ItineraryDay 1: Antalya-Kas Transfer:
Meet at Antalya Airport; transfer to hotel in Kaş(AntiPhellos) passing through Turkmen villages via mountain road (for day-time group transfers only). Meeting with the staff at Dragoman's Kaş office and tour breifing. Free time to visit the town. Kaş(pronounced "kash"), a beautiful town of whitewashed houses, covered with the rich purples of bougainvillea. The town of Kas lies on a small bay nestled into the mountains not far from the southern point of Lycia. As is the case in so many parts of the Lycian coast, a small, sleepy fishing village has been transformed into a lively vacation center. Just above the modern port, known to antiquity as AntiPhellos, lays the older colony of Phellos. In Hellenistic times, the port town of AntiPhellos gradually came to dominate its mother colony of Phellos, until the latter faded into obscurity. In addition to the Lycian tombs, the view of the bay from the theater is well worth seeing. A short walk from the harbor brings us to the ancient theatre hidden amongst olive trees. There is a marvelous view across to Castellorizo, the Greek island closest to Turkey. The sea and the mountains are equally appealing to visitors of this coast. Sea kayaking in Kas will offer you one of the best of your holidays.
Day 2: Kaş Archipelago; AntiPhellos (Kaş)-Islands-Limanagzi (Sebeda Isthmus)-Kaş
A good introduction at 'Big Pebble' beach: start your kayaking adventures off right by learning essential paddling and safety skills on calm water. Training session, briefing about the tour, then paddling to Limanagzi (Bayindir Liman) bay: natural harbor of ancient Sebeda reachable only by sea. Visiting Hidrallez grotto and ancient Lycian rock cut tombs... A well deserved swimming break, lunch at a fisherman's restaurant, then to Kas Archipelago islands. On a lucky day, we may encounter sea turtles or Mediterranean monk seals... Lunch at restaurant or lunch box included. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch
Paddling time: 4-hrs, Difficulty level: CLASS 2.
Day 3: Kekova Sound- west route; Ucagiz(Teimioussa) & Kekova Islands-Sunken City-Sicak(Polemos) Bay-Aperlai-Simena / Teimioussa.
This trip to Kekova and Ucagiz will be the highlight of your stay in antique Lycia. The 'three mouths' of Ucagiz are the openings South, East and West of Kekova Island. Paddling in the sheltered waters of Kekova Sound & Kekova Island(s), we aim to explore the ancient cities of Teimioussa and Aperlai, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial grounds. Kekova is famous for its Sunken City that can only be reached by sea. With its ruins just below sea level, mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks, Kekova is a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland. The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. Weather conditions allowing, we will have a chance to visit a sea cave at Kekova Island's South shore. If the weather conditions are okay, we will have a chance to visit a sea cave at Kekova Island's South shore. The ancient towns of Aperlai, Teimioussa and Simena have been turned into ruins, partly submerged by the water; therefore one can swim in the crystal clear water brushing against remains of walls or a Lycian sarcophagus which seems to emerge from the waves as if by magic. Very few other places have managed to blend in so well the charm and fascination of antiquity with the pleasure of life that passes serenely and timelessly in these little fishing villages.
Paddling westward we plan to arrive in Sicak isthmus by lunchtime..
Guided tours tend to ignore the ancient site of Aperlai, located west of Kekova Sound on the mainland and accessible only by boat from the sea and by the ancient trail on foot; the effort required to get there has ensured the preservation of another "sunken city" here, and you can plan some time on land to explore these ruins on foot. If the time is allowable you will then have an opportunity to visit Aperlai ruins to witness history, after a 2+2-km walk. After a tiring day, we will paddle again to Ucagiz village discovering the ecological and geological diversity of the Lycian shore. Lunch at restaurant included. Accommodation at Simena or Ucagiz.
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.
Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.
Day 4: Kekova Sound-east route; Ucagiz/Simena-Gokkaya(Smugglers Bay)-Cayagzi (ANDRIAKE-River Mouth of Andrakos River)
We start the trip at Ucagiz again and paddle eastwards: during a delightful approach to Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass, results of quarrying along the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've been seeing all day.
The medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John, sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city, offers a bird's-eye view of Kekova, with its bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy water. Odd Lycian ogival sarcophagi, sometimes partially submerged, constantly remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization... Lunch break at a fisherman restaurant. In the afternoon, paddling eastward take us to Kisneli island and Asirli Island with its big sea cave used at one time by pirates, then to quiet Gokkaya harbor. We then return inland for a long tea break while discovering the coastal ruins of Istlada and the coastal features of Gokkaya Bay.
After the break we paddle to Demre-Cayagzi river mouth, also called Kokar Bay, and we disembark at the ruins of Andriake, port for Myra, home of St. Nicola's church known to the world as Father Christmas. If time permits, there we will paddle up a spring flow in search of birds and natural springs. The afternoon is spent relaxing and visiting Myra ruins, St. Nicholas Church and the town of Demre. Lunch at restaurant or lunch box included. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch
Paddling time: 5-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.
Day 5: Kalkan-Firnaz Bay-Pinar Kürü Spring-Kalkan(Kalamaki)
We travel from Kas to Kalkan by vehicle, waking up to a fascinating coastal view. After the departure from Kalkan beach, we first visit the old district of Kalamaki, then Firnaz Bay: this large natural harbor provides a haven for sailors seeking protection from the strong breezes. For anyone interested in archaeology, your guide may lead you to walk uphill, to see an ancient aqueduct, which was providing water to the city of Patara. There is a tremendous view over the cliffs and the sea between Patara and Kalkan. Swimming and snorkelling may be enjoyed before or after the climb. Having the pleasure of paddling in crystal clear blue waters, sunbathing and swimming on the isolated beaches make the impact of the trip much stronger. While open water crossing, we may have an encounter with dolphins, swordfishes or sea turtles.
Kayakers' performance and sea conditions allowing, your guide may decide to make an open crossing to Sican (rat) and Yilan (snake) Islands which are uninhabited and named after their shape, then proceeding to Gerenlik Bay on the western shore of Kalkan Bay: inaccessible by road, this bay has a very fine sand beach. If a break is planned, we may land at this location but a better spot is Pinara Kürü, which has a fresh water supply and is a little closer to Kalkan. Although there is no sandy beach at Pinar Kürü, there is plenty of shade offered by huge trees, a bonus not to be overlooked in hot summer months. Back to Kalkan beach. Lunch at restaurant or lunch box included. Accommodation in Kalkan or Kaş. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch
Paddling time: 4-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2.
Day 6:
Kalkan-Kas
After all the training, we are ready for our longest day paddling: we will cover about 11 miles from Kalkan to Bucak harbour in Kas, to experience the unique coastal surroundings of this coastline. Whether it is investigating centuries old coastal remains, geological diversity of French Cove, sea caves ("Pigeon" caves with their underwater springs, and Blue Cave, the largest known sea cave in Turkey sometimes inhabited by endangered Mediterranean monk seals), Kaputas Beach terminating its famous canyon, or biogeographical features of Saribelen and Heybeli islands inhabited only by birds and goats, your day will be truly educational! Lunch box is included. (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch
Paddling time: 6-hrs. Difficulty level: CLASS 2+.
Day 7:
KAS
Free day in Kas and its surroundings.
Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible.
(B) Breakfast
Day 8: Kaş-Antalya - Fly to home.
Transfer to Antalya Airport passing through eastern Lycia seashore via coastal road.
(B) Breakfast
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Notes:
o The Itinerary represented above is the one taken under normal weather and ocean conditions. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary for any reason necessary to ensure the best trip possible.
o Previous sea kayaking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However, in order to participate in a sea kayak trip you must know how to swim and paddlers should be in good physical and mental fitness. Pre-Instruction and all kayaking equipment is supplied.
o CLASS 2 paddling grading involves protected water tours in lightly populated areas with exposure to currents up to two knots and crossings of one hour or more, with a fetch greater than five miles, sheltered coves and safe beaches every mile or so, with small surf and a schedule of less than six hours a day.
o A recommended gear & essential equipment list is to be sent to the participants before the tour.
o Whenever required a support boat will follow the paddlers and be in contact with the group leader. She is positioned for security matters.
o Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel. Our insurance may not protect you. Please check your own policies.
Inclusion List
- Accommodation as double occupancy basis in hotel/ pension rooms. (7 nights)
- Services of a professional guide, drivers and boat man.
- All airport transfers in air-conditioned minivans.
- All sightseeing and admission fees to sites/museums.
- Meals as indicated in program B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner).
- Bottled water on paddling days with lunch and dinner throughout.
- Service charges and taxes.
Exclusion List
- International airfares and visa costs.
- Domestic airfares in Turkey (Istanbul/Antalya/Istanbul).
- Airport transfers for individual arrivals (less than 4 people in the same flight).
- Items of a personal nature such as soft drinks (except on paddling days at the sea), liquor, laundry, phone calls, medical assistance, postage, additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the itinerary, traveler's insurance, gratuities to guide, drivers and crew.
- Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond control of Anatolian Adventures.
Grading the sea-kayak trips
Sea kayaking tours are here divided arbitrarily into four categories according to potential difficulty and risk. It should be remembered that every situation is different and your trip may not fit readily into one category or another.
CLASS 1: Involve gentle tours in sloughs and deltas, and in inhabited, non-challenging, protected waterways not exposed to current more than one knot or open water. Such trips are usually undertaken for a secondary purpose such as bird watching, photography, etc. and call for a schedule of less than three hours per paddling day.
CLASS 2: Involve protected water tours in lightly populated areas with exposure to currents up to two knots and crossings of one hour or more with a fetch greater than five miles, sheltered coves and safe beaches every mile or so with small surf and a schedule of less than six hours(4-hour) a day.
CLASS 3: Involve exposure to remote areas (half a day to the nearest known help), Open Ocean with crossings up to two hours, exposure to a rough coastline that precludes landing for up to two hours, currents that exceed 3 knots, or beaches with mild to moderate surf.
CLASS 4: Involves conditions beyond CLASS 3.
MOUNT ARARAT TREKS 
TRIP ITINERARY & NOTES