For those among us who feel a connection to the sea and love to commune with it, there’s nothing like going on a cruise. But if your idea of a cruise draws you to something smaller and more intimate, yet still luxurious, a gulet is a great option. In this sponsored article, you’ll learn what to expect on a luxury Gulet cruise in Turkey.

Save this article about Turkish Gulet Cruises to Pinterest to help you plan your trip. Images courtesy TurkeyLuxuryGulet. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.

What to expect on a Turkish Gulet Cruise

What is a gulet?

“A gulet is a wooden, classic yacht built usually in Bodrum or Marmaris on the southwestern coast of Turkey. The average size of the boat is 20-50 meters in length and has 4-10 cabins,” explains Mitja Mirtic, CEO, Turkey Luxury Gulet. “They are used nowadays for private charter in different countries around the Mediterranean but Turkey is the main country for gulet cruises.”

The boats offer large spaces outside (on the front and back decks), as well as inside the cabins. There is a crew on board, attending to guests’ needs (including meals). The yachts are a great way to explore some of the best bays and islands in the area during the week-long itineraries.

Depending on the capacity of the gulet and how many cabins it has, they can accommodate a smaller group of 4 or 5 all the way to 14. Each gulet yacht is rented for the entire week by groups for their own, private cruise.

This is an example of guestrooms on board a gulet sailing in Turkey. Photo courtesy TurkeyLuxuryCruise.

Who comprises the crew of the Turkish gulets?

There is a caption, sailor, chef de cuisine, and hostess. Depending on the category and size of the gulet, there may be up to 11 crew members. Guests will likely have the most contact with the hostess who serves the guests, takes their food and drink orders, and makes sure they have everything they need in order to have a great experience.

Hungry for more? Learn about Turkish cuisine in this cookbook.

Where does a Turkish gulet cruise sail?

Each gulet charter is for one week and each day, it stops in a new place. The itinerary is tailor-made according to the guest’s desires. The boat stops at private beaches or bays where guests can jump from the boat in a crystal clear sea. Guests can also go ashore on a tour arranged with local guides. Some guests like to explore on their own. The crew and customer support also offer guidance.

Guests can enjoy some time playing in the water in private bays. Photo courtesy TurkeyLuxuryCruise.

What can guests do while onboard?

In addition to seeing the beautiful ocean scenery going by, according to Mirtic, people like to get a drink and chat and enjoy reading a book. Children usually go to the salon and play some games. In other words, relax and soak it all in.

Relax on deck and take in the sun and the views.

What’s the food like?

“The food is one of the main highlights of a luxury Turkish gulet cruise,” says Mirtic. “The chef prepares great local and Mediterranean dishes using organic ingredients.”

The menu changes according to the clients’ wishes and the structure of the group. “For example, before the charter, we check with the clients to see what kind of diet they have, if there are allergies, and what type of dishes they prefer,” says Mirtic. According to the information they gather, the chef then prepares a tailored menu.

Examples taken from across the variety of menu options include, for breakfast, olive salad with pomegranate molasses and za’atar seasoning, Turkey-style scrambled eggs with peppers, tomatoes, and onions, sausage, plus assorted pastries and cereals. At lunch, it may be a variety of salads, grilled chicken and seafood, spaghetti Bolognese, rice dishes, and grilled red peppers. And at dinner, enjoy pan-fried shrimp, fried calamari, grilled seabass, green beans in olive oil, steak with mushroom sauce, Turkish yoghurt dip, and salads. Desserts include baked helva, ice scream, and olive oil semolina cake.

Enjoy chef-prepared meals on every Turkish gulet cruise. Photo courtesy TurkeyLuxuryGulet.

What are the main benefits of going on a Turkish gulet cruise?“

Unlike on a cruise ship, river boat, barge, etc., when you are on a gulet, you are alone with your own group and no one else except the crew. You’re also closer to the sea!” says Mirtic.

To learn more about the company, visit their website. To learn more about itineraries for the Turkish gulet cruises, click here. And to learn more about visiting Turkey, click here  or here. You’ll get acquainted with historic sights, learn about upcoming events, where and what to eat on land, and more.

-Story by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Real Food Traveler publisher and managing editor. Photos provided by Turkey Luxury Gulet.

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