Definitely a holiday with a difference, this is the only holiday we offer on a sailing boat – even if we will be walking as usual on most of the days! What better way to explore the stunning Turkish Coast with its forested hillsides, quiet inlets, coves and islands.

East Meets West is a wooden sailing gulet. Gulets were traditionally used by Turkish fisherman and sponge divers to transport their catch.

Nowadays their roomy hulls make them perfect for chartering, with space for 9 cabins and a saloon below deck. Upstairs on the forward deck there is space for sun loungers and a comfortable seating area with wonderful views. The gulet also carries a canoe on board, as well as snorkels, mask & fins (or bring your own. One woman in April 2009 brought her wet suit for prolonged snorkling!).

If the evenings are warm, we can eat out on the aft deck under the stars, listening to the water lapping against the hull. If the evenings are cool, we can eat in the saloon below decks. Here there is also a hifi, so please bring any music you would like to share You are welcome to bring your ipod/mp3 player or CDs.

The gulet has 9 passenger cabins – each with beautifully refitted, fully appointed en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, separate shower cubicle and handbasin with hot and cold water. The cabins also have a bedside reading light, window, wardrobe and under bed storage. There is a generator onboard providing power for charging (e.g. mobiles) and hairdryers in the evenings. Just remember to bring your adaptor!

East Meets West is run by Anne Edelston and her captain husband. In addition there will be two other crew members – one of them the cook. Anne will accompany us on our walks as our local guide – we really enjoyed her company in 2009. While we are walking, the captain and crew will sail or motor to the next rendevous point. There is always an option to stay with the boat if you feel like a day off from walking, motoring or sailing for 2-4 hours down the coast, then nosing into the small cove or fishing harbour that the group is walking to.

On board, the day starts with a traditional Turkish breakfast enjoyed by families in homes across the country. This delicious breakfast consists of local white cheese, similar to Greek feta, eggs, salami, olives, slices of cucumber, tomatoes, local honey, butter and jam, fresh bread and of course hot Turkish tea or çay. Packed lunches will be prepared for us to take walking, then later in the day we’ll be picked up in time for afternoon tea and biscuits on deck (the cook may even have baked a cake).

Dinner is often fish, meat or chicken. Maybe a meat or vegetable casserole or kebab enhanced by herbs and spices which are used liberally to delicately flavour Turkish cuisine. Served with rice, pasta or Bulgar wheat, bread and fabulous salads. There are also plenty of delicious vegetable dishes in Turkish cuisine for vegetarians. Drinks are available on board at the bar or from the crew at any time – paid for on an honesty system.

For more information & photos, see the East Meets West website:
http://meridiantravels.com/

Ensuite single supplement: £10 a night
No extra nights possible
Currency: Turkish Lira (TL or TRY)