Expert-Led Gulet Cruises in Turkey

Our gulet cruises have been chosen as one of ’Turkey’s top three cultural holidays‘ – The Telegraph (UK)

If you’re looking for a truly relaxing and invigorating holiday, discovering the ancient sites and the welcoming Turkish harbours, then our gulet cruises in Turkey will be perfect for you. Cruise in style along the spectacular coastline of Turkey on incredible journeys of discovery that have to be experienced to be believed.

“The gulet was amazing, elegant, comfortable, private and pristine…I loved every minute onboard and on shore.”
Patty Auchincloss, Connecticut, USA

Cruising on a Gulet

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to gulets, and each boat in our superb range of vessels has been carefully selected to ensure both comfort and the quality, in terms of both technology and service, that our guests have come to expect from Peter Sommer Travels.  Every gulet is hand-crafted in Turkey. Gulet cruises can usually host groups of up to 16 guests (but we have access to some boats that fit even larger groups), with options for double or twin cabins.

Service is a prime consideration and we boast some of the most skilled captains and finest chefs to make your adventure simply unforgettable. Mealtime panoramas range from secluded coves to picturesque old fishing villages to stylish marinas. All food is prepared on board in the gulet’s galley by our chefs, who conjure up a variety of fresh local delicacies every day.

“The trip was a delight.  Great companions, great itinerary, great organization and a great guide!!  Thanks for spoiling us…..an experience that we will treasure for many years to come.” Doug Frenette, Alberta, Canada

Turkish Gulets

The word ‘gulet’ (Turkish gulet – aka gulette or gullet) probably derives from the French goulette, or schooner. These two-masted wooden vessels, traditionally made from local pine, were long used for transport and fishing in the Aegean and along the southern coasts of Turkey. Our gulet cruises feature a selection of the best constructed and equipped yachts you can find in Turkey. Hand-crafted from mahogany, pine and teak, the gulets follow a design developed for these waters in Byzantine times, with a sharp bow, broad beam and rounded aft. They are stylish, graceful, fitted for comfort and full of character.

Discovering Turkey

On our Turkish gulet cruises, you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy glorious swims in the clear blue seas, the wonderful panoramas of the coastline of Turkey and delicious meals prepared by your chef in the well-stocked galley. For those long, warm, lazy days on holiday, local wines are stocked on-board, along with a range of spirits, beers, soft drinks and fruit juices.

Beyond these on-board delights, there are a range of options for activities such as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, as well as expeditions onshore for those eager to explore the ancient sites of Turkey. Gulet cruises typically involve a leisurely journey along the coast for about three hours a day on most itineraries, generally by motor to keep to the cruise itinerary, but gloriously under sail when time and the weather permits!

“The gulet tour in Turkey with your company was a great highlight…we enjoyed every aspect of it.  We found that the information given to us by out tour guide Michael apart from being so interesting in itself, really helped us understand the places we visited. Please convey our thanks and appreciation to the other members of the “team”. Anne and Jim Duggan, Victoria, Australia

We offer a variety of 1 and 2-week scheduled gulet cruises in Turkey, along the ancient coasts of Ionia, Caria and Lycia, stretching from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, from Kusadasi in the north-west to Antalya in the east. Along the way you’ll visit some of the most beautiful and fascinating archaeological sites of these shores, such as Aspendos, with probably the best preserved ancient theatre in the world; Kaunos, with its extraordinary rock-cut temple tombs; Knidos, with terraces of temples, streets and shops arranged around a double harbour; and Ephesus, with its gigantic theatre, magnificent private houses and stunning library. With our dedicated expert guides, you will also discover some off-the-beaten track sites that are less famous but equally as fascinating and charming.

Combine Turkey’s history with its soaring mountain ranges and a vast turquoise coastline, mix in its famed cuisine and friendly people, and you have a country perfect for sea and land-based adventures. Apart from our scheduled trips we also organise private gulet charters on itineraries that are hand-crafted to suit our guests’ interests and wishes.

“This was my most memorable holiday; a magical historical adventure brought to life by Peter with vivid descriptions and awesome knowledge and enthusiasm for the lives of Greeks and Romans as we climbed and scrambled freely through the ruins of ancient cities, temples, fortresses and tombs on the Carian coast of Turkey. The gulet, guests and crew were a delight as well as the most beautiful turquoise and blue secluded bays where we moored and swam.  The delicious and bountiful food deserves high praise.” Diane Du Bois, UK

Getting In Touch

The Turkish gulet cruise calendar runs from spring until autumn – for our scheduled trips please see below. If you have any questions about any of our Turkish gulet cruises or you’d like to enquire about creating a bespoke gulet holiday in Turkey just for you please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We will be delighted to help.