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On my five-day blue voyage, we traveled from Marmaris to Fethiye, changing bays every night and traveling under sail only one day. Today’s gulets have motors as well as sails, and the wind conditions and the size of the gulet determine how much sailing can be done in the course of a voyage.

The main sights along the route were the ancient city of Kaunos, Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach and the incredible deserted bays (if you choose this route, be sure to ask your captain to moor at Aga Limani, a glorious spot protected by rocky cliffs). The towns we passed were mostly tiny seaports; Ekincik, east of Marmaris, for example, has nothing more than a few relaxed beach bars and restaurants.

Göcek and Fethiye, farther east, are larger but lovely, with small shops and restaurants, and are worthwhile stops (if you can, drop anchor in Fethiye on Friday to visit the farmer’s market). From Fethiye, the island of Rhodes is only a fifty-minute ferry ride away.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider your itinerary: How much sightseeing do I want to do (daily, every other day)? How often do I want to eat in a town as opposed to on board? How much time do I want to spend anchored in deserted coves? How much time do I want to spend sailing versus motoring? Do I want beach time? Do I want a lively scene (in which case your trip will have to include Bodrum)? Schedules are flexible within reason, and the gulet captains, who know this coast inside and out, do their best to accommodate special requests.

Countless tour operators, as well as boat and gulet chartering companies, offer blue voyages. Sailing aficionados will appreciate that yachting company the Moorings (www.moorings.com) has its Turkish base in Göcek.

For those who prefer the traditional route, here are four options, including gulet charter companies Yesil Marmaris and Mediterranean Collection, Beluga, a gorgeous vessel designed by Anouska Hempel and a new southern Turkey itinerary by Abercrombie & Kent.