Start Point: Çanakkale 
Start Time: 8pm on Tuesday 28th August 2012

Finish Point: Çanakkale
Finish Time: 10am on Friday 31th August 2012

Getting There

There are a number of scheduled services operating to Istanbul from various British and European cities.

Airlines that fly from London to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:

• British Airways
• Turkish Airlines

Airlines that fly from London to Istanbul Sabiha Airport:

• EasyJet
• Pegasus Airlines

From Istanbul you can either fly or take the bus.

Flying
There are a few options:

1. Private Hellespont Participants Bus: 
   If your travel plans coincide with the times of the private Hellespont bus, we would advise that you book onto it as public transport has proven to be a little unreliable in recent years. Istanbul to Cankkale
   (all buses depart on Tuesday 28th August).
   The bus departs from Ataturk (1400 & 1700) and Sabiha Gokcen (1315) Return (both 31st Aug & 1st Sept)
   Departs Canakkale at 0645 and will drop off at Ataturk (approx 1330), Istanbul Town Centre (approx 1400) and Sabiha Gokcen (approx 1500). To book a place on this bus please contact info@wilusa.net
    
2. Local Bus: 
   Takes approximately 6 hours from Istanbul to Çanakkale. You need to catch a bus from “Otogar” just 10km west of the centre of Istanbul. The “Otogar” is on the same metro line as Ataturk International Airport where most international flights come into.

Passports and Visas:
You require a full passport, that should be valid for 6 months beyond the expected length of stay. You should check if you require a visa. British, Irish, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens do require a visa which can be purchased for around €15 before passport control. Some EU members do not need a visa. Visa regulations do change. Please check!

Swimming Information

Temperatures based on 2011 temperatures and are indicative only 

Compulsory Events:
In the above trip timetable, both the race briefing and the race registration have been listed as compulsory. Failure to attend either of these events will mean you will be unable to enter the competition.

Pre-Event & Race Day Medical :
The race organisers require a signed medical document from a doctor / medical practitioner prior to attending the race. This will be forwarded to all participants well in advance of your trip for completion.

In addition to the Pre-Event Medical, the race organisers will be carrying out a medical examination of all swimmers on the morning of the event. In previous years this medical has included a blood pressure test and listening to your heart.  Please contact us if you have questions on this.

Swim Distance Hellespont 4½km (Swim is current assisted, which is approx equivalent of 3-3½ km.)

Weather Caveat
In the event of bad weather and the swim being cancelled, there are no reserve/alternative times or days available but there is an opportunity for an alternate coastal swim route organised by SwimTrek.

Please be aware that whilst SwimTrek organise the tour part of the package. The Çanakkale Rotary Club are the organisers of the swim and are fully responsible for race safety and logistics.

General Information

Accommodation:
In order to maximise the enjoyment of the tour, our accommodation is a 3* hotel, based on twin-share (single rooms at an additional cost of £100) and en-suite facilities.

To accommodate the large numbers on this trip, we are spread across 4 - 5 hotels that are within 5 minutes walk of each other. We do also have limited places at a 4* hotel (Hotel Akol) that can be booked for a small supplement.

Meals:
All breakfasts are included as well as a pasta meal after the briefing on Monday and the post race dinner on Tuesday. Other lunches and dinners are not included, but this gives you the ability to choose when, where and with whom you would like to dine.

Additional Tours:
Tours such as Troy and Gallipoli can be organised through our partner agency in Canakkale at an additional cost, please contact info@wilusa.net for more information.

Vaccinations:
There are no essential vaccination requirements for Turkey. Although the risks are low you may wish to obtain vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis A and check that your polio and tetanus vaccinations are up to date.

Extra Expenses:
You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as entertainment, meals and any of the additional tours etc. Local currency is Turkish Lira (YTL)