Sailing holiday in Turkey, Carian Coast
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We keep our group sizes small (maximum 16) to minimize our impact on the environment. To help protect the local 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.
Likewise the amount of electricity available on the boats we use is limited. Rooms aren’t fitted with TV’s etc. which can be left on standby, and electricity in cabins is only on at certain times of the day. The use of air conditioning is strictly controlled, and we encourage customers to turn off lights etc. when not in active use.
As a result the amount of water and electricity used during our cruises is significantly less than if travellers were staying in a typical large resort hotel.
Community
Almost all the archaeological sites we visit on this trip are on the coast, so we can walk to them on foot. When we do head inland to explore an ancient city, we use a small local minibus that is owner operated. We have employed this local driver every year for over a decade.
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. As well as the boat, we have used the same locally owned ground-handling agent, employing Turkish staff, since 1996. This ensures that money goes directly into the pockets of local people, so it is the local community that benefits.
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.
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