Cruise along the Turkish Coast
A week aboard a gulet — the traditional wooden yacht of the Turkish coast — along the Gulf of Gökova, the stretch of Aegean that sailors and painters keep coming back to. Sheltered anchorages in untouched nature, clear turquoise water, fishing villages and ancient ruins on the shore. A different mooring every day, and a different view to paint. This is what Turkey calls a Blue Cruise.
Anastasia Kustova works with the group for the whole week. Six plein-air days: four five-hour sessions with a master class, and two days of painting on your own. Sketch practice every day, and one final piece made together on board.
Highlights
- Twin cabins with a private shower and WC on board
- Six plein-air days, four of them with a master class
- A new bay every day, from Karacasöğüt to the village of Etrim
- Full board on board, starting with dinner on arrival day
- Sessions are held in Russian
Day by day
Day 1Saturday 3 October
Arrival in Bodrum; the group is free until 17:00. Overnight at Black Island, just outside Bodrum.
Day 2Cruise to Karacasöğüt Bay
A plein-air session looking out over the yacht club and the mountains, then back aboard for the night.
Day 3After breakfast a minibus takes us to the village of Akyaka for an open-air session
Back to the yacht around 17:00 and a night in a quiet cove.
Day 4Cruise to Tuzla Bay. The day is free for painting.
Day 5Cruise to Çökertme Bay and paint in the village, then on to Kisse…
Cruise to Çökertme Bay and paint in the village, then on to Kisse Bükü bay for the night.
Day 6Cruise to Yalıçiftlik Bay
A session at a working boatyard, then a night in the bay.
Day 7After breakfast a minibus takes us to Etrim, a typical Turkish…
After breakfast a minibus takes us to Etrim, a typical Turkish village, for an open-air session. We also visit a family who weave carpets and rugs.
Day 8Saturday 10 October. Transfer to Bodrum Airport.
Please note that the itinerary may be amended during the week depending on the weather conditions at sea.
What's included
- A twin cabin with a private shower and WC
- All meals on board, starting with dinner on arrival day
- Table wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Tuition and master classes with Anastasia Kustova
- Crew service, fuel, harbour fees and taxes
Not included
- Alcohol other than the table wine
- Airport transfers
- Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites, and excursions
- Tips for the crew
Anastasia Kustova is a Russian watercolor artist, author, and international plein air instructor. She is a Member of the Russian Watercolour Society and an Honorary Member of the Russian Plein Air Artists Association. Anastasia is the author of the bestselling book Watercolor for Adults, with more than 20,000 copies sold, and the creator of the ART DRIVE project — a unique watercolor tour across 10 cities in Russia. She is also the creator and producer of the documentary film Plein Air after Plein Air.
Since 2017, Anastasia has led more than 40 international plein air workshops, painting retreats, and masterclasses across over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Nepal, India, Georgia, and Montenegro. Her teaching has inspired thousands of artists to explore watercolor through observation, travel, and direct engagement with nature and urban environments.
Her work has been exhibited internationally and has received recognition in prestigious watercolor exhibitions and competitions worldwide. Known for her expressive use of light, reflections, atmosphere, and storytelling, Anastasia's paintings combine technical mastery with emotional depth, inviting viewers to discover beauty in everyday moments.
Today, Anastasia continues to teach, paint, travel, and inspire artists around the world through workshops, exhibitions, online education, and creative journeys that bring together art, culture, and exploration.
