This active trip is a wonderful way to explore Turkey’s beautiful coastline, charming villages and impressive mountains. From our base in the traditional harbour town of Kas we travel by bike, boat, canoe and sea kayak to explore the region’s dramatic landscapes and rich culture. We get well off the beaten track, visit local ancient sites and take relaxing swims in the sea.
In week two we cruise along the beautiful Turquoise Coast on a traditional wooden 'gulet'. Departing from Fethiye harbour we explore small bays and islands, discover ancient relics, and swim and snorkel in the warm clear waters that give the coastline its name. We visit the hillside village of Kalkan, the submerged ancient city of Kekova and revisit Kas. There are also opportunities to sea kayak, walk Saklikent Gorge and visit historical sites such as Patara (birthplace of Saint Nicholas).
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Dalaman and transfer to Kas
Arriving in Dalaman, we transfer to our hotel in Kas, approximately 2 hours away and check into our hotel. Kas is one of the most beautiful ports on the Turkish Riviera with a dramatic backdrop of steep limestone cliffs. Kas is a great place to relax, with cafes and restaurants spilling out onto cobbled streets and a network of tiny back-alleys to explore.You’ll have time over the coming days to enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant town, both on land and at sea.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
The Hotel Club Phellos
The Hotel Club Phellos is well located overlooking the little harbour town of Kas just a few minutes walk uphill from the centre. The poolside view is unforgettable, with beautiful Mediterranean vistas and amongst the hotel's facilities is a small hammam (Turkish Bath). Kas itself is delightful – not long ago just a small fishing village it has grown in popularity and size, yet managed to do what others around the Med haven't and retain much of the original character that attracted those first visitors. The little harbour is surrounded, as you would expect, by the old part of town – narrow streets of interesting shops radiate out from the harbour, ending in winding lanes where flowing bougainvillea scramble over whitewashed walls. Amongst these streets are numerous restaurants, cafes and even lively bars – perfect for relaxing at the end of the day! Beyond the town forested peaks of the Taurus Mountains rise dramatically to form a stunning backdrop and hint at the adventures of the week ahead.
Swimming available
2
Full day sea-kayaking to Kekova Island
Our first day here is spent on the sea trying out sea-kayaking in the calm, protected waters of the bay of Kekova. This is one of the most scenic area in Lycia; a set of picturesque islands, bays and small ancient cities. Here we find the so-called ‘Sunken City’ of Kekova. The results of various earthquakes, the partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal clear waters, there are even steps leading down into the depths of the bay. Later we paddle to the picturesque whitewashed village of Simena, whose harbour is dotted with ancient sarcophagi (tombs), Roman baths and houses that cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle. Hiking up to the castle we find within its walls a tiny ancient theatre (the smallest in Lycia, with a seating capacity for about 300 people). Carved from the solid rock it is a wonderful place to sit and soak up the beautiful surroundings. Taking to the waters again we head back to Ucagiz, from where we transfer back to Kas.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
3
Walks in the Taurus Mountains (lunch included)
Today we head back into the hills, to explore the hinterland on foot this time. Transferring by bus to our start point we aim to enjoy a 4- 6 hour walk in the foothills, passing through whitewashed villages and enjoying our picnic lunch in a timeless landscape, where sweeping mountain vistas and the turquoise Mediterranean coast are just part of daily life. Our exact route will depend upon the weather conditions and we will transfer back to Kas by bus at the end of our walk.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Swimming available
4
Visit Xanthos; canoe trip down Xanthos River to Patara (lunch included)
Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia and at one time was the largest centre of commerce and religion in the region. It has had a turbulent past, falling to both the Persians and the Romans, both occasions resulting in the mass suicides of the entire town. In Byzantines times, the city walls were renovated and a monastery was added. The city was finally deserted after Arab raids in the 8th century. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and we plan to visit it this morning, before the first of our activities. After our visit and a safety briefing we will take to the water again as we spend the next 4 hours canoeing down the Xanthos River to Patara. Passing tranquil and unspoilt rural backwaters as we make our way downstream, we eventually emerge at Patara, where we will have time to relax and have a swim off the beach, before heading back to Kas. The 18km of golden sand is one of the best beaches in Turkey and a protected nesting area for giant Loggerhead Turtles. The culture vultures amongst you may like to visit the site of Patara, once the principal port of ancient Lycia and birthplace of the 4th century bishop of Myra, St Nicholas – better known as Santa Claus.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Swimming available
5
Free day; optional trip to the island of Meis
Today is left free for you to do some exploring of your own. You could try the Friday Market, or for those of you with a hankering for culture Kas is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos, and there are ruins of a Hellenistic theatre, the monumental Lion Tomb, and some hillside rock tombs in and around the town. Alternatively, you may like to visit the Greek Island of Meis (optional). The island is just 2.5km from the Turkish coast and more than 100 from Rhodes, it's nearest Greek neighbour. For the adrenaline junkies there are a number of more active pursuits available and Kas has some excellent diving to cater for all levels of expertise.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
Included meals: Breakfast
Swimming available
6
Full day cycling in the Taurus Mountains (lunch included)
Transferring by bus this morning we head into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, where we resort to pedal power to spend some time exploring, both on and off-road, this picturesque region; cedar forests and rushing mountain streams offer welcome respite as we cycle through a region little changed for centuries. Our route will depend upon the weather conditions on the day, but you can expect to do some 20-30 kms before we return to the bus to transfer back to Kas, doubtless to enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the local bars.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Swimming available
7
Full day boat trip from Kas (lunch included)
We spend today cruising the calm clear waters around this dramatic and beautiful coastline. There will be ample opportunities for swimming and snorkelling from our chartered boat and we will take a BBQ lunch on board before returning to Kas late in the afternoon for our final evening in this lovely harbour town.
Overnight Standard Hotel
in The Hotel Club Phellos
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Swimming available
8
Transfer to Fethiye to join gulet
Today is the end of the 'Active Turkey' tour. You will be transfered to Fethiye to join the gulet for our 'Blue Cruise'. This tour starts at Fethiye harbour where we board our gulet and meet the crew. Fethiye is a market town that can trace its history back to the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos built around the harbour in the 5th or 6th Century B.C. Reminders of the town's past include Lycian rock tombs on the hillside and a Hellenistic theatre. If circumstances allow we leave Fethiye harbour in the late afternoon and head for a local bay for dinner and to overnight.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
9
To Kalkan
We sail this morning to the attractive port of Kalkan, a small fishing village built into the steep slopes of the seacliff. Kalkan offers a perfect chance to explore an old village and harbour front. From here there is the chance of an optional excursion to see the ancient city of Patara and amazing Saklikent Gorge. Patara is the birthplace of St Nicholas (Father Christmas) and is situated on the largest sandy beach in Turkey. After the visit to the site you might like to have a swim in the refreshing surf. Saklikent Gorge, situated high in the mountains above Fethiye was created by icy cold water cutting through the mountains over thousands of years. A natural wonder, the resulting canyon is 300 metres deep and 18 km long. Saklikent in Turkish means “Hidden City”. The walls are so high they cut out most of the sunlight and the fresh spring waters that flow through are freezing cold! A great refuge on a hot summer day.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
10
To Kekova
Sailing east along the coast towards the deserted island of Kekova, we come across a picturesque scene where ancient ruins line the coast. Overlooking these stunning views is Simena castle, set in beautiful surroundings. We can take a walk up to explore its tiny theatre, hollowed out of the rock, and the surrounding medieval walls and tombs. This afternoon there's the chance to join your Tour Leader for an optional walk to discover the ancient coastal trails. Afterwards, heading the short distance to Gokkaya island, a sheltered bay dotted with small islands, channels and several anchorages. In the port area there are a group of islands and small coves, where we'll find a good place to anchor.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
11
To Cayagzi
Sailing eastwards, we reach Cayagzi harbour. We recommend a side trip to Arycanda, one of southern Turkey's most dramatic sites, with a magnificent setting on the slopes of the Taurus mountains. The ruins are extensive, with a city stadium, large and small theatres, aqueducts and public baths. On our return, we will moor in Camlica cove, another peaceful and blissful spot in the region.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
12
To Kas via Ucagiz
Today we start sailing west to Ucagiz village. This morning we highly recommend doing a sea kayaking trip at Kekova. Here, submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal waters. Lycian sarcophagi (tombs) lie in the harbour bottom at Simena. This afternoon we continue sailing west to the harbour of Kas. This picturesque coastal town is one of the most beautiful of the Turkish riviera, backed by steep cliffs covered with dense green forest. You'll have time to enjoy soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many lively cafes near the picturesque harbour.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
13
To Soguksu Cove and Gemiler Island
We sail from Kas to Soguksu Cove then Gemiler island. In the afternoon, we will have an opportunity to land on Gemiler Island where we visit the extensive ruins dedicated to Father Christmas. In the early ages of Christianity, the island was an important shelter for the pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. The top pf the island offers superb views over the lovely Mediterranean coast.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
14
Sail to Tarzan Bay
As we sail to Tarzan Bay getting close to Fethiye, we will admire the wonderful views of turquoise seas. A last chance to relax and unwind before the tour ends. NB there may be situations where, due to operational reasons, we have to motor to Fethiye Harbour and moor up there.
Overnight Simple Cabin
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swimming available
15
Sail to Fethiye where tour ends
Tour ends Fethiye harbour.
Included meals: Breakfast
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