Olympos and Coast - Adventure Worldwide

TRIP DOSSIER
Olympos and Coast
Turkey
•
•
See the sunken city of Kekova
Multi-Activities in the shadow of Mount Olympos
•
Cook marshmallows at the Flames of Chimera
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Centre based sun fun at delightful Adrasan Bay
•
Tasty Turkish cuisine
Guided Group Departures
Physical Grade: B – Moderate
Adventure Grade: A/B
Trip Code: ATRK
For dates and prices visit
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Date of issue : 22 Feb 2016
TURKEY
Olympos and Coast
The Holiday
Introduction
This is an action packed adventure holiday for sure. The
location for the action couldn’t be better, the delightful
Bay of Adrasan area on the sun soaked Turkish
Mediterranean coast line, and far enough away from the
built up package tourist mega-resorts too. The last
evening is spent in a traditional pension located outside
Antalya. The owner is a charming Eastern Turk who
does a great BBQ in the pension’s walled garden.
Let’s start with some kayaking on the azure waters here
on the Lycian Coast in Ceneviz Bay whilst under the
watchful eye of Mt.Olympos. We’ll also visit on foot the
3,000 year old ruins of the city of Olympos and learn
about ancient Lycian history before seeing the earth set
on fire literally at the Flames of Chimera, and take dinner
at one of the best mountain fish restaurants.
Sure to be a firm favourite is our ‘Sunken City Tour’, a
boat tour of the sunken city of Kekova with a spot of
snorkelling too. For good measure we also throw in on
this day a visit to a 16,000 seat Hellenic theatre, Lycian
Tombs at Myra, a BBQ and some Turkish belly dancing
too. We’ll then try a spot of gorge walking, with some
easy canyoning bits. Expect to get wet in this natural
playground. The water here’s colder than you may have
first thought! In the afternoon you can enjoy the zip wire
route thrills through the forest at the adventure park.
Slowing things down a little there is an option to enjoy a
spot of pony trekking in the foothills of Mt. Olympos. The
winged horse Pegasus was from around these parts
(according to legend), but sorry your pony won’t have
wings, but it’s a pleasant way to enjoy the stunning
scenery. To round the day off you could visit a colourful
Turkish market. Here in the Bay of Adrasan not only is
the water some of the clearest in the Mediterranean, it’s
home to a colony of Loggerhead Turtles and some Monk
Seals too. Here there is an option to take an introductory
lesson from the local diving school, then do a spot of
Scuba diving and see what we can see.
On the last day, you’ll round this tour off with an
exhilarating experience of racing the rapids as you
spend the morning white-water rafting. Who says the
last day of your holiday has to be dull!
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This trip features the following activities. Please also
refer to the detailed day to day itinerary for more details
on these activities.
Sea Kayaking
Water conditions are usually quite calm in the summer
months (and the water delightfully warm). An afternoon
is spent Kayaking on the sea at Ceneviz Bay. If you
don’t want to kayak then you can wait for the group to
return and relax on land by the waters of the bay.
Walking
Some days contain walking and this is moderate (usually
circa 3hrs with minor ascent and descent). As the
walking is a part of a day’s activity programme, to opt
out invariably means having to miss the whole days
programme by default.
Boat Tour (including swimming/snorkelling)
The boat tour is almost a full day, and if you wish to opt
out of this then you would need to remain at the group
hotel for the day. You can of course take the boat tour
and not go swimming/snorkelling if you prefer not to.
Gorge Walking/Canyoning
This is a morning’s activity and is quite moderate. Yes,
on the canyoning you’ll get wet and will have to make
small leaps into plunge pools etc, but it’s not extreme
canyoning by any means. As this activity takes place
away from the group hotel opt out options are either a)
wait at the group hotel by yourself all day b) travel with
the group and sit out the activity and do the adventure
park (next door to the canyon location) when the group
return from the gorge walk/canyoning.
White Water Rafting
This takes place in the crystal clear waters of Köprülü
Kanyon River. The river is grade I-III. In 12 seater rafts
with a guide who will be steering and given directions.
You will be given a full safety briefing and provided with
a wetsuit and helmet – just wear swimwear underneath.
If you do not wish to go white water rafting simply remain
on shore and enjoy the sunshine and the bank of the
canyon.
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Olympos and Coast
Day 2. Sea Kayaking beneath Mount Olympos
Important Note
Please note that if you choose to opt out of any
planned activities, certain services (e.g. lunch at the
activity location) will be forfeited by default and you
may need to make meal arrangements etc locally at
additional cost and you will be solely responsible for
your own welfare and safety. The guide will always
accompany the group and not remain with you if you
opt out. Please ensure you let your guide know well
in advance if you do not wish to partake in certain
planned activities and ensure you are aware what
additional costs you are likely to incur. No cost
reductions are made for any included activities that
you choose to opt out of.
A full explanation of both the physical and adventure
grading can be found in our brochure or online at
www.adventureworldwide.co.uk. You should ensure
you are both physically prepared and capable of
undertaking the physical activities within this trip as well
as prepared for the adventurous nature of this trip. It is
essential that you have travel insurance that covers you
for all activities involved in this holiday, whether they be
activities included in the holiday or available locally as
an option.
Itinerary
The itinerary below provides a guide as to our intended
itinerary, though of course the adventurous nature of our
trips means that things can change and the itinerary and
inclusions can vary from day to day. Accommodation
and meals are shown at the end of each day.
Activity sequences for days 2-7 may vary
Day 1. Depart UK. Arrive Antalya
Depart UK. Arrive Antalya. Rendezvous at Antalya
International Airport. A single, timed group transfer is
provided from Antalya Airport to our group hotel in
Adrasan. See How to join and depart this trip section of
this dossier.
Hotel, Adrasan
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A leisurely morning to soak up some rays by the pool, or
down at the beach. In the afternoon we have a short
transfer to the ancient city of Olympos where you can
explore the ruins on foot. Entrance fees to Olympos
ruins are not included and are payable locally TLR 5 pp.
Then from delightful Ceneviz Bay we take to the waters
in sea kayaks and enjoy paddling on the azure waters
under the watchful gaze of distant Mount Olympos. After
around 3-3.5hrs paddling we return to land and take the
short journey back to our hotel.
Hotel, Adrasan (breakfast and lunch)
Day 3. Flames of Chimera & Olympos ruins.
The morning is free to relax or explore the local area,
there are a range of optional activities to choose from
and are payable locally. Late afternoon as it can get
quite hot in this part of Turkey, usually in summer,
dependent upon the temperatures we’ll undertake one of
the following.
Warm temperature (usually Spring & Autumn) – Take a
full tour of the ruins of the ancient Lycian City of
Olympos. This atmospheric set of ruins dating back
almost 3,000 years is part ancient site, part nature trail
and part Indiana Jones scramble. It is also one of the
best Lycian cities in which to learn the history of Lycia,
and one of the least known but extremely significant and
influential ancient civilisation. After the tour and lunch on
the beach walk through Cirali to the eternal flames at
Chimera. Continue up the mountain slopes to a height of
320m before descending into Yesil Vadesi (Green
Valley) where a river crossing and short climb up the far
bank takes us to the fish farm and restaurant in Ulupinar
for supper. Walking time approx 3-4hrs.
Higher temperatures (usually summer) - Take a full tour
of the ruins of the ancient Lycian City of Olympos. This
atmospheric set of ruins dating back almost 3,000 years
is part ancient site, part nature trail and part Indiana
Jones scramble. It is also one of the best Lycian cities in
which to learn the history of Lycia, and one of the least
known but extremely significant and influential ancient
civilisation.
We then transfer to the best mountain fish farm and
restaurant in Ulupinar for an early supper then walk up
the Yanartas Mountains to the Flames of Chimera whilst
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Olympos and Coast
there is still enough daylight to see the Byzantine
Church. Then slowly roast marshmallow over the flames
as night descends and stories of dragons and legendary
heroes begin. Walking time approx 1-2hrs. Please note
entrance fees are not included and are payable locally,
the fee to the Flames of Chimera is TLR 6pp.
Hotel, Adrasan (breakfast and dinner)
Day 4. The Sunken City Adventure
We drive first to Demre (1½hrs) where we visit St.
Nicholas’ Church (Santa Claus legend) before
continuing to pick up a boat for a tour of the sunken city
of Kekova. The tour includes three swim/snorkel stops
(Hamidiye Bay – Naval History, Tershane Bay –
Byzantine Church, Shipyards & Lunch then finally
Degirmen Bay for swimming in ice cold freshwater).
After the boat trip we return to Demre to visit the 16,000
seat Hellenic Theatre and Rock Tombs at Myra.
After a drink or an ice cream we head back to the hotel
where there is a BBQ Night and some Turkish Dancing.
This is a full day but there is a lot of history and culture
in bite size chunks which makes it an entertaining and
informative day. Please note entrance fees are not
included and are payable locally.
Day 7. Gorge Walking in Goynuk Canyon
A short transfer to Goynuk Canyon. This is home to a
gorge that is lined with skeletal rocks, pools and
waterfalls that is a great playground to enjoy the icy
waters and some gentle sport. The gorge walk and
canyon should take around 2 - 3hrs followed by lunch.
Later in the afternoon is a group transfer to Antalya, and
overnight at a local pension.
Pension, Antalya region (breakfast and lunch)
Hotel, Adrasan (breakfast, and lunch)
Day 5. Free Day
Today is a free day – were you may choose from a
range of activities from a typical Turkish bath, follow part
of the Lycian Way, or simply relax around the pool.
Alternatively you may wish to go horse riding and head
out to Camyuva to go riding in the foothills of Mt.
Olympos, optional activity. Mt Olympos is home of the
legend of Bellerophon (a nephew of Zeus) who rode the
winged horse, Pegasus, to slay the Chimera, a fire
breathing dragon like monster. Today the tour will,
hopefully, be a little less dramatic than Bellerophon’s as
we head off on forest tracks with stunning views around
the foothills. There is also the opportunity to visit a
nearby market in the afternoon where souvenir shopping
continues alongside the weekly shopping of the locals.
It’s around 45 minutes transfer time each way. Hotel,
Adrasan (breakfast)
Day 6. Cycling and evening BBQ
There are several routes to choose from which start from
the hotel depending on the group’s ability and the
weather. The most popular route is to cycle along the
beach in Adrasan and then cross the river at the far end
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of the beach at a ford. From the ford we will head to the
base of Moses Mountain and follow a dirt track that rises
along the headland to the north of Adrasan Bay.
Enjoy the views across the bay and along the coast to
Water Island. Our route will then takes us across the
headland and descend down to Sazak Bay where there
will be a chance to swim. After the swim we climb back
out of Sazak Bay on a dirt road that follows hairpins
(some steep) for a steady climb of 225m. If time allows
we can explore the entrance of a disused chromium
mine; a spooky tunnel in the hillside. There is an easier
return route and will be discussed with the group and
tour leader before setting off. Bike and bicycle helmets
are provided. Returning to the hotel for a typical Turkish
BBQ. Hotel, Adrasan (breakfast and BBQ dinner)
Day 8. White water rafting. Depart Antalya
Airport. Arrive UK
To end the tour – what better way than an exhilarating
thrill of racing the rapids. The rafting takes place at
Köprülü Kanyon River. The river is grade I-III and the
course is 11-12km long. With sections of gentle paddling
to sections of grade III rapids to negotiate. You are in 12
seater rafts with a guide who will be steering and given
directions. This is a great day out with lots of chances to
go swimming, body rafting and blob jumping – where
you are sat on a large inflatable cushion and a someone
jumps on the ‘blob’ sending you flying into the water.
If you do not wish to go white water rafting simply remain
on shore and enjoy the sunshine and the bank of the
canyon.
Late afternoon there will be a single, timed group
transfer is provided from the group hotel in Adrasan to
Antalya International Airport. Most flights departing
Antalya arrive back in the UK today. See How to join and
depart this trip section of this dossier.
(breakfast)
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Date of issue : 22 Feb 2016
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Olympos and Coast
Practical Information
How to join and depart this trip
The joining point for this trip is Antalya International
Airport on day 1 of the trip itinerary. Please ensure you
arrive at the joining point in time for the single timed
group transfer which departs from the joining point at
approx. 1600hrs. Journey time to our group hotel is
around 2hrs.
If you arriving on a flight that does not coincide with this
transfer then a private arrival transfer can be arranged
upon request - please contact us for prices.
Alternatively, a licensed, metered taxi or local, public
transport may often be the cheapest way of reaching the
group hotel in Adrasan.
The departure point for this trip is Antalya International
Airport, and you should depart no sooner than the late
afternoon of day 8 of the trip itinerary. A single, timed
group transfer is provided from the group hotel in
Adrasan to Antalya Airport. This transfer usually arrives
at the airport at approx. 2000hrs.
If you departing on a flight that does not coincide with
this transfer then a private departure transfer can be
arranged upon request-please contact us for prices.
Alternatively, a licensed, metered taxi or local, public
transport may often be the cheapest way of departing.
Flight Inclusive
You can book this trip as a 'Flight Inclusive' package.
Booking your international flights through Adventure
Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind and provides
100% financial protection under our CAA ATOL licence.
What's more, if you book your flights with us as well as
your ground arrangements, we will manage these flight
arrangements both before and during your trip. As an
ATOL Licence holder, we are able to secure and arrange
competitively-priced airfares with most major airlines
from the UK (as displayed on our website), as well as the
option of regional departures too.
Low cost airline flight options may also be available for
this trip. We can also book these for you, subject to a
nominal booking fee. Booking low cost airline flights
through Adventure Worldwide also gives you the same
ATOL guarantee and financial security. Please note most
low cost airline flight arrivals (and some departures also)
do not coincide with the single timed, group airport
transfers.
Local Transport
The single, timed group airport transfers as well as
overland transfers to various activity locations will be by
private vehicle. Usually a mini-bus.
Accommodation
Accommodation is on a twin share basis, unless you
have requested single accommodation at additional
cost. This is a centre-based holiday and the group will
stay in a very comfortable, small boutique hotel in
Adrasan with an outdoor swimming pool and a mere
250m from Adrasan Bay and the beach. Dependent
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upon room availability there may be times when some
group members will need to be accommodated at an
alternative hotel of the same standard, again with
outdoor swimming pool just 50m away. The final night
will be in a delightful traditional Turkish pension located
outside Antalya.
Food
Meals included in the Land Only trip price are indicated
in the trip itinerary. Vegetarians will usually have little
difficulty in Turkey. For other special dietary
requirements please contact us before booking so that
we can check whether your requirements can be catered
for.
Climate
This part of Turkey enjoys around 300 days of sunshine
a year! Temperatures will vary according to the season.
In July and September daytime temperatures average
around 25°C, but can be higher. June and October are
slightly cooler. Night times are usually warm/mild. It is of
course impossible to predict the precise weather
conditions you will encounter during the course of your
holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to
coincide with what should be the most suitable weather
periods. Seasonal variations and localised weather
conditions, as well as unseasonal weather means you
should always be prepared for inclement weather
including rain and storms. As a general rule daytime
temperatures will be higher than night time and
increases/decreases in altitude during the course of a
trip usually means temperature variations. As a general
rule temperatures decrease by 1ºC for every 200 metre
increase in altitude. You may be able to find climate
statistics for this country at www.worldweather.org
Altitude
The altitudes on this trip are moderate and you should
not anticipate any problems.
Baggage
Please make sure that your main luggage and hand
luggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well
as outside, in case the labels get detached.
Vaccinations & health
It is very important that you plan well in advance and
contact a specialist health clinic or doctor for the most up
to date advice on vaccinations and health precautions.
We recommend Nomad Travel Health Clinic:
www.nomadtravel.co.uk. Another useful travel health
online resource is www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.
It is also advisable to visit your doctor and dentist for a
check-up before travelling.
First Aid
You should always carry your own small, personal first
aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general
anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (bandaids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET),
rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment
(e.g. Imodium).
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Olympos and Coast
Currency
The unit of currency for Turkey is the Turkish Lira.
Please refer to www.xe.com for up to date rates. ATM’s
are common in most towns.
Language
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. It would be
helpful to learn a few basic words for politeness during
your stay in Turkey (yes, no, please, thank you etc).
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is always much
appreciated. Please remember that any tips should be a
way for individuals to thank staff for good service.
Safety
Whilst every effort is made to choose safe, enjoyable
routes throughout the trip, cyclists and pedestrians can
be extremely vulnerable on busy roads. Helmets should
be worn at all times and cyclists should be cautious of
other road users and take extra care on busy roads
especially when approaching junctions and traffic lights.
group to the various activity locations. The various
activities will each have an English-speaking guide.
Clothing & Equipment
Please check our website for the most up to date
information regarding packing for your trip. The
information we provide is our suggested guide to help
you with your packing based upon our many years of
travelling. Using your own judgment for packing is of
course important, especially with regard to casual
clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if
you have any questions about packing for your trip.
Extensions & Excursions
Please contact us for tailor-made extensions.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you
have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your
responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and
personal accident risks for the part of the world you
intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover
should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and
helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out
cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are nonrefundable.
You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip
travel insurance through Adventure Worldwide. Please
call us on 0845 304 8679 or e-mail us at:
[email protected] for a quotation.
Passports & Visas
British passport holders require a visa for a visit to
Turkey (please ensure your passport has at least 6
months validity). You will need to ensure you have the
correct visa documentation for entry, prior to travel.
You can obtain the latest visa information, as well as
book your visa either by contacting your reservation
consultant, or by following the link below to our
designated visa service:
http://www.adventureworldwide.co.uk/information/visa.html
We also recommend you visit the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office website for up to date information
on the country/countries you are visiting, embassy
contact details and other useful advice.
Please note you will be required to purchase their entry
visa
via
the
Turkish
Government
website
www.evisa.gov.tr prior to travel. You will no longer be
able to obtain a visa on arrival. Currently the cost of the
Turkish e-visa is US$20
Staff on your trip
The staff of the group hotel in Adrasan act as your hosts
on this trip and will usually co-ordinate and transport the
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+44 (0)1962 737 630
Date of issue : 22 Feb 2016