TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour Highlights
Compete in the WORLD'S OLDEST SWIM in the annual 'Victory Day' Hellespont swimming race in Canakkale, Turkey
Enjoy a truly unique experience as one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes is closed for the race
Follow in the historical wake of Leander and Lord Byron who turned these waters into the icon that they are
Meet and swap stories with fellow open water swimmers from all over the world
Relax and soak in the festivities of the SwimTrek post-race dinner after completing your swim
Hellespont and Dardanelles: THE WORLD’S OLDEST SWIM. It’s been said that you can’t call yourself a true open water swimmer until you’ve completed this historic cross-continental swim from Europe to Asia in Turkey. From the challenge of the swim itself to the region’s incredible history, this event is a must-do for open water swimmers from around the globe.
No other open water challenge in the world combines as much history, prestige, romance and bragging rights into a single swim as the legendary crossing of the Dardanelles strait, as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is closed for the annual ‘Victory Day’ race.
Entries for this iconic event are strictly limited and SwimTrek is the sole provider of all race places for non-Turkish residents.
Entries are already open for 2021!
The Legendary Swim
The Hellespont is celebrated in the ancient Greek myth as the strait that Leander swam across to reach his lover Hero. It was officially swum for the first time by the famous poet, Lord Byron, in 1810 and ever since it has been considered the absolute epitome of open water swimming and can often be found at the top of any avid open water swimmer’s international wish list. As well as its own ancient history, the crossing also holds a special place in SwimTrek’s history as the swim which prompted our fearless founder, Simon Murie, to set up a pioneering open water swimming company in 2003.
Who is this trip for?
The Hellespont and Dardanelles crossing is a significant open water swim of 4½ km between Europe and Asia. Conditions during the event may be challenging and swimmers should have a good understanding of open water swimming. They should be capable of swimming 4½ km in the open water and be comfortable swimming in choppy waters and currents prior to the start of the trip.
What's included?
- Entry into the annual Hellespont Swim Race
- Three nights accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Pre-race acclimatisation swim on Day 2
- Pre-race boat tour on Day 2
- Post-race celebration and dinner on Day 3
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the start of the tour
- Lunch and evening meals (except the pre- and post-race meals)
- Optional guided tours
Related Links
- Swimming Holidays Europe
- Swimming Holidays Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
- Swimming Holidays Hellespont Week Tour (Istanbul, Gallipoli and Troy)
- Swimming Holidays Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way Short Swims - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way with Teens - Turkey
Related Trips
Daily Itineraries
Day 1 - Saturday 28 August 2021
Day 2 - Sunday 29 August 2021
Day 3 - Monday 30 August 2021
Day 4 - Tuesday 31 August 2021
Map
2021 Trip Schedule
Race Information
Trip Information
Getting There
Practical Information

Hellespont

SwimTrek guiding team Hellespont 2019

SwimTrek's Hellespont boat

Turkish Hellespont swimmers

Winner of the swim

Guide Ben looking out for swimmers safety

Medals for successful swimmers

Clear waters for the Hellespont

SwimTrekkers in Turkey

Cross-continental swimmer Turkey

swimming the course Hellespont & Dardanelles

Crossing the finish Hellespont

Celebrating finishing the Hellespont

Strong swimmers for Hellespont

Hellespont

Hellespont

Hellespont

Hellespont

Hellespont

Hellespont

Mid swim action

Leaving Europe in their wake

Trojan Horse

Hellespont
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Swimming the Hellespont was the hardest swim I've done, and being swept past the finish as I hadn't got my sighting right was one of the most bittersweet experiences I have had. Euphoric at having swum the distance, gutted at missing the red carpet. Winning isn't everything, its participating that is magic.
Charles M, UK - 2019 -
Hellespont Swim tour will become the new ANZAC pilgrimage swim for Aussie and Kiwi swimmers...an emotional yet still exciting event to have on your bucket list.
Suzette S, Australia - 2019 -
Epic, classical and Heroic in the wake of Leander and Lord Byron. A great swim for many abilities.
Peter W, UK - 2019 -
Being able to call yourself a cross continental swimmer, and knowing this was done in challenging waters with superb safety cover; what’s not to like!
Aedin C, Switzerland - 2019 -
The Hellespont & Dardanelles swim was an outstanding challenging yet fun event in an amazing & beautiful location stacked with history. I will certainly return to swim it again with SwimTrek.
Mark H, UK - 2019 -
Thank you to the SwimTrek team for helping me achieve a lifetime ambition - your team were so helpful and encouraging. An amazing event that was very well-organised. THANK YOU. I look forward to going with SwimTrek in the future for another adventure.
Jane W-S, UK - 2018 -
Exceeded expectations - truly memorable swim
Chris P. UK-2017 -
Where else can you do an intercontinental swim and have such fun doing it?
Matthew D. UK-2017 -
This exceeded all expectations. Met some fantastic people from all over the world and thought the swim was truly memorable
Heidi L. UK-2017 -
"Great moments are born from great opportunities".
Chuck. P, Jordan- 2017 -
The Hellespont was an iconic swim. Well organised and safely managed. It was fun and enjoyable from start to finish - great event, great new friends and gave a full sense of achievement. Superb !
Alan B. UK - 2016 -
The experience of a lifetime. You must swim it!
Paul S. UK - 2016 -
My first SwimTrek trip exceeded all expectations so it won't be my last.
Catherine D. Australia - 2016 -
Had a fantastic time, brilliant fun! Well organised, met some wonderful people and the sea was beautiful - like swimming in silk. One of the best days!
Kate F. UK - 2016 -
It was - again - a perfect mix of wonderful location, challenging swimming event and meeting interesting people from all over the world.
Andreas F. Germany - 2016 -
My favourite ever swim - Europe to Asia at the Hellespont. The most classic swim in the world. Great location, beautiful swim, well-organised trip by SwimTrek.
Ricky M. UK - 2015 -
I swam the Hellespont to celebrate my 60th birthday. It was the highlight of a month-long trip to Turkey. It surpassed my expectations and I would jump at the chance to do it again.
Graeme H. Australia - 2015 -
What an amazing experience both in mind, body and soul. The turks are an incredibly hospitable nation who take pride in everything they showed us and arranged for us. We were privilege to swim a historical route from Europe to Asia that will leave a lasting memory for me!
Kim F. South Africa - 2015 -
The swim of a lifetime!
Ralph C. USA - 2015 -
It was brilliant and the best birthday I've had in years!
Shila S. Switzerland - 2015 -
I'm so thrilled to have taken part in the swim and can proudly say I've swum from Europe to Asia. The SwimTrek suggested training programme really worked, with superb advice on hand. I am officially a swim addict now!
Lou A. UK - 2014 -
A very memorable swim which I would recommend to others.
John W. UK - 2014 -
An event not to be missed. One better than sailing over the Dardanelles is to swim through it. Having succeeded, the title of "Intercontinental Swimmer" sits easily!
Robert Marriott - 2013 Competitor -
This has been one of my favourite swims to do. The water was beautiful and it was really great to make it it to the finish. I met some really interesting and inspiring people also, which made the trip even more memorable.
Clinton P - 2013