Explore Turkey with our photo tour of the area. Our selection of photos of famous landmarks, architecture, beaches to get a real flavour of the people and their culture to help you choose your next yachting vacation location.
Admire the Historical Landmarks of Myra
You will not be disappointed by adding the ancient Greek town of Myra in the Antalya Province, to your charter itinerary. A prominent city of the Lycian Union in early Byzantine times, Myra is home to the largest amphitheatre in Lycia, featuring a plethora of rock-cut tombs carved above the theatre, delicately preserved in history.
A must-see landmark, the amphitheatre and its 28 rows of seating are excellently maintained. With a richly decorated facade of theatrical masks and scenes from mythology, preserved corridors still inscribed with words like "place of the vendor Gelasius" it is easy to get lost in the captivating history of Myra.
Known as 'lokum' in its country of origin, Turkish delight is a must-try sweet treat whilst on a charter vacation in Turkey. Other varieties around the globe, pale in comparison to a cube of soft, sumptuous of rosewater, orange of lemon flavour expertly made by locals.
Extra-luxurious kinds of Turkish delight, you may have never tried before consist of chopped dates, pistachios and hazelnuts. The original sweet shop of the creator of Turkish delight is still open for business in Kastamonu in Istanbul.
A superyacht vacation is the perfect time to tick some things off your bucket list and Turkey’s mountainous landscapes make it ideal for paragliding. Home to the Babadag Mountain, Oludeniz is widely considered one of the best paragliding sites in Europe, offering spectacular views of the Turquoise Coast.
Surround Yourself with the Natural Beauty of Turkey
Of the 75 wild species of the tulip, 14 can be found in the terrain of Turkey, they thrive here due to the steppe and winter-rain Mediterranean vegetation.
The life of the tulip began in Persia around the 10th century, with origins from the Ottoman Empire, only 4 of the 14 Turkish tulip types are of native origin. It is speculated that wild tulips from Iran and Central Asia may have travelled to Turkey during the Seljuk and Ottoman Empire.
Now they paint green fields with striking shades of red, and unleash their beauty onto the Turkish landscape when they flower from March to May.
Sampling the delicious local delicacies along the way of a superyacht charter itinerary is a fantastic way to experience the culture of the countries you are visiting. Turkey has endless delectable delights on offer, one of the most famous being the traditional Turkish baklava made up of layers of rich sweet filo pastry filled with pistachios and soaked in honey.
An architectural masterpiece, Istanbul's Blue Mosque took 7 years to build from 1609 and still stands wonderfully maintained just as it did in the Ottomon Empire, now.
Step inside the mosque and be in awe of its domes, which billow upwards into space creating the buildings own heavens. Outside its grand courtyard has a breathtaking exterior design, hours will pass just admiring the detailed beauty.
Be sure to enter from the west (Hippodrome) side if you wish to watch the drama of the domes unfold in front of you.
Due to its situation between two continents, the diverse mix of cultural influences in Turkey forms a captivating journey through architecture, food and landscapes where East meets West at every turn. Try your hand at haggling in Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, weaving through the bustling souks selling everything from jewellery and spices, all encased with some of the most impressive architectural examples in the region.
Göcek is a popular embarkation point for a Turkey charter itinerary and a great place to immerse yourself in the Turkish culture. The main Square of the town is bustling with cafes, restaurants and markets including the Anatolia Bazaar which offers every conceivable hand-made Turkish product imaginable.
The protected forest of the Dilek National Park is bursting with wildlife, including even endangered animals. You may meet families of wild boar as you explore trails around the peninsular with the view of the Greek island of Samos in the distance.
Walk to its shore to experience rich sea life and crystal clear waters, tracking and climbing opportunities available whilst surrounding by spectacular scenery. The evening sunset is sure to be a particularly special memory from you Turkey charter vacation. Dilek: a nature lover's paradise.
Step ashore to the charming seaside town of Knidos on the Carian Coast and explore its bustling markets selling traditional Turkish products and local produce. The town is also famed for its dense scattering of ancient ruins, the amphitheatre being one of the most impressive with its beautiful backdrop of the sea and coastline views.
After a relaxing dip in the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean or Aegean coat, why not take shelter in one of the beach huts dotted not nearby to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the mountainous land.
The Turkish Riviera is a diver's paradise, with dive centres on the coasts of Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye offering particularly beautiful seascapes full of exotic wildlife. Fethiye may be busier, but a breath-taking dive exploring Aladdin's Cave is a must for a charter itinerary in Turkey.
Travel to the Third Hill of Istanbul to discover the most iconic view of Turkey, the Suleymaniye mosque. The largest mosque in the city is a stunning blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements with its tall, slim minarets and huge domed buildings. The grand mosque features a tranquil courtyard of monuments, lined with columns of the finest marble, granite and porphyry.
Suleymaniye Mosque is grandiose in size, yet simple in design, featuring beautiful stained-glass windows and fineİznik tiles. It was commissioned in the 1500's by Turkey's richest and most powerful Ottoman sultan, Sulyman the Magnificent and designed by the most famous imperial architect in history, Mimar Sinan. It was recently restored to be the perfect destination for your Turkey charter itinerary.
The Suleymaniye Mosque is the biggest temple in Istanbul and a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture. It was created by the architect Sinan in 1550-1557 on the order of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent who’s statue remains outside as a symbol of his contribution.
The Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum describes itself as the "the world's best mosaic collection," and it truly lives up to those expectations. With excellently maintained artworks originating as early as the 5th century AD, hours can be spent here engrossed in one of the world's most beautiful and extensive Roman mosaic collections.
On the second floor, through the darkness - you'll find the museum's most memorable piece - the intricately made "Gypsy Girl" is guaranteed to capture your attention with her captivating stare. Not to be missed by both the musuem-lover and beach-dweller, this mosaic museum is not to be missed and is the true gem of Gaziantep.
The crystal clear thermal springs of the Cleapatra Pools in Pamukkale are the perfect experience of both relaxation and culture. Cool down from the Mediterranean sun surrounded by excellently preserved ancient Roman ruins.
Likened to swimming in warm champagne, it is said the Egyptian queen Cleopatra believed in rejuvenating characteristics of the waters of the pools. It can be particularly tranquil to swim between the ancient columns of the old Apollo template in the morning or late afternoon
For an undisturbed experience, travel up the nearby hill to the undisturbed terraced pools, full of cool, clean water. Full of history and natural beauty, the Cleapotra Pools are a memorable experience for any Turkey charter vacation.
Mosaic of Seraphim Angel in the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Step ashore in Istanbul make a visit to the spectacular Hagia Sophia, a stunning former Greek Orthodox Church and later a mosque. It now stands as one of the most impressive museums in the world, boasting beautiful collections of holy relics, magnificent Arab mosaics and ancient inscriptions.
Cruise to the quaint village of Oludeniz to find waters that are an achingly beautiful gradient of blue. Stretches of soft white sand await you, as sapphire meets turquoise green on the shoreline.
For the adventurous, the Blue Lagoon is a world famous paragliding spot. The unique panoramic view from Mount Babadag, 1721m high, of the valleys and mountains covered with pine forest and the Dead Sea dotted with the white spots of huge superyachts and beyond is breathtaking.
The walk to the Duden Waterfalls - hearing the noise of the water getting louder and louder as you make your way through the greenery of the park with the ocean breeze on your face - is enchanting. When you eventually arrive, you may need a few seconds to simply stand in awe at the sight before your eyes.
Travel by boat, and a number of small waterfalls along the way can be enjoyed, but the Lower Duden Falls which drop off a rocky cliff into the Mediterranean (seen here) is the most beautiful attraction, at 15m high. The site offers stunning views over the city and the sea. Surrounded by the natural beauty of crystal blue waters, deep caves and an abundance of nature, the Duden Waterfalls are a refreshing experience and a must-see on a charter vacation visiting Antalya, Turkey.
This traditional swirling dance is called Mevlevi SEMA and is a form of religious meditation. The Mevlevi order was formed in the 13th Century in Konya and this remains the best place to see the ceremony, the Galata Mevlevihanesi, or tekke, is a undoubtedly the most famous Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall.
The influences of eastern and western cultures in Turkey is showcased in its traditional dishes. Discover every spice imaginable along the winding streets imaginable and have your charter yacht’s Chef prepare something with your finds.
After wandering the old winding streets of Bodrum, exploring the cities many historical sights, stop in a local tavern for some refreshing Turkish tea. Served out of small glasses, the tea is an important part of daily life and forms a central point of many social gatherings. It is prepared using a two tiered kettle and produces a very strong hot black tea.
To experience Turkey in all its breath taking natural beauty, head to Pamukkale (meaning cotton castle in Tukish), a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Denzili Provence. The Sacred Pools are rich in calcium mineral springs and are believed by many to have restorative values while the unique formations of stalactites and terraces that cascade over the cliff edge are like nothing else you will see in the region.
Medusa’s Head Statue in Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern
To get some respite from the summer Mediterranean sun, delve into the underground tunnels of the spectacular Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Its rows of marble columns line the way through the hauntingly beautiful Cathedral which was restored and opened to the public in 1987. Walk all the way along to the far-left corner of the columns and you will find the two Medusa heads casually used as column bases – one mysteriously positioned upside down and the other tilted to the side.
Soak away the days travels with a hot steam in one of Istanbul’s famous hammams. Many of the Turkish baths in Istanbul are opulently decorated with magnificent archways and high ceilings and there are even some contemporary equivalents such as The Four Seasons Hotel, for those who need some modern luxuries. From deep oil massages, to dry loufa scrubs followed by a hot soak, you will feel like a new person ready to take on the rest of your superyacht vacation.
Take some time to relax and enjoy the glorious waters off the coast of the Turkish Riviera while your charter crew prepare a delicious lunch on deck. There are many hidden coves to discover, each benefitting from the breath taking backdrop of forested mountains and rugged coastline.
Found next to the beautiful Turkish coastline, the Temple of Apollo in Side is a wonderful site to wander around as you explore it surroundings of ancient 7th century ruins. In the evening, the temple is particularly breathtaking, with the glow of the sunset and illuminated 9m high columns with Corinthian capitals creating quite the spectacle. It is said that the temple was given to Cleapatra, as a token of Anthony's love.
Best of all, the remains are never crowded so you can absorb the wonderful architecture and imagine a past life dedicated to celebrating Apollo, the god of art, light and beauty. The Temple of Apollo is only a few minutes away from the harbour and the shops and eateries of the old town to make the perfect evening.
Once a fishing village, throughout the narrow streets of white houses of Marmaris are reminders of its rich history. The Marmaris Castle is perhaps the most significant landmark of the city and a must-visit for any Turkey charter vacation, build in 1522 by Suleman the Magnificent after an epic victory over the Turks of Rhodes.
Climb up the hill it majestically sits upon and be rewarded by breathtaking views of Turkey. Inside lives a quaint but hugely important museum, home to a collection of ancient archaeological and nautical objects. Rich in history surrounded with natural beauty Marmaris has a lot to offer.
The stone-carved head of Medusa tells a rich tale of Tukey's great history. Sitting where the Temple of Oracle used to stand until its destrcution by the Persians in 494 BC, her eyes have bore witness to some extraordinary scenes.
Didyma, the ancient Ionian sanctuary was the largest and most important in the vicinity of the famous classical city of Miletus. Visitors thousands of years ago, would follow the path of the the Sacred Way to Didyma, and see an array of statues of key figures and animals. What's left behind of the Temple of Apollo in Didim is amazing to see in person.
To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in Turkey.
To help you in your search for your perfect luxury charter yacht for your next vacation, we’ve selected some of the finest and most exclusive superyachts and megayachts that are currently available for charter in Turkey.