Lycian Way - Turkey

First thing this morning we meet up for a short acclimatisation swim just a short walk from the hotel. After heading back to the hotel for breakfast, we make our way out to Kaş Peninsula for our first coastal swim of the trip. Following lunch and some time to relax on board the gulet, we get you back into the water in order to film your stroke, both above and below the water, which we will play back and provide you with technique advice on Day 3. After the filming session, we’ll set off on another enchanting coastal swim, which finishes at the tranquil Dolphin Beach.

This morning is spent island-hopping within the Canyon archipelago of seven islands, situated midway between Greece and Turkey. We retreat to Limanağzi Bay to moor our gulet for lunch above a sunken C-47 Dakota aeroplane. After lunch, we’ll complete another stunning coastal swim, which ends at a cool water cave close to Big Pebble Beach. Keep an eye out for ancient Lycian tombs embedded into the cliff face. Once we arrive back at Linda Hotel, we will review the video playback from Day 2 and provide technique advice for all guests that are interested in taking part.

This morning, we head out along the coast, past the Uluburun Cliffs for a swim towards the ancient city of Aperlai. Here we swim into the bay, over ancient foundations and ruins which have been deposited on the sea bed by numerous earthquakes. Once we arrive into the bay, which sits beneath the city of Aperlai, you have the opportunity to complete a short but rocky walk uphill to explore the city’s ruins. After lunch on board the boat, we head back to Kaş, stopping off for our swim following the Lycian Way from beneath the dramatic cliffs of Uluburun.

We make our way to Bayrak Adasi, just outside the Greek waters off the island of Meis, before beginning our crossing back to the Turkish mainland in one of the more challenging and rewarding swims of the week. After completing the crossing, it’s time for a snack and lunch aboard the gulet. Following lunch, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether that involves exploring the village of Kaş or simply relaxing at the nearby beach areas. For guests who are looking for other activities to take part in, a traditional Turkish bath or breathtaking paragliding session are both fantastic ways to spend your afternoon.

This morning, we continue our swims from Kas Peninsula to Merida Islands. After a hearty lunch on board the gulet, we complete the day by swimming along the coastline within Deregemlik Bay. The remote nature of today’s locations make for some truly memorable swimming experiences.

We hold a final early morning swim before breakfast before our fantastic week of swimming draws to a close.

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.

Please note that SwimTrek will supply swim hats and provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 16. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.  Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

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

Walking Conditions

Most walks to and from our swims take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

There is also an opportunity to walk a short (approximately 200 metre) section of the famous Lycian Way. This walk takes place on a rocky, uphill track which lead to the ancient city of Aperlai. Sturdy walking shoes or sandals are recommended for this walk.

Temperatures

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

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

The easiest way to get to Kaş is to fly into Dalaman and take a shared transfer to the Linda Hotel in Kaş. It is also possible to fly into Antalya and take a private transfer, however, please be aware that this can take up to one hour longer than the journey from Dalaman to Kaş.

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Flights to Dalaman

To search for available flights into Dalaman International Airport, please visit Skyscanner.

Dalaman Airport to Kas - Transfers

You can arrange a private transfer service through a number of online and local providers direct from the airport to the Linda Hotel in Kaş, with prices starting from 250TRY, depending on the number of passengers and the time of arrival at the airport.

Our local partner, Wilusa Travel, can also assist with the provision of private and shared transfers. For a quote, please visit www.wilusa.net/en/lycian-way-swims or email info@wilusa.net at least seven days prior to your arrival with your flight number and arrival time.

Dalaman Airport to Kas - Shuttle Service

Transfer Kas provides a shared transfer from Dalaman Airport and Kaş. The cost of the service is approximately 80TRY depending on the time of the year and takes approximately 2 ½ hours. You can reserve your place for this service via www.transferkas.com.

Dalaman Airport to Kas - Public Bus

Catching a public bus is a great way to see more of the Turkish coast. From the airport, you will need to travel to Fethiye using local bus company. A timetable can be found at Havas Once in Fethiye, you will need to change buses to head towards Kaş. Buses from both the airport to Fethiye and Fethiye to Kaş run frequently throughout the day and tickets cost approximately 40TRY combined, one way. The total journey time is approximately 3½ hours.

Flights to Antalya

To search for available flights into Antalya International Airport, please visit Skyscanner.

Antalya Airport to Kas - Transfers

You can arrange a private transfer service through a number of online and local providers direct from the airport to the Linda Hotel in Kaş, with prices starting from 400TRY, depending on the number of passengers and the time of arrival at the airport.

Our local partner, Wilusa Travel, can also assist with the provision of transfers. For a quote, please visit www.wilusa.net/en/lycian-way-swims or email info@swiminturkey.com at least seven days prior to your arrival with your flight number and arrival time.

Accommodation

Accommodation during this trip is at the Linda Hotel in the small coastal village of Kaş. Our accommodation is based on twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. 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 any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the trip, this can be arranged directly via our partners in Turkey, Wilusa.

Please note that we stay at the Linda Hotel, not the Linda Beach Hotel which is also located in Kas.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price, however dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. The average cost of dinner in a local restaurant is approximately 70 Turkish Lira (TL).

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).

Passports and Visas

Turkey is not part of the European Union. 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. Please note: As of 2nd March 2020, UK and EU Citizens no longer require a visa to enter Turkey and stay for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand require a visa to enter Turkey. Most foreign nationals entering Turkey must purchase a visa before entering the country. It is important that you purchase your visa through the official Turkish Government E-visa Website 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.

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.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit World Standards.