Why choose between Greece and Turkey when you can have the best of both? With their convenient locations wrapped up in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, these two diverse countries offer a lot of beauty and adventure that can be easily experienced in one holiday. If you enjoy being out on the water, having fun in the sun, all while experiencing loads of historical and cultural gems, I encourage you to take a week long blue cruise covering some of the best Turkey and Greece have to offer.
WHY CHOOSE A BLUE CRUISE?
If you are in Turkey with 8 days free and have yet to decide how to spend them, I recommend a Bodrum South Greek Islands Blue Cruise as the perfect way to discover the adventure and relaxation waiting for you on the turquoise Mediterranean waters, all while cruising on a traditional (and super cool) Turkish gulet. This particular cruise is jam packed with breathtaking scenery, historical sights, exciting nightlife, relaxing down time and loads of fun in the sun.
Starting off in Bodrum with its legendary nightlife is a great way to get pumped up for a week of fun. During the day, be sure to take some time to explore a few of the historical treasures available in Bodrum of which my personal favorite is Saint Peter’s Castle – portrays Turkey’s varied and colorful past and offers stupendous views of the entire city. Before heading out on the town for a night of seemingly never-ending fun, make sure to take note of the magical sunset that is especially photographable around the marina area!
Setting off from the Turkish coast, you will get the chance to experience some of the best Greek Islands including Kos, Rhodes and Symi. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the colorful calderas clustered on the tops of the mountainsides with the rocky cliffs and perfectly turqoise waters below. Take ample time to have a sit in a restaurant overlooking the view and immerse yourself in Greek culture sipping on local wines or ouzo and snacking on fresh cheeses.
For the ultimate cruise experience check out Alaturka Bodrum Cruise. They ensure you visit the most exclusive sights during your 8 days on the Mediterranean. They provide opportunities to see many old towns and experiences far from the typical marina area. Especially along the Turkish coastline, there are a multitude of small villages and hidden coves that you wouldn’t normally be able to journey to by yourself or on regular tour boats.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
KOS is famed for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. In between swimming at Lambi Beach, be sure to visit Asklepieion, an ancient healing temple where people sought out the healing powers of the sacred god Asclepius. It’s a great opportunity to learn about ancient Greek myths and take in panoramic views of the city. At night, hit up Nafklirou bar street for some of the most colorful nightlife in the Greek islands.
NISYROS contains a volcano crater that is still active today. The smoke and gases rising from the ground are a really stunning sight. SYMI island will have you fascinated with its pine and oak forests and beautiful bays. The coastline is dotted with stunningly colorful houses and Symi’s harbor provides a striking panoramic view that will create some of the best photos from your trip.
RHODES features a medieval Old Town that has been declared a World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. If you’re in the mood for an excursion, travel back to Medieval times in Lindos – a city surrounded by a 12-meter thick wall – and wander around the narrow stone-paved roads. Head up to the acropolis to see several temples including The Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, dating back to about 300 BC, and see the Castle of the Knights of St. John, built in the 14th century with walls and towers that naturally conform to the cliff. Rhodes also has very worthwhile nightlife including ice bars and several open air clubs.
INCEBURUN, back on the Turkish side, is home to the most charming lighthouse that sits atop a cliff. The water is crystal clear and perfect for a swim in a very secluded area. BLACK ISLAND is home to one of the most beautiful bays along the Turkish coastline. It is known for some of the most beautiful turquoise-blue waters so snorkeling is most definitely recommended at this site. Additionally, hot springs rush out of a cave and you can massage therapeutic orange mud from the springs into your skin for a special detox.
Written by Lauren DeGarmo for Alaturka Cruises.
Wow, such beautiful places! My Wife and I are planning a trip to Turkey.
Any more info about tour in particular would be helpful!
Thank You