Private Gullet Tours

  • PRIVATE GULLET CRUISING

Sailing along the Ancient Coast of Turkey is an experience of the history of man from the perspective of the sea.

You are invited to walk the same paths as ancient gods of the cities and witness the most hidden harbors that cannot be reached by land; to enjoy the waters that Cleopatra once bathed in; to bask under the sun that once warmed the citizens of a now sunken city; to experience the culinary delights; and to discover Istanbul, the only city in the world that dominates two continents and houses the most delicate monuments of Christianity. As in ancient times, the preferred way to travel in and explore the most inaccessible land is by sea.

For these custom made itineraries, we have chartered the most comfortable gullet and with favorable winds, you will experience the romance and thrill of sailing in the route that ancient travelers sailed.

Gullets  are typical wooden sailing boats, built in the shipyards of the southwestern coast of Turkey. Wide-bottomed and broad-beamed, with superior seagoing qualities, the gulets typically feature one or two masts with sails, though most often, they motor-cruise through the waters at a leisurely speed of 8-10 knots. Built of pine with a pointed fore and rounded aft, both spacious decks are ideal for lounging and sunbathing. Built to heritage proportions that are generations old, Gulets have all the mod-cons you would expect from a quality charter boat, such as air-conditioning, large saloons, roomy cabins, ensuites and AV equipment for onboard entertainment, with space for sunlounging and alfresco dining areas.

Dining is mostly outdoors, on the aft deck. The open or semi-open traditional saloon enables to enjoy panoramic views while dining or relaxing.

The smaller size of the gullet permits an intimate experience aboard as well as ashore while visiting the hidden harbors and antiquities. Throughout Turkey, you will mingle with welcoming locals, earnest people eager to embrace visitors and share their culture, customs and historic inheritance.

We personally know the cream of the luxury gulets available for charter and are available to advise on which one will be ideal for you and your family and guests.

1. What is Gullet:
    • A gulet (pronounced “goo-let”) is a traditional wooden sailing vessel (though most now also have powerful engines) that originated on the southwestern coast of Turkey, particularly in towns like Bodrum and Marmaris.
    • They typically have two or three masts and a distinctive broad, rounded stern (though some have a more square stern, called aynakıç).
    • They are designed for comfort and leisure, with spacious decks for sunbathing and relaxing, and comfortable cabins for guests.
    • Historically, gulets were used for fishing, sponge diving, and transporting goods, but since the mid-20th century, they have been specifically adapted and built for tourism.
    • Modern gulets range in size, typically from 15 to 55 meters (around 50 to 180 feet) in length, and can accommodate groups of varying sizes, from small families to larger parties. They often come with a professional crew including a captain, chef, and deckhands.
    • The Blue Voyage is a unique type of recreational cruise that takes place along the Turkish Riviera (southwestern coast of Turkey, along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas) and often extends to nearby Greek islands.
    • It’s characterized by sailing to secluded bays, ancient ruins, small fishing villages, and pristine beaches that are often inaccessible by road.
    • Gulets are the preferred vessel for Blue Voyages because their design offers: 
      • Comfort and Space: Ample deck space for lounging, dining, and socializing, as well as comfortable cabins, making them ideal for multi-day cruises.
      • Traditional Charm: They offer an authentic and romantic sailing experience, connecting guests with the maritime history of the region.
      • Access to Coves: Their relatively shallow draft allows them to anchor in secluded coves and bays that larger cruise ships cannot access.
      • Crewed Experience: Blue Voyages on gulets typically come with a full crew who handle all aspects of the journey, including navigation, cooking delicious meals (often incorporating fresh local ingredients), and providing service, allowing guests to fully relax.

In brief, a gulet is the classic, comfortable, and charming wooden yacht that makes the Blue Voyage experience so unique and memorable.

WHY YOU CHOOSE US FOR SAILING IN THE MEDITERENEAN & ADRIATIC SEAS

  • Personalised service: we take care of the details
  • We deliver exceptional charter experiences
  • Up-to-date charter yacht knowledge
  • Personal experience of the destinations
  • Unbiased independent advice
  • Global operations base
  • Financial security