In recent news, the devastating earthquakes in 2022 brought the Turkey to the forefront of global attention. Amidst the coverage, an interesting linguistic twist has emerged: the request by the Turkish government to use the name "Türkiye" instead of "Turkey" in all official matters. This move is part of a broader effort to align the world's perception with how the Turkish people have referred to their nation for nearly a century. Since the establishment of the modern Turkish republic in 1923, the country has been officially spelled and pronounced as Türkiye (Tur-kee-yeah) in Turkish. While English speakers have historically referred to it as Turkey, the government's initiative in 2021 aims to bring consistency to the global stage. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Cavuşoğlu has emphasized that this change will "increase our country's brand value." By adopting the correct name, Türkiye seeks to better represent its identity and culture on the international stage. The English term "Turkey" carries a less flattering connotation, defined as something that fails badly or a foolish person. This association stems from a centuries-old mix-up. Aligning with Türkiye helps dissociate the country's image from the large bird of the same name. Türkiye's request for a name change is not unprecedented. Iran, formerly known as Persia, and Sri Lanka, previously called Ceylon, have both successfully transitioned to names that better reflect their national identity. Iran: In 1935, the Shah of Persia urged foreign governments to use the term Iran, shedding the colonial-era moniker of Persia. Despite this change, the language spoken in the country is still known as Persian. Sri Lanka: The island nation made a significant shift in 1972 when it became a republic, adopting the name Sri Lanka. This change marked its independence from British colonial rule. While some businesses still use the name Ceylon for brand recognition, the move towards Sri Lanka is a step towards embracing the country's cultural heritage. Names hold a powerful significance, not only reflecting a nation's identity but also influencing how it is perceived on the global stage. The push for Türkiye is a testament to the country's desire to shape its own narrative and strengthen its place in the international community. As Türkiye grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, its call for a name change provides a unique opportunity for the world to acknowledge and respect the nation's cultural identity. By adopting Türkiye, we can demonstrate solidarity and support for a country that has held onto its heritage for nearly a century.

As we are around the corner from kicking of our Europe Summer season, we are thrilled to share some exciting news with you. Our bookings for Koda Sail have surpassed pre-Covid numbers, and we couldn't be happier about it. The past few years have definitely been difficult for the tourism industry, but it's great to see that people are starting to travel again and that our efforts at Koda Sail to create a safe and enjoyable experience have been recognised. We believe that part of the reason for this increase in bookings is due to the pent-up demand for travel. After being cooped up for so long, people are eager to explore new destinations and have new experiences. And we're happy to say that Koda Sail offers just that - a unique and unforgettable sailing experience with like-minded Young Professional travellers from around the world. As we navigated through these uncertain times of the past few years, we're incredibly grateful for the support of our guests and the tourism industry as a whole. We know that there are still challenges ahead, but we remain optimistic about the future and hope that our guests will continue to trust us to provide them with an unforgettable sailing experience, while keeping their safety and wellbeing as our top priority. In conclusion, we're thrilled to see the increase in bookings for Koda Sail this summer, and we're excited about the future of the tourism industry. We look forward to welcoming our guests on board this Summer and helping them create memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you soon! Team Koda

The Maldives is renowned for its crystal clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and abundant marine life. One of the most sought-after experiences in the Maldives is swimming with whale sharks, the world's largest fish species. With their majestic size and gentle nature, swimming with these creatures is an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whale sharks can be found in the Maldives year-round, but the best time to see them is from November to April when the waters are clearest. One of the best places to spot these gentle giants is in the South Ari Atoll. On the day of your excursion, you'll depart early in the morning to maximise your chances of encountering whale sharks. Your boat will take you to the area where whale sharks are known to gather, and once spotted, you'll have the opportunity to jump into the water and swim alongside these magnificent creatures. Despite their size, whale sharks are harmless to humans and are often curious about their surroundings. Swimming with them is a surreal experience, and you'll be amazed at how gracefully they move through the water. It's important to remember to keep a safe distance from the whale sharks and not to touch them as this can disturb their natural behavior. In addition to whale sharks, you're also likely to encounter other marine life on your excursion, including manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. The Maldives is a haven for divers and snorkelers, and the diversity of marine life is a testament to the region's commitment to conservation. Swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives is a truly unforgettable experience. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature and witness the beauty of these gentle giants up close. Whether you're an avid diver or a first-time snorkeler, this experience is not to be missed. Book your Maldives trip today and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget!

We made it! After finishing our final tour of the Summer in 2019, we had no idea it would be close to 3 years until we'd be back in the water running our tours again. 2020 & 2021 were hell for everyone, and let's not speak of them years again. But they did make the return in 2022 so much sweeter. Our guests were hungrier for travel than we've ever seen and just up for a good time! Tears of happiness were flowing all Summer long. Our first tour back was very emotional, not only for us and the crew, but a lot of our guests booked our tours as far back as late 2019, so to finally get on this trip they had been booked 3 years ago, it was a real sense of achievement. Was it worth the wait? HECK YES!! Both Croatia and Turkey were buzzing, and the dirty C word was a thing of the past. We acknowledged that it was still around, but with the mandate to be vaccinated in place all the way up until the Summer, everyone was as healthy as they could be and felt confident we could get on with life as we knew it prior to March 2020. Summer in Europe is like no other. With 99% of our time spent outdoors in the sun, it was the perfect place to be and just remind ourselves that this is what our life used to be like. For the guests who took the plunge to come this year and not wait any longer, they were able to enjoy one of the best Summers we've ever experienced. Fantastic weather, less crowds and just an overall joyful spirit that travel has brought back into our lives. When something is taken away from you, you really appreciate it 100 times more when you get it back. So now we look forward. The expectation for 2023 is that it will be fully back to normal, but a LOT more busier. With most of the world getting back on with life, all those travel credits are being cashed in and we're going to see some record numbers. The biggest problem we're going to face next Summer is the disappointment of those that can't get onto a trip with us as we'll be booked out! Our 2023 season has been on sale for a month already and we're seeing a record number of bookings already. We're excited to get back into it all again in 2023! Book your spot with us in 2023 HERE

Right now it seems as though we can divide everyone in the world with this one question "Have you been vaccinated?" For some, the answer is easy. You have your reasons as to why you are or aren't getting vaccinated, but for a good majority of the world's population there is still some indecision. Now, for those that love to travel and have been missing that part of our lives, there may only be one answer to this question. The reality is that you are going to have to get vaccinated to suffice the entry requirements of a lot of countries around the world in 2022. As we are starting to get a good hold on the pandemic, mostly through the vast amount of vaccines that are being distributed around the world, many countries have had a glimpse of what life is going to look like post-covid. And with this view, they do not want to go backwards. Many countries rely heavily on the tourism industry, and are desperately hanging on for the pre-covid tourism visitors to come back. For this to happen, they can not afford to have any further breakouts that would put them on the 'red' list as a destination that can't be travelled to. The simple solution for them is to get their own population vaccinated, and allow only vaccinated visitors to enter. This will tick a lot of boxes, allowing them to operate their tourism sector and bring in many valuable dollars to help prop up their economy. Is it fair? Probably not. Is it discrimination? Most likely yes. But the worldwide pressure to get a hold on this virus that has crippled the tourism industry like nothing else we've seen since the tragic events of September 11th 2001, is at an all time high and most economies can not survive another year of these travel restrictions. We need to get on with life, and for many the enjoyment of life for them is to travel, explore and visit family around the world. If the jab allows us this freedom to do so, then you know what has to be done. One thing that we do need to remember is that before this pandemic, many countries already had these sort of vaccination entry requirements in place (eg: Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate), so adding the Covid vaccination to this list may just be the reality of free travel between countries. Sadly the propaganda around getting the jab is high, and in a way, this blog is adding to it, which is putting a lot of people off. No one wants to be told what to do, and when it's being forced down your throat 24/7, for many the natural reaction is to rebel. But for those of you that love to travel, it may be time to switch your mindset and understand that the reality of travel in the future is that many countries will not allow you to enter without a Covid vaccination and put their people and economy at risk. If you want to enter their country, you have to respect their customs, culture and rules. If a vaccination against a virus that crippled the world for almost 2 years allows us to enter, then that's the least we can do. Just to be clear, we're not choosing sides and saying that you have to get the jab, but have a think about where you would like to go on vacation next year and what it would feel like when the customs officer doesn't allow you to board the plane because you haven't been vaccinated. This sadly might be the reality for some, and enough of a reason to get vaccinated. If this has been enough motivation to get the jab, our advice is to get it done ASAP before this becomes an official entry requirement for many countries in 2022, and the waitlist to get vaccinated goes beyond your desired travel dates, forcing you have to wait another year for that dream vacation you've been dreaming about since March 2020. We want to see you on our tours in 2022. Do what you need to do to get there. xx

Turkish food is definitely one of the highlights that you will remember long after your visit to this amazing country. From delicious local treats, to the smells of the street food, these are our top foods you must try when on tour with us next Summer. KEBAB Don’t leave Turkey without trying one of the most popular (and delicious) meat dishes in the Northwest. A play on the traditional Döner kebab, this dish consists of thinly sliced lamb served with a warm tomato sauce over pieces of traditional bread. Topped off with generous helpings of yogurt and butter, you’ll be left licking your plate clean. TURKISH DELIGHT Don’t be fooled by the pink, sugary imitations you may have sampled in the past – Turkish Delight in Turkey (or Lokum, as the locals call it) is like nothing you’ve ever tried before. Consisting of mouth-watering combinations of chopped dates, pistachios, walnuts or hazelnuts, you will find this treat comes in a range of colourful flavours to suit your tastebuds. TURKISH RAVIOLI (MANTI) Pasta-lovers, prepare yourselves. Turkey has its own version of Ravioli! Little handmade dumplings are filled with ground lamb or beef, and then topped with a creamy yogurt sauce. Manti takes a lot of time to prepare, but once you’ve tasted a bite, you’ll see that the hard work pays off. MEZZE Rest assured, you probably won’t leave Turkey without being served Mezze, which is a small selection of dishes commonly served with drinks or before a meal. Turkish Mezze often consists of yogurt with herbs, hummus, rice-stuffed vine leaves (dolmas), meatballs (kofte), eggplant salad, white cheese and of course, delicious, warm pide. Could there be a better way to start a meal? BAKLAVA It’s sweet, it’s rich, it’s almost too good to be true. Layers of flaky pastry are complemented by finely chopped nuts and held together by syrupy goodness. This dessert originates from the Ottoman Empire, and can now be found on virtually every street corner in Turkey. Order one for dessert in a restaurant or grab one on the go. No matter which way you eat it, it still tastes scrumptious. It’s a classic, and definitely one of the foods you must try in Turkey. SHISH KEBAB An absolute classic meal, you’ll find this on the menu at most restaurants. Chicken, beef or lamb is grilled and served on a skewer alongside sides such as rice, salad and fries. It may be simple, but it’s still a tasty meal. APPLE TEA Apple Tea is possibly the most delightful tea that will ever tickle your tastebuds. Luckily for you, there is no shortage of this warm, sweet nectar of the Gods. You will find it in virtually every café, restaurant and house you go to. Tea (or çay) is a very big part of Turkish hospitality. You will find that even shop owners sit down for a cup of tea with their customers. Now there’s a good sales technique. GöZLEME Possibly one of the easiest fast foods to find in Turkey, Gözleme is the perfect snack to eat on the go. Similar to a crepe, this savoury Turkish flatbread is made from hand-rolled dough and is filled with various toppings, such as cheese, meat, vegetables or potatoes. It’s then sealed and cooked over a griddle. Try one of the cheese and spinach variations – you won’t regret it. For sure one of the foods you must try in Turkey. KARNIYARIK (Stuffed Eggplant) Karniyarik is a big, warm eggplant stuffed with ground meat, onion, black pepper, tomatoes and parsley. Generally accompanied by Pilaf, this dish is hearty, full of flavour, and perfect for a filling meal. CORN ON THE COB You can’t walk far in Istanbul without seeing the billowing smoke of a roadside vendor and the scent of freshly cooked corn. A street food classic, these vendors really know how to perfectly grill corn on the cob. It’s a perfect snack to have on-the-go. Just remember your toothpick! SIMIT Another very popular street food, Simit lies somewhere between a pretzel and a bagel. The cheapest snack you’ll find on the streets, this circular bread is typically encrusted with sesame seeds and can be eaten plain or with preserves like jam, cream cheese or, for an extra special treat, Nutella. ETLI EKMEK Pizza-lovers, Turkey has got you sorted. Along with the classic Turkish Pide, Etli Ekmek is another pizza-like dish which originated from a town called Konya. An extremely long, thin piece of flat bread, normally over a meter in size, is topped with meat and cheese and then cut into smaller pieces. Yum. DONDURMA (Turkish Ice cream) It may look like normal ice cream, and it may even taste like normal ice cream, but Dondurma has a texture unlike any other ice cream in the world. The ingredients used make it resistant to melting and impart a sort of chewiness to the consistency. If these unique qualities don’t convince you to give it a try, then perhaps the sellers will lure you in. Dondurma vendors are known for putting on spectacular shows, spinning around giant masses of ice cream on long paddles and playfully flipping cones upside down. Hungry for more? Get on board our Turquoise Delight sailing tour and let our local chef take you on a Turkish food journey. #Food #turkey #Top5list #TopTips #Europe

Regardless of if you're travelling solo, with friends or your partner, the best thing about travel is the people you meet along the way. But as a Solo traveller, sometimes taking that step out of your comfort zone is tough. You know it'll be worth it, but how do you go about starting a conversation to begin with? Break the ice Who cares what you say, just say something! Heck, talk about the weather! Put yourself out there that you are up for a conversation, and see what comes back. At home this might be strange to do on the packed train on the way to work, but you are not at home now, take that leap and strike up a convo! Most likely the other person is also happy to have a chat also, and if not, smile and try the next. No harm done. What to say Don't overthink it. All good conversation starters should feel natural, so just give it a go. Didn't go well, then mark that one down as a loss and try again with the next. Are you seeing a theme here? Don't get hung up on being the perfect charismatic traveller that everyone wants to be around, just be yourself and see what comes back. Here's some good conversation starters to get you going; Where are you from? Where have you been on this trip? Where to next? It's my first time travelling solo. Any good tips? Keep the questions travel related, because that is one thing you can guarantee that you have in common. All travellers love to share their travel stories. You as a solo traveller will surely have some great ones to share in no time! It's not a date! Just because you are chatting to someone from the opposite sex, it doesn't have to feel like a date. Let down your walls and be open to a chat. For guys this is a lot harder as unfortunately there's been plenty of bad eggs before you, so don't be offended if the girls have their guard up. Be friendly, without being creepy! Girls, give the guy a chance. Remember how hard it is as a solo traveller to strike up that conversation. Find the group As a solo traveller, it's going to be intimidating to bust in on a group having a chat, but more often than not, groups abroad are a mish-mash of solo travellers anyway. You're all in the same boat (so to speak), so they’ll likely be very receptive and welcoming. When all’s said and done, you just need to pluck up the courage and make the move when it comes to approaching new people while travelling. What’s the worst that could happen? Didn't go well? Don’t take it personally. It’s all in the practice, and the more you do it, the easier and more natural it'll get. Go for it!

How's this sound? Waterfront views, rooftop balconies, fresh out of the water seafood, bang on weather, and just a general all round great time. Sounds good to us. If it does to you too, then Croatia is your perfect vacation destination. According to Lonely Planet, 18.5 million people took a trip here in 2019 and that's no surprise to us as Croatia has it all. To help with your planning, we've got some top tips for you to check out. From beautiful beaches to historical areas, where to stay, what activities you're going to do, and what time of year you want to book your travel plans for. Diocletian’s Palace Diocletian’s Palace is actually an area in Split: as Lonely Planet explains, "Don’t expect a palace, though, nor a museum – this is the city's living heart, its labyrinthine streets packed with people, bars, shops and restaurants." When you land in Split after a long flight, check in to your hotel and then finally get to take a stroll along the Riva waterfront while the sun sets on another perfect day, you'll be glad you made the decision to come to Croatia for the Summer! Plan a trip in the Summer Like many other destinations, the most appealing time of year to go to Croatia does depend upon the weather. As pleasant as the Winter may be, it's the Summer months of June through to September is when you need to get here to enjoy it at its best. Consistent warm temps, people on the beach, water-sports and of course sailing trips ;) Enjoy eating Seafood and drinking Wine! The local seafood is incredible in Croatia, so going to restaurants that feature that will be lovely. Kod Sfinge is operated by a local family and Trip Advisor reviews praise the Tiger Prawns, Octopus, Tuna steak and the pasta. The service by far is the best quality as the passion for food really shines through from the ladies that run it. The restaurant is in a great location tucked off the main square in Diocletian's Palace. Another restaurant pick is Bokeria kitchen & wine bar. You'll find delicious meat, fish, and desserts, plus a wonderful ambiance with wooden floors and live music. You can also find more casual food here such as burgers. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park This national park MUST be on your bucket-list. About 3.5hrs from Split, the drive is definitely worth it. The park is about 300 sq/km and the lakes are bigger than eight kms, oh and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site too. The currency in Croatia is the Kuna The currency used in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (kn) The Croatian Kuna has been the currency in use since 1994. Prior to then was the Croatian Dinar (only in use for just 3 years), which took over from several variations of the Yugoslavian Dinar introduced way back in 1918.  As you can see, there's been a few changes in the past 100 years and with joining the EU in 2013 there was the expectations that there would be another change coming. ​ However whilst there are no confirmed plans to adopt the Euro as the official currency just yet, you are still able to pay in Euros for certain items such as accommodation, transport and also in some restaurants. It is not a requirement for a business to have to accept the Euro, so make sure you check beforehand that it's OK if you only have Euros in your wallet. ​ Converting your local money into Kuna is a lot more favourable on the exchange if doing in Croatia rather than in your home country. Download the XE.com app for up to date rates so you can confidently make your comparisons at the exchange booth. If you can get close to the official rate, then you know you've done well! Do a road trip and visit Sibenik for a local experience From Split you have many options to hire a car and explore the coastline. After a week on the seas, it's nice to get on the road and visit some of the smaller towns in the north, with Sibenik being the first major one you'll come across. It is one of Croatia’s oldest traditional oceanfront towns, full of medieval architecture, culture, friendly locals, town squares, and beaches. Want more? Check out our Southern Discovery tour to see the highlights of the Adriatic from Split to Dubrovnik.

Wow. What a question! How about this question back at you first. Define perfect? Tough one isn't it? So many factors go into your tour being the best it can be, and depending on how you take it all in, this can be what makes it perfect. Over the many years we've been running our tours, perfection is something that we have set out to achieve from the beginning. But just as you think you have it perfect, you find a way to make things even better and improve every week. So can a tour ever be perfect? We do our best to give you a perfect head start by attracting like-minded travellers, because it's these strangers, that turn into life-long friends that really make it a memorable experience. These friendships you form in just one week make it the perfect tour. Years down the track when you are recalling on your memory to bring the tour back to life, it's mainly the people that you remember. The funny moments, the great nights out, the adventures you had were all because of the people you were with. This is why we choose group travel. This is why we choose to have someone else pull it all together for us and take a back seat for the week. We know that there will be some compromises along the way, but the advantages of travelling as a group definitely outweigh trying to do it all on your own. In just one week you can get the most out of anywhere if you choose the right tour company. Want to eat at the best little local restaurants but don't know which Trip Advisor review to trust? Your tour guide will save you the hassle and show you their favourites from the hundreds of tours they've had passing through before. Perfect! Want to do that fun activity everyone must do while they are there but it's booked out way in advance, or the lines are too long? Your tour guide has connections in each town and knows how to make it happen, saving you time and giving you the red carpet treatment. Perfect! There's a fun little wine bar that you've read about for months before the tour, but don't want to go it alone. Ask around your tour group and you'll be sure to have a crew follow you there. This may just turn out to be one of those great memorable nights out. Perfect! But all in all, what makes the perfect tour are the people you are travelling with. We have done many tours over the years and they have all been 'perfect' because of our guests. Pick a tour company that is specialising in what you are wanting, with proven years of experience and great reviews and you can't go wrong. Perfect!

A quick search for #paradise on Instagram and you're sure to get a plethora of sunsets, island beaches, palm trees, infinity pools and cocktails. A closer look and no doubt a majority of them all have the location Maldives. Those fortunate enough to have already visited the Maldives will agree that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. For those planning a trip to paradise soon, here are our top tips you need to know before you go; Go local The over-water bungalow resorts you see and know on your social feed is only a small percentage of what life on the Maldives Islands is really like. For the real Maldives, you need to visit the local islands where most of the 400,000 Maldivians make their homes. Up until 2009, tourists needed a permit to explore non-resort islands, but today many local islands are open for all to visit and enjoy the real Maldives. The Maldives is a dry country What does this mean? As the main religion in the Maldives is Muslim, there are strict rules around the consumption of alcohol. You can not bring alcohol into the country or consume it on the local islands. Don't panic though, you can still get your lips wet during your stay with our Resort day trips. On these privately owned islands alcohol flows freely! Another cheeky solution to the no alcohol rule are the 'liveaboard' boats docked just 100m offshore. These boats are licensed to serve alcohol, so you can indulge in a cocktail or two easy enough :) Indulge As tourism is relatively new, and a lot of rich & famous people call the Maldives their new vacation hotspot spot, the price of things sometimes may raise an eyebrow or two. For many, the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so make sure you spoil yourself and indulge while you're here to get a taste of the celebrity lifestyle. Build out your budget before you arrive, so you won’t have to worry about pinching pennies. For the most part though if sticking to the local islands, food and drink are reasonably priced and our guides always know the best places to go! Get yourself a quality underwater camera Your trip to the Maldives will offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. If you plan on trying some water-sports (which you must!) make sure you get yourself a GoPro or something of that sort. You definitely will need it to capture some great moments during your week such as swimming with the Whale Sharks or exploring the reefs for Manta-Rays on an epic Scuba dive. No PDA! For the couples coming to the Maldives, you need to refrain from public displays of affection (PDA)...keep that behind closed doors ;) It's also important to dress modestly while on the local islands. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts above the knees. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and elbows and wear loose-fitting clothes. Some of the local islands have tourist beaches where they allow you to dress as you would normally at home (bikini's, 1 piece etc). Note that sunbathing topless or in the nude is prohibited, no matter where you are. Now you know a little bit more about this paradise, it's time to get you over there! Check out our small group tours to the Maldives here

So you want to see Europe but unsure as to what style of holiday suits you best. With so many places to see and with little time, you are stuck with the decision of Quantity over Quality. Do you want to be rushed around to 25 countries in 10 days just to say that you've seen them, in hope that you will return to your favorites one day, or do you take the slower option and see just a few destinations properly to say that you've really done them right and checked them off your list. Well we've broke down 2 styles of travel for you here to help you decide, Sailing Tours vs Bus Tours. We may be a little biased but these are the hard facts make us love our style of travelling the best! Here we go! A sailing tour is great as you only need to unpack once! You can really unpack and hang up all those clothes at the bottom of your suitcase. Heck, there is even an iron on board usually for you to get out those wrinkles. Whereas on a Bus tour you need to unpack and repack every 2nd day. Usually wearing the same old clothes as you just don't have time to get to the bottom of your suitcase with all that rushing around in the morning to get back on the bus! On a sailing tour you get to sleep in and the captain will safely start the days journey. You'll wake up to the smell of a freshly cooked breakfast and enjoy a morning coffee sitting at the back of the boat watching the land drift away. On a bus tour you need to make sure you’ve set that 6am alarm, because if you miss that bus departure time you better hope there’s a train station close by! ​ On a sailing tour the pace of travel is slowed right down. There is no rush. Days are spent sailing, swimming, relaxing and getting to know the other travellers on board. On a bus tour you are cramming in so many destinations with most of the time spent driving between them. Being stuck on a coach all day, you better have a comfy seat and hope for no traffic jams! On a sailing tour the food on board is amazing and fresh as there is an onboard chef to cater for the group. You get to enjoy a 3 courses with every meal and a cheeky glass of wine if you wish. On a bus tour you are being rushed to eat a quick 30min meal at a service stop before you have to sprint back to the bus and hope the driver hasn’t left without you! On a sailing tour you really get to know your fellow travellers. With the freedom to move around the boat freely, you can chill on the sundeck together laughing about the night before or enjoy a fun game of cards against humanity in the dining lounge, or if you like, head back to your room for a lazy afternoon nana nap. On a bus tour, you are stuck for 8-10hrs with the people sitting next to you. You can’t get up and walk around the bus as it’s too dangerous. If you’re lucky enough to fall asleep, you will need a chiropractor when you wake up from the uncomfortable sitting position you got stuck in. These are just a few things as to why choosing a Sailing Tour is the only way to travel! Get on board today and see for yourself #TravelTips #Travel #TravelBuddy #SoloTravel #sailing

Turkish culinary culture is renowned as one of the world's best. It is considered to be one of the three main cuisines of the world because of the variety of its recipes and flavours. Fresh, local and seasonal produce are at the heart of Turkish cooking culture. TURKISH CUISINE CULTURE It is said that three major kinds of cuisine exist in the world; Turkish, Chinese, and French. Fully justifying its reputation, Turkish cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor. Turkish people are passionate about food; indeed, Turkish cuisine is world renowned for its diversity and flavour, drawing influences from all corners of the former Ottoman Empire, and each region today boasting its own specialities. Generally, food is spicier and richer the further south and east you travel, whilst in the west, olive oil, seafood and vegetable dishes are more prevalent. Food in Turkey is first and foremost a social occasion and always to be enjoyed with gusto. From home cooked meals shared by family and friends to symbolic religious or celebratory feasts and the street theatrics of roadside sellers, food is closely intertwined with the fabric of society. TRADITIONAL TURKISH DRINKS Alcoholic Drinks: The traditional tipple is Raki, a clear, strong aniseed based spirit. Local beer, vodka, brandy, whisky and gin are also available. Soft Drinks: Turkish tea is flavoursome and aromatic when freshly brewed. Turkish coffee is an indulgent pleasure and the perfect way to finish off a good meal. Ayran, mineral water, cherry juice and peach nectar are also popular soft drinks. TRADITIONAL TURKISH FOODS Soup has a special place in the Turkish diet and is drunk at any time of day. Turkish people have a big diversity of vegetables and of course this reflects on the dishes. Kebab is the common name for a dish where meat is coated around a skewer and grilled over a charcoal fire. Don't forget taste the delicious Turkish desserts and sweets. COOKING COURSES Why not combine a holiday to Turkey with a cooking course or culinary tour, where you could enjoy anything from speciality wine and cheese tasting and learning home cooking techniques to sourcing fresh local ingredients from local farmers markets. #Food #drink #turkey

Turkish cuisine has a wide range of delicious desserts, including milk puddings, sweet pastries, and fruit puddings of various kinds, often flavoured with pistachios and other nuts. This is a list of some of the most special Turkish desserts. LET'S EAT SWEETLY, SPEAK SWEETLY Candied Chestnut: Since the 1300's, the people of Bursa have been preparing a delightful treat from these chestnuts by boiling them in a sweetened mixture creating this incredible Turkish flavour. Turkish Delight: Traditional Turkish delight has been producing for over 500 years and is the most well known Turkish candy in the world. Nearly all candy shops sell Turkish delight, which can be seasoned with many different flavours. Maras Ice Cream: Turkish style Maras ice cream is like no other you have had. It is a creamy, world famous Turkish ice cream with an elastic texture, served with a knife and a fork. Marzipan: Marzipan is one of the delightful confections made famous by the Ottoman palace. Marzipan, which has been produced for centuries in Edirne, one of the former capital cities of the Ottoman Empire. DESSERTS Baklava: Baklava is at the top of the list, a world famous dessert. The crispy Baklava is sweetened with light syrup made from sugar, water and lemon juice to make it deliciously light. Would you like yours with pistachios or hazelnuts? Kunefe: Kunefe is a traditional Turkish cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup and popular especially in the city of Antakya located on Mediterrenean. Kunefe is considered to be one of the most delicious Turkish desserts. Kazandibi: Kazandibi is a caramelized milk pudding, developed in the kitchens of the Ottoman palace and a rich part of Turkish cuisine. And even more surprising it is made with traces of chicken breast despite being a dessert. Tavuk Gogsu: Tavuk Gogsu is a very special pudding with chicken breast. It is one of the most famous delicacies served to the guests in Turkey. Sutlac: Sutlac is among the traditional Turkish desserts, milk based dessert, known as rice pudding. Sutlac is a cold, light dessert, and has a wonderful taste. Asure: Asure is a pudding made of wheat, beans, chickpeas and dried fruits and nuts. It is served during the first month of the Islamic calendar. Asure is an important part of the culinary tradition in Turkey. #Food #drink #turkey #Europe

This magical part of the world is just like out of a fairytale as it seems so unreal to be true. I mean, it's out of the world, literally with it's moon-like landscapes, then it's maze of underground cities, this place has to be seen to be believed Here are our top reasons why you HAVE to visit Cappadocia: Ride in a Hot Air Balloon This is a MUST. You haven’t been to Cappadocia if you haven’t had a ride in a hot air balloon! I'm sure you've seen the images a million times over, but maybe didn't know exactly where it was. Well it is here in Cappadocia where you can have the ultimate experience of taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, gliding through the sky with amazing views of Cappadocia below. Explore underground cities These caves were excavated and expanded over centuries as the local people often had to hide from armies by escaping underground. Now beneath the rock formations lies and underground city with a maze of narrow tunnels, steps and connecting rooms which you can see and explore! Moonlike Landscapes The harsh weather conditions over centuries have created this amazing landscape. Lava from volcanic eruptions created huge rock formations, which wind and rain sculpted into valleys, cliffs and the iconic fairy chimneys. It’s described as looking almost moon-like and easily the inspiration for movies like Star Wars. The Görme Open Air Museum This open air museum will amaze you with its cave churches and their frescoes that date back to the 10th century. The Görme is a member of UNESCO World Heritage List and was one of the first UNESCO sites in Turkey You can experience the wonders of Cappadocia with an add on before or after your Koda Sail tour of southern Turkey. All you will need is 2 nights and can depart from the port of Fethiye, where our tours start and finish. See our dates for our tours and let us know if you'd like to add on this amazing out of this world experience! #turkey #excursions #cappadocia #bucketlist

Turkish delight is the most well known sweet in the world associated with Turkish cuisine. One of Turkey's most famous exports, Lokum or Turkish delight as we know it, comes in many flavours. TURKISH DELIGHT Turkish delight is an traditional candy, also better known as Lokum in Turkish. Traditional Turkish delight has been produced since the 15th century and is the most well known Turkish candy in the world. Nearly all candy shops sell Turkish delight, which can be seasoned with many different flavours such as rose, walnut, coconut, almond, milk cream, mint, mastic, fruit, date, cinnamon, ginger, pistachio, carnation, or coffee. THE DELIGHT OF TURKEY Probably the best known Turkish dessert, Lokum is an essential piece in gift packs to bring back home. Lokum is made from a family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar, and has countless flavours varying from rose to lemon. Nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts are also added to enrich the flavour. The world adores these cubes of sweetness, so you have to be quick when the package opens. HOW TO SERVE Turkish delight is often served with Turkish coffee at the end of a meal. A dinner table never lacks Turkish delight that are cube shaped confections flavoured with flower or fruit essence, filled with different nuts and powdered sugar. #Food #drink #turkey #Europe

Turkey has one of the longest coastlines of any country on the Mediterranean, and the stretch from Cesme to Alanya is bordered by such clear, picturesque waters that it is known as Turkish Turquoise Coast. MEDITERRANEAN COAST Turkish Riviera: Antalya is the largest city on the Mediterranean with its charming harbour. Known as the Turkish Riviera is the most stunning part of Turkey's Mediterranean coast with its perfect sun, endless clean beaches, ultra luxury resorts, nature and history. Kalkan Coast: Sophisticated resorts providing an authentic experience, in the midst of history and stunning nature on the Kalkan coastline of Turkey. EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN COAST Eastern Mediterranean shore is made up of the Mediterranean's least well known shores and of inlets that have yet to be discovered. BLACK SEA COAST Black Sea coast of Turkey is famous with its green forests, traditional wooden houses, extraordinary plateaus, also untouched beautiful beaches. SOUTH AEGEAN COAST Bodrum Peninsula: Situated on a peninsula, Bodrum is one of the most chic and European resorts in Turkey, with its historical architecture, fantastic beaches, fishing villages and trendy nightclubs. Fethiye Coastline: Fethiye is one of the best coastal regions in Turkey. There are numerous lovely bays and coves for mooring and relaxing in this area. This is the coast we visit on the Turquoise Delight tour with Koda Sail. Dalyan Coast: Dalyan is a small town on the south western coast of Turkey. Dalyan is on a river delta, its narrow waterways, surrounded by reed beds, also perfect for a relaxed family holiday. Loryma Peninsula: Beautiful coastline, olive groves, pine forests, friendly people, good fresh foods and delicious local wines, that could easily compete against many European vineyards. NORTH AEGEAN COAST North Aegean coast of Turkey is beautiful, historic and agriculturally rich. Also offers long stretches of lovely, sandy, child friendly beaches surrounded by pine and olive clad hills. #turkey #bucketlist #Beaches #Bestbeaches

Facts about Turkey we're sure will surprise you! 3% of Turkey lies in Europe, whereas the remaining 97% lies in Asia. A population of 73,722,988 with 73 million mobile phone users. Average age of population : 28.5 The mysterious cats of the Eastern city of Van have 1 green and 1 blue eye. 62% of male Turks over the age of 25 wear a moustache of some description but 68% of women aged between 16 and 40 think the moustache is unattractive. You might find chicken in your dessert! The signature Ottoman treat is tavuk göğüsü, or chicken breast pudding. It’s a strange blend of boiled chicken, milk, and sugar, dusted with cinnamon. And it’s delicious. Look for it on menus across the country. Ataturk secularised the Turkish legal system by adopting a Swiss Civil Code and an Italian Criminal Law. No Turk had a surname before Ataturks reforms in 1923-1924. St.Nicholas (Santa Claus) was born in Patara and was a bishop in Myra (Demre). Istanbul has a 540-year-old bazaar or covered shopping mall with 64 streets, 4000 shops, 22 entrances and 25,000 workers: The Grand Bazaar. Turks gave the Dutch their famous tulips when they were first introduced to Europe by the Ottomans and quickly became all the rage over there. Turkey is a member of the NATO since 1952 and an ally of the USA. The word Turquoise dates to the 17th century and is derived from the French turquois for "Turkish" because the mineral was first brought to Europe through Turkey Oil wrestling is the national sport A new type of plant is discovered every 10 days! Turkish airlines flies to 260 destinations around the world, making it one of the most accessible countries in the world! Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. Catalhoyuk is known as one of the earliest settlements in the Neolithic Age. Two of the world's seven wonders are located in Turkey; Temple of Artemis, Halicarnassus Mausoleum. Virgin Mary in Selcuk, is a very popular pilgrimage site for Christians. Delicious reputation of the Turkish Coffee spread all around Europe in the 17th century. The word Turquoise comes from Turk, meaning Turkish, and was derived from the perfect blue of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern Turkish coast. The world's greatest mosaic museum is Zeugma and second greatest mosaic museum is Antakya in Turkey. The most valuable silk carpet in the world is in the Mevlana Museum in Turkey. Church of St.Peter is widely considered to be one of the earliest Christian houses of worship. Anatolia is the birthplace of many historical figures such as Phrygian King Midas, Herodotus and St.Paul. Yoghurt is one of the healthiest foods in existence and is derived from the original Turkish Yoghurt. St.Nicholas was born in Patara and served as the Bishop of Myra on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Mugla has the longest coast in Turkey, streching from Bodrum to Fethiye and beyond. According to the Legend of Great Flood told in both the Quran and the Old Testament, Noah's Ark landed on Mount Agri in eastern Anatolia. The seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation; Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea are all found in Turkey. Troy where the Trojan wars recounted in Iliad by Homeros of Smyrna were fought is situated in a small village Tevfikiye of Canakkale in western Turkey. One of the first most accurate world maps were drawn by the well known Turkish cartographer and navigator Piri Reis in 1513. Sanliurfa is known to be the City of the Prophets where Prophet Abraham, Prophet Job, Prophet Elijah and Prophet Jacob lived. Gobeklitepe Temple complex in southeast Turkey, is the oldest ancient temple built by mankind anywhere in the world. Kayseri derives its name from Augustus Caesar, when it was called Caesaris. The first coinage in human history began in Anatolia. 300 years ago somebody flew from Galata Tower in Istanbul. Turkey is one of the world's largest yacht manufacturers. Mind blown?!?! Now it's time for you to come find out your own random facts and visit Turkey this Summer. See our Dates & Fares page for all the . info on how to get on board #turkey

If you drink a cup of tea with someone you are a neighbour, if you drink a second cup you are a friend and by the third cup you are family. You will be happy starting your day with a hot cup of Turkish tea. TURKISH TEA Unlike in other countries, tea in Turkey is prepared using two pots. The tea is steeped in a pot that sets on top of a larger pot of boiling water. The vapors aid the steeping process of the tea. Tea is generally consumed as hot as possible and in little, tulip shaped glasses called Ince Belli. Turkish tea is usually prepared quite strong and some boiling water added to taste. With its mild climate with high precipitation and fertile soil, the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey is renowned for its high quality black tea. Tea is an important part of the Turkish culture and can be enjoyed in every social context. Offering tea is considered a sign of friendship and hospitality. A PROOF OF HOSPITALITY FACT: You can really only taste the real flavour of Turkish tea only in Turkey! Lifestyle: Turkish people are avid tea drinkers. Turkish tea coming from the Black Sea region, is the most popular drink and a part of the lifestyle in Turkey, taken at any time of day, usually more than once a day. Brewing Turkish Tea: Usually Turkish tea is brewed in a sort of combined tea pot which is placed directly on the hob and has water boiling in the bottom section and tea brewing in the top so it can be made weaker or stronger as required. How to Drink: Turkish tea is traditionally drunk from small tulip shaped glasses, always black and usually with plenty of sugar. You can serve Turkish tea with sugar cubes. But most Turkish people like to have their Turkish tea without sugar with just a few drops of lemon juice. Get yourself over here and join us for a cuppa on our Turquoise Delights tour of the Turkish Coastline. Tours depart each Saturday over the Summer and include a bottomless cup of Turkish tea! #drink #Food #turkey #Europe #Friends

The Turkish Riviera is an area of southwest Turkey, the most stunning part of Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts with its perfect sun, clean beaches, ultra luxury resorts, charming nature, ancient history, good entertainment and nightlife. ANTALYA Antalya, the main city of this region is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast with its charming harbour. Antalya has a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, and the city is set high on cliffs, with many of its grandest hotels overlooking the sea on the outskirts of the town. BELEK Belek is Turkey's premier golf resort with its spectacular long, golden sandy beaches, and a backdrop of mountains. PATARA Patara is one of the Mediterranean's longest beaches at 18km in length, and under protection by the Turkish government for nesting sea turtles. SIDE Side has something for everyone; great beaches, history, an abundance of shops, lively nightlife and a good choice of restaurants. ALANYA Alanya is a modern resort, famed for its beautiful sandy beaches. Its harbour is dominated by the Red Tower, which protected the dockyards in Seljuk times, the remains of which can still be seen in the waters. Alanya has lots of blue flag beaches, accommodations, good shops, restaurants and lively nightlife. KEMER Kemer is one of Turkey's first multipurpose resorts, carefully planned to blend in with the surrounding scenery. At its heart is the attractive marina, a stopping off point for gulets on the blue cruise. Surrounded by pine forests, Kemer offers a full range of accommodation including five star hotels, all designed to blend into the natural environment. OLYMPOS Olympos is in a charming spot set on a 5 km long beach amidst unspoilt nature, and the Olympos ancient ruins include baths, a temple, Roman theatre and necropolis. CIRALI To the north of Olympos, past the attractive beachfront hamlet of Cirali, high on the hillside is the legendary burning flame of Yanartas, literally burning stone. #turkey #Beaches

Derived from the Arabica bean and composed of a very fine grind, Turkish coffee has become famous all around the world for both its strong taste and its special methods of preparation and service. But there’s much more to Turkish coffee’s story apart from its delicious taste, so let’s take a look at all the facts. TURKISH COFFEE A cup of Turkish coffee, remembered for 40 years. With its delicious foam and wonderful aroma, there is no drink quite like Turkish coffee. Served in small but delicious doses, the calorie and caffeine count in a cup of Turkish coffee are moderate, meaning you can enjoy it more often. Turkish coffee grounds, can be read to tell one's fortune. It is the only coffee that can be used to predict the future. The wonderful taste of Turkish coffee has been bringing people together for centuries, inspiring countless works of art and having a profound influence on culture. One of the traditions that should be fulfilled in Turkey is to see the preparation of Turkish coffee and surely taste it. ONE CUP OF COFFEE, MORE THAN A DRINK Turkish coffee derives its name from a specific preparation method; finely powdered roast coffee beans are boiled in a pot also known as cezve in Turkish and served in a cup where the dregs settle. The most distinctive characteristic of Turkish coffee is that only the flavour is consumed, not the grounds. Therefore, this beverage made from Arabica coffee grounds is healthier than most coffee types. Black Pearls: Coffee lovers described the coffee beans as black pearls and Turkish coffee has a flavour worthy of this description. The fine grounds sink to the bottom of the cup and are not for drinking but used by fortune tellers to read the drinker's future. Coffee Fortune: Coffee fortune telling was born out of Turkish coffee and is an inseparable part of the pleasure and conversation associated with coffee. How to Serve: Turkish coffee is served in small cups. Usually, a glass of water and Turkish delight are served with Turkish coffee and they are generally consumed before drinking the coffee. So, do you think you can handle the power of a Turkish coffee? Start each day with a freshly brewed coffee on board our Turquoise Delights tour of the Turkish coastline this Summer and see what all the fuss is about! #drink #turkey #Food #Europe