The yacht you choose matters enormously, but the itinerary is what turns a good charter into a truly bespoke Mediterranean holiday. Two groups can charter the same gulet in the same week and have completely different experiences, simply because one route was shaped carefully around their interests while the other followed a standard plan. At Aren Yachting we believe that expert itinerary planning is one of the most valuable things we offer, and we spend time with every group before departure to understand what they really want from their week at sea – whether that is long, lazy swims in deserted bays, ancient history, fine dining, family adventure or a mix of everything.
The south-west coast of Turkey and the neighbouring Greek Dodecanese islands form one of the richest cruising areas in the entire Mediterranean. Within a single week you can move from the cosmopolitan marinas of Bodrum to pine-clad fjord-like gulfs, from Lycian rock tombs to whitewashed Greek harbours, and from busy beach clubs to coves where the only sound is the cicadas. The challenge is not finding beautiful places, but choosing between them – and that is where local knowledge makes all the difference.
Yachts for a bespoke Turkey & Greece charter
Step One: Understanding Your Group
Every bespoke itinerary begins with a conversation. We ask who is travelling – ages, interests and any mobility considerations – and what kind of rhythm you enjoy. Do you want to wake up somewhere new every day, or would you rather spend two nights in a favourite bay? Are you excited by archaeology and walking, or would you prefer to stay close to the water? Do you enjoy lively evenings ashore, or are candlelit dinners on deck more your style? Families with young children often prefer short cruising legs and sandy beaches, while groups of friends may want a mix of remote anchorages and vibrant harbour towns. These answers shape the starting port, the direction of travel and the daily balance between cruising and relaxing.
Step Two: Choosing the Right Cruising Area
From Bodrum, the classic choices are the calm Gulf of Gökova, the ancient city of Knidos and the Datça peninsula, or a crossing to the Greek islands of Kos, Kalymnos and Pserimos. From Marmaris and Bozburun, the Hisarönü Gulf, Symi and Rhodes are close at hand, together with the glamorous D-Maris Bay. From Göcek and Fethiye, the sheltered Twelve Islands, the Dalyan river and its rock tombs, and the Butterfly Valley create a perfect family-friendly week. Each area has its own character, wind pattern and highlights, and we explain the pros and cons honestly so that you can choose with confidence. Our guides to Bodrum, Marmaris and Bozburun give a detailed picture of each.
| Starting port | Sample week | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Bodrum | Orak – Cleopatra Island – English Harbour – Seven Islands | Families, first-time charterers |
| Bodrum (Greece) | Kos – Pserimos – Kalymnos – Knidos | Island-hoppers, foodies |
| Bozburun / Marmaris | Selimiye – Symi – Bozukkale – D-Maris Bay | Couples, luxury seekers |
| Göcek / Fethiye | Twelve Islands – Dalyan – Butterfly Valley | Nature lovers, families |
Step Three: Timing, Weather and Paperwork
A well-planned itinerary also takes account of the wind. In July and August the Meltemi blows from the north-west on many afternoons, so experienced captains make longer crossings in the calm morning hours and plan sheltered anchorages for the evening. Crossing into Greece requires a transit log and passport checks at an official port of entry, which adds some time and fees but opens up wonderful islands; we arrange all the paperwork in advance and build the formalities into the route so that they never feel like a burden. We also reserve popular restaurants, beach clubs and marina berths ahead of time when needed, especially in high season.
Step Four: Adding the Special Touches
The difference between a standard route and a bespoke one is often in the details: a sunrise swim at an empty bay before other yachts arrive, a private guided visit to an ancient site, a barbecue on a secluded beach, a wine tasting in a village vineyard, a birthday dinner with a cake the chef has baked secretly, or a surprise proposal at sunset. We can arrange VIP transfers, a helicopter or speedboat arrival, professional photographers and much more. Once the charter begins, your captain adapts the plan day by day, and we stay in touch with both you and the crew throughout the week.
Moments on a bespoke Mediterranean charter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we visit both Turkey and Greece in one week?
Yes, with a transit log arranged in advance. We recommend no more than two or three Greek islands in a week to avoid rushing.
How fixed is the itinerary?
It is a plan, not a timetable – the captain adapts it daily to the weather and your wishes.
Do you book restaurants ashore?
Yes, we can reserve restaurants and beach clubs in advance, which is essential in July and August.
How early should we start planning?
Ideally six to nine months before a summer charter.
Planning your own week at sea? Discover our Turkey yacht charter – private gulets, motor yachts and superyachts from Bodrum, Göcek, Marmaris and Fethiye, arranged by our team since 2001.