25 sept win Woman’s Weekly Travel Sailing in an authentic ketch is the ideal way to experience Wind, Water And Wonder the Aegean coast of Turkey, as Diane Kenwood found out

think I may have Extreme relaxation served up passengers. The all-inclusive shores of Lake Bafa clearly views of the city and coastline. discovered a new form of Turkish style, courtesy of Dutch/ price covers swimming, shows. Donkeys are still used for Bodrum is also home to extreme activity. Forget English company ScicSailing. snorkelling and kayaking from transport and the simple homes what remains of the burial the effort of white-water the boat. There’s a small charge of the residents, who make their chamber of King Maussollos — the original Mausoleum, Irafting or the adrenaline Life on board for windsurfing, laser sailing meagre living farming the land, rush (aka terror) of bungee Of course, there’s more to the and waterskiing, and excursions are built in and around the ruins and once one of the Seven jumping. This is extreme trip than just (just?) that, but range in price, depending on of ancient towers and temples. Wonders of the World. relaxing — the sort of total, each experience only adds to the their length and the number The landscape is dotted with If you grow weary of stress-relieving relaxation that pleasure. From the compact yet of people taking part. hundreds of ancient tombs. Bodrum’s ancient history, it makes you ponder whether comfortable, You can remain on board for Wander the walls and remains can offer a more modern even hauling yourself upright wood-clad, the entire week if you choose of the original city and it’s easy diversion. The shops that line is worth the effort. en-suite — there’s no pressure to do to picture it as a thriving port the streets along the harbour And best of all, the way of cabins, anything other than rest, eat when Lake Bafa was a part of the are full of designer accessories achieving this sublime state to the and enjoy the views. But it Aegean Sea. This was before the — all fakes! Haggling is is not only totally legal, it’s wonderful would be a shame not to explore channel connecting the two was expected, so don’t be shy. available to anyone. Just evening the landscape and lives of the cut off by silt carried from the Back on board, Loes Douze, climb aboard a Turkish ketch, Mapping the barbecue people of this fascinating part surrounding Latmos Mountains the mastermind behind watch a well-drilled crew hoist day’s route on the of the Turkish mainland. by the winding River Maiandros ScicSailing, talks of the spirit a trio of huge sails and then lie beach, when (hence the term, meander). of adventure that she finds is back and revel in the delight not only are tables and cushions History all around Now clusters of sun-wrinkled common to “her” passengers. of the wind propelling you transported from the boat and Turkey is a country quite literally women in brightly coloured There is a magical alchemy over the glittering, blue laid out under the candlelit trees, built on its history. There are skirts and scarves proffer their in the mix of sea, sailing, Aegean Sea, while you drink but crockery and glass as well! hundreds of archaeological sites locally made jewellery, scarves service and serenity that is in the dramatic landscape Each morning, the captain throughout this spectacularly and hamam towels, while the impossible to resist. So I’m of the Turkish coastline and maps out the itinerary for the mountainous nation. men gather in the shady cafes. not surprised to learn that down whatever beverage day. There are 15 different Among the more impressive 70% of the passengers are has been refilled in your core itineraries, which can be is the temple of Zeus at repeat bookings. I fully only just half-empty glass. changed depending on the Euromos, which dates from the Ancient and modern intend to be one of them. Halicarnassus is another ancient Better still: do it for a whole wishes of the passengers and the 2nd century AD and is one of city dating back almost 2,500 week. And while you’re at it, wind and sea conditions. Unlike the most complete temple SAILING SPECIFICS years, though today it’s better toss in three delicious, freshly the majority of the companies remains in Turkey. Its roofless ● ScicSailing runs a fleet of classic known as the bustling port of prepared meals a day (to be whose boats ply this south-west Corinthian columns have ketches, which can accommodate Bodrum. The entrance to the eaten out on the sunny or coast of Turkey, ScicSailing only survived the centuries and from six to 16 passengers in en-suite harbour is dominated by the starlit deck when the boat uses motor power when essential. the occasional earthquake cabins. Each yacht has its own Castle of St Peter — a mere 600 is moored in yet another impressively well, though the captain, chef and one or two sailors. years old — whose five towers impossibly picturesque bay), lintels that balance on top of ● Their sailing season is from the Land ahoy represent the nationalities of its drinks and canapés at dusk Excursions and some activities them look remarkably precarious. end of March through to early former inhabitants: French, each evening, a selection are also at the request of the The Turks live with the November and itineraries can be Italian, Spanish, English and of comfy cushion-covered remnants and reminders of their arranged to suit passengers. German. Innovatively restored, couches and sunbeds to Herakleia was once history all around ● Prices start at Є1,034 per person it houses stunning collections of recline on and the delightful a thriving port them, as a visit to per week, which includes all undersea treasures found around company of more than a dozen the ancient city of accommodation, drinks and meals the coast and affords glorious fellow voyagers. Voilà! Herakleia on the on board, but excludes flights and two evening meals taken on shore. ● Flights are to Milas-Bodrum or Dalaman airport. ● For more information, or for a brochure, visit www.scicsailing.eu The temple of Zeus or call Loes Douze on 0758 300 1766 at Euromos or e-mail [email protected]

Black Sea

Greece Turkey The wind in the sails and the Lake Bafa Aegean Herakleia rugged Turkish coastline make Sea the perfect backdrop to this most relaxing of holidays 49 hotos: Diane Kenwood Diane hotos: P