Time:                GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Area:                 814,578 sq km

Population:     77 million

Capital:              Ankara

Government:   Republic since 1923

Head of State:   President Abdullah Gul since 2007.

Head of Government: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan since 2002.

Language:        Turkish. French, German and English are widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.

Electricity:       220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Geography:

Turkey borders the Black Sea and Georgia and Armenia to the Northeast, Iran to the East, Iraq to the southeast, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Mediterranean to the South, the Aegean Sea to the West and Greece and Bulgaria to the Northwest. Asia Minor (or Anatolia) accounts for 97% of the country’s area and forms a long, wide peninsula 1,650km (1,025 miles) from East to West and 650km (400 miles) from North to South. Two east-west mountain ranges, the Black Sea Mountains in the North and the Taurus in the South, enclose the central Anatolian plateau, but converge in a vast mountainous region in the far East of the country. It is here that the ancient Tigris and Euphrates rivers rise.

EPHESUS – The ancient city of Ephesus, located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction, especially for travelers on Mediterranean cruises. Ephesus is also a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary.

KUSADASI – One of Turkey’s most popular holiday resorts offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the West coast of Turkey – 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi is reputed as one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean -as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Goddess Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Didyma, Priene, Miletos- and ideal for sightseers. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season. The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.

BODRUM – With its special charm, Bodrum town has been called Turkish St. Tropez. It’s only second to Marmaris as the coast’s largest sailing area. It was formerly named Halicarnassos, capital of the Carian Empire. It was described by Homer as “The land of eternal blue” The most striking in Bodrum is the 15th century castle, now the St. Peter Museum with i.e. underwater archeology. Bodrum is known for its exciting night life with its countless bars and restaurants. Nonetheless, you can easily find peaceful sailing and there are numerous out of the way places to anchor. The way to find them is to explore the coast, or to follow the advice of the numerous pilot books.

AKBUK – Clean roads, beautiful and very calm beaches welcome you to Akbuk as it is an ideal resort for those who love quiet times alongside water sports. Many people who come here from big cities decide to stay here after their retirement. It has been explored by tour operators in recent years. Total length of Akbuk beach is 11 km.

GULF OF GOKOVA – Gokova meaning the plains of sky, and this name fits so well this coastal area. Here, it feels like heaven. You will see a few villages, but no big ugly concrete buildings. In their stead are swaying wooden jetties. Full of marvelous corners from where the Blue Cruise was originated. The Southeast of the gulf is especially rich in terms of secluded bays. Cleopatra’s Beach and the ruins of ancient Cedrae on Sedir Island; Karacasogut’s pretty village and close proximity to Marmaris (about half hour by taxi); English Harbour – where a group of W.W.II British Torpedo Boats are said to have taken refuge are some highlights of this route.

KNIDOS –Because of its strategic location, Knidos was one of the most famous commercial towns of ancient times. Today, the ancient port offers welcome anchorage for skippers who are sailing North but need to wait for winds, which make the cape impassable, abate. You can find ruins of two theaters, temples, city walls and gates and the old harbour.

DATÇA - Datça is a cozy little town with a variety of restaurants, small shops and little bars. The peninsula offers what many sailors are looking for; secluded places for anchorage to the North and a good wind to the South. Also, it is a quite touristy seaport which offers all the sparkle and fizz that a sailor could ask for after anchoring for days in the solitude. The atmosphere is unpretentious but has a lot of Turkish magic.

It was formerly the capital of the peninsula until the strategic position of Knidos was recognized and it became the capital. North of this village, several ruins of ancient town can be seen. Since only a single wild, romantic road stretches across the peninsula, it is still as charming as in ancient days, a holiday island that is pre-modern, laid back and relaxing.

GULF OF DORIS – Between the Datça Peninsula and the Bozburun Peninsula is the Gulf of Doris (Hisarönu) with numerous anchorages and the villages of Selimiye (Port Losta), at the head of a large pretty enclosed bay,

BOZBURUN - Bozburun (Yesilova on the nautical chart) is the village of the boat builders. The traditional wooden gulets are built here. This village seems like a tranquil lake in the midst of high mountains. Bozburun port is well protected and lies at the deepest end of the northern inlet. It is an attractive place with a couple of very nice restaurants and shops.

SELIMIYE – The small bay of Selimiye Village is surrounded by greenery and the water is clean and usually calm. An eternal quietness rules this area, which is an excellent place for those who want to have a peaceful vacation. This is a very pretty and popular stopping point between Bodrum and Marmaris for the Blue Cruise boats. The bay is also used by boats for shelter in stormy weather because it is a natural port. There are also the remains of three castles of the ancient city of Hydas close to Selimiye Village. One of them can be seen on the higher hill of the village and the city walls from the Hellenistic times can be visited to the southeast of the cove. There is a tower, a lighthouse, monastery and theatre among the remains which are also worth seeing.

HISARONU – Hisaronu is a quiet and pleasant area, an oasis of nature and a perfect spot to relax.  The coastline is jagged and the waters of the Gulf of Hisaronu lap the breathtaking shores that hold the legacy of both ancient and modern civilizations. The climate here is very pleasant. The village is fronted by the sea and year round there are gentle, cool breezes to make your sun bathing more comfortable. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

ORHANIYE - In Orhaniye you will discover the true unspoilt Turkey, a peaceful heaven away from the bustle of modern life, a world away from Turkey’s mass tourism resorts. In the middle of this splendid bay surrounded by pine trees, is a small island with a fort. There’s a very good marina and also a few wooden jetties for mooring. Several restaurants can be found here. In the nearby vicinity there is a small waterfall.

BOZUKKALE & CIFTLIK –These two bays, which are unique, should not be missed during any blue cruise vacation. A particular highlight is the climb up to the castle ruins in Bozukkale (the name means “ruined castle” in Turkish), which is highly recommended.

MARMARIS – The town of Marmaris is located at the meeting point of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The hills running into the sea and the beautiful bays make Marmaris the jewel she is. The coastline is beautiful and people are friendly. The summer is long and good weather is virtually guaranteed between May and as late as end of October.

Marmaris is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, surrounded by pine-clad hills. Situated in the Southwest of Turkey, Marmaris is probably the most popular yacht charter, sailing and holiday resort in Turkey. For several reasons, Marmaris is a very ideal starting point for a sailing trip: There are always great anchorages and conditions in the bay. To the North lies the Gulf of Gökova; to the South, the Mediterranean. Datca Peninsula falls to the western side and to the East are the Fethiye Bays.

Yachting tourism can be felt in the whole city, though the marina is quite a distance from the busiest hotel mile, close to the old town. Entering the Netsel Marina, you get a great view of the old town with its castle dating from the 16th century.

EKINCIK & DALYAN – Beautiful, untouched landscapes plus historical sites, something that you do not come across very often on this planet. Ekincik Bay has a very good restaurant – My Marina – situated on the hill side. Fantastic view!

Ekincik is also very close to Dalyan, a river delta including a labyrinth of canals covered with reeds, one kilometer long sandbank, ancient rock tombs and a historical city with a silted-up harbor. You can travel on a little Turkish fishing boat up the Dalyan River through the reed beds, visit the ancient site of Caunos, once an important trading centre, and view the Lycian Tombs set high on the hillside and dated back to the 4^th century BC.  With restaurants lining the river, this is the place to take a tranquil lunch. Other interests are a swim in the fresh water lake or the mud baths.

DALAMAN – It is an area of natural beauty located between the sea and mountains and benefits from its proximity to many areas of interest. Dalaman continues to develop in harmony with its surrounding environment and retains its natural beauty. The town itself has many shops, restaurants and bars and is growing quickly due to the investment in the area.  Dalaman has its own huge natural beach, although not overly commercial ‘yet’, it is still pleasant and hosts lots of wildlife. If you are in the area, make sure you visit Dalyan (Köycegiz), enjoy the historical site of Caunos and see the tombs carved in the while cruising along the Dalyan river, and when you reach the shore walk on Iztuzu Beach.

GOCEK – It is a small town enjoyable to visit and explore. There are many authentic little Turkish shops and pleasant terraces. There are several marinas with good facilities.

Kapi Creek - The restaurant here is renowned for their hospitality and fresh home-cooked food. Delicious! The friendly staff will hand you a lazy line on their wooden jetty. Goats and chickens are running around the place. Nice atmosphere, fantastic for swimming and relaxing. A short walk above the restaurant on a good clear day will reveal stunning views across the bay of Fethiye.

Sarsala Bay – Back to peace and tranquility, with crystal clear waters for swimming and hammocks for relaxing. Once again you can enjoy the hospitality of this family run restaurant and taste the house specialty – Turkish Pide.

Asi Koyu - Unmarked on any charts, this small bay offers a great lunch time stop en route from Skopea Marina to Marmaris. The bay is fantastic for swimming with crystal clear turquoise waters. Also an ideal overnight anchorage if you wish to dine onboard.

Karacaoren - A nice quiet bay with Muzaffer’s restaurant where the food is delicious. Also there are a few medieval ruins ashore.

FETHIYE – Called Telmessos in ancient times Fethiye lies in the middle of an almost fairy tale landscape between mountains covered in greenery. In the center of Fethiye, the oriental atmosphere has been conserved. The new Ece Marina makes a pleasant stay in this lovely town. There are numerous Lycian rock tombs cut out of the cliff face. It is also worthwhile taking a Turkish bath in the old bathhouse.

In order to describe the perfect sailing ground you just have to take a look at the Eastern part of Fethiye Bay: Well protected against the open sea, numerous bays and places for daily anchorage, a neat village called Gocek, which is at most 8 NM away and offers three marinas and best shopping possibilities.

GEMILER -If you anchor behind the island, tied to the rocks, it’s easy to go ashore and explore the island. There are ruins from the Byzantines. Or you can anchor off close to the beach for a meal ashore.

OLUDENIZ -The most picturesque and well-known spot near Fethiye, with its golden beach and crystal clear water.

KALKAN – This small town lies in a large bay. It is a charming Turkish town with a small harbour. There are a number of restaurants, bars and shops along the shore and behind the village shaded by eucalyptus trees. Despite the many new buildings the village has kept its charm. The antique sites of Xanthos, Letoon and Patara are very closed. If you do not want to stay the night in the harbor you may prefer the well protected Northwestern part of the Yesilkoy bay which is situated in the West.

KAS -A very pleasant small town with restaurants at the waterside. The open air market sells all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables. Behind the town square, shaded by tall pine trees, are shops selling carpets and Turkish clothes. Lots of the houses have attractive wooden balconies. The Greek island of Kastellorizon is just 3 miles away.

KEKOVA – Between Kas and Finike you will find some sailing grounds which have no equal. Here there are more remains of the Lycian civilization. Near Kekova-island much of the city has sank beneath the sea in an earthquake. You can still see stone sarcophagi just above the water and steps leading down to buildings now beneath the sea. Kale village stands beneath the ruins of a medieval fortress. Outside the castle walls are more sarcophagi and the old quay under water. To the East is Çay Ağzı (little river mouth). From here you can go to Demre where you can visit the Byzantine church of St. Nicolas, the rock tombs and amphitheater of Myra. Also in the village of Ucagiz you can find some sarcophagi.

FINIKE – Finike is situated in a lovely bay, barely discovered by tourists. You can enjoy the beauty of a peaceful beach. The gentle sea wind makes sure that you can stand the warmth even in the full summer. Finike is a small and cosy village but it has the second well equipped marina in Turkey. At the Setur Marina the culinary minded sailor will delight the small Turkish town which offers every chance to refresh your stocks. From here it is only 35 km to Myra where you can follow the traces of Santa Claus.

KEMER – Kemer is a seaside resort in the province of Antalya on the skirts of western Taurus Mountains.  One of the major attractions in Kemer is the natural beauty. The sea, forest and mountains combine in harmony. The shore that starts from Beldibi to Tekirova is consisted of completely natural beaches with many small and large natural bays. The town is very vibrant having many clubs, bars and restaurants. Its surrounding areas are beautiful and recreating making it a popular tourist destination for people from different countries.

ANTALYA – Antalya is the place where sea, sun, history and nature constitute perfect harmony which also includes the most beautiful and clearest coast along the Mediterranean. The city has created a good image and its name started to turn out a brand in tourism sector. The mythological city which housed the Gods and Goddesses now exhibits all its secrets and marvels to mankind. Offering all the mysticism of past in our day, Antalya Region is now a very important part of the Turkish Riviera, and is really a heavenly place where the summer season is about 8-9 months long. Offering all the mysticism of past in our day, Antalya region is a very important part of the Turkish Riviera, and is really a heavenly place where the summer season is about 8-9 months long.