Tour itinerary
Day 1: Fly To Dalaman; Transfer To Kas
After your flight, you make a transfer along the dramatic Lycian coast of around 2 ½ hours to your hotel where you’ll check in for the next three nights. Although you’re not likely to arrive in Kas until quite late tonight, there’ll be plenty of time to explore this busy little resort over subsequent days and nights.
Kas is built among the ruins of the ancient city of Antiphellos, one of the most important cities in the region during the Roman era. Unfortunately all that remains today is a theatre and numerous tombs, notably one on the harbour front and one near the town centre (remarkable for its size and excellent state of preservation). It takes the name of the 'Lion Sarcophagus' because of the two lion's heads jutting out on the side of the lid with their heads resting on their paws.
The backstreets of Kas are a warren of older buildings; there's even a sarcophagus in the main street! Local men sit in the shade of trees and climbers in the teahouses of the main square and the rattle of dice can be heard as they play backgammon. Join them and these friendly guys will be only too happy to show you the ropes. Hotel with swimming pool – 2 nights
Day 2: Optional sea kayaking
This day, in addition to day six, is set aside for you to either explore independently or to join in optional activities organised by your leader. The final decision as to which activities will be offered on which days, will be determined by local weather conditions and availability. However generally we aim to provide a sea kayaking excursion today and SCUBA diving options on day six. Each evening your Group Leader will either organise a meal for the group or alternatively recommend some local restaurants for you to try.
(B)
Optional Kayaking to Kekova Island - Half Day (Additional charge)A few kilometres to the east of Kas is Kekova Island. Off its northern shore, the fascinating remains of an ancient settlement - known locally as Batik Sehir (the sunken city) - lie submerged in a few metres of translucent, turquoise water. Consigned to the sea as the result of an earthquake, the ruined walls and stairs of houses and the outline of its jetty are still clearly visible. As this is a protected archaeological site, swimming and snorkelling are prohibited; you take sea-kayaks to get a really close look at the atmospheric ruins.
Day 3/4: Gulet cruise along the Lycian coast
This morning you'll step aboard your gulet, for two days of idyllic relaxation. There’s no firm plan – much depends on the tides and local conditions. Needless to say your days are usually spent cruising between the little coves and islands that dot this beautiful part of south-west Turkey. Naturally there are plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the inviting waters of the Aegean. Parents can sit back, relax and watch the world go by while the kids can emulate their favourite sea-faring heroes - maybe Captain Jack Sparrow! Below is an outline of a typical sailing route:
Leaving Kas you will first visit the unspoiled Ufakdere Bay where you’ll have lunch and no doubt take the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the beautiful blue waters. Yet more swimming is in order as you sail on to Yaglica Bay, before mooring in a picturesque bay near to Kekova for your first night sea-borne. Awakening to the seemingly infinite crystal clear waters, you can take an early morning dip near to the excitingly named Pirate Cave. The intended course then takes you on to Tersane (Shipyard) Bay, where you’ll go ashore for lunch to explore medieval castles, continuing to Inonu Bay for your second night on board the gulet.
Shared cabin on gulet (2 nights) - (Bx2, Lx2 Dx2)
Please note: The route may vary depending on conditions and is at the captain’s discretion. For logistical reasons your 2 nights on the gulet may take place later during your trip.
Day 5: Return To Kas
You’ll arrive back in Kas, after a final breakfast on board your gulet. After returning to your hotel the remainder of the day is left free for you to relax (by the hotel pool or on the beach).
Hotel with swimming pool (B)
Day 6/7: Optional Activities Around Kas (additional charge)
The whole of today and the following day are left free for you to either relax or to take part in further optional activities either arranged by your leader or available locally. See optional activities section below for costs. Hotel with swimming pool – 2 nights (Bx2)
Optional Scuba Diving - Half Day (additional charge)
With some of the best dive sites along Turkey's Mediterranean coast boasting good visibility and a variety of sea-life, Kas is a great place to try SCUBA diving. If you're already a qualified and certificated diver, there are two popular dives on local sites. If you haven't yet learned to dive, you can take a fully supervised introductory course, specifically designed for beginners. Please note that due to Turkish law children under 14 years old are now not allowed to take part in SCUBA diving.
NB: If you are already qualified and wish to dive (other than the introductory course), you must produce a valid PADI, NAUI, CMAS or BSAC diving certificate or equivalent.
Optional Mountain Biking – Full Day (additional charge)
The back roads of Lycia are ideal for exploration by mountain bike. One popular, full-day, 25 kilometre route offers exhilarating riding, albeit mostly downhill, following both rough tracks and asphalt roads. The views from the numerous high vantage points towards the mountains on one side and sea to the other are simply stunning, and show a different perspective of the Lycian coast, revealing just how pretty it is. After lunch you'll continue your descent, heading towards Dirgenler, before returning to Kas for a well-earned cold drink.
Optional Jeep Excursion – Full Day (additional charge)
The countryside around Kas is scattered with isolated farmsteads and undiscovered villages - the kinds of places package tourists never even dream about, let alone reach. 4WD vehicles are the best way to explore this hinterland and gain a real insight into traditional Turkish life and agriculture. Heading up toward the yayla (highland plateau), you may well meet nomadic shepherds who leave their lowland villages to bring their goats and sheep up to graze. There’ll also be fabulous views over the Greek Island of Kastellorizo and the entire Kas peninsula. Lunch in a local village is included on this excursion and you'll eat delicious home-cooked food in a traditional setting, before driving back to Kas through the citrus groves of Turuncova.
On your last evening in Kas, your leader will doubtless help to get everyone together for a final night celebration meal.
Day 8: Trip Ends; Fly home
Today you'll make the return transfer to Dalaman where the trip ends here for land only clients whilst clients travelling on our group flights fly home. (B)
Please note: Most activities take place outside the port of Kas - your base for the greater part of the trip - and involve short bus journeys to and from the various activities. The order of the activities may change depending on weather conditions or other operational factors.