Gulet Cruise, Turkey

We embarked on a three night “gulet” trip….sailing around the 12-islands. The ironic part is that our boat doesn’t really sail. It had a jib, and two masts without sails…so we motored around the islands. We each had our own cabin and small bathroom. The beds became more of a luggage rack as it was too hot to sleep downstairs!

A passing gulet…difficult to take a picture of your own boat! They are beautiful…and quite large. Ours slept twenty. It also had a large kitchen, eating area and lots of place to lounge.

The twelve islands in the distance. The weather was gorgeous and the waters were crystal clear.

Our bed each night! We would drag up our linens and pillows and fall asleep under the stars. Of course we would also wake up to the sun rising. Naps became an important part of each afternoon. Our second night we moored in a cove that was less than calm. The boat pitched back and forth all night…you had to stick a foot out to prevent yourself from rolling off the mat!

During the day we would explore different coves. We could swim, snorkel and hike. A group of us climbed up the mountain to this stunning view. Our boat was in the water below. A hot hike, but well worth it!

The food was incredible. On the barbeque for this particular night was meatballs (Dean says he could eat them every day for eternity) and chicken. We also had whole fish, prawns, and calamari (all in one meal). Lunches were always vegetarian…bean dishes, pasta, vegetables, salads….yum!

The entire gang. There were a bunch of 30-something girls (from Australia and the UK), a family from Holland, two couples from Australia, and a New Yorker. Great mix of people…we got along wonderfully! Swam together, played cards, read our books, and had long conversations.

Snorkeling….we explored every cove. Never really saw much…the water is very clear…but it looks like the surface of the moon! Usually found small fish, crabs, an occasional starfish, and some sea anemones.

Our last night. The sunsets were magical and enhanced by the beautiful ships sailing around us. We were lucky to make many new friends from around the world. On to the magical fairy chimneys and caves of Cappadocia!