Family sailing cruise in Turkey

Environment
To help protect the environment, if we discover litter and detritus on a beach, path, etc. we pick it up, and then dispose of it properly. We regularly organise litter picking parties to tidy up a beach we are moored by and so help keep the coasts of Turkey and Greece and the Mediterranean beautiful, free from detritus, and safer for native animals. Since we are travelling by boat, the amount of water available is limited and needs to be used sparingly. Only showers are provided, not baths, and we advise customers to reduce their use of water by taking short showers, and avoiding leaving the tap running for long periods. As a result the amount of water used during our cruises is significantly less than if travellers were staying in a typical large resort hotel.

We have been using the same gulet for the majority of our trips ever since we started organising tours in Turkey. We charter the gulet for almost the entire season, providing important employment and income to the boat’s crew and owner. Throughout this tour we employ local guides and location managers. We also use local drivers and vehicles to visit sites, which are often owner operated or run by a local cooperative. This ensures that money goes directly into the pockets of local people, so it is the local community that benefits.

Community
We try to provide tours that are above all educational tours - holidays with a cultural purpose. We believe that our family tours in Turkey are a positive force, enlightening our customers about Turkey’s culture and above all its history. We began organising family trips, because previous customers told us they wanted to bring their children or grandchildren to Turkey, so they could experience the breathtaking archaeological sites first hand.

In stark contrast to most packages where tourists are rushed through ancient sites in order to get them into shops so guides can earn a sales’ commission, our whole focus is on exploring the historic sites. We believe that geography governs history to a great extent, so where better for children to learn about some of the world’s formative civilisations – Greek, Roman, and Byzantine, than on the ground in Turkey where the ruins are breathtakingly well preserved. Where better for children to learn about the origins and development of the world’s great religions than in Turkey, where they can discover some of the oldest churches in the world, juxtaposed by active mosques. We endeavour to make our family trips relaxing and fun, but also educational and inspirational.

We think our family trips allow the whole family to gain a true appreciation and deep insight into Turkey’s historical, political, social, and economic background. Mums, Dads, and kids together find out about local customs, eating habits, dress codes, religion, and traditions fostering mutual understanding, and a sense of Turkey’s significant place in the world.