Luxury gulet cruise in the Aegean
“An eight-day cruise in style around some of Greece’s most untouched islands on board an intimate and luxurious traditional gulet. Pure Aegean bliss.”
Highlights
Bodrum | Kalymnos | Telendos | Patmos | Lispi | Leros | Turgutreis | Orgak Island | KisebukuDescription of Luxury gulet cruise in the Aegean
What better way to explore the Greek Islands and Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast than on board a luxurious and intimate traditional gulet. This eight-day cruise will take you from Bodrum along one of Turkey’s loveliest stretches of coastline and out to the tranquil Dodecanese Islands.With a maximum of 17 people on board, sharing a gulet with between 4 and 8 cabins this cruise is all about style. You can expect five-star luxury standards; well-equipped, comfortable and spacious private cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, large lounge areas and sun deck, attentive staff and exquisite local food cooked by your on-board chef.
You’ll be stopping at some of Greece’s lesser-known islands; steeped in history and still retaining an authentic, local charm. Remnants of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, along with ancient Greek and Roman relics are waiting to be discovered as you explore tiny fishing villages, untouched beaches, hidden bays and ancient sites each day.
You’ll have plenty of time to wander at leisure, to sample traditional warm Greek hospitality and delicious food at local tavernas or simply to swim in the warm turquoise waters from the boat. If you’re feeling more adventurous snorkelling and fishing equipment and paddleboards are available for you to use, or why not try wakeboarding or water skiing from the on-board zodiac.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.com
Check dates, prices & availability
Date
Price per adult
Basis
Status
08 Aug 2020
£1185
excluding flights
Available
15 Aug 2020
£1185
excluding flights
Available
22 Aug 2020
£1185
excluding flights
Available
29 Aug 2020
£1069
excluding flights
Available
05 Sep 2020
£1069
excluding flights
Available
12 Sep 2020
£1069
excluding flights
Available
19 Sep 2020
£1069
excluding flights
Available
26 Sep 2020
£1069
excluding flights
Available
03 Oct 2020
£945
excluding flights
Available
10 Oct 2020
£945
excluding flights
Available
17 Oct 2020
£945
excluding flights
Available
24 Oct 2020
£945
excluding flights
Available
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.
The small size of these cruise vessels and the small passenger numbers ensures that any detrimental social and environmental impacts are minimised whilst allowing the passengers to visit smaller communities that don’t usually benefit from this form of tourism. This also enables small communities to host tourists without the need for building hotels and other infrastructure that may be required.Sail power has very obvious ecological benefits, vastly reducing the carbon used in any form of travel as well as reducing emissions. All the crews are experienced sailors and love to sail if possible. Although we cannot use the sails all the time and in all conditions, they do provide a welcome benefit.
All the food on board is bought locally; fruit, vegetables, plenty of fish, shellfish and other seafood, meat and other staples are all locally grown and produced, and much of it is bought from small retailers or even directly from the grower or fisherman. This has a threefold benefit of reducing food miles, supporting local communities and providing our customers with very fresh food.
Any rubbish and waste generated on the vessel is disposed of responsibly on shore in an appropriate manner.
The Impacts of this Trip
We encourage all our passengers to engage with the local community on a social and economic level to ensure that this tourism has a benefit to both the visitors and the hosts.
Most tourists to this part of the world stay (and often don’t leave) some large resorts in a few restricted locations, so by enabling our passengers to visit some different areas without putting any strain on local amenities, we are spreading the financial benefits and the load of our visit.
The ship’s managers buy all of their produce as possible from local communities, and will also encourage our passengers to spend money in the communities that we visit. By trying some local fruit juice instead of a well known American brand of soft drink, you will support the economy, it will be better for you and who knows, you might find you enjoy it more too.
We will endeavour to maximise the benefits of tourism and to minimise or eradicate any downside, socially, environmentally & economically.
We will encourage our passengers to learn and understand as much as possible about the local traditions, language and way of life to enable them to appreciate the reality of life in this part of the world. The cruise manager will ask any questions about the region, and will keep all of the passengers updated, not just with the day to day itinerary, but with in depth information about the history and way of life of the local communities.
Environment
The small size of these cruise vessels and the small passenger numbers ensures that any detrimental social and environmental impacts are minimised whilst allowing the passengers to visit smaller communities that don’t usually benefit from this form of tourism. This also enables small communities to host tourists without the need for building hotels and other infrastructure that may be required.Sail power has very obvious ecological benefits, vastly reducing the carbon used in any form of travel as well as reducing emissions. All the crews are experienced sailors and love to sail if possible. Although we cannot use the sails all the time and in all conditions, they do provide a welcome benefit.
All the food on board is bought locally; fruit, vegetables, plenty of fish, shellfish and other seafood, meat and other staples are all locally grown and produced, and much of it is bought from small retailers or even directly from the grower or fisherman. This has a threefold benefit of reducing food miles, supporting local communities and providing our customers with very fresh food.
Any rubbish and waste generated on the vessel is disposed of responsibly on shore in an appropriate manner.
Community
The Impacts of this Trip
We encourage all our passengers to engage with the local community on a social and economic level to ensure that this tourism has a benefit to both the visitors and the hosts.
Most tourists to this part of the world stay (and often don’t leave) some large resorts in a few restricted locations, so by enabling our passengers to visit some different areas without putting any strain on local amenities, we are spreading the financial benefits and the load of our visit.
The ship’s managers buy all of their produce as possible from local communities, and will also encourage our passengers to spend money in the communities that we visit. By trying some local fruit juice instead of a well known American brand of soft drink, you will support the economy, it will be better for you and who knows, you might find you enjoy it more too.
We will endeavour to maximise the benefits of tourism and to minimise or eradicate any downside, socially, environmentally & economically.
We will encourage our passengers to learn and understand as much as possible about the local traditions, language and way of life to enable them to appreciate the reality of life in this part of the world. The cruise manager will ask any questions about the region, and will keep all of the passengers updated, not just with the day to day itinerary, but with in depth information about the history and way of life of the local communities.
Climate
10 Reviews of Luxury gulet cruise in the Aegean
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2019 by Ron Sattler
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2019 by Peter Rushton
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Reviewed on 15 Sep 2019 by Cheryl Markovic
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We loved being on the boat, seeing the islands, a wish come true.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t pack too much!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. We brought water bottles, but plastic bottles of water were given every day.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The cruise was wonderful! Our cabin was comfortable and bathroom more spacious than expected. The crew was warm and friendly, the 2 cruise managers were knowledgeable and helpful. The food delicious at every meal.
Reviewed on 16 Jul 2019 by Mike Evans
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Gulet Cruise
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy yourselves
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Mainly the local travel company. Spent a little on the few trips ashore.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent company, crew, boat, weather and scenery
Reviewed on 24 Jun 2019 by Mitch Varnes
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting away from it all, and seeing things we would have never seen otherwise.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This holiday was a 10 out of 10! What a great time. Thank you.
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2019 by Robert Barratt
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Daily swimming and other water activities in the most beautiful and secluded bays.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't bother taking too many clothes or shoes. It's all very informal
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really other than the odd purchase from local traders and paying entrance fees for visits to places of interest
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very relaxing and comfortable with good friendly service on board
Reviewed on 10 Jun 2019 by Bridget Serrurier
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The couple who had booked to sail on this gulet, cancelled at the last minute, so I was the sole passenger on board and was treated like royalty by the crew of 3.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The itinerary was pretty flexible IE we weren't allowed to visit Greek island of Simi. Also, gulet living space would have been pretty cramped if all 4 cabins were occupied.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted locals definitely. The Data Peninsula seems to be largely beautifully preserved and protected in its natural state; unspoiled by commercial developments.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10. Charming, professional, hard-working crew; superb service and delicious cuisine
Reviewed on 03 Jun 2019 by patrick jean
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The food was excellent, in fact too good and we tended to overeat three fine meals daily. The fresh caught fish we had was the best we've had in our memory. The crew was very attentive.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You don't need much. Make sure to bring a sweater or sweatshirt since the sea is cool on warm days and evenings. Bring books and perhaps a local tour guide although wifi is usually available.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all work done by locals. Very clean limited use of resources.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very relaxing, comfortable and nothing like the liner cruises.
Reviewed on 17 Oct 2019 by David Barton
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting great new friends.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Call the local rep to find out where the boat is on the day of departure or have the rep place a sign on the harbour walkway in instances where the boat is docked behind another boat and therefore not instantly visible.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really. More sailing rather than motoring would have made it a better trip and reduced environmental impacts. More separation of waste should be available. Reduction in single use plastics would also support conservation
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! The captain and crew crew were lovely and the food was of a high
standard. However, guests' food preferences were not well catered for despite prior requests for food likes and dislikes. Often the protein was described incorrectly by crew. The itinerary was great, although an extra day in Greece would have been good. It would also have been good to know when we were going to be docked in a harbour versus a bay. We were plagued by flies on the Friday in Turkey. WiFi was poor and could only take 9 connections, we were told. Cabins were hot at night (in October!) as air conditioning was scarcely available.
Read the operator's response here:
Hello David, thank you for your feedback and I am glad to see you enjoyed the holiday. The vessels we use for these cruises can and do sail where they can - as much as anything it helps keep the costs down as well as being better for the environment. However the week you were cruising there were some unseasonal high winds which meant that the itinerary had to be altered and that it was not possible to sail due to the prevailing conditions. Normally the
end of September and October are very pleasant, but we did have problems for 2 weeks in September and 2 weeks in October this year. The captain discussed the itinerary with everyone on board and did try to accommodate everyone's wishes within what was safely possible. The itinerary does state whether you will be in port or a bay each day, but as the itinerary had to be changed, and on one night the passengers requested to stay in a bay rather than the port. The captain should keep all passengers informed fo the plan for that day in the daily briefing, though it is possible the weather dictated some late
changes.
With the air-conditioning it is usually turned off sometime after midnight, but the captain will always keep it on if requetsed. Wifi is a little hit and miss, and is worse when the weather isn't so good as that is when everyone wants to use it. Also, the vessel is at the mercy of the local infrastructure and Greece is certainly not as good as Turkey.
Re waste and plastic.
I couldn't agree more, and the vessels captain and crew too. Practicalities of sailing on these very small ships do retsrict what can be done. However I believe that most water is provided in pitchers at meals, with plasctic bottled water only provided in your cabin and on deck where it isn't practical to offer a water cooler or jugs of water.
I am very surprised to hear that food preferences were not well catered for, Yilmaz, your service manager speaks excellent English and usually discusses every meal with bth the chef and the clients to make sure everyone is well informed. I will check why this wasn't the case for you.
I hope you enjoyed the whole experience, we have provided your feedback to the vessel so they can see if there is anything they could improve on.
Many thanks
Powell Ettinger
end of September and October are very pleasant, but we did have problems for 2 weeks in September and 2 weeks in October this year. The captain discussed the itinerary with everyone on board and did try to accommodate everyone's wishes within what was safely possible. The itinerary does state whether you will be in port or a bay each day, but as the itinerary had to be changed, and on one night the passengers requested to stay in a bay rather than the port. The captain should keep all passengers informed fo the plan for that day in the daily briefing, though it is possible the weather dictated some late
changes.
With the air-conditioning it is usually turned off sometime after midnight, but the captain will always keep it on if requetsed. Wifi is a little hit and miss, and is worse when the weather isn't so good as that is when everyone wants to use it. Also, the vessel is at the mercy of the local infrastructure and Greece is certainly not as good as Turkey.
Re waste and plastic.
I couldn't agree more, and the vessels captain and crew too. Practicalities of sailing on these very small ships do retsrict what can be done. However I believe that most water is provided in pitchers at meals, with plasctic bottled water only provided in your cabin and on deck where it isn't practical to offer a water cooler or jugs of water.
I am very surprised to hear that food preferences were not well catered for, Yilmaz, your service manager speaks excellent English and usually discusses every meal with bth the chef and the clients to make sure everyone is well informed. I will check why this wasn't the case for you.
I hope you enjoyed the whole experience, we have provided your feedback to the vessel so they can see if there is anything they could improve on.
Many thanks
Powell Ettinger
Reviewed on 05 Oct 2017 by Susan Armstrong
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great boat, super food, good company
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware the air con is not the best and take your own wine, no choice
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A little
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. The tour operator was efficient, professional and friendly.
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