FAQ
What is a Gulet?
A traditional wood motor/sail boat. Imagine wooden boats thousands of years ago carrying cargoes of wine and copper across the Aegean on the wind, to trade with ancient civilizations, or fishing boats earning a living from the Mediterranean. Such boats, like the Tirandyl, were built along the Aegean coast of Turkey. Many of these designs have been passed down to today’s boat builders through the generations. Gulets are the design you will see today, although very similar in design the modern version is much larger with all the conveniences you would expect on a modern yacht. They vary in size and standard, with most now including air conditioning. Many of the Gulets have been designed to sail as well as motor. Just occasionally you might see a modern reproduction of a Tirandyl.
Will I like Turkish food?
Turkish food is a great delight and very varied. Based on the famous Ottoman cuisine, many of the recipes on the boats will enable you to sample Turkish home cooking at its best. They use a lot of fresh vegetables both in their mezzes (hors d’oeuvres) salads and general cooking (ideal for vegetarians). Aubergines feature in around 200 different recipes ! They like to cook beef, lamb or chicken with herbs and spices, grilled on skewers or baked in a variety of sauces. Turkish rice and bulgar pilaf (never just boiled in water) are so tasty you can eat them on their own, and pasta is as popular here as in Italy. Fish is excellent and always fresh. We should also mention the wonderful varied breakfasts, a great way to start the day if you want something more than tea/coffee and toast !
The Turks have a very sweet tooth and like pastries drenched in honey and nuts (Baklava) along with a number milk puddings. Fresh fruit is always served after a meal, followed by a thick cup of strong Turkish coffee. There are excellent local wines. Good local beer is available, as are imported spirits, mixers and fruit juices. Raki is the local Turkish aniseed spirit. You will definitely want to take a cookery book home with you.
What is it like travelling in Turkey?
Turkish people are very warm and friendly and they love to show off their country to foreign visitors. Many Turks will speak English, German plus other languages. The Turkish and Mediterranean coastline in particular has been popular with visitors from around the world over the last 30 years. All the main ports have modern private marina facilities in addition to the town harbours. Supermarkets at these ports stock much the same produce as you would find at home with a few local variations. The area of Turkey where caution is still necessary is the inland area of South Eastern Turkey. Any traveller visiting this area should refer to the relevant authority before travelling.
When is the best time of year to visit Turkey?
If you want to explore ancient sites and travel inland, then April, May and October would be the best months when temperatures are warm but not unbearable. March/April are the best time for Spring flowers. If you like it hot, opt for June/September or sizzle in July and August.
What should I bring with me?
We provide detailed briefing notes for all our travellers which are sent out well in advance of the departure date. Informality on board all boats is the order of the day. On On medical issues, you should consult your own doctor about any personal health problems before leaving home and take advice on medicines to take with you. Don’t forget an antihistamine remedy for insect btes.
How will I get to the boat from the local airport?
We organise private transfers between all the regional airports and the boats in air-conditioned local mini-buses, or larger vehicle if appropriate to the size of group. The cost of two private transfers is included in our charter prices.
How do I get to Turkey?
There are numerous direct charter flights from British airports to Bodrum, Dalaman, Antalya and Izmir. There are also daily scheduled services with Turkish Airlines to Istanbul with connecting services to all regional airports. These internal flights can be linked with a variety of National airlines from other countries which fly into Istanbul. Turkish Airlines international services also fly a wide variety of routes from capital cities around the world. There are also a number of other Turkish arilines operating within Turkey and between the UK and Turkey.
Flights/financial protection
Flights are not included in any of our prices. We can advise on appropriate flights to fit your itinerary whether on land or sea. Those clients based in the UK can have their flights arranged through an IATA/ABTA agency, Diplomat Travel Ltd, who are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority under Atol 1355. Details of scheduled and charter flights with airlines such as Easyjet, Jet 2, Thomson and Ryanair who fly from regional UK airports direct to Bodrum and Dalaman in Turkey will be advised at the time of booking.
YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION
To protect you, the client, under the terms of the EU Travel regulations, DayDreams Travel Ltd has established a separate Clients Account with Barclays Bank plc under the control of an independent accountant: Mr Robert Mugford FCCA of Bray Accountants, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6PE. Monies received from clients for the sea and land-based elements of a holiday are held in the Clients Account until the start of the holiday. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, all clients’ monies due will be returned to them.
VISAS
In the present Covid pandemic world with the constantly changing travel restrictions and regulations, all tourists must check with their appropriate government department. In the case of UK passport holders visit the offical website of the Foreign Office: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey Many tourists MUST purchase an E-visa in advance of travel via the official Turkish website at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en A copy of the E-visa must be printed and presented with your passport at check-in for your outbound flight and at the immigration desks on arrival at the first point of entry in Turkey. You can also check current information with the Turkish Consulate in your home country.
