Blue Cruises

Blue Cruises were originally inexpensive boat tours catering to Turkish intellectuals in the 1970s, and they're still one of the most enjoyable and low-key ways to see the coast.

Trips can last two to 14 days between April and October, and most voyages are on gulets, converted wooden fishing craft with full crew. The boats' amenities range from modest to luxurious, and prices fluctuate accordingly. You can arrange your trip before you leave home, or on the spot at the docks. Ask a travel agent or someone at your hotel to recommend a reputable company with a good boat and crew. On the Aegean coast, voyages depart from Izmir, Çesme, Kusadasi, and Bodrum.

For information try these, contacts: Cano Yachting (0532/481-6244 or. www.canoyachting.com.)

Era Tourism (252/316-2310. www.erayachting.com.)

Neyzen Tours (252/316-7204. www.neyzen.com.tr.)

Borda Yachting (252/313-7766. www.bordayachting.com.)

Motif Yachting (252/316-2309. www.motifyachting.com.)

Aegean Yacht Services. This respected blue cruise company arranges voyages and also builds boats. 252/313-8631. www.aegeanyacht.com.