Hotel Check-In

Hotel Check-In - Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will meet at the airport, where you will join the group transfer to your comfortable hotel for a two-night stay. You can then spend the rest of the day exploring the city and experiencing the local Turkish culture.

Today we enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town of Istanbul. Huge monuments and mega structures that were constructed many centuries ago still impress tourists today. While unrest and war has altered many of the core sights over the centuries, Old Town Istanbul has remained an amazing melting pot of cultures and architecture that you can't find anywhere else.

Today we check out of our hotel and transfer by road towards Çanakkale by road with breakfast on the way. We’ll arrive in the small coastal town of Eceabat around midday and head directly to a small local restaurant for lunch. After lunch we depart for our fully guided Gallipoli tour. Highlights of the tour include Anzac Cove, Jonston’s Jolly and Lone Pine Australian Cemetery.

We’ll return to Eceabat in the late afternoon before taking the ferry across the Dardanelles Strait to Çanakkale . Upon arrival in Çanakkale , you can check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city and enjoy a late evening stroll along Çanakkale ’s promenade.

Acclimatisation Swim & Welcome Meeting

On the morning of Day 4, we welcome you to a Briefing about the swim. This is great time to hear about the race in detail, the tides you will experience and how to navigate the channel. Why not also enjoy a warm up acclimatisation swim on a private beach, this is a great chance to get used to the swimming conditions.

Boat Tour and Safety Briefing (Compulsory)

It is important that you join us on the boat tour & safety briefing as it is the opportunity to travel the swim route, see the swim start point and finish area from the boat, and hear suggested strategies for your crossing.

Race Registration (Compulsory)

At the race registration, you will be given your swim hats and timing chips ready for the next morning. Please make sure you attend registration it is compulsory in order to take part in the event.

HELLESPONT EUROPE TO ASIA RACE

For further information about the Swim, click the Trip Information in the header above and scroll to the ‘Race Information’ section.

Awards ceremony

The official race awards ceremony will take place in the race village after the race finishes.

Post-Race Dinner

This evening SwimTrek host a post-race celebratory dinner for all guests, including non-swimmers. This is a fantastic opportunity to kick back and relax after completing an epic open water swim and to chat with your fellow swimmers about your Hellespont experience.

This morning we start the day with a tour of the ancient city of Troy. This tour offers up the chance to see incredible mythological and archaeological sites, where legend and history blend into one. Highlights of the tour include visiting the centuries-old city walls and the Temple of Athena. From Troy we cross back over the Dardanelles strait one last time and drive up the coast of the Gallipoli Peninsula to Istanbul for our final night.

After breakfast, we’ll say our final goodbyes before checking out of our hotel.

A 40% deposit is required for this event, once you have received your confirmation email with notification that your entry is successful, the deposit amount is non-transferable and non-refundable, as the event has fixed costs such as entry fees and accommodation deposits which have been paid to third parties.

Hellespont Europe to Asia Swim

The Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim is the world's old swim. We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Group Size

This Week Tour is operated around the Hellespont and Dardanelles crossing event and will be up to 30 guests on the touring aspects.

Boat Support

The Hellespont and Dardanelles crossing is a mass start event. Boat support on this trip includes a flotilla of boats and kayaks arranged by the event organiser.

Swimming Conditions

The Hellespont is a major strait dividing Europe and Asia. As an open body of open water, it is influenced by local weather conditions, which can vary considerably from day to day. In the unlikely event that conditions are too unfavourable to swim safely on the scheduled race day, the event may be rescheduled to 29 August or 31 August to ensure the best possible conditions. Please keep these alternative dates in mind when planning your travel.

On 28 August, the event committee will meet and make a decision about when the race will take place. If neither of the above options are suitable, we will endeavour to organise an alternative coastal swim.

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish and sea urchins could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Race Distance

Race Time Limit

There is a time limit of one hour and forty-five minutes to complete the course. The race organisers will endeavour to ensure swimmers complete the course as the straits will be reopened to shipping traffic after two hours. For safety reasons, any swimmers who do not complete the race before this time will be removed from the water and escorted back to land.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, the event organisers rely on decent weather conditions in order to carry out the swim. In the event of bad weather and the swim being cancelled, there are no reserve/alternative times or days available after August 31st.

Pre-Race Medical (Compulsory)

To participate in the race, all swimmers must provide the following:

• A signed and stamped medical report completed by a registered doctor

• A Swimmer health declaration

All medical forms must be completed and submitted online between 1 January 2026 and 31 July 2026. Please note that forms dated 2025 WILL NOT be accepted.

After you have completed your booking, you will receive an email with the medical form including instructions on how to upload it.

You can also find the medical forms here.

Hellespont Medical Report

Hellespont Swimmer Health Declaration

Important

There may be a fee for your doctor’s review and signature. In some cases, this may need to be arranged privately, as not all medical practitioners are authorised to sign off the declaration. It is your responsibility to book and pay for your medical appointment in good time to ensure your form is completed and submitted before the deadline.

Swimmers under 18 years old must also complete a notarised consent form giving approval to take part in the competition. The link to download and upload these forms is available after registration. You can also find the Notary forms here Hellespont Notary Form.

Race Equipment

It is compulsory to wear the swim hats provided by event organisers. It is also compulsory to wear tow floats . Swimmers are not allowed to wear wetsuits, fins, snorkels, MP3 players or similar, smart watches or smart bands during the race. Buoyancy shorts can be used but this will mean swimmers are not able to be considered for the race classification results and podium places. If rash vests or material suits to cover the body wish to be worn, it's necessary to let us know in advance of the event, so approval from the race organisers can be agreed.

Supporters Package

There are a limited number of supporter’s packages available which include shared accommodation with a race participant and other event activities. On race day, you are invited to join local Dignitaries to view the start of the race and return to the finish in advance of the Swimmers, this is only available to SwimTrek supporters. It is a unique opportunity to travel to the European side in advance of the race, when the shipping lane is closed.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's Flight Tips SwimTrek's Flight Tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest option is to fly into Istanbul Airport (IST). You can also fly in to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) and take transport to Istanbul Airport to join the transfer.

Shared Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Istanbul Hotel | 26 August

A shared transfer service from Istanbul Airport to our accommodation in Istanbul is offered for all SwimTrek guests on Day 1 of your trip. Please meet at Gate 14 in the airport terminal. To book your place on this shared transfer at the beginning of your trip, please contact our local partners on info@swiminturkey.com

Shared Return Transfer from Istanbul Hotel to Istanbul Airport | 01 September

A shared return transfer from your Istanbul Hotel to Istanbul Airport is offered for all SwimTrek guests on Day 7 of your trip. The time will be dependent on your return flight so to book onto this, please contact our partners on info@swiminturkey.com

Private Transfer from Istanbul to Çanakkale

If your flight arrival does not coincide with the shared transfer service and you would like to arrange a private transfer, you can book directly with our partners in Turkey, Wilusa Travel. Please contact our local partners on info@swiminturkey.com

Accommodation

Your SwimTrek booking includes six nights’ accommodation from 26th August - 1st September at the following hotels:

There are a limited number of single supplement rooms which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require additional nights’ accommodation before or after your SwimTrek trip, this can be arranged via our partners Wilusa Travel. There are many activities and tours to enjoy in Istanbul which can be booked locally if extending your trip before and after the tour.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts are included as part of your trip price, as well as lunch on Day 3 and the post-race celebration dinner. All other meals are at your own expense, which gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

Extra Activities

Additional tours can be organised through our partners in Canakkale, Wilusa Travel, at an additional cost. For bookings or further information about these tours, as well as booking additional nights’ accommodation before or after your SwimTrek trip, please visit Wilusa Travel.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as entertainment, meals and any additional tours that you book during your time in Turkey. The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY) and ATMs are plentiful in Canakkale.

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. Most foreign nationals, including Australia and New Zealand, entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. Residents of the EU, alongside UK and US citizens, do not need a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. Non-residents of Turkey require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. It is important that you purchase your visa through the official website, www.evisa.gov.tr and avoid purchasing through third-party providers, as these can be considerably more expensive.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel. For a full list of visa requirements, please visit Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to Turkey, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit Travel Health Pro. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu/.

Wireless internet access is available in most our hotels. Many bars and restaurants around town also offer access, sometimes at additional charge. You could also consider an esim - details below.

eSIM's

An alternative to buying a SIM card when you land, is to purchase an eSIM before you travel. It is important to check whether your device is compatible, and able to accept an eSIM before committing to a provider.

The advantage of having an eSIM is that you can have data, calls and messages, depending on the package you choose, as soon as you land.

Popular providers include Holafly, Nomad eSIM, Saily eSIM, Airalo and Lycamobile.

It is recommended that you install your eSIM on your device 1-2 days prior to travel as you'll need a solid WiFi (or data) connection to complete the eSIM instillation process. Installation instructions will be given by the provider that you choose and depend on the handset you use.

Plans change but you can book with confidence. SwimTrek's flexible booking options include:

• Free Trip Changes
• Refund Guarantee
• Financial protection

Flexible Booking Details