Flaka is a Dutch /Turkish tour operator with offices in the Netherlands and Bodrum Turkey, we organize "all-inclusive sailing cruises" along the Turkish Aegean coast, with a few cruises also including visits to some Greek islands. This area enjoys a blend that is wholly unique: spectacular landscapes, a fascinating history and all this combined with superb sailing opportunities. Besides enjoying the natural and cultural beauty of the area, a Ventus sailing cruise is all about offering you the ultimate leisure cruise. Simply bask in the sun while getting away from all the routines at home, sample delicious Turkish dishes, visit historic places and above all enjoy the tranquil sailing along the fabulous Turkish coastline. It’s no secret that holidaying aboard a real Turkish gulet is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your vacation time.
Turkey is a country that has incredible things on offer. Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the eastern Mediterranean, offering you a unique insight in life in Roman times. Bodrum is not only one of the South Aegean’s prettiest resorts, it also has some interesting sights like the Mausoleum and the Castle of St Peter. Another interesting place ashore and worth a trip is the spectacular 18 km long Saklikent Gorge. Apart from the places frequently visited by tourists, we also offer you the opportunity to visit small local markets, picturesque fishing villages, hamams (Turkish baths). We can even arrange for you to visit a Turkish family and learn about their traditions and customs. But of course you can also simply enjoy the stunning Turkish coastline with its many secluded bays, pretty coves and idyllic islands whilst lounging on your yacht.
Some of our itineraries include a visit to the Greek islands of Kos, Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, Samos, Kalymnos or Nisyros.The Cyclades can be visited on a two-week cruise. The Greek islands also abound with fascinating historical sights. Kos is the island on which the ancient physician Hippcrates is thought to have been born and you can visit the ruins of Asklepion where he was taught medicine. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site and definitely worth a visit, just like the famous Monestary of St John on Patmos. Or simply taste the Greek atmosphere on islands like Symi or Nisyros. Every month we schedule one week for a visit to some of those Greek islands. When you make a reservation we usually give priority to the composition of the group over the itinerary as the route you will be sailing is also partly dependent on the wind. About one week prior to embarkation we will send you the travel documents. These include a passenger list and information about the itinerary, your stay on board and possible excursions.
When aboard one of our comfortable gulets on your one or two-week sailing cruise you will sail in the warm turquoise waters off the Turkish coast, going from one pretty bay to another tranquil cove, peacefully enjoying this beautiful area. The coastline here is a mixture of beaches, bays, villages and towns and uninhabited islands. Nature here is still largely unspoilt with pine-trees and olive trees dotting the landscape. Although Flaka Sailing Cruises are leisure cruises you can make your day as energetic or as relaxing as desired. One day you may decide to visit a small fishing village and the next day to read a book while sipping a drink and sunning on deck. When you feel more energetic you can go swimming or snorkelling amid schools of fish or visit a nearby archeological site. Every morning after breakfast your captain gives you full details about the route and he presents you with a range of possibilities for that day, all depending on the weather of course. Please feel free to make any suggestions.Whenever possible the captain and crew will try and fulfil your wishes. You can inform us about your preference for a particular itinerary when making a reservation, e.g. to stay in the Bodrum or Marmaris area or for an itinerary that includes a visit to some Greek islands. We have sailed all routes on many occasions and the captains with their vast knowledge of the coast know the best places for swimming and the most beautiful and quiet bays and coves in the area,
They vary in size and can accommodate between 8 and 16 people. Rigged as staysail schooners, with all sails up, their classic lines are a beautiful sight to see. They sail steadily in the gentle off-shore breezes and remain stable even when the wind rises. The large marine diesel engine is used when the wind dies or to make to windward. Guests can help with the sailing if they wish – or laze in the sun and leave it entirely to the crew.The daily itinerary is agreed between the captain and guests. It normally involves a leisurely sail after breakfast, lunch and siesta in a secluded bay, an afternoon sail or motor to settle for the night in a sheltered bay or in an ancient harbour.Private charter or cabin charter. Our yachts are suitable for people of all ages, nationalities, including families with (young) children, couples, singles and groups of friends. You can opt for private charter or cabin charter.
Private charter: you may choose to hire your own gulet with a group of friends or families, colleagues or business partners. This is ideal on the occasion of a special celebration or simply when you would like to have the yacht all to yourself. Cabin charter: when booking on your own or together with your partner or friend(s) you may wish to rent a cabin on any of our yachts, meet your fellow shipmates on board and perhaps make some new friends. We know, however, how important the composition of a group can be. Therefore, we do pay close attention to the composition. For certain groups we also organize theme cruises, e.g. kids’ cruises and single cruises.
All yachts have double cabins with an en-suite bathroom. Apart from having a double bed most cabins have an additional third bunk bed. The shower has both warm and cold water. All cabins have a porthole opening onto the sea allowing fresh air to enter your cabin at all times. Every cabin is equipped with the following items: towels, sheets, pillows, duvet (preseason and late season) and a wardrobe. All yachts have a 220 volt generator or a transformer on board, so please ask your captain to turn it on in case you need to charge your camera or mobile phone or wish to use your electric shaver or blow-drier. No smoking below deck for obvious reasons.
All Gulets feature: Windsurfer and canoe, GPS, deep sounder, fish finder, CD stereo music system, deep freeze, all regulation safety equipment, snorkeling and fishing gear, full sailing equipment and air conditioning in the salon and cabins! Sailing with a maximum of....?
Traditionally built wooden gulets usually cruise with engine, but we sail whenever the wind is strong enough and if the wind direction fits ours but never with winds exceeding 6 Beaufort (21-26 kts). The captain has the final responsibility and will make the final decision as to sail or not. It is all about the passengers’ safety in the end. When we do decide to go sailing the captain and crew are more than willing to show the more active passengers the ropes and involve you as much as you wish in sailing the yacht. We never sail at open sea, but always along the coastline with its secluded bays and idyllic islands. Of course children must wear life jackets at all times when sailing. Because of the stability of the yacht, the fact that we sail close to the shore and the usually perfect weather conditions not many people get affected by seasickness. If it does affect you please ask your captain about possible remedies. We usually compete with two yachts in several regattas in October we'll celebrate the season, more then 80 gulets will sail the Agean. If you wish to join in, please contact us.
When it comes to food you are up for a feast in Turkey and Greece. Turkish and Greek cuisines are ranked among the world’s top cuisines, offering an endless array of delicious dishes with each region in Turkey and Greece having its own distinctive personality. The building blocks of the Turkish and Greek cuisine are fresh vegetables and fruit, seafood (try and catch your own fish for an on-board barbecue), grilled meat (lamb, beef or chicken; no pork in Turkey as it is a Muslim country) and salads. Typical of Turkish cuisine are ‘mezes’, often served as light lunch or as starters to the main course, dinner.
These dishes are relished by local people and our passengers alike, especially our vegetarian passengers. Mezes are served warm or cold and the more popular ones include borek (savory pastry stuffed with meat or cheese), stuffed aborigine, dolmas (green peppers and vine leaves stuffed with savory rice) and stuffed green peppers. All these separate dishes are served at once, accompanied by cacik (yoghurt with finely shredded cucumber and garlic), fresh bread and a bottle of raki or ouzo. Afiyet olsun! Bon appetit! Enjoy!
The cook pampers you during the whole trip with Turkish specialties and you will be served three meals a day (on most days). Every day starts with a traditional Turkish breakfast including freshly baked bread and ‘cay’, Turkish tea. Lunch will be served around midday and you will finish the day with dinner in the evening. All meals are served family style on deck. If you have any dietary requirements, simply let us know. All drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are included and you do not need to pay anything extra on board.
Our Turkish crew usually consists of a captain, cook and one or two deckhands depending on the size of the yacht. They are very experienced, are continuously at your disposal and will cater to all your needs. The cook pampers you during the whole trip with Turkish specialties and the captain, an experienced sailor, will ensure your safety at sea and will show you the most beautiful and picturesque coves and secluded bays. Between April and November we will try to sail whenever the wind gets strong enough and when you are experienced at sailing yourself feel free to assist the crew. In winter the yachts are being maintained by the crew at a local shipyard and undergo repairs. The crew also take part in several workshops, such as an English language course and a sailing course and they get instructed about safety on board as well. Most of the crew members have a good working knowledge of English but they do have a different cultural background.
Country: Turkey
Region: Agean Sea
Departue: Every Saturday in Season - From April till November
Prices vary from GBP 2,700 to 5,900 GBP (gulet charter) Cabin charter varies between 350 - 650 GBP per person/per week Children up to 12 years are entitled to a discount.
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