“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean sea.”
- Nikos Kazantzakis
To explore the meandering coastline of Turkey by sea is a singularly spectacular experience. It is to wake up with the sunrise in a deserted cove, plunge eagerly into pristine turquoise waters, while away the afternoon with a book and a glass of wine or hike amongst remote ruins of ancient civilizations, and finally end the day with a meal on deck surrounded by the sea and the sky.
In Turkish it is called the “Mavi Yolculuk,” alternately translated as Blue Voyage or Blue Cruise. The modern concept of the Blue Voyage originated with the writer Cevat Sakir Kabaagaclı, who was exiled to Bodrum for his political ideas in the 1920s. He was enchanted by the natural beauty of the area and invited some friends to take a boat cruise with him for the first time in 1945. Over the years it became a tradition for the group of friends, and by the 1960s more and more people were taking part in the excursions. The route served as inspiration for many works by literary, artistic, and intellectual figures, who saw the trip primarily as an unrivaled opportunity to be immersed in nature. These figures saw the value in exploring Anatolia’s ancient heritage as well as the possibilities of a tourism-based future.
Traditionally, the Blue Voyage is made on a Turkish gulet, a wooden sailing vessel. These elegantly designed, handcrafted boats can take you where large-scale cruise ships cannot: to the most secluded coves, to small fishing villages, and even to isolated restaurants only accessible by the sea. Highly experienced crews, while guiding you safely from cove to cove, will aim to accommodate your every need.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Blue Voyage is the profound lack of quotidian obligations. Without any of the effort or organization that often accompany group vacations, freshly prepared meals will be offered with perfect timing. Those who want to can partake in water sports or hike to historic sites; those who don’t can relax on board. The cabins are well appointed and comfortable, and yet to fall asleep on deck under the stars and wake up with the sunrise is an unforgettable experience. On the whole, a Blue Voyage is an exceptionally relaxing, refreshing, and invigorating holiday, and a perfect reflection of Mediterranean culture.