Take on a new challenge every day!
The endless coastline, canyons and rivers set against
the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains of Lycian Turkey is our playground
for a week of adventure on land and sea.This week offers excitement and
exhilaration with a little relaxation thrown in
for good measure.
There's a day of canyoning and cycling interspersed with SCUBA diving,
sea-kayaking, the natural phenomenon of Saklikent Gorge and a walk to
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, optional paragliding.
Our base for the week is the lively port town of Kas, boasting
atmospheric streets, an old harbour and ancient theatre along with a
host of restaurants, cafes and bars to be enjoyed.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK and transfer to our group hotel in Kas.
Day 2 - We head for the beautiful Saklikent Gorge where
waterfalls cascade into the rapid flowing and extremely cold Esen River,
which over millennia has cut a deep canyon through the ancient rocks.
Using a walkway we explore the mouth of the canyon (see extra expenses)
and can progress further in by getting our feet wet! Waterproof sandals
may come in handy here. There is also the opportunity to go tubing after
the Canyon Walk (see extra expenses for
 approximate cost). Tubing is a
fun activity in which you sit in a rubber ring with a paddle and head
off down river. En route there is the chance to stop and enjoy a mud
bath. 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
below) one of the most beautiful in the Turkey, where we can relax and
have a swim in the turquoise sea.
Day 3 - Today we use the highly recommended dive school operated
by our Turkish partners. The PADI registered school uses top-quality
European equipment and has a purpose-built dive boat. For beginners we
offer a 'Try Dive' course, which includes a one-on-one dive with an
instructor. Qualified divers can take a couple of boat dives. Kas boasts
some of the best diving sites in the area and it is possible to see
turtles and trigger fish if you're lucky! Your day will usually be split
in two, depending on the size of the group, with one half diving in the
morning, and the other in the afternoon. During your free time there are
opportunities to soak up the sun. Requirements: 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.
Day 4 - The mountains behind Kas are riddled with deep canyons.
We normally use the Kibris
 Canyon, one 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 provided with a wet suit, harness and a helmet. You
must be able to swim, and boots with good ankle support are essential.
The day is long and strenuous at times - please make sure you are
confident of your physical fitness and physique, have a head for
heights, and the courage to jump a few metres into pools of water.
Day 5 - Free day to do as little or as much as you like. Options
include more SCUBA diving, take a boat trip, a Turkish bath or just a
stroll around Kas. See Optional Excursions section below for prices. For
the more adventurous and adrenaline-seeking there is the opportunity to
do a paragliding jump. The start point is 600 metres above sea level and
the flight takes us out over Kas and the surrounding islands.
Day 6 - Today we spend a full day sea kayaking in the sheltered
bay near Kekova Island. Using one or two man boats we paddle towards the
island to the site of the famous sunken city. Although it is no
Atlantis, you can clearly make out the harbour walls.Kayaking is an
excellent low impact way of exploring the site. Later we paddle to the
village of Simena. This spectacular spot is located 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.
Day 7 - After our transfer to our start point in Sütlegen we head
up into a cedar forest and follow the trails traversing the wooded
valleys and the Kibris gorge on the left with some fast descents and a
few challenging climbs to the highest point at Akörü. After a picnic
near Sinneli we continue along our route heading towards the sea. The
day ends with long fast descents on rough tracks, and ultimately on to
mountain roads all the way back to our hotel in Kas. Ride approx 50km.
Min. height to fit bikes: 1.52m
Day 8 - Transfer to Dalaman, fly to UK.
Reality Check
This trip gives you the chance to go sea-kayaking, canyoning, and diving
in addition to the Exodus staples of mountain biking and walking. There
is also the option to try paragliding. Perfect for those who enjoy
plenty of adrenaline along with sun. No experience of the activities is
required for this holiday and thos e that have experience will not be
bored, as there are a wide range of levels and grades to suit all.
However, to enjoy this trip to the full, 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. There is a certain amount of
rough and tumble and a few minor cuts and bruises cannot be ruled out.
Please note that the Tour Leader reserves the right to
refuse participation of any client on any activities on safety grounds
or if they feel that their participation will compromise the safety and
enjoyment for the rest of the group.
For answers to
Frequently Asked Questions on this
trip follow the link.
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