Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 7 Breakfasts 3 Lunches

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Transport

Bus, Boat Booking a land only package with Explore Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station. Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers. If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Accommodation

7 nights standard hotel Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included for the whole trip. If you would like this option, please ask our Sales team for further information. The hotel is situated in the centre of Kas and is a short walk from the sea. The en suite rooms are tastefully decorated and include a sea or hill-side view, air-conditioning, satellite TV, minibar and hairdryer. The hotel facilities include a restaurant with a good selection of both local and western cuisine, outdoor swimming pools plus a children’s pool and a 40 metre water slide. Furthermore, the hotel has three bars, basketball court, safe boxes, laundry service and fitness centre. Wi-Fi is available in the spacious lobby.

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour. Explore leader Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per family member as a guideline. Local crew Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £10 of local currency per family member. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Not included:

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately. Visa and Passport Information Turkey: Citizens from the UK, New Zealand and the EU travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Citizens of Australia, US and Canada require a visa that will last for up to 90 days Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore’s recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination. Vaccinations Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost You are able to book this tour on a ’land only’ basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport. On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your Family adventure. Whilst the basic tour price you pay before you travel includes a great selection of highlights, we have also built in free time to allow you the flexibility to choose from a carefully selected range of additional excursions and activities or take time to relax, the choice is yours. At certain destinations along the way there may be several options to choose from and it may not be possible to fit all the activities in; your Explore Leader will be able to give advice on which are the most suitable for your family. Kas: Day 4 or 6: Full day boat trip to Meis island (also known as Kastellorizo Island) £24 per person Day 4 or 6: Horse riding £38 per person including return transport to the stables. Day 4 or 6: DEMRE Visit to the Church of St Nicholas and City of Myra. £16 per person Day 4 or 6: Scuba diving from £30 to £60 depending on number of dives; experienced divers should bring certification and log book; intro dives are available for those without previous experience.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Kas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Trip In Kas

Our base for a week of family fun and adventure is Kas, a picturesque port town on the Turkish Riviera. With whitewashed buildings and a backdrop of green hills meeting the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. There are no activities today, so you’re free to arrive at any time. Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception on the morning of day two for a welcome meeting - information for this will be left at the front desk. If you’d like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive at Dalaman International Airport (DLM), a three-hour drive from our hotel. If you arrive earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll around the town or enjoy a meal at one of the harbour-side restaurants - pide is sure to be a favourite dish (it’s basically Turkish pizza). Alternatively, you might like to take a dip in the great hotel pool. Our base for the week will be the Club Phellos Hotel. Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Kas, it’s perfectly located for exploring the seaside town. Our hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers as well as an open-air terrace for enjoying al-fresco breakfasts. The pool generally opens at the start of May and closes in late October, depending on weather and visitor numbers, and at the start and end of the season will be cold. From November through to May the pool will be empty. The pool slide has been out of action for some years now but has not been removed. Limited Wi-Fi is only available in public areas. All rooms have a balcony with a hillside or a sea view - these are allocated by the hotel. Each one is air-conditioned and has an en-suite bathroom with a toilet, shower and hairdryer. The rooms are simple in nature and have simple, slightly-aged decor.
Day 2 Day 2: Full Day Boat Trip With Swimming And Snorkelling
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Full Day Boat Trip With Swimming And Snorkelling

Starting our week of adventure off right, today will be spent dipping into the inviting waters of the Mediterranean Sea on a boat trip. From our vantage point out on the water, we can take in the beauty of Kas’ coastline as well as dive into the calm waters. There’ll be plenty of opportunity for swimming and snorkelling as well as a barbecue lunch before we head back to Kas in the afternoon. Kas is a great place to relax, with cafes and restaurants spilling out onto cobbled streets and a network of back alleys to explore.
Day 3 Day 3: Walk In The Foothills Of The Taurus Mountains. Home Hosted Village Lunch
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Walk In The Foothills Of The Taurus Mountains. Home Hosted Village Lunch

Today we’ll head for the hills to explore the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Here we’ll uncover cedar forests, shady glades and charming villages, where the way of life has remained unchanged for centuries. Our walk will take us from a high pass, descending to a canyon and then up to a mountain village where we’ll stop for lunch with a local family in a typical village house. After lunch, we’ll take a stroll around the village, hopefully seeing a blacksmith in action, and visit the village Mosque. We’ll return to Kas via the silver sand beach of Kaputas - a busy but idyllic spot to swim and cool off after our day in the mountains. Please note, if the weather is particularly hot, we might change our trekking route to a higher altitude walk around the cedar treeline of Mount Bozkaya before driving to the village for lunch.
Day 4 Day 4: Free Day With Optional Boat Trip To Greek Island Of Kastellorizo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Free Day With Optional Boat Trip To Greek Island Of Kastellorizo

Today is free to explore at your own pace. For those with a hankering for culture, Kas is built around the remains of ancient Antiphellos and there are ruins of a Hellenistic theatre, the monumental Lion Tomb and some hillside rock tombs scattered in and around the town. Alternatively, you might want to visit the Greek island of Meis. The island is just 2.5 kilometres from the Turkish coast but more than 100 kilometres from Rhodes, its nearest Greek neighbour. Kastellorizo, to give its Turkish name, has an idyllic seafront town with colourful buildings lining the harbour where yachts and fishing boats dock. The surrounding hills are home to typical Greek whitewashed buildings with terracotta-coloured roofs.
Day 5 Day 5: Visit Ancient Xanthos And Canoe To Patara Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Visit Ancient Xanthos And Canoe To Patara Beach

This morning starts with a visit to Xanthos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the capital of ancient Lycia. We’ll explore the city, which is brimming with influences from the Persians and Romans, before taking to the water for a canoeing trip down the Xanthos River through the reeds to Patara beach. The kayaking is suitable for beginners and no previous experience is needed. Passing through the tranquil and unspoiled rural backwaters, those with keen eyes might be able to spot colourful kingfishers, egrets, grey and squacco herons and terrapins on the riverbanks. We’ll find a spot on the banks for a picnic lunch before continuing to the beach at Patara, where there will be time to relax and swim. With 18 kilometres of golden sand, Patara is one of the longest beaches in Turkey and is also a protected nesting area for giant loggerhead turtles.
Day 6 Day 6: Free Day In Kas With Optional Trip To Myra, The Home Of Father Christmas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Free Day In Kas With Optional Trip To Myra, The Home Of Father Christmas

For those who believe it’s never too early to get into the spirit, this morning there’s an optional trip to the Church of St Nicholas at Demre (non-believers can relax at the hotel or discover more Kas). We’ll make an early start to visit the church, which is said to be where the 4th-century bishop, Nicholas, anonymously gave money to the poor, spawning the legend of Father Christmas. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of both Greece and Russia and is also the protector of children, merchants, scholars, and sailors - a very busy man, indeed. The origin of Saint Nicholas’ gift giving is said to originate from the story of a shopkeeper who was too poor to provide his daughters with doweries. When Saint Nicholas heard of their plight, he threw three bags of coins into the shopkeeper’s yard, saving the daughters from a life of hardship. The Church of Saint Nicholas was built after his death and Noel Baba’s remains were placed in a rock sarcophagus. A modern statue of Saint Nicholas, complete with beard, bag of toys, and children now stands outside the church in celebration of the man in red. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Kas and the rest of the day is free to relax or try snorkelling.
Day 7 Day 7: Sea Kayaking Over Sunken Ruins To Kekova Island. Visit Simena Castle
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Sea Kayaking Over Sunken Ruins To Kekova Island. Visit Simena Castle

We’ll have an early start this morning to have a go at sea kayaking in the protected waters of Kekova. En-route, we’ll have a packed breakfast of sandwiches and enjoy a paddle in the waters before they become busy with boats and kayakers. It’s one of the most scenic areas of Lycia with picturesque islands, bays and small ancient cities surrounding the famous sunken Kekova. Through the crystal-clear water, you can spot streets and buildings below you that have been submerged by earthquakes. Later, we’ll paddle to the whitewashed village of Simena, whose harbour is dotted with ancient tombs and Roman baths. A rock-carved castle clings to the hillside, giving expansive views of the beautiful surroundings. After a visit to the ancient theatre, we’ll take to the waters once again, paddling back to Ucagiz, where our transfer will be waiting to take us back to Kas.
Day 8 Day 8: Trip Ends In Kas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Trip Ends In Kas

Our tour ends at our hotel in Kas. There are no activities planned today, so you’re free to depart at any time. If your flight leaves later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you’d like a hotel transfer, you’ll need to depart from Dalaman Airport (DLM), around a three-hour drive from the hotel.

8 days tour

Family Turkey Coastal Active Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Family Turkey Coastal Active Adventure

Day 1: Join Trip In Kas

Day 2: Full Day Boat Trip With Swimming And Snorkelling

Day 3: Walk In The Foothills Of The Taurus Mountains. Home Hosted Village Lunch

Day 4: Free Day With Optional Boat Trip To Greek Island Of Kastellorizo

Day 5: Visit Ancient Xanthos And Canoe To Patara Beach

Day 6: Free Day In Kas With Optional Trip To Myra, The Home Of Father Christmas

Day 7: Sea Kayaking Over Sunken Ruins To Kekova Island. Visit Simena Castle

Day 8: Trip Ends In Kas

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