Turkey Mothership Adventure

Discover Turkey’s dramatic and diverse Turquoise Coast where dramatic mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea. Here you will experience some of the world’s most spectacular sea kayaking or hiking – or both!

Your home away from home is a luxurious classic 100 ft sailing yacht giving you unique access to remote and pristine stretches of the coast where few others ever go. You will marvel at the unbelievable clear blue ocean, watch loggerhead turtles surface close by and paddle through spectacular sea caves. In protected coves where the mothership anchors, you swim in warm water and, for those who want some extra exercise, meander along the shoreline on SUPs (stand up paddle-boards)! Hikers have access to the famous Lycian Way a renowned trail network that was recently developed. 

On this unique adventure you also discover the astonishing cultural sites along the coast. This area was the home of the ancient Lycians, a highly advanced civilization who invented democracy and left amazing feats of architecture in their wake. Other cultures including Greeks, Romans, crusaders and Ottomans also left their mark. The many layers of the rich history along this coast unfurl before our eyes as we cruise past stunning ruins and hike to astonishing antiquities.

Here where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean Sea, not only do you enjoy first class kayaking and hiking, but you also savour exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and hospitality, enjoy a fascinating culture where East meets West and have time to simply unwind and relax on board our gorgeous mothership.

Sample Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

Our Turkey Mothership Adventure takes you along wild, remote sections of the Turquoise Coast, and deep into the history of the ancient Lycians and Carians. You wander through the ruins of a city dating back to the 10^th Century BC, explore an eerie village abandoned in recent times, paddle to an island where Santa Claus lies at rest, try out your belly dancing skills in a local bar, and go on a culinary adventure that brings daily food buzzes! Tie all this and more together with daily paddling excursions, swimming and SUP sessions, and time to relax aboard our floating home, a luxurious classic wooden gulet, and it’s a trip you’ll want to do all over again!

Keep an eye out for surfacing turtles as we paddle across the astonishingly clear blue Mediterranean. Paddle into caves where light streams up through the water to naturally create a surreal ‘special effects’ atmosphere. In a protected cove, try your SUP skills along the intricate shoreline.

We paddle around the dramatic Devil’s Cape. In Kayakoy, we wander through an eerie ghost town, the inspiration for Louise de Bernierne’s novel “Birds Without Wings”. Check out a local a wine cellar and prepare for a special celebration!

Arrive at our favourite Turkish fishing village set in a protected harbour. Shop in it’s handicraft market, explore the surrounding area and take in a seafood dinner in a special restaurant overlooking the harbour.

Our mothership sails to a super cute Greek island to discover one of the lesser known wonders of this world: a vast sea cave –  like a huge, blue cathedral – that will take your breath away. Truly something you will never forget.

We head to the sunken Lycian city of Kekova where we can actually kayak around semi-submerged tombs. Overlooking the bay is a medieval village on a slope where you climb to the top to take in the views from the crusaders castle.

Explore an ancient Roman/Greek amphitheater complex and visit an astonishing medieval church where St. Nicholas was buried.

FAQ

What is so special about Turkey?

The coastline is spectacular: just the topography and the ocean make it a world class kayaking destination. Add to that the astonishing layers of ancient history that we literally paddle by and explore on foot: Greek, Lycian and and Roman ruins set in a quintessentially Mediterranean landscape dotted with Turkish pines and groves of olives, figs, lemons and pomegranates. The warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people is unparalleled, and their cuisine is fabulous: we wager that by the end of the trip you’ll be hooked on Turkish breakfasts of fresh cheeses, free range boiled eggs, tomato salad, olives and freshly baked bread. Oh, and did we mention the great local wines? You will be experiencing the coast in the very best way possible: aboard your luxurious private yacht, and in your kayaks. To augment a truly spectacular experience, join our extension trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cappadocia, and also make sure to spend a least a couple of days in Istanbul, one of our favourite cities in the world.    

How do I get there?

The nearest airport to where the trip begins is Dalaman, which can be reached via numerous airlines from London or other European hubs. Alternatively you can fly to Istanbul, which you can reach from London and other European hubs, or fly to directly from New York or Chicago.

What are the physical activities on the trip and what level of fitness do I need?

A reasonable level of fitness is required. This can be tailored to your group however typically, for kayaking and trekking we average about 3 to 4 hours a day.  In our protected anchorages we can swim from the mothership, and try stand up paddle boarding on the two SUPs we will have along.

Do I have to be an experience kayaker?

No. This is trip is suitable for all levels of kayakers, including beginners. If you are a beginner kayaker, however, we recommend that before the trip you take an introductory day course just to put yourself at ease. During the trip we will be offering kayaking instructions and tips on techniques and safety.

I’m more into physical activity than my travelling partner, is that a problem?

One of the beauties of Hidden Places trips is that they offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of activities. If one of you isn’t so keen on kayaking, or if you just feel like taking a break, you can relax on the yacht and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you sail to our rendezvous point. 

I’m a vegetarian, is that a problem?

Not at all, but please let us know in advance, and advise us on your dietary preferences.

Do I need a visa?

Yes. You can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Turkey, or apply for one ahead of time through your nearest Turkish embassy or a visa agency.

Do I need insurance?

Medical insurance, including emergency evacuation, is mandatory on all our trips. We also strongly advise you to purchase trip cancellation insurance that include the trip cost as well as the flights.

Do I need vaccinations?

Your routine vaccinations (tetanus/diphtheria, polio, etc.) should be up to date. Proof of COVID vaccinations is required.

Are bugs a problem?

In general, not at all, however, it’s always worth having some insect repellent along with you on land.

What does the trip price cover?

Airport transfers on the first and last days of the trip, all cultural tour guiding and entrance fees, all accommodation, kayak guiding, instruction and equipment, all meals, and water.

What does the trip price not cover?

International and domestic flights, beverages except bottled drinking water, personal insurance and gratuities.