boats, but a leisurely zigzagging trip on a regular ferry from the centre of Istanbul to a The Bosphorus, the 30-lan (19-rni) strait linking the Black Sea with the Mediterranean, remains an important trade route; in the past, it was also a defence and a sununer escape from the heat and disease of the city. Along both banks are royal residences (including the splendid Beylerbeyi Palace), villas, fashionable suburbs, boat yards, fortresses and working villages. Not many of the beautiful wooden yalis, the summerhouses of the wealthy, survive - many burned down, or were demolished before preservation laws came into force.

 

The waterfronts are punctuated by mosques, including the distinctive Ortakoy Mosque, just below the Ataturk Bridge. South of soaring Fatih Bridge, the twin castles - small Anadolu Hisar and the massive Rumeli Hisar, the Fortress of Europe - could effectively 'lock' the Bosphorus. Inland from the fashionable settlements on the European shore is Belgrade Forest, once a hunting preserve for the Sultans. The last fany stop is at Anadolu Kavagi, on the Asian shore.

 

Here there is time to explore and have a meal, or plan a return journey by bus, dohnus, and short ferry hops, visiting some of the places glimpsed on the journey.

 

WHEN TO GO

The ferry runs all year

TIME IT TAKES

About 1 hour 30 minutes each way

HIGHLIGHTS

Kucuksu Kasri, near Anadolu Hisari.

The shady site was long a royal favourite for picnics; in the 19th century, the wooden kiosk was replaced with an exquisite tiny Rococo palace.

Sariyer - a fish market and good restaurants, and the private Sadberk Hanim Museum, which displays a fascinating collection in a yali, with rooms arranged in the Ottoman style.

Anadolu Kavagi - a lovely village, with old wooden houses and waterfront fish restaurants. From the top of the huge ruined castle there is a panoramic view to the Black Sea.

The Istanbul skyline from the water, especially at dusk, is spellbinding.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

There is a reduced ferry service out of season - check timetables.