Kayak Cruise on the
Turquoise Coast!

Including Camping in the Dalyan Delta

Want a real adventure? Come with us for hiking and easy saltwater kayaking to ancient ruins along the Turquoise Coast. Anchor in secluded coves, meet local people in their villages, and save some time for swimming, sunbathing, reading and dreaming.
15 Days - Weekly Thursday Departure . May thru Oct.

Day 1-USA/Istanbul : Thursday
Depart for Istanbul .Take off from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, bound for Turkey. Please ask us for the add on from your home town .

Day 2-Istanbul : Friday
Arrive in Istanbul, where we meet your flight and escort you to your hotel .The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you like.

Day 3-Istanbul/ Bodrum or Marmaris : Saturday (BD)
We'll take a short flight to Bodrum or Marmaris,our staff drives you to "Green Marmaris," surrounded by forests of fragrant liquid amber evergreens. At the modern marina, step aboard your yacht and enjoy a welcome cocktail as you meet your [captain and crew], after which they'll prepare the first of many delicious shipboard dinners for you. Settle in and relax: you're a l-o-n-g way from any cares or worries here!

DAY 4- BAY OF BITEZ Sunday (BLD)
We cruise out of Bodrum headed for the Bay of Bitez, where we drop anchor for an afternoon of swimming and water sports. Face masks and flippers, sailboards, canoes and fishing tackle are all available.

DAY 5 - CAUNUS & MERSINCIK Monday (BLD)
Weighing anchor at sunrise, we sail through Gökova Bay to the mouth of the Dalyan River, where we board a motor launch for a voyage upriver to the Roman ruins at Caunus. The sheer rock face overlooking the river is pierced by Lycian rock-cut tombs dating from 600 BC. We return to our yacht and continue our "Blue Voyage" to Mersincik, where we drop anchor for the night.

DAY 6 - SEVEN ISLANDS Tuesday (BLD)
After breakfast we set sail for the Seven Islands, where, if the captain approves, we picnic onshore, followed by a walk. We return to our yacht for swimming, sunning and snoozing.

DAY 7 - INGILIZ LIMANI Wednesday (BLD)
Headed for Ingiliz Limani (English Port), we look forward to a day ashore in Marmaris, only a 30-minute drive from our anchorage. "Green Marmaris," as it is called, is surrounded by pine forests. It has a wonderful bustling bazaar, a long palm-shaded waterfront promenade, and a fortress that's now a museum. We return to our yacht for dinner on deck.

DAY 8 - CEDREAE & TUZLA Thursday (BLD)
Cleopatra met Mark Anthony for a lovers' tryst at Cedreae and received the shore as a gift. When she mentioned that it had no sand, Mark Anthony sent his fleet to Alexandria to get some. The Egyptian sand remains at Cedreae to this day, cooled by an ever-faithful breeze, and the spot is as romantic as it was 2000 years ago. From Cedreae we cruise to Tuzla, our anchorage for the night.

DAY 9 - ÇIFTLIK Friday (BLD)
Back across Gökova Bay we make our way to the anchorage at Çiftlik on our last full day at sea, filled with the pleasures of sun and sea. Swimming, reading, relaxing, and enjoying lazy shipboard lunches could easily become a way of life!

DAY 10 - BODRUM /Marmaris Saturday (BL)
We cruise into the harbor of ancient Halicarnassus (now Bodrum), and tie up beneath the castle walls. Bidding farewell to our captain and crew, and proceed directly to Marmaris our staff drives you to "Green Marmaris," surrounded by forests of fragrant liquid amber evergreen, lunch is included enroute at a local restaurant. Dinner at your hotel in Marmaris

DAY 11 - Marmaris / Koycegiz / Camp - Sunday (BD)
After breakfast , enjoy a morning at leisure to enjoy on your own the charming seaside town.
In the afternoon we drive to Koycegiz.
Where we'll set up camp on the beach and watch the sunset on the edge of the town of Koycegiz which lies at the northern end of a lake of the same name and is joined to the Mediterranean by a natural channel. This unique environment is being preserved as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. High on the cliffs above the charming ancient harbor city of Caunos, fascinating tombs were carved into the rock. The Dalyan Delta, with a long, golden sandy beach at its mouth,is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles and blue crabs.

One of the unique things about this adventure is that our kayaks add a special element since they allow us to explore places no one else will ever see. We can paddle over sunken cities, explore sea caves, and venture into inaccessible lagoons that the boats can't reach!

Day 12 - Kayaks Monday (BLD)
After breakfast we have a hands-on sea kayak orientation including a safety talk and equipment review. We'll paddle along the coastline as it bends westward. Your guides will fill you in on some of the sights you'll be seeing , the guides will make sure that safety precautions and procedures are understood be everyone. Together you'll pack your gear onto the kayaks. You'll also have time to appreciate your surroundings . With charming fishing villages, little harbors, complete with the ruins of a castle on its own island, and a semi -submerged sandbar crossing the harbor. We then paddle to a fishing village, sheltered in its own bay. We'll arrive in time to relax with a swim in this part of the Mediterranean with its deep turquoise waters and the small beach,

Kayaking through the labyrinth of reeds of the Dalyan Delta, we'll pass under spectacular cliffs, and beneath impressive Lycian Rock Tombs built into a sheer cliff face, and poke into several small bays where the foliage offers ample shade as we stop to swim and snorkel.
We enjoy a picnic lunch among the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos, then we proceed to Iztuzu Beach , where fresh water meets the Mediterranean Sea.
This famous 6 Kilometer long stretch of sand is also known as " Turtle Beach" .
We'll make our camp keeping a safe distance without disturbing the nesting ground of these endangered sea turtles " Caretta Caretta ". We set camp on one of these idyllic coves, or a small island in the bay.

Day 13 - Ekinick , Marmaris: Tuesday (BL)
On our last paddling day, we'll continue around the headland, then turn eastward, and make for the Ekinick Bay . Along the way, you may enjoy the different water-sports available at Ekinicik Bay. Lunch marks the end of our kayak voyage, but not the end of our trip. We'll resume our travels overland. On a minibus that takes us back to Marmaris Airport .Fly back to Istanbul, where we meet your flight and escort you to your hotel

Day 14 -Istanbul: Home Hosted Dinner - Wednesday (BD)
The day is yours to enjoy as you like. Perhaps you'll visit the Grand Bazaar , which alone has over 5000 stands, kiosks, and shops.

This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Istanbul! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

Day 15 -Return home: Thursday (B)
Transfer to the airport for your homeward bound flight.

RATES in USD , rate is per person:

US$2707 per person, sharing in double occupancy

For parties of minimum 6 guests , you may choose your own departure date (May-Oct)

Single supplement (in hotels only): US$810

Highlights & What's included

• International air fare : NYC- Istanbul- NYC, as well as domestic air in Turkey.
  ( When you handle your own air fare from/to USA, please deduct $500 from the listed rate)
  
• Three day camping sea kayaking package as per itinerary .
  
• Set-menu meals as indicated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, including bottled water. During the camp portion while kayaking, expect camp-style meals , and camp accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag for the camp portion of the itinerary, or add $ 50 and we'll deliver a brand new one to you , you may wish to donate it at the end of tour to a charity org. or take it back with you.
  
• All transfers within Turkey.
  
• Sightseeing with a licensed native guide in Istanbul, including all admissions fees
  
• Hotel accommodations including tax and service charges. Based on 4 stars accommodation.
  
• Activities and equipment as indicated, including kayaks, life vests, paddles, dry bags, spray skirts, etc. All activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) are easy to moderate. For beginners as well ,no previous sea kayaking experience is required. Maximum 4 hours paddling per day
  

Activity Level:

This trip is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. In order to participate on the full program as outlined trip members should be prepared for 4 hours per day of easy to moderate kayaking. Prior kayaking experience is recommended, yet not required. Participants should expect that the itinerary is subject to change and may be affected by weather and sea conditions.

Add - on fares from most west coast cities : $300 based on Lufthansa , KLM , British Airways.

From May 15 to Aug. 31 , there is a high season supplement of $300. This doesn't apply when you handle your own air fare.

What's not included

Visa Fee : $20 in cash upon arrival, ( or $45 for Canadians), or from any of the     Turkish Consulates.

What to bring for camping :
- 2 T-shirts (one to stay wet and salty) - Swim wear - 2 Towels - 1 long-sleeved shirt/top,
- 2 pairs of socks - Sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat - Shoes/sandals to wear in the water
- Toiletries - 2 pairs of shorts (one to stay wet and salty) - One warm jumper
- Mosquito repellent - Wash kit, etc. - 2-Sleeping bag - Something to read


Camp Meals :
Meals in camp are usually prepared by the guide, but your help is welcomed. At some campsites we are able to eat a good basic meal at nearby restaurant. There is plenty of choice for vegetarians too, but please let us know in advance if you have special dietary requirements.

Camp Accommodation :
For most of the trip we camp wild beaches, which means of cours that there are no organized facilities. We use 2- person tents with integral nets, which are easy to erect and take down - you and your partner will be responsible for your own tent at each campsite. Your assistance in other camp duties will also be appreciated by the guides.

Extend your  stay in Turkey on board a comfortable Gulet

Amusing airplane/train/bus or end-of-the-day reading? Turkey: Bright
Sun, Strong Tea, my humorous travel memoir:
http://www.brightsunstrongtea.com/