Turkey offers an endless array of captivating discoveries waiting to be uncovered. Many attest that even a year spent exploring the southeastern coast wouldn't suffice to witness all its splendors. With a plethora of diverse itineraries brimming with surprises, there's something to suit every traveler's fancy. Let's delve into descriptions of some of the most distinguished ones.

The Blue Cruise, also referred to as the Blue Voyage or "Mavi Yolculuk" in Turkish, epitomizes leisurely voyages along the Turkish Riviera, adorning Turkey's southwestern coastline. Originating from Turkish literature, the term finds its roots in Azra Erhat's literary work.

Introduced into Turkish literature by luminaries such as Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı, known as The Fisherman of Halicarnassus, Blue Cruises emerged from his excursions aboard sponge divers' sailing vessels, known as gullets. These ventures gained popularity, with Sabahattin Eyüboğlu and his cohort, including Azra Erhat, partaking in them. The literary periodical "Yeni Ufuklar" (New Horizons) in the 1950s and 1960s also bolstered the Blue Cruise's acclaim.

This cruise attracts tourists from Europe, the United States, Australia, and beyond. Embarking from various ports along the Turkish Riviera such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, and Antalya, the favored routes typically span from Bodrum southward to the Antalya region and encompass the adjacent Greek islands.

Navigating to secluded bays, coves, and islands along the breathtaking Turkish coast unveils a hidden facet of Turkey—a realm of beauty and charm largely unseen by the average voyager. Each cruise follows a unique route, ensuring every day aboard is as captivating as the first. The quintessential vessel for these expeditions is the traditional wooden ship, like the gullet and ketch.

Internationally, the term "Carian Cruise" is often used interchangeably, drawing from the ancient region of southwest Turkey known as Caria. This term delineates the tours more precisely, with Bodrum serving as the departure point, traversing the entire coastline to Antalya, which also encompasses the region historically referred to as Lycia.

The coastline is revered as a cultural treasure trove, weaving together actual and mythological figures, conflicts, and events. It has been enshrined in the folklore of diverse cultures throughout history, boasting a lineage of scholars, saints, warriors, kings, and heroes. Legendary tales abound, from Mark Antony gifting the Turkish Riviera to Cleopatra to the birthplace of St. Nicholas in Patara. Even the geological wonders, such as the volcanic mountains near Dalyan, evoke mythical creatures like the Chimera, fabled to breathe fire.