Meridian Travels & Yachting

13/02/2025

So lovely to see this travel report featuring Marmaris back in the 80's. Whilst of course it's so much busier and built up now, much of the older buildings are still recognisable, especially around the port area. 🥰❤️

" The local firewater is raki, it's normally drunk with water to help it down" 🤣 Now, some things haven't changed! Delicious though!!!

https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-44459194?fbclid=IwY2xjawIbDt9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUrVOgkkrky2i5qxc0nzbdptzpslPBUZlzqUIILgcaru205hWo9rAWqC_g_aem_MogARXSMia2-hyBBJK5XRQ

BBC Arşivlerinde Türkiye'de bu hafta, 1988 yılında BBC'de yayımlanan bir tatil programının Ege'deki tatil beldelerini tanıttığı bölümü var. Programda İngiliz turistler için Ege'deki Bodrum, Marmaris, Altınkum, İçmeler ve Kuşadası gibi yerler tanıtılıyor.

10/02/2025

MINDFULNESS, MOVEMENT & CONNECTION RETREAT

31 May – 6 June 2025 onboard GULET EAST MEETS WEST

Imagine doing all of your favourite things on the most perfect of holidays—yoga, meditation, soundbath, hiking, nature, fabulous company all onboard a beautiful wooden yacht cruising in turquoise waters—this retreat offers an immersive experience that encourages mindfulness not only on the mat but in every moment of the retreat.

Overall Flow of the Retreat:
• Morning: 🧘‍♀️Sunrise yoga > 🍳🥓Healthy Turkish breakfast > 🥾Coastal Hike
• Afternoon: 🫑🫑Delicious lunch onboard > 🧘‍♀️Restorative yoga > 🏊‍♀️ Relaxing downtime (swimming, snorkelling, reading, journaling, relaxing)
• Evening: 🍖🍷 Nourishing dinner > Meditation or mindful activity > Relaxation

The balance of physical activity (yoga and hiking) and moments of stillness (meditation, reflection, rest) is designed to help participants connect deeply with themselves, nature, and others while also encouraging a sense of mindfulness throughout the retreat. But don’t forget we will have plenty of laughter, peace and deep, deep joy. And best of all, this is your holiday so you can do as much or as little of everything or nothing. Bliss!

What’s Included:
🧘‍♀️ Daily yoga sessions led by Suzanne Fillingham
🥾 Guided Hikes at low – intermediate level
⛵ Twin or single cabin aboard a beautiful, fully wooden sailboat (gulet)
🍽️ Full board – delicious, nutritious meals prepared with love
⛰Riverboat cruise with thermal pools, mudbaths, ancient city, nomad family and more
🏖️ Explore stunning coastal destinations
🌿 A peaceful, welcoming environment for self-care and reflection

What’s Not Included:
✈️ Flights to and from Dalaman airport
🍷 Drinks (drinking water is included) we have a reasonably price bar onboard

How to Book
Since we make it easy for you to relax we also try to make it easy for you to book 🙂

You can simply ask a question or say in the comments that you’re interested and then I’ll contact you.

Or you can use the link to enable you to book online

Looking forward to seeing you onboard!

https://www.meridiantravels.com/yoga-with-suzanne-2025/

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30/01/2025

FINAL CALL FOR SOUL NOURISHMENT 12 - 19 APRIL 2025 with SOPHIA EFTHIMIOU

If you are in need of some soul nourishment, peace, blue skies with turquoise seas and wonderful food then book right now.

These last places are discounted by £100 pp but you need to book before Valentine's Day.

I know you know just how life enhancing this.

Book here or message me.

https://www.meridiantravels.com/sing-with-sophia-efthimiou-2025/

28/01/2025

Such a fabulous environment for Lisa's writing retreat. 🥰

28/01/2025

We're delighted Suzanne Fillingham is joining us to run this Yoga Cruise for us.

31 May - 6 June 2025

Discounted if booked before 31 January 2025

See what it's all about 🥰

https://www.meridiantravels.com/yoga-with-suzanne-2025/

25/01/2025

A Black Sea breakfast like none you've ever had before! Fortunately for me, made by my elti (sister in law).

Foraging is still a part of the culture here, no need for it to become fashionable because people never stopped doing it, although in reality they are more likely to buy from the local veg market from a village woman who has been out in the mountains and yayla (meadow).

So we had melocan which translates to Greenbriars, not sure I'd rely totally on that translation. Once the plant has been hacked back they cook the stalks that have been left with onion and herbs. Said to be good for inflammation, rheumatism etc.

The creamy dish is simply local butter melted with a very smelly white cheese (laz peyniri) and onion.

I've learnt that it's how to combine these different foods that's important, these work well together.

Of course we also had olives and honey from our area, beautiful black bread and another cheese.

That's got to be enough protein to get us through the day! No dairy allergy here!!

24/01/2025

And we've finished the evening in true Turkish style, a dessert of Trileçe made by my elti (sister in law) with tea/çay made in the çaydanlık g one teapot on top of the other.

Put loose tea leaves in the top teapot (perhaps with a spoonful of water), water in the bottom and bring it to the boil. Then pour the boiling water into the top pot, fill the bottom one again with water and bring to the boil. By then, the leaves in the top pot will have sunk and the çay is ready. Pour from both pots so everyone can have the tea as strong as they like it 🥰

24/01/2025

We are holidaying around Samsun on the Black Sea (Karadeniz) visiting family and it's so easy to see where Adil gets his love (and talent) for cooking from.

Food is very regional in Türkiye and whilst we all enjoy food from across the country, the food from our own region has a special place in our hearts.

So tonight we'll be having Bonito Shad (Palamut Tirsi) - a fish I had never heard of before- caught locally and prepared by Adil.

Stuffed cabbage (lahana dolması) - these little triangles of deliciousness made by my Mother in Law - green cabbage stuffed with onion, minced beef, corn, cornflour, paprika. Melt in the mouth.

And we've just had the last of the Stuffed Vine Leaves (Yaprak dolması) stuffed With rice, mint, onion. Squeeze of lemon juice and the best olive oil to serve. Love these.

Wondering what my role is here? Seemingly I'm the Official Taster.... my MIL searches me out to check it's not too spicy, too salty, tasty enough. My reply to her is elinize sağlık, Which translates to, Health into your hands (so you can continue to cook good food). Her reply to me Afiyet Olsun (May this food bring you good health.) 🙏

24/01/2025

12 - 19 APRIL 2025 FANTASTIC VALUE SINGING WITH SOPHIA

For all you singers out there. A rare opportunity to sing with the fabulous Sophia Zoe Efthimiou onboard our wooden yacht East Meets West.

Book before 31 January and you will pay just £1095 which is an amazing price for full board on our refitted gulet, complete with singing leader and hiking leader too.

You'll be sharing a twin cabin with another woman - there are two single beds and an ensuite bathroom.

This video is so fabulous that even though it's got a date from 2023 I still decided to share it with you! Please tell me it was worth sharing!!

Feel free to DM me or send me an email [email protected]

Our 19th year cruising! We know our business!

21/01/2025

Spring Hiking is sooner than you think especially if you book before 31 January. See your discount for 5-12 April here

https://www.meridiantravels.com/walk-gulet-cruise-5-april-2025/

Spring flowers, clear cerulean skies, turquoise seas, pine clad mountains and sheltered coves.

We really do walk in the footsteps of Romans, eat wonderful food and rarely meet anyone else on these trails where there isn't any road access.

This is the time to book, what are you waiting for ⛵

18/01/2025

Lisa writes so beautifully about this trip. 200 euros discount if booked before 31 January ⛵

18/01/2025

I love how restful and peaceful this image is, totally true to reality.

I'm absolutely not musical at all but am so lucky to have welcomed many singing groups over these years, and a little bit of their magic must have rubbed off.

A few years ago I was moved to write 3 verses that poured out of me - it made me realise how much music is about the emotion - one of the lines is

Turquoise and blues and greens of every hue.

I see these bright calming colours every single day and we still love to share it all with you.

There's still chance for you to join Sophia Efthimiou or Lesley Whatley this Spring and if you BOOK BEFORE 31 JANUARY you will get a discount.

Sing with Sophia 12 - 19 April
https://www.meridiantravels.com/sing-with-sophia-efthimiou-2025/

Sing with Lesley Whatley 3 - 10 May
https://www.meridiantravels.com/sing-with-lesley-whatley-2025/

08/01/2025

Book before it's too late. Discount for the last couple of places for this exclusive opportunity to sing with Sophia Efthimiou and we don't want you to miss out!

12 - 19 April 2025

7 nights full board on the refitted luxury gulet East Meets West.
Singing with Sopia
Coastal hiking
Swimming in the turquoise Turkish Aegean
Fabulous food
and so much more

To book your place simply click here
https://www.meridiantravels.com/sing-with-sophia-efthimiou-2025/

Any questions? Contact me [email protected]

31/12/2024

I couldn't stop myself adding our good wishes to all the millions you've already received this last week.

As we prepare for our 19th season I look back at how relatively young we were, and yet here we are still loving what we do. We're filled with gratitude to all those of you who have entrusted your holiday to us; we have so many memories of really lovely folks from all walks of life and backgrounds.

To each of you we say thank you and look forward to seeing you on the teak decks of East Meets West again.

Wishing you all a peaceful, healthy and happy 2025.

With love Anne & Adil

29/12/2024

Come and join Suzanne for some yoga practice and relaxation in the most beautiful environment.

May the 31st 2025 let's go on an adventure ✨️ Booking now open for this fantastic sailing yoga holiday in the beautiful Turkish sunshine 🌞 full itinerary is here https://www.meridiantravels.com/yoga-with-suzanne-2025/

Book today to reserve your spot at

https://www.meridiantravels.com/yoga-with-suzanne-2025/

27/12/2024

Yikes - I have a problem with my booking system that can't be fixed until Monday.

That means you pay just £970pp for the Stress Buster Cruise 21 - 28 June 2025 but you need to book before Monday.

If you book after Monday you will still pay a heavily discounted price of £1170 for booking before the year end.

Take a look at the trip details by following the link..

Shed your every day stresses on our Stress Buster cruise exclusively for women. Offering breathtaking scenery, rejuvenation, and delicious food prepared daily by your onboard chef. Swim, snorkel, kayak in crystal-clear waters and maybe even spot loggerhead turtles or dolphins.

Join us to see why women come back time and again.

📧 [email protected]
https://www.meridiantravels.com/thrive-stress-buster-2025/

14/12/2024

WOMEN'S WELLBEING WITH LIFE COACH discounts if you book before the end of the year! ⛵

Join Life Coach Eve Warren on this restful, restorative, nourishing holiday with wellbeing at it's heart.❤️

Eve will lead insightful, supportive sessions throughout the week, give you the opportunity for 1:1 coaching and still leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the wonderfulness of life onboard.

You can swim in bays of turquoise and green and blues of every hue; maybe try snorkelling or kayaking for the first time, or maybe you will simply float peacefully in clear waters. 🏊

Enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from our traditional gulet as we cruise the seas and moor in tranquil coves. And be nourished by a wide variety of foods cooked for you using local ingredients every day by our onboard chef

Come and join us. You know you want to.

BOOK BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR:
⛵ £200 per person discount
⛵ Reduced deposit of just £25

📧 [email protected]

https://www.meridiantravels.com/wellbeing-with-eve-may-2025/

12/12/2024

FANTASTIC VALUE LUXURY FULL BOARD CRUISE

BOOK NOW for a discount of £200pp and you can also pay a reduced deposit of just £25 BUT you've got to book before the end of the year. Use code THRIVE200 for your discount.

Shed your every day stresses on our Stress Buster cruise exclusively for women.

Offering breathtaking scenery, rejuvenation, and delicious food prepared daily by your onboard chef. Swim, snorkel, kayak in crystal-clear waters and maybe even spot loggerhead turtles or dolphins.

Join us to see why women come back time and again.

📧 [email protected]

https://www.meridiantravels.com/thrive-stress-buster-2025/