Frequently Asked Questions
Trisha Johnson, owner of Aegean Sails, LLC answers some of the most frequently asked questions about sailing the Aegean on a Turkish Gulet...
- Visas
- Currency
- Time
- Telephones
- Luggage
- Travel Insurance
- Electricity
- Weather
- Gratuities
- Is There a Tariff? What Does It Include?
- What's NOT Included In The Tariff?
- What To Bring
- What To Read In Advance
Visas
Required for US citizens visiting Turkey. Visas can be obtained at Turkish Consulate offices in the US, upon arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport, or at other major airports in the country. Fee is currently US$20 -in CASH only.
More information:
Currency
For best rates, we recommend obtaining Turkish Lira upon your arrival at Ataturk International Airport. However, you'll find ATMs in all major cities.
For up-to-date currency exchange rates, go to:
Time
Turkey is on Eastern European time, seven hours ahead of New York City, two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (UK).
Telephones
Public telephones are readily available throughout Turkey. Most require phone cards. These can be obtained at the airport or any number of local shops throughout Turkey.
For additional information:
Luggage
Use soft luggage for easy storage on board. Again, pack lightly. Bring less than you think you might need. Think "casual."
Travel Insurance
It is always advisable to obtain travelers insurance when you book your trip. Check also your personal health insurance to determine coverage for overseas medical emergencies.
Electricity
Turkey operates on 220 volts. Hair dryers are in all cabins. For any other needs, adapters are available on board for your use.
Weather
The Aegean coast has a typical Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn temperatures are mild with occasional showers. The area experiences hot, dry summers (July and August can often be in the mid-30s Celsius), perfect for sailing and water sport activities.) Best swimming is from late May through October.
For weather reports, check:
Gratuities
Are not included in the price of your cruise. Suggested guidelines are 10-15% of the boat charter, but this is completely at your discretion. Gratuities can be given direct to the Captain to be shared among the crew, or individually to each crew member.
Is There a Tariff? What Does It Include?
The quick answer is "just about everything." This includes the yacht, services of your Captain and crew, fuel for up to four hours cruising per day, harbor dues and taxes in Turkish waters, and V.A.T. Also included are transfers to and from the nearest airport to our point of embarkation, usually Bodrum. Also included is the cost of all meals, soft drinks, Turkish wine and beer.
What's NOT Included In The Tariff?
The main expense will be your transportation to Turkey. Plan to arrange transport to our home port of Bodrum. We recommend Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com) for both international and domestic flight connections. Rental cars, private driver services, and hotel accommodations you choose to make are not included. Please call on us if you need recommendations or assistance.
Once onboard optional services include rental of scuba gear, bicycles or motorbikes, water-ski boats, hired guides to specific archaeological sites and/or off-route tours to destinations like Istanbul or Ephesus. We have a well-stocked bar, but you can purchase additional wines or beers if you wish. Although our chef's meals are extraordinary, meals you choose to have ashore are at your expense.
There are many Greek Islands near the Turkish coast. These are wonderful places to visit and can be included on an extended itinerary. There are extra charges for Greek port and harbor fees.
What To Bring
The dress code is "casual." At all times. Daytime it's swim or sunwear. Bring a long sleeve cotton shirt and light cotton sweater for cool evenings. Ashore, shorts or slacks and a shirt or blouse are appropriate for walking the villages.
On board, we pack our shoes and go barefoot to protect the teak decks. But bring good walking shoes for exploring the coastline. Above all, don't overpack. You can always buy that extra pair of socks in one of the villages.
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimming attire, and sunscreen lotion. Don't forget any personal medications, and a copy of your prescription medicines and eyeglass prescriptions in the event one or the other is misplaced or lost.
What To Read In Advance
For information on Turkey, by all means use the Internet and Google away. Some excellent guidebooks include Eyewitness Travel Guides, Blue Guide Turkey, Ancient Turkey: A Traveler's History (by Seton Lloyd). If you have particular interests in such topics as archaeology, history, the world's religions, bird-watching or shipwrecks, consult your local library or the Internet. Learn, too, about Mustafa Kemel Ataturk, founder of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923. Though largely Muslim, Turkey is a secular state. It has recently applied for membership in the European Union.