Trips & Tours: Active Dalyan

Today we arrive in the delightful village of Dalyan. Located in the heart of ancient Caria the setting is sublime, by a river overlooked by floodlit ancient tombs. We settle in and look forward to a week of adventure.

This morning we set off on the first of our explorations with an exciting jeep safari into the hills behind Dalyan. During our morning we make stops for a walk around an old ruined village with a mosque and make a short trek through a gorge running with the clear waters of a spring, the source of a local river.

After a delicious four-course lunch we drive on to some old friends to join them for tea. Our mixed off and on road route sees us crashing through numerous fords and juddering down some seemingly impossible tracks to enjoy views from a mountain peak overlooking Dalyan, its delta and the Med beyond, as well as a visit to a secluded beach.

Early in the morning we leave the village of Dalyan by boat for the beautiful and historical ruins of Caunos where we can wander the ancient remains of this important Carian city. From Caunos we follow the road to the unspoilt village of Candir and take a small forest path up into the mountains.

We walk over the beautiful hills to Ekincik, through a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty; the scenery is stunning and there are many opportunities to observe the local wildlife. Looking down from one of the peaks we see the small Ekincik Bay. We descend to the deserted beach where a boat is waiting with a delicious and well-deserved lunch.

Before we return by boat to Dalyan we have some time for relaxing and swimming. The cruise back takes around an hour and a half, to the Delta of Dalyan and then upriver to the village, arriving back late afternoon.

We start today with a cruise along the Dalyan river to the delightful lake and town of Köyceğiz. En route we have a swim-stop arriving in town around midday. Here we explore the typical Turkish market and enjoy a local meal in one of the many small restaurants.

In the early afternoon we cruise to the small village Sultaniye, famous for its hot springs and reputed to be a cure for many skin ailments and rheumatic disorders. After a dip in the hot springs it’s into the mud baths – you’ll be amazed how soft your skin will feel after you wash off the mud.

From Sultaniye to Dalyan is just a short distance so we have time to make another swim-stop on our way back - a great end to a relaxing day.

Today has mostly been left free to relax. We can enjoy the market, have a sail on the river or relax by the pool. At the end of the day we have a treat in store with a traditional Turkish Bath. We guarantee you’ll never feel as clean, refreshed and relaxed as when you emerge!

A steaming hot sauna relaxes the muscles and loosens the skin before a traditional scrub get you sparkling clean. This process has a soothing effect leaving you feel clean like never before. For a final treat and highly recommended finish you bath with an authentic soap massage - the ultimate relaxation experience. After your bath cool down as you relax with a glass of Turkish tea before dressing and returning to Dalyan.

A day of sea kayaking! We start out by jeep to the small village of Sarigerme where we are given comprehensive instruction in paddling techniques and we are given our lifejackets. Either double or single kayaks are provided – both are stable and easy to paddle. No previous experience is required, just a sense of adventure. Next we set off to paddle along the rocky coast, exploring sea-caves before making a crossing to Baba Island.

On the Island there’s time to relax, make cliff jumps and snorkel. We continue along the island’s coast before we finally cross to one of the hidden beaches where lunch is being prepared. In the afternoon the waves usually grow giving much fun before as we reach our last beach, where we almost surf ashore.

The day is just starting as we head out on the river heading through the Dalyan River delta to the open Mediterranean. At this early hour Dalyan’s famous turtles are more active and we are more likely to see these shy creatures.

While we enjoy the day’s quiet start our crew serves a full Turkish breakfast with home made marmalades and cheese. Continuing along the coastline we’ll enjoy the sun coming up behind the dramatic mountains of the Carian coast, shimmering on the sea. At Bacardi Beach we anchor and it’s time for a refreshing swim - we can snorkel or swim in the crystal clear water or just relax on board.

Around midday we up-anchor and sail back to Dalyan pausing at a small lake where we can bathe in both a warm and cold stream. We arrive back in Dalyan in the early afternoon.