Starting 20 August, Turkey and the EU accept each other’s digital covid certificates. This means that the countries will be connected to the EU's system and that COVID certificates issued by Turkey are now accepted in the EU and Turkey accepts the EU Digital COVID Certificate for travel from the EU to their countries.
This removes the final barrier to being able to travel between the EU and Turkey if you are fully vaccinated, have proof of recent recovery, or have a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours.
Sailing our two-week route and humbled by the forest fires
Earlier this month we joined the fantastic crew for a wonderful holiday that we also used to sail on of our two-week tour itineraries.
We started in Datça and sailed eastward on the south side of the Datca peninsula. We faced the devastating forest fires in the Marmaris hills, where large areas were destroyed and the lavish green had changed into grey and black. We witnessed the impressive unity of the Turkish people, where firefighters, police, and citizens joined forces to battle the fires. Fortunately, with positive effect as the majority of the fires ended up being under control. Seeing the impact firsthand, as well as witnessing the intense efforts by so many, was a humbling experience.
With the fires under control and our crew now more at ease with their family and friends being safe, we continued our journey and ended up having an inspiring and wonderful cruise.
From Datca, we traveled the Gulf of Hisaronu, with some stops along the way to Marmaris. The gulf offers many beautiful sights and cozy harbors, such as Aktur, Bozburun, Selimye, and Oraniye. Normally, Symi Island in Greece is part of the itinerary too, but due to COVID-19, the sea borders remained closed. During our second week, we learned that they re-opened for private vessels, so it is a matter of time before we are able to sail to Symi again. We can’t wait!
In Marmaris, two more guests boarded the Gulet and we ended up with a group of ten. It was great to be together with family and friends and experience the genuine hospitality, the comfort of the Gulet, and the beauty of the surroundings first hand.
After a night in the harbor of Marmaris, we crossed the sea toward Ekincik, where we anchored. The next morning, we boarded a small boat to do a river trip to Dalyan. The river tour provides a variety of highlights and activities, such as Caunos Tombs of the Kings, the healing mud baths, and Iztuzu Turtle Beach. We had lunch in a nice restaurant, overlooking the river, La Boheme. It turned out to be Turkish-Dutch owned, like Sailing Chef, so an immediate connection was made.
In the final days, we experienced the beauty of the Gocek area, with its many islands. We concluded our fantastic trip in Fethiye, where we had a great dinner with the crew downtown.
Last Minute Availability | 4 September departure
We have a few places left on our gulet of 4 September, departing from Datca. If you are interested to escape the cold and the rain and sail the gorgeous Turkish Riviera with deep blue waters and enjoy magic cuisine, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or E-Mail.
As a subscriber to our site and Friend of the Chef, we will offer you our exclusive Guest of the Chef rate for this date.
We look forward to seeing you on board!
