Turkey
Time on a Turkey yacht charter ticks along at its own, leisurely pace. You'll forget all about the more hectic ways of your everyday life as you plunge into a crystalline sea and enjoy a languid lunch at a waterside restaurant. Vistas of white sails in aquamarine bays and quaint villages only reachable by boat feature along Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Then, there are the many ancient wonders to explore: ruins and treasures that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Day 1 - Bodrum
The ultimate way to get around the little fishing villages dotted around the Bodrum Peninsula is by yacht. You'll have plenty from which to choose but a visit to Gümüşlük, arguably the most charming of all the villages, is absolutely unmissable. Here, you can delight on meze and net-fresh fish at a rustic seafront restaurant. Some tables sit right in the shallows and most are cosily lit by gourd lanterns which hang from trees and wooden canopies. Mimoza, on the northern end of the shore, is our favourite.
Day 2 - Sedir Island
Sedir, tucked away in the Gulf of Gökova, is often referred to as Cleopatra Island as legend has it that Cleopatra and Anthony used to frolic in its idyllic waters. Dreamy Sedir is at least as famous for its unique beach made from seashells - each grain of sand a perfect, glistening sphere. You can sunbathe on the piece of land just behind the protected beach, explore the ancient remains of the city of Kedrai or snorkel in Cat Bay's crystal-clear sea.
Day 3 - Knidos
Turkey has oodles of ancient sites and the ruins of Knidos, a once-thriving port city from the 4th century B.C., is a prime example. Little is left of the city now, but the original paths are well-preserved and wondrous nonetheless. Don't miss the temple of Aphrodite, the 8000-seat waterside theatre and the basilica archways that beautifully frame the azure sky.
Keep your eyes peeled for Mediterranean monk seals on your way back to the yacht.
Day 4 - Datça
The Datça Peninsula is a little-known gem and we know you'll fall in love with its empty beaches, pretty olive groves and waterside restaurants. The Datça Peninsula is relatively untouched and boasts clean turquoise coves and pristine beaches that are simply irresistible. Afternoons can be spent strolling along Old Datça's pretty cobbled lanes. Here, you can admire quaint stone houses draped in pink bougainvillaea and rest your legs on a vine-shaded terrace with a cold drink in hand.
Day 5 - Hisaronu Gulf
Sail along Hisaronu Gulf's dramatic coastline and you'll see sceneries that will take your breath away. Expect to be awed by the most delicious sea and knock-out beaches, in dazzling white and turquoise. Aside from sailing near the peninsula's pine-clad shore and anchoring in some of its hundreds of Maldivian bays, you can explore little fishing villages and charming mountain towns. The best way to reach the shoreline? Swim straight over from your luxury yacht.
Day 6 - Bozburun
The next stop is Bozburun, a pretty seaside town that faces the Greek island of Symi. Spend your morning sauntering along the promenade, browsing market stalls and soaking up magnificent coastal views. After lunch, hike up to Asar Hill where you'll find the remains of the ancient city of Larymna. If the fragments of city walls and ruins of tombs won't impress you, the amazing views over Bozburun certainly will.
Day 7 - Bodrum
You can spend the last morning of your Turkey yacht charter milling around the palm-tree-lined promenade and admiring traditional gulets. From the city's famous 15th-century castle to the Halicarnassus' mausoleum and theatre, Bodrum encompasses a diverse historical collection for you to dive into after your morning stroll. Alternatively, you can head to Torba beach to splash around in aquamarine water and snooze in the shade of a eucalyptus tree.
