My husband and I are considering a Mediterranean Cruise this summer to celebrate our 20th Anniv. We are hoping to see Greece and Turkey. I have a good friend who will be visitng his family in Istanbul -- the best case scenario is being there at the same time. I've got lots of planning to do.

Hi Byrd
A web search pulls up tons of gulet charter "agencies". But,as with renting a house or villa, it is always cheaper to go directly through the owner. I found several captains with whom you can make direct arrangements. Here is one that had very resonable prices and responded promptly to my inquiries.
www.yachtdogan.com

Another idea depending on how many there are is www.seascape-sail.com. We had a fabulous week in June 2003 with them. I have posted otherwise about them, but the best summary is like having two friends who have a great boat and great other friends.

Topping

AP - have you decided when you are going yet?

We will be in Istanbul twice - once next month for a couple/three days, then again in the autumn - it is our start/end point for this year's round-the-world adventure.

June 8th-21st, 13 nights. I believe it will be 5 in Istanbul, 3 in Kalkan, 2 in Bodrum, and 3 in the Kusadasi area. I decided to do a "ruins" trip and save Cappadocia for another trip. I didn't think my dad could handle more flights & moving around!

First off, let me say that I am a world traveller...literally. The only continent I have not visited is Antarctica. My father is Turkish (Mom's American, and I only speak a smattering of Turkish, unfortunately), so my family has spent time there over the years. I absolutely LOVE Istanbul. Very cosmopolitan, yet so full of history. Another great trip is to Cappadocia. I convinced my mom to get into a hot air balloon in Goreme and have her addicted to hot air ballooning ever since. Spending a day in Ephesus was incredible. As far as the Turks go, I know I'm biased, but they are wonderful, friendly people and I enjoy every trip I take there.

AP - sorry we will miss you! We aren't going til September. Do you have hotels arranged yet? Just curious, we are still trying to decide between Kalkan and Kas ourselves, and where to stay in either place. I am hoping you will have some great hints to offer those of us coming after you this summer!

I am pretty sure I will be booking with Club Xanthos (http://www.clubxanthos.com) in Kalkan. The website just really appealed to me. I will most likely see Kas as a daytrip, and I will definitely write up a trip report.

I just purchased my plane tickets a few days ago, I'm so excited!

very cool! I love that "for sure" feeling you get after the tix are a done deal. Xanthos club looks great - the pool and restaurant balcony area - nice!

For everyone planning to go to Turkey, some Istanbul info. from a post I started earlier today:

Message: I get their daily newsletter and found this interesting and it should be useful for my upcoming Turkey trip:

http://www.dailycandy.com/article.js...926&city=1

Actually, we are going to both Spain and Turkey. We've already been to the "West Coast" ot Turkey and the ruins, etc., and this time will confine out visit to Istanbul. You will not regret your decision IMO.