Dalyan River Delta

Hidden in a corner of southwest Anatolia where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean and the Golgeli Daglari swoops down to the sea, the estuarine delta of the Dalyan River supports a number of small fishing and farming communities as well as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. It is noted for its ancient Caunian ruins, the 4th Century BC Lycian-style temple-tombs carved into the cliffs above the river and its many opportunities for adventure.

Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from Dalaman Airport to Dalyan. Welcome tour of Dalyan with local guide giving information about the local history and culture. Settle in at a local hotel.

Day 2
Trekking. The next day we walk over a hill to the bay of Ekincik and its unspoilt beach.

Local Wooden Boat

It is difficult to access by road and so most visitors arrive by yacht. The route we take allows us to explore the ancient ruins of Caunos, with its Roman Baths, Acropolis, harbour and many other ruins including a Medieval castle. We walk through pine forests which hug the dramatic coastline and arrive in Ekincik for a special picnic lunch followed by relaxing swimming in the azure crystal waters of the Mediterranean. The journey back is by local wooden boat, which takes one and a half hours along the rugged coastline, around Iztuzu beach and winding along the river under the ancient rock tombs to Dalyan.

Day 3
Jeep Safari. From Dalyan we travel past forests of the frankincense tree before climbing the Boga Dagi 2000m mountain to the high plateau village of Agla. Along the way we have the opportunity to view the flora and fauna of the region and visit two special lakes. Wildflowers are plentiful in the springtime and the cool mountain air of Agla provides a respite from the summer heat of the coast. Overnight in the small village of Akkropru where an old Roman bridge spans the Dalaman river. Overnight in cottages or tents.

Day 4
Whitewater Rafting. The Dalaman is the best river in Southern Turkey for rafting with genuine exhilarating grade four rapids. The course is about four hours long passing through narrow gorges. Overnight we stay in Akkropru village.

Mountain Biking

Day 5
Mountain Biking. From Akkropru we cycle through 50 km of scenic landscapes and traditional Turkish villages to return to Dalyan. Overnight in local hotel in Dalyan.

Day 6
Canyoning. An hour jeep ride takes us to a unique canyon. We swim under waterfalls, in rock pools and scramble over boulders until the going gets steeper. Then we use climbing gear to scale shear waterfalls and huge boulders which block our path. The cool air and the crashing sound of the cold, crystal, flowing water add to the atmosphere and adventure of the canyon climb. After our descent and return to Dalyan, we rest.

Day 7
Shopping in the local market is followed by a beach BBQ. The local market has many stalls selling (genuine-fake) brand name watches, clothes, leather goods, shoes and spices, all at extremely cheap prices. On the beach we consume very generous portions Ali’s famous BBQ until we are only able to lie down and relax. In the evening we go to a Hamam, or Turkish Bath, where we have a sauna, skin exfoliation and massage, leaving us feeling completely revitalized and fresh.

Day 8
Reluctantly, we say goodbye and transfer back to the airport.

2003 Trip Dates and Costs

Lycian Rock Tombs

07-14 April, £279 (pounds) €445 (euros)
17-24 April, £279 €445
05-12 May, £279 €445
21-28 May, £279 €445
09-16 June, £299 €475
26-03 June/July, £299 €475
09-16 July, £299 €475
30-06 July/August, £319 €505
13-20 August, £319 €505
01-08 September, £319 €505
15-23 September, £319 €505
06-13 October, £299 €475
22-29 October, £299 €475

Price Includes:
Hotel, tent or village house, full board food, professional guide, transfers, insurance, all tour equipment.

Price Excludes:
Transportation to Dalaman, drinks, personal expenses.

Please Bring:
Sleeping bag, mat, warm clothes, hiking shoes, hat or bandanna, beach wear, sun cream.

Trip Extensions
We can make arrangements for you to extend your multi-activity adventure in Dalyan. Some suggestions include a Blue Voyage tour of the Mediterranean, scuba diving and bus tours to Ephesus, Pammukale and Cappadocia.