Turkey Activity Week

Turkey Activity Week Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Turkey
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
8 Days: Flight Inclusive
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: ATM

Trip Overview

Enjoy classic Mediterranean beauty and plenty of thrills on an activity-packed week on the Turquoise Coast

Spectacular canyons, a sunken city and Roman ruins; golden beaches, hidden coves and traditional lokantas. No wonder Turkey’s Turquoise Coast has become a magnet for adrenaline-seeking adventurers. Experience it for yourself on this activity-packed adventure, in which we go canyoning, sea kayaking, scuba diving and explore the coast on a traditional gulet sailing boat. Based in the laidback town of Kaş, we also visit the impressive Saklikent Gorge and Patara National Park, with its Roman ruins and glorious beach. There is also a free day to enjoy more of the local delights or, for the more adventurous, the option to go paragliding.

At a Glance

Seven nights at a three-star hotel with a pool
Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
No previous experience of activities is necessary
Reasonable level of fitness required

Highlights

Kayak over a sunken city in the Mediterranean Sea
Go canyoning down a spectacular gorge, through waterfalls and pools
Embark on a scuba diving adventure
Enjoy a scenic coastal walk past Roman ruins
Explore hidden coves and beaches on a traditional gulet boat

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

As with all our multi-activity trips, no experience of the activities is required; however, to fully enjoy this trip, a fair level of fitness, skills and physique are required.

The itinerary is very active and long periods of time are spent outdoors or in water. As so many of the activities are water-based, we do not recommend that non-swimmers book this trip.

Please note, the tour leader reserves the right to refuse participation of any group member on any activities on safety grounds or if they feel their participation will compromise the safety and enjoyment for the rest of the group.

The order of activities may be changed to suit local weather conditions.

Our local partner may ask you to sign an ‘acknowledgement of risk’ form before undertaking some of the more adventurous activities included as part of the tour. In signing this, you will not be limiting your legal rights, as these are governed by our booking conditions and your contract remains with Exodus.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Kas
End City: Kas

Land Only Itinerary

Welcome to Kaş, a pretty coastal town occupying the site of Antiphellos. A well-preserved first-century BCE theatre stands in tribute to the ancient town. There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to arrive at any time and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Saklikent Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the Taurus Mountains. Over the millennia, the rapid (and extremely cold) Esen River has cut a deep canyon through the ancient rocks. Using a walkway, we explore the mouth of the canyon (entrance to Saklikent Canyon is payable locally; see Extra Expenses) and, depending on seasonality, we can progress further in by getting our feet wet! Waterproof sandals may come in handy here (or plastic shoes can be rented locally at a nominal cost). There may also be the opportunity to go tubing, depending on the season. Tubing is a fun activity, in which you sit in a circular rubber tube with a paddle and head off down river.

After a relaxing lunch near the mouth of the canyon, we take a short transfer to the start of our walk. The route offers a combination of great views and Roman ruins before arriving at Patara Beach (entrance to Patara National Park is payable locally; see Extra Expenses) one of the most beautiful in Turkey, where we can relax and swim in the turquoise sea.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, we go scuba diving, using a highly recommended PADI-registered dive school. They have top-quality European equipment and a purpose-built dive boat. For beginners, we offer a try dive course, which includes a one-on-one dive with an instructor or dive master. Qualified divers can take a couple of boat dives. Kaş has some of the best diving sites in the whole of the Mediterranean and it is possible to see turtles and triggerfish if you’re lucky!

The group is usually split in two, depending on the size of the group, with one half diving in the morning and the other in the afternoon. All dives, including the try dives are from the dive boat. During your free time, there are opportunities to soak up the sun. Those who do not wish to scuba dive may take the excursion and snorkel instead.

You must be in good health and will be asked to sign a medical disclaimer and show a doctor’s certificate for any medical conditions. Qualified divers will be required to show proof of qualification.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, we embark on a thrilling canyoning adventure within the mountains behind Kaş. We normally visit Kibris Canyon, a spectacular gorge where springs and waterfalls cascade into a rapidly flowing cold river. It is ideal for canyoning (a combination of swimming, abseiling and leaping into pools of mountain water).

We are given a wetsuit, harness and helmet. You must be able to swim, and light summer walking shoes (or old trainers/sneakers) are essential. The day is long and strenuous at times – please make sure you are confident of your physical fitness and have a head for heights with the ability to jump from relatively high up into water pools.

Please note: At no point is jumping obligatory; there is always the option to climb, abseil or walk down at these points.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today has been left free to do as little or as much as you like. Options include more scuba diving, a local hike or walk, a Turkish bath or just a stroll around Kaş. For adrenaline seekers, there is the opportunity to take a paragliding flight. The start point is 1,970ft (600m) above sea level and the flight takes you over Kaş and the surrounding islands (see Optional Excursions for prices).

There is also the option to visit the Greek island of Kastellorizo, known as Megisti to the locals or Meis in Turkey. This is the most easterly of the Dodecanese islands and one of the most picturesque.

Meals included: Breakfast

We spend today kayaking in the sheltered bay near Kekova Island. We leave at 7.30am for a transfer (approximately 50 minutes) to Ucagiz village. After preparations and a technical briefing, we paddle towards the island and the site of a legendary sunken city. Although it is no Atlantis, you can clearly make out the harbour walls disappearing into the waters and see the layout of rooms and houses below the surface. Kayaking is an excellent, low impact way of exploring the site. Later, we paddle to the village of Simena for lunch. This spectacular spot is on a peninsula and inaccessible by road. The village is overlooked by a hilltop Ottoman castle with excellent views of the whole bay. To participate, you must be able to swim.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Unwind as we set sail from Kaş Harbour on a traditional Turkish gulet for a day cruise. The tranquil warm waters of the Turquoise Coast are perfect for swimming and snorkelling – there will be plenty of opportunities to get in from the boat. We get a sense of the region’s ancient history as we meander around the rocky outcrops, before having a delicious lunch on board.

In the afternoon, we return to Kaş where there is free time to explore the town.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our adventure ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journey home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel Club Phellos

Our base for the week is the Hotel Club Phellos located in the heart of the picturesque town of Kas. Just a 4 minute walk from Kas square and 100 metres from Küçük Çakıl beach, this 89 room property has an outdoor pool and terrace with sweeping views across the bay.

Worth knowing

On occasion, we might use a different hotel of a similar standard.

Single supplement from £ 365

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and three picnic lunches are included.

Food in Turkey is generally very good and varied, making use of fresh local ingredients. Breakfasts normally include boiled eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, honey or jam, and yoghurt, olives and bread. Picnic lunches are provided on specified days.

For dinners, there are plenty of excellent lokantas (cafes) and restaurants in Kaş. Some specialise in locally caught fish, others in various lamb dishes. There are also plenty of cafes and snack bars, serving pide (Turkish pizza). Most restaurants also offer meze (mixed starters). The Turks have a sweet tooth, so expect plenty of honey-covered pastries, cakes and ice creams. The tour leader will normally assist in organising group meals. Vegetarians are well catered for.

Transport

A comfortable air-conditioned mini or midi bus is used throughout the trip.

Weather & Seasonality

The area has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.

April, May and October: Pleasant daytime temperatures of 12C-22C (54F-72F); nighttime 5C-13C (41F-55F), a chance of rain.

June and September: Daytime temperatures 20C-35C (68F-95F); nighttime 15C-20C (59F-68F); very dry.

If travelling in July and August, be prepared for high temperatures up to 38C (100F). It is not always possible to avoid the heat of the midday sun. Rain is unlikely in summer although the occasional storm can’t be ruled out. Protracted spells of bad weather are unlikely at any time of the year.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Hotel: Phellos Hotel, Andifli, Doğruyol Cd. No:4, 07580 Kaş/Antalya
Phone: +90 242 836 19 53
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Dalaman Airport (DLM)

Getting to the hotel

The hotel is approximately a 2hr 20min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Kas
Location end: Kas

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Light summer walking shoes (or old trainers/sneakers) for the canyoning (these will get wet, water needs to be able to drain away)
Comfortable walking boots or trekking trainers (sneakers)
Warm sweater and/or jacket for May, September and October departures
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Lip protection
Sunhat
Water bottle
Sunglasses with neck string
Backpack (approximately 30 litres)
Clothes you do not mind getting wet

Optional Equipment

Light waterproofs
Beach towel
Drybag
Motion sickness medication for the kayaking day
Rash vest for kayaking and canyoning

Practical Information

Visa

Turkey

Travellers from the UK and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Canadian and US citizens normally do need a visa – apply at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkey
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html

For assistance with obtaining visas please call Travcour on 020 8543 1846 or visit their website: http://www.travcour.com/page/tour-packs/exodus.php

Vaccinations and Health

Turkey

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.

Local Time

Turkey's time zone: Europe/Istanbul (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

Turkey's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)

ATM Availability

Turkey has a good network of cash machines, which can be used to get advances in lira. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You should allow about 7,430 Turkish lira (approximately US$255 / £200) for meals not included (excluding drinks).

There are no restrictions on the import of Turkish currency. It is best to bring some cash to exchange and take the rest out at ATMs. The exchange rate does fluctuate quite considerably, so it is best to check just before departure.

Find approximate prices below.

Drinks in restaurants and lokantas
- Beer: 120 liras (US$4/£3.25)
- Bottle of wine: 535 liras (US$18/£14.50)
- Water: 45 liras (US$1.50/£1.25)
- Soft drink: 75 liras(US$2.60/£2)
- Fresh orange juice: 110 liras (US$3.80/£3)
Entrance to Patara National Park: 90 liras (US$3.10/£2.50)
Entrance to Saklikent Gorge: 70 liras (US$2.40/£1.90)
Optional tubing at Saklikent: 370 liras (US$12.70/£10)

Extra scuba diving

Should you wish to take part in a further dive, the local dive school is also available on your free day. The format will be very much the same as your included dive.

Duration: Half day
Price:
- Try dive: 925 liras (US$32/£25)
- Full dive: 740 liras (US$25/£20)
- Two dives: 1,400 liras (US$48/£38)

Tandem paragliding

From the hills behind Kaş, paraglide down to sea level in the safe hands of a qualified pilot.

Duration: 20-minute flight, one hour with transfer
Price: 2,510 liras (US$86/£68)

Turkish bath: 1,220 liras (US$42/£33)

Tipping

If you would like to leave a tip, we suggest you budget around 1,210 Turkish liras (US$42/£33) to be broken down as follows:

690 liras (US$26/£19) for your tour leader
345 liras (US$13/£9.40) for your driver
175 liras (US$7/£4.75) for the hotel

This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. The gulet boat we use is family owned.
Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income, which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. We visit Saklikent National Park, where our entrance fees will contribute towards the upkeep and maintenance of the reserve.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Most activities are low impact and self-propelled, for example sea kayaking and canyoning.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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