Imagine exploring the South Western coast of Turkey aboard a wooden yacht traditionally used to transport cargo between ancient ports yet equipped with modern facilities and comfortable cabins.

Now picture a morning stroll among the ruins of past civilizations while back on board the crew prepare lunch. The table, under the shade of an awning, is laden with Turkish specialities; tempting vegetable dishes, colourful salads and freshly caught fish. The bread, baked in a stone oven, arrives by rowing boat from a village ashore.

Lunch over, the crew up anchor, it's a couple of hours cruising to the next destination. Some people doze in the shade while others soak up the sun marvelling at the beauty of the coastline, idly chatting over cold drinks. Up front the cook teaches the kids to play backgammon.

A breeze gets up so the crew hoist the sails. With the engine off peace descends and all sense of time is forgotten. You think about the next stop and browse through a guide book for clues about the old fortress you can see on the distant hillside. The evening's anchorage is a pine studded bay with a beach to investigate. The water looks so inviting everyone jumps in and splashes about swimming, snorkelling and canoeing, someone braves the windsurfer. Apart from people having fun the only other sound is the incessant chattering of the crickets.

During dinner, long and leisurely, scents of jasmine and wild herbs drift by. The sky is inky black with billions of stars, you can even see the Milky Way. Mellowed by good food, good company and your first taste of Turkish 'raki' you talk about tomorrow's plan; more relaxation, more exploring and maybe a trip to a small coastal town to hunt for bargains followed by a drink or two in a lively waterfront bar.

This is the essence of a gulet holiday in Turkey and SJ Travel & Yachting provides comfortable, well equipped, crewed gulets of varying sizes to suit the preferences of large or small groups, of any age.

Your holiday may last a week, two weeks or more, starting in Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye or Antalya. With many cruising routes to choose from we can suggest one to suit the particular interests of your group taking in archaeological sites, quiet bays, small villages or busy towns. Wherever your cruise takes you SJ Travel & Yachting will make sure you have an unforgettable holiday in this enchanting country.