Last chance to visit Turkey

Why visit Turkey?

The unique Eastern Mediterranean climate and beautiful nature of Turkey allows almost 6 months of summertime in southern parts of the country. In Turkey, the quieter months of autumn can provide a sanctuary for travellers looking to get away before winter fully sets in.

The sandy beaches are splendid and the sea, especially the Aegean coastline, is amazing blue and clean. Cruising in Turkey allows you to enjoy the warmth of local hospitality and traditional restaurants, while exploring an impressive tapestry of history and culture through the many ancient ruins that are found throughout the country. The Hittits, Hellens, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and the Ottomans as well as a great number of other civilisations rose and fell here through thousands of years, leaving behind a multitude of historical sites to explore.

Every region in Turkey has its own kitchen culture, including distinct ingredients and recipes. As such, Turkish cuisine is much more than tasty kebabs and baklava, including fresh seafood, meze and a whole world of desserts to discover. Visiting by yacht enables access to tranquil waters and unspoilt coves, as well as busier ports offering cultural attractions and serious night life. Snorkelling, scuba diving and paragliding are all popular activities to be found.

Travel restrictions

There are currently limited restrictions in place in Turkey following the COVID-19 pandemic:

On Arrival

• Airline passengers must wear face masks, complete passenger locator forms supplied by the airline, and undergo COVID-19 screening upon arrival
• The medical screening includes temperature checks, and anyone displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will undergo a PCR test

Within Turkey

• From 8 September, it is mandatory to wear a face mask at all times outside the home throughout Turkey
• Turkey is made up of 81 provinces, and each province may have different rules in place regarding restrictions so it is important to check before travelling within the country.

Returning from Turkey

• For some countries, such as the UK, returning travellers from Turkey may be subject to compulsory 14-day quarantine period.

Bodrum to Bodrum 7-day sample itinerary by Begum Yachting

DAY 1

BODRUM – YALIKAVAK

After being welcomed on board in Bodrum, cruise to Yalikavak and anchor in one of the beautiful bays near the town. The area has become popular in the last few years with a new marina being opened, boasting many restaurants bars and famous beach clubs.

DAY 2

ORAK ISLAND – COKERTME

The following morning, after a good breakfast anchored in harbour, cruise to Orak Island, an endless ‘aquarium’ with sparkling turquoise waters. Enjoy swimming and lunch at a leisurely pace before heading to Cokertme. Cokertme is the home to many cheerful and friendly people and is a charming fishing village in which to spend the evening.

DAY 3

KNIDOS – DATÇA

Cruise to Knidos for lunch and a swim before taking a tour of the ancient city of Knidos. Famous as a centre of art and culture in the fourth century B.C. the city had two harbours: one on the Aegean and the other on the Mediterranean. The remains of a circular temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite, overlook the two harbours; the arcaded way was built of white marble with heart shaped columns. After an informative afternoon move on to Datca, a small and colourful fishing village that has resisted modern influences.

DAY 4

BAY OF D MARIS RESORT

Today, make the short cruise to the D Maris Bay Resort. This is a favoured anchorage and is very popular due to the excellence dining and swimming facilities of the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day soaking up the luxury of the resort.

DAY 5

BOZBURUN- SOGUT

Bozburun, located 15km away from Selimiye, is well worth a visit. The area is full of sunken vessels, making it an attractive spot for scuba divers. The narrowing mouth of the bay of Bozburun is where the Mediterranean Sea is called the “Ada Strait”. The ruins of mills, old churches and olive oil production plants can also be visited dotted along the coast.

The people of the village Söğüt (ancient Saranda), located on the other end of Bozburun, earn their living through fishing and agriculture, making the area a tranquil setting to relax on board.

DAY 6

SEDIR ISLAND

Weighing anchor early in the morning, arrival to Sedir Island where the coast and the antique city is in the shape of a horseshoe. Ruins dating back to the roman era can be found here and it is said to be on the golden beaches here where Anthony and Cleopatra had a great love. Spend time for lunch and dinner in this lovely and fantastic bay steeped in history.

DAY 7

BODRUM

Bodrum is the best place in the area for night life, being host to the most popular night clubs and restaurants. It is also one of the most historic cities in Turkey being the ancient capital of the Caria Empire. The town itself is a charming collection of whitewashed houses and bougainvillea looking out across the dazzling blue bay. The imposing castle, built by the Knights of Rhodes, stands at the entrance to the bay and should be toured for those interested in history as it has a chequered and convoluted past of different cultures and occupations.