Family (14 of us) Group Holiday to Turkey
Seasong, the Virtuoso On-Site looked after us perfectly from start to finish.
Our party all arrived at different times into Bodrum and were met and transferred by English speaking guides to the Bodrum Marina, where our Gulets, ‘Samakand’ &’ Serenity 70’ were moored in front of Bodrum Castle, they looked spectacular. We were met by the Seasong representative Mr Onur and the Captains of our respective Gulets and given an overview of what to expect.
After sorting our sailing schedules we explored the seaside town of Bodrum enjoying the shopping and tried the traditional Turkish Haman – not for the modest – and after an hour and a half of being scrubbed from top to toe I parted with approx. $20 and felt like a new person! We motored off in the early evening, could not fault the standard of the Gulets... total luxury for 7 nights. The food was amazing, all the water sports including kayaking, paddle board and water skiing was included for the price of fuel used.
Each twin or double cabin had its own en suite and cabins are cleaned daily. Linen was changed mid-week and clean beach towels produced daily. Personal washing done by crew. The sea was beautiful, the water was crystal and we had long swims before breakfast so we could start our eating day with less guilt! The Captain and staff were wonderful, nothing was too much trouble.
On return to Bodrum we used Seasong's services for a private tour to the Virgin Mary's House and then Ephesus, seriously informative guide, in between we were taken to a local’s restaurant for lunch which coincided with market day, the displays of local fruit and vegetables were amazing.
The day ended with our guide assisting our check in for the flight to Istanbul and private transfer to the Shangrila Hotel. The next day we were met by our guide and taken on the 'must do' walking tour of the old city in Istanbul, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.
Istanbul is a must... Young vibrant and culturally rich with lots wonderful things to see.