Clear blue waters, wooded coves, deserted bays, charming unspoilt villages and historical sites fuse together to impart a unique allure to Turkey’s southwestern coastline. Each year, thousands of tourists take Blue Voyage cruises or Mavi Yolculuk as it is known in Turkish to luxuriate in the turquoise blue waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas and admire the pristine beauty of its craggy shoreline. At its best, the Blue Cruise is more than a pleasure trip; it is a voyage of discovery. Sailing along the coast in yachts or Turkish gulets, which are motorized wooden boats handmade in Turkey, is a delightful and memorable experience.
The
Blue Voyage cruise derives its name from the turquoise blue expanse of water stretching from Kusadasi on the Aegean Sea to Antalya, a bustling port on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. In the past, trading, fishing and cargo vessels plied this route, which was originally known as the Blue Road. Today, this stretch of coastline is called the Blue Voyage and is used mostly for gulet cruises.
Blue Voyage cruising in Turkey owes its origins to the pioneering tours of the well known Turkish political writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli or the "Fisherman of Halikarnassos" who discovered the wonders of journeying along this marvelous coastline whilst on a three year exile in Bodrum beginning in 1925. The boat was the sole mode of transport he had and he used it to explore the coastline extensively taking in its unmatched natural beauty as well as studying the historical and archaeological sites along the way. Sakir warmed to the local fishermen and sailed with them regularly, thereby familiarizing himself with their life and the numerous bays and coves around the Gulf of Gokova. The turquoise coast is studded with historical monuments and the ruins of ancient civilizations, many of which are accessible only from the ocean. Fascinated by the natural splendor and historical wealth of the area, the writer chose to remain there after his exile ended. He invited close friends from Istanbul and Izmir to join him on his Blue Voyage cruises. Among them was the art historian Sabahattin Eyuboglu, a very close friend who is believed to have come up with the term “Blue Voyage”. The two intellectuals together with other like minded friends would set sail from Bodrum in a fishing vessel looking to explore the remnants of ancient civilizations along the southern coast in search of the origins of Anatolian Turkish culture. And in the course of their voyages, they discovered many historical sites and found much to ignite their interest and curiosity.
Today, Blue Voyage cruises still offer travelers the opportunity to explore secluded bays and coves, laid - back villages and the ruins of civilizations that go back thousands of years. Historical sites worth visiting include Iassos, Didim, and Ephesus, the Caunos rock tombs as well as a beach that is said to have been used exclusively by Cleopatra. A good itinerary is one which gives travelers enough time on water as well as on land so that they can really explore the topography, the historical settlements as well as the villages along the Aegean – Mediterranean coast without being rushed from one place to another.
Blue Cruise operators give travelers enough flexibility to choose the itinerary of their choice. Normally, a gulet cruises for three hours each day. Sun worshippers can sunbathe on deck or wander around the coves and bays. Water sports enthusiasts will have enough opportunity for windsurfing, snorkeling and water – skiing. Water sports equipment is available on board the gulets. One can swim in the clear blue waters every day.
Accommodation on board the gullets is comfortable and rooms have private baths and WCs with hot water. Some gulets have air conditioning. One has the option of hiring a gulet and embarking on a private cruise or booking a place on a general tour.
The Blue Voyage expeditions that Cevat Sakir began decades ago and found so delightful and inspiring continue to fascinate travelers to this day. With its unique combination of modern comforts, leisure, swimming, water sports, natural, cultural and archaeological expeditions as well as stunningly beautiful scenery, a
Turkish gulet cruise appeals to people of all ages and from all over the world.
