Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 06:42
Southern Turkey: Active Family Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Turkey
- Programmes: Family
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 9+
- Trip Code: FET
- Carbon Footprint: 28kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Try a host of fun activities in the glorious landscapes of southern Turkey
The endless coastline, canyons and rivers of southern Turkey are a playground for adventures on land and sea. On this trip, we have days of canyoning and sea kayaking, plus visits to the impressive Saklikent Gorge and Patara National Park, where we find Roman ruins and a glorious beach. There is also a free day to enjoy further local delights or, for the more adventurous, optional paragliding. The beautiful scenery and laid-back atmosphere in Kaş make it a fantastic base for a week of family fun.
At a Glance
- Seven nights at a three-star hotel with air-conditioning and a pool
- Five days with activities, one free day
- Travel by private air-conditioned minibus
- Group normally 6 to 20
- No experience necessary
- Reasonable fitness levels required
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Kayak over a sunken city in the Mediterranean Sea
- Jump, scramble and float down the beautiful Kibris Canyon
- Try canyoning – abseil, clamber and jump down a spectacular gorge, through waterfalls and pools
- Enjoy a scenic coastal walk past ancient Roman ruins
- A day onboard a traditional Turkish Gulet boat exploring the coast
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.
It gives you the chance to go sea kayaking, canyoning and walking with a good dose of relaxation thrown in. There is also the option to try scuba diving (minimum age: 14). No experience of the activities is required and you and your family will be in good hands with the local team.
The itinerary is fairly active and long periods of time are spent outdoors or in the water. As so many of the activities are water-based, we do not recommend that non-swimmers book this trip. There is a certain amount of rough and tumble, and a few minor cuts and bruises cannot be ruled out. We have built in free time to enjoy the sun and sand of the Turquoise Coast. The hotel has a pool and there is ample opportunity to relax.
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 are not limiting your legal rights, as these are governed by our booking conditions and your contract remains with Exodus.
Group
There will be one main group leader with other activity leaders as required.
Adult min age: 9
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 20
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Kaş
- End City: Kaş
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Dalaman; transfer to Kaş
Fly to Dalaman; transfer to our group hotel in Kaş.
Start Kaş
There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive at any time. Ease into the adventure with a dip in the hotel pool or get out and explore the cafe culture of Kaş.
Walk to Limanagzi; water taxi to Kaş
We start with a gentle warm-up day. The morning is spent on an orientation walk around Kaş, then enjoying coastal views through olive groves on the way to Limanagzi beach (approximately 90 minutes’ walk). At Limanagzi, there is time to relax and have a swim. We return to Kaş by water taxi.
Explore Saklikent Canyon, head to Patara
Explore dramatic Saklikent Canyon by wet walking up the river on wooden platforms over the water; we can enjoy the towering canyon walls, dip our feet in the river and explore this spectacular environment. In the afternoon, we take a walk to the seemingly endless Patara beach. On the way, we can stop at the ruins of an ancient Roman city, a great deal of which has only recently been revealed by the shifting sands.
Full day canyoning; abseil, swim, climb and jump into pools of cool water in one of the various canyons around Kaş
The mountains behind Kaş are punctured by deep canyons. We normally visit Kibris Canyon, which has some of the most impressive natural phenomena in the Taurus Mountains: a spectacular gorge, where springs and waterfalls cascade into the rapidly flowing cold river. It is ideal for canyoning – swimming, abseiling and leaping into pools of mountain water. You will be handed 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 can be strenuous at times, please make sure you and your children are happy to have a go and jump a few metres into pools of water. You’ll be in very safe hands and should revel in the adventure!
Please note: At no point is jumping obligatory; there is always the option to climb, abseil or walk down at these points.
Free day in Kaş: optional paragliding, scuba diving or relaxation
Today has been left free to do as little or as much as you like. Options include scuba diving (minimum age: 14), enjoying a Turkish bath, or just a strolling around the cafes and little shops of Kaş. For the more adventurous and adrenaline-seeking, there is the opportunity to take a paragliding flight (minimum age: 14). The start point is 1,790ft (600m) above sea level and the flight takes us out over Kaş and the surrounding islands.
Full-day sea kayaking; find out how the Turquoise Coast got its name
Today we spend a full day sea kayaking in the sheltered bay near Kekova Island. We start early, departing 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 sunken city. Although it is no Atlantis, you can clearly make out the harbour walls and see the layout of rooms and houses below the water. 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 is 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 and have the physique necessary to fit in the kayak.
Spend a day at sea exploring the beautiful Turkish and Greek islands
Today we take to the water onboard a traditional Turkish Gulet boat for a day cruise. We’ll set sail from Kas Harbour to explore bays and coves around the islands. We’ll get a sense of the region’s ancient history as we meander around the rocky outcrops, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling from the boat. Lunch on board is fresh and leisurely.
Transfer to Dalaman; fly to London
Transfer to Dalaman, fly to London.
End Kaş
Our adventure ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journey home. If you’d like a little more time to relax, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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 USD 547
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 dishes, others in various lamb dishes. There are also plenty of cafes and snack bars where pide (Turkish pizza) is served. Most restaurants also offer meze (mixed small dishes). Also expect plenty of pastries covered in honey, plus cakes and ice creams. Your group 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
If travelling in July and August, be prepared for 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
Start 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 start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 2hr 30min 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 for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen 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: Kaş
Location end: Kaş
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 shoes
- 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
- Disposable waterproof camera
- Beach towel
- Drybag
- Motion sickness medication for the kayaking day
- Rash vest for kayaking and canyoning
- Sports gloves for the paddling days (recommended if you’re prone to blistering)
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 retrieve lira. It is best to use a mixture of cash and ATMs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases. We recommend you do not bring travellers cheques.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You should allow about 4,800 lira (approximately US$210) for meals not included (excluding drinks).
Approximate drink prices in restaurants and lokantas:
- Beer: 100 lira (US$4.20)
- Bottle of wine: 435 lira (US$18.40)
- Water: 40 lira (US$1.70)
- Soft drink: 60 lira (US$2.55)
- Fresh orange juice: 90 lira (US$3.80)
Optional activities
There are also several optional activities available. Below are approximate prices:
Entrance to Patara National Park: 60 lira (US$2.60)
Entrance to Saklikent Gorge: 55 lira (US$2.50)
Tubing at Saklikent: 300 lira (US$13)
Turkish bath: 990 lira (US$42)
Scuba diving (minimum age: 14)
Should you wish to take part in scuba diving, the local dive school is available on your free day.
Duration: Half day
Approximate prices: Try-dive: 750 lira (US$32); full dive: 600 lira (US$26); two dives: 1,140 lira (US$50)
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.
Approximate price: 2,050 lira (US$87)
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we suggest you budget approximately 1,350 lira in total to be broken down as follows:
- 600 lira for your tour leader
- 300 lira each for your driver and assistant leader
- 150 lira for the hotel
People, Places & Planet
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
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.