The Turquoise Coast of Turkey

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 60 reviews.

Kurt Mills

THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written July 2008
A thoroughly enjoyable holiday. We had a small group (7), which made everything very easy. Hotel was basic but nice. Pool was fantastic - nice place to relax after a walk. Kas itself is very nice and easygoing - no hassles (dramatically different from the crass overcommercialisation of Marmaris).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Very much enjoyed lunch at the Warden's house after visiting Arykanda. Simple but delicious food cooked by his wife.
What did you think of your group leader?
David was excellent. Very knowledgeable. Obviously committed to the area. Good leader without being overbearing.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Turkey has become expensive. We were paying UK, or near-UK prices, for meals, etc. Ended up spending more than expected, but given that Kas is supposed to be part of the Turkish Riviera, I suppose that's understandable. It was very hot when we visited in mid-July (upper 30s - low 40s), although with the sea breezes it didn't seem quite so bad. The heat perhaps curtailed the length of the walks. Not the trip for you if you like doing day-long walks in the mountains, but good for getting out and about in the countryside a bit.
Robyn Vilhjalmsson

THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written July 2008
We had a great time --our 16 year old really enjoyed the optional activities like sea kajak, para gliding and turkish bath -- more than the walking part of the trip. The good thing about it was that he could; our group leader organized everything beautifully.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Finally walking part of the Lycian trail after having heard about it two years ago and reading Kate Clow's book and trail description in spring. Esp. seeing Patana and part of the aquaduct.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mahoo was great; well organized, cheerful despite the heat and our group which was qiute diverse. Would have liked a bit more cultural/social information though.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
July is very hot for walking-- try wet bath towels and drap scarfs etc. to avoid direct contact with the sun. Drink loads of water etc etc.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Hotel Arpia a great place to stay and their dinner was one of the best we had in Kas. Very good staff who made us feel at home.
Joanna Hughes

THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written June 2008
Despite the review written in January (this year), I found the hotel to be fine - with friendly and helpful staff. Yes, a bit basic, but I feel that is somewhat to be expected. .... and yes the showers do leak a bit, but there was always hot water and a lovely pool and bar setting, with massive of bourganvillea making it look very attractive.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Don't mention the safety boat on the kayaking trip - I think the driver needs a job description.
What did you think of your group leader?
a Sweetheart !
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Hotter than expected and mosquito repellent a must if you are prone to bites.
theresa jones

THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written June 2008
A very enjoyable, relaxing holiday with a good mix of culture, walking, swimming, sunbathing and good value additional activities eg kayaking and diving.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the amazing Roman, Greek and Lycian remains in the mountains. Still vast amphitheatres, walls and tombs etc remain in good condition despite several earthquakes.
Seeing 'wild' tortoises was a good moment for me.
The landscape is vast and quite biblical in places with olive groves, goats and donkeys.
What did you think of your group leader?
The leader was great, very knowledgable about the local history, terrain and the flora and fauna. He also lived in the town that we stayed in so knew a lot of the locals and introduced us to them. Ex SAS so good on survival skills and also very entertaining with tales of 'derring do' and of the people he's met.
He was also very patient and good humoured throughout.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Watch out for the summer heat! It can get very hot and possibly not much walking will get done. I went at the end of May which was getting hot but still just fine. Our highest temp was 37 C but it was dry heat so nice and hot rather than unbearable.
The terrain can be a little rough in places but there were 3 hip replacements on our trip and they all made it!
Nothing is too arduous.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel was fine, despite bad previous reviews. The staff were friendly (as well as being young and handsome!) and helpful. The hotel was clean and the pool was well maintained and also very clean.
Pace is a little more relaxed there so don't expect ultra snappy service; but this is a holiday.
Margaret Lee

THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written April 2008
It was a good holiday, my fourth with Exodus and a first for my male companion. Well organised and enjoyable.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Having a go at Kayaking for the first time and enjoying it!
What did you think of your group leader?
Good, friendly and well organised. Always there if we need any help and encouraged good team work from us all.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you go to Turkey take a plug! the hotel didnt have them.
Jayne Pirks

THE TURQUOISE COAST

Written January 2008
Great walking, great food, lovely weather, brilliant leader, lovely group of fellow travelers - not great hotel! I am happy with cheap and cheerful, but this was cheap and not cheerful. It was cold and gloomy. I don't think hot water, sockets that work, shower curtains long enough so the bathroom doesn't flood, an open bar or somewhere to get a cuppa and a few smiles are much to ask for. Most of the staff were just miserable, (not the lad at breakfast though) maybe they are happier in the summer!!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
One of the high points for me was breaking Dave's record by 17 minutes on the Akbel to Pettara (15km) walk. Or does he tell everyone that??We also completed a walk from Phellos - Haciolan (22.5km) which was a huge achievement for me - I have never walked that far before - the terrain was very rocky with lots of up hill - more up hill than Dave lead us to believe!! But it was worth it - sitting having our picnic miles from nowhere clear blue sky and beautiful fresh air.I was lovely just being with a group of great people that were all good walkers and good talkers.
What did you think of your group leader?
I thought Dave was great, both his local knowledge and the knowledge he has on the history of Turkey was superb. It would appear that he loves the country - He is obviously well known and well respected in Kas, and I thought he took us to some lovely restaurants. The food was always plentiful and I thought reasonable priced - in comparison the drinks weren’t cheap but the service was great.I felt very safe out on walks with him, I was confident that what ever arose - he would have something in his ruck sack to deal with it!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do make sure you take good strong walking boots, the trip notes say trainers or lightweight walking boots, the terrain was very rocky, and I don't think trainers would have been good enough. Take mosquito repellent even in December/January most of us got bitten to bits at night, none us thought there would be a problem that time of year. It is quiet chilly in the evenings, it took me all week to work out that the air conditioning unit was also the heating unit!! Once I discovered that the room felt much better.
In the winter months it is a long journey to Kas from Antalya airport - so be prepared for a long day getting there and getting back. Oh and don't panic on your first morning at 6am - it's only the call to prayer from the Mosque just down the road from the hotel, it was loud! Ear plugs might be useful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Great holiday, good mix of walking - one minute walking amongst ancient Roman ruins at Arycanda in short sleeves, next minute delicious lunch at the wardens home, next minute we are half way up a mountain (Urdabek) in the snow!! I really wasn't expecting snow!! So go prepared for all conditions. This was my first Exodus experience, and going as a single traveler for the first time was nerve racking but it was truly great, I am so glad I did it. I am now trying to decide which one to do next.
Exodus Response
We're very glad you had such a wonderful time on your trip and hope that you made the Leader aware of you oppinions regarding the service at the Oreo Hotel. It is very unusual to have negative feedback regarding the hotel - it is our main partner hotel in Turkey and used in conjunction with a number of our trip itineraries. For examples of positive feedback for The Oreo, please take a look at our ATM trip reviews.
- Exodus Staff
Julie MacDonald

The sea was wonderful - I have had colder baths!!

Written September 2007
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views were incredible, the local hospitality was warm and welcoming and the pace of life was relaxed. Heaven on earth!
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What did you think of your group leader?
Maho was obviously a well-known and respected local who had great influence within his community. His knowledge of both current and historical events ensured there was always a story to listen to - no matter the location. His matter of fact and flexible approach enabled him to meet the needs of the group - even at short notice.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As a basic courtesy it is polite to learn some words of Turkish. It is very much appreciated by the locals and I found it useful at the airport when I had a potential excess baggage issue...... :-)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The balance between organised outings and free time was perfect. There was no opportunity to be bored as there was so much on offer in Kas. It was helpful having the evening briefs as it allowed the group to get together and decide on evening activities, such as dinner together if they so wished. This is useful when people are travelling on their own and may not feel confident about going out to dine alone.