Newsletter February 2010

2010 TOURS UPDATE
January, our busiest booking month of the year, has just drawn to a close. We’re delighted that bookings are already significantly up on last year. If you’re considering coming on one of our tours, here’s an update on availability.

FULL: Four of our tours are now fully booked: In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great in Turkey, Sailing to Ephesus in Turkey June, Carian Coast 1-week Sep, A Gastronomic Gulet cruise in Turkey May.

ALMOST FULL: We have just 1 cabin remaining on our Cruising the Carian Coast in Turkey May 16-29 and Sailing the Lycian Shore in Turkey Sep 4-18 tours, and space for one more family on our May half term Sailing to Ephesus in Turkey May 29-June 5.

SAILING INTO GREEK WATERS
It was only two years ago that we started offering gulet cruises in Greece. We’re so pleased they have proved a resounding success. This year we have 3 itineraries exploring the history and culture of the beautiful Dodecanese islands.
Cruising the Southern Dodecanese May 8 - May 15
Cruising the Northern Dodecanese June 5 - June 12
Cruising the Dodecanese Sep 11 - Sep 24
We are currently researching a new 2-week gulet cruise that visits the islands of the Cyclades as well as one that will explore the Greek mainland south of Athens. In 2011 Michael Metcalfe will be leading a brand new land tour in Greece, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great. He’ll be out on the ground preparing the route this April and is hugely excited about the spectacular sites this itinerary is going to include.

PRIVATE CHARTERS
This year we’re arranging more private tours for groups of family and friends than ever before. We can arrange a beautiful gulet and itinerary just for you, from 2 to 24 people, complete with expert guide if you so wish, and our full logistical support and expertise.

GULET MAINTENANCE
Winter is the time when all the major work is done to maintain the wooden gulets we use. Some work can be done with boats in the water, but they always come out into dry dock for a good period to allow full access. We thought those of you have been on the gulet Almira before might like to see what she looks like with hull fully revealed (right). Having braved the snow in Istanbul, Peter was in Bodrum last week looking at a number of gulets that we’ll be using this season. He says:

“I’ve always loved looking around the boat yards. Unfinished carcasses of vessels lie about resembling dinosaur skeletons with their timbers projecting like giant ribs. Boats are packed in cheek by jowl, with teams of carpenters hammering and sawing away. An icy wind was blowing in off the Mediterranean as we climbed up and down giant metal ladders tied almost vertically beside the huge hulls of these beautiful boats.”

As well as the usual basic maintenance, including painting and varnishing, all the piping and holding tanks on the gulet Almira are being totally replaced this winter to ensure bathroom sinks and showers are in tip top condition for the seasons ahead.

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