Gocek to Kekova Roads (Alexander's Path). Gordon, While we may not have together solved the world's problems, you did give Karen and me tremendous insight on Lycian civilization. Your knowledge was first rate. The towns of Myra and Xanthos were perhaps the highlights from a historical perspective. The food on board was great and your restaurant selections first rate. Your first mate Brigitte Pelletier was superb. You were great shipmates, help mates and soul mates! Well Done notre Capitaine! Warm Regards, Jeff and Karen Dwyer, Washington, D.C., June 2009

Ed. Note Jeff has since recorded a number of hit songs one of which, The Impossible Dream, may be a paean to his holiday aboard the TGE. Should you wish to decide for yourself, click here.

Gocek to Bodrum (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Mandy and I began our marriage with our honeymoon on board the T.G. Ellyson -- we return to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary on another wonderful adventure with you aboard the TGE. Thank you for sharing with us your remarkable knowledge of ancient history of the Mediterranean, Turkey, the Datca Peninsula, and the Aegean. You bring alive the ancient ruins with your explanations of how successive civilizations built upon sites that served religious, defensive and cultural purposes. At every port and bay we visited your Turkish and Greek friends rejoiced in seeing the "black mast" and her captain. There is no better way to enjoy this marvelous part of the world! We look forward to our next adventure with you. Fond Regards, Clark Nichols, Seattle, Washington, June 2009

Gocek to Bodrum (Cleopatra's Route). Dearest Gordon, You are amazing at sharing with us a truly unique holiday, both with your knowledge of the wonders of ancient Turkey and your dry wit and savvy sailing skills. We will most certainly be enjoying more adventures with you in the future. Fond Regards, Mandy Nichols, Seattle, Washington, June 2009

Gocek to Bodrum (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, You have amazed us with your extensive knowledge of the ancient and not-so-ancient history of this most beautiful sea and its islands and mainland shores. Thank you for your generosity in letting us see this part of the world with new eyes. This is Jim and my first sailing trip and first time in Turkey or Greece. I cannot imagine a better guide to its history and beauty. Best, Jan Hughes, Austin, Texas, June 2009

Gocek to Bodrum (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Thank you for a most enjoyable and educational sailing trip along the Turkish coast and the Greek islands. Your knowledge of the history of this area is phenomenal, and your ability to guide us to the most important historical sites brought the history alive for me. I have always had an interest in knowing more about this cradle of civilization, and you have made it happen. Jim Hughes, Austin, Texas, June 2009

Bodrum to Simi (Aegean Odyssey). Dear Gordon, Thank you for everything. You are an amazing character, kind-hearted and full of energy!! I traveled with you from Bodrum around the Greek islands and unfortunately had to cut the trip short in Simi due to family troubles. I will keep you informed about the health of my father. So far he is in stable condition. You have taught me a lot, especially how to moor, trim the sails, and sometimes work the helm. I will continue to crew yachts but will never forget my time working with you. Thank you. I wish you all the best and my love to your family. Take care, happy sailing, and please keep in touch. Melissa Goring, Surrey, England, July 2009

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). Dear Gordon, Thank you for a very enjoyable sailing trip. I always felt at ease with a highly capable captain at the wheel and enjoyed your vast knowledge of the Greek islands and Turkey. Your choice of restaurants was excellent! It was a wonderful experience which I will never forget. Marlize van Schaik, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2009

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). It was a very interesting, entertaining and enjoyable 2 weeks on the T.G. Ellyson. I sincerely appreciated your passion and knowledge about the history of this area. I think my favorite islands were Nisiros, Arki, Leros and Lipsi although I will have to ponder this when back home - will keep you posted. Your choices of restaurants were excellent, and dinners were relaxing, as were the G&T's before hand. I really enjoyed your company and your suggestions. Best of luck with your move and with your future. Neels van Schaik, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2009

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). We spent a very special two weeks on the T.G. Ellyson. Thank you Gordon for sharing so freely your knowledge, insights, wisdom and passion for the areas that we traveled. I learned a lot. The choice of places we visited ensured a diverse range of experiences. My personal favorites were Nisiros (1), Selimiye (2), Arki (3), and Leros (4). Simi will always have a special place in my heart. Take care and lots of love. Sandra van Schaik, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2009

Kos to Rhodes (Aegean Odyssey). I hoped for and got a very special experience. We had a lot of fun, ate well (rating octopus salad along the way, among other food items), learned a lot and are leaving TGE with many fond memories. One area you introduced me to is the Turkish coast which is special and calls for another visit. Favorite spots: Selimiye (Aurora Restaurant), Nisiros, Leros and Arki. Thanks also to Melissa Goring for her sparkling personality and cooking skills highly praised by all. Piet van Schaik, Cape Town, South Africa, July 2009

Rhodes to Ova Buku (Cleopatra's Route). Dear Gordon, Wow is not a word we often use, but when everything exceeds expectations we're not sure how else to put it! From the stories you have to tell to the history of everywhere we visited, it was always entertaining. The choice of ports, even though we were harassed by the wind, was always perfect. It's hard to pick favorites but I'll try a few. We loved Simi and its great little restaurant "La Vaporrette." We had a romantic evening there. Ogun's Place was great, too. The best dining was definitely at "Outa Lapee" in Rhodes Town. And our favorite swimming was at Loryma at the little cove we discovered. We can't thank you enough for making the last week of our honeymoon so special and such a memorable experience. It was a pleasure meeting and sailing with you. Dave and Caroline Apel, New York City, July 2009

Gocek to Kekova Roads (Alexander's Path). Words are inadequate to describe this spectacular voyage! Captain Gordon is so knowledgeable about both seamanship and history. He made those ancient peoples come alive in a way I couldn't if I had been visiting on my own. The ship is so beautiful and so well cared for - I felt my dad's presence whenever we set sail. He would have loved this. Brigitte is the best hostess - she took my huge water demands in stride. (Happy Face) I'll stop here and just thank you from the bottom of my heart for one of the best travel experiences I've ever had. Donna Cooper, Provincetown, Massachusetts, August 2009

Gocek to Kekova Roads (Alexander's Path). I have loved every moment of this voyage! Gordon and Brigitte made what would have been a wonderful trip into an extraordinary experience. Don't miss swimming over the ruins at Aperlae; Myra, Andriake, Xanthos, Patara -- all were amazing. Be sure to hike to ancient Lydae -- the heat was brutal but you will be the only people exploring this ancient city! Scaling the cliff face to reach the tombs at ancient Myra was another great adventure. The swimming and snorkeling were wonderful. Finally, I was not expecting this to be such a gourmet experience; we had fabulous meals in the most beautiful settings. Thanks so much for these memories which will last a lifetime. Joan Butterton, Newton, Massachusetts, August 2009

Gocek to Kekova Roads (Alexander's Path). I've taken many vacations, but none of them has been quite like this. The ancient ruins and the fine dining were excellent, but the magic really came through in little things: the enchanting atmosphere of a home within a ship, or looking up at the numberless stars in the night. This is one trip that you cannot afford to miss. Derek Butterton, Newton, Massachusetts, August 2009

Gocek to Kekova Roads (Alexander's Path). Although Joan, Donna, and Derek have already mentioned the delicious food, intriguing history, and fantastic people this trip has brought to us, they failed to mention the few down points of this trip. The first of the down points we experienced immediately after arrival. This was the intense heat. The heat persisted throughout the entire trip, making some of the longer walks excruciating. The second was seasickness, eight hours of my stomach being flipped over was not fun. The third and final down point was that some people may find the price of the delicious food too high. Despite these down points the trip was definitely a positive experience which I will never forget. Adrian Butterton, Newton, Massachusetts, August 2009

Bodrum to Selimiye (Aegean Sailing Odyssey). We have enjoyed all the places we've traveled and greatly appreciate Gordon's thorough knowledge of the places, people, and tavernas. We also appreciated Brigitte's care of us. We'll never forget this trip, which is our honeymoon! Vicki Berkley, Denver, Colorado, September 2009

Bodrum to Selimiye (Aegean Sailing Odyssey). Gordon's deep knowledge of the history of this area and his connect with wonderful people in what appear to be out of the way places was just one of the many things that made our honeymoon a delight. Brigitte was wonderful as cook, supporter of all we needed, and as an overall smart, cool person. Jim Berkley, Denver, Colorado, September 2009

Bodrum to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). Captain Abercrombie possesses a masterful command of the T.G. Ellyson at sea, and of Turkish and Greek history - a perfect combination that made for a perfect trip. Thank you Captain Abercrombie. Lewis Self, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 2009

Bodrum to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). A perfect week! Captain Abercrombie combined a love of the sea and the Turkish and Greek coasts with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history and the current status of the area. Great company, food off the charts, and an introduction to the islands and coast that will make me return in the future! Steve Savran, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 2009

Bodrum to Gocek (Cleopatra's Route). My third sail with Gordon for which I invited two close friends, Lewis and Steve. This has been my favorite itinerary so far, Bodrum to Gocek with stops at Nisiros, Selimiye, Loryma, and refueling at Simi. The ancient ruins at Knidos were particularly evocative. We enjoyed splendid hospitality and food every evening. The daily gin and tonic have punctuated the day's work. Gordon's hospitality, deep love of this part of Turkey and Greece, and intimate knowledge of its past made the trip exceptional! My only regret is that my lady Julie could not join us on this sail as she has the previous times! Next year, Insallah! Tali Arik, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 2009

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). Little wind was made up for by the fine company and good cheer of Brigitte and Captain and Chief Archaeologist Gordon. We look forward to a return trip. Bruce Gordon, Free Union, Virginia, October 2009

Gocek to Gocek (Lycian Sailing Holiday). I knew when I saw T.G. Ellyson on the web, and read your writing, that we were in for something very special and unique. The actual experience far surpassed anything I could have imagined or hoped for. Thank you for Ahmet (Seagull Bay), Ali (Cold Water Bay), Brigitte (Pelletier), the history and archaeology, the boat, the beauty, and you! We will never forget and hope maybe to cross paths again. With great thanks, Megan LeBoutillier, Free Union, Virginia, October 2009

• What Our 2008 Guests Said
• What Our 2007 Guests Said
• What Our 2006 Guests Said
• What Our 2005 Guests Said
• What Our 2004 Guests Said

Contact Us

Return to Home Page

Dear Homo Sapiens, There is no need to continue reading this page. What follows is intended for search engine robots and spiders and not necessarily for human beings. Further information concerning holiday sailing in Greece and Turkey may be obtained by clicking on the blue links immediately above. Thank You. Holiday sailing along the Turkish coast. Crewed yacht charters in Greece. This was the T.G. Ellyson's 27th year holiday sailing Greece and Turkey. It was also her fourteenth year of crewed charter yacht sailing in the eastern Mediterranean. But only barely, thanks to a bevy of Harvard MBA's who in their mid- twenties invented a new way to print money, a way which had even escaped Alan Greenspan and which brought the world's economic house tumbling around its foundations. Young Harvard MBA's who at the same time developed a way to have most of the newly printed money flow into their own pockets. Now unemployed and languishing on their estates in the Hamptons, they don't really care that their newly minted and safely stashed money caused a lot of hard-earned money to evaporate, dealing near mortal blows to the holiday and travel industries among others. So the TGE was not as active in 2009 as in other years. We sailed this year at not much more than half our normal pace, the hit on our pocket book and others George W. Bush's inattentive parting gift to us all. Our few guests, however, were as enchanted by our cruising locale as in prior years, some more interested in the Dodecanese Islands of Arki, Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Kos, Nisiros, Tilos, Simi, and Rhodes, others more interested in the southwest coast of Turkey. A highlight for more than one set of guests was investigation of the ancient city of Nisiros the gateway to which is depicted above. Said by one authority to be encircled by the finest classical-period walls in all of Greece, there are numerous finds to be seen in the largely unexcavated interior. Also in the Dodecanese, we were privileged to dine at Taverna Pirofani in Pandeli on the island of Leros and, following dinner, to be joined at our table by the very-accomplished kitchen staff for a special dessert. Tips of the exploration and dining icebergs. Aegean islands of Greece. For some few these may have been sailing holidays long planned, for others honeymoons not to be postponed. For one couple, it was a honeymoon reprise. For another guest his itinerary was a third eye-opener, and, we hope, not his last. Crewed charter yacht sailing holidays in Greece. Or Greek island honeymoons. Charter sailing honeymoons and holidays cruising along Cleopatra's own honeymoon route up the Turkish coast and among Greek Dodecanese Islands of the Aegean Sea. Or along Alexander's Path down the coasts of ancient Caria and Lycia where our first guests of the year were able to visit the mostly unexplored city of Phellos. High above and inland from its seaport of Antiphellos, or modern Kas, Phellos is an archaeological delight. Two of its more interesting tombs are depicted at the right. In Kas, of course, we dined at Chez Evy which year after year serves the finest French cuisine east of Paris. The azure Aegean and turquoise Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It's not too late for you the reader. We have large derivative holes in our 2010 schedule. Come join us. Charter a sailing yacht to cruise the south coast of Turkey. Sail Turkey. One or the other, Greece or Turkey or both, plan your yacht charter honeymoon or holiday with us. Aboard a proper yacht. A proper yacht honeymoon or holiday sailing Turkey and Greece. Contact us today at tgeyacht@aol.com