Turkey Retreat: Fethiye

Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey. Upon arrival into Dalaman Airport, you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly representatives and driven to the village of Kayakoy where you’ll be staying. This drive takes about one hour, so sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery out the window as you make your way down the Turquoise Coast. This evening you’ll meet the rest of your group and your local host at the Welcome Meeting, before enjoying an included welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to the Fethiye Marina, which will take approximately 15 minutes. Here, you’ll board a private boat for the day, where you'll have the chance to visit a number of the bays surrounding Fethiye. This seaside region is part of Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast, so the crystal blue waters make for some incredible views and prime swimming spots. Spend the day at your leisure, relaxing on the deck of the boat and dipping in and out of the sea. Lunch will be served on the boat. Throughout the day, you’ll stop at a range of different islands and beaches, which may include the Cleopatra Baths, Yassica Island, Bedri Rahmi Cove, Tersane Island and more. Later in the day you’ll arrive back to the marina and be driven back to the hotel. Tonight is a free night, so be sure to ask your host for a recommendation of where to taste the best local cuisine. (B/L)

This morning after breakfast you’ll drive for approximately one and a half hours to the Dalyan Sea Turtle Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Iztuzu Beach. Caretta and Green Sea turtles visit and nest in almost 20 beaches in Turkey and Iztuzu Beach is one of them. In fact, more than half of the entire world’s population of Green Sea turtles can actually be found nesting in Turkey! The centre was set up to educate locals and travellers about the conservation efforts for turtles, as well as taking care of necessary medical treatment and rehabilitation for any injured turtles found along the Mediterranean coast. Today you’ll be treated to a short talk from one of the experts at the centre about the work they do and Intrepid will make a donation on behalf of each traveller in the group. After saying goodbye to the turtles you’ll have the afternoon free to get some lunch and enjoy some beach time, before returning to your hotel for the evening. (B)

Today you’ll join an easy hike from where you’re staying in Kayakoy to Oludeniz Beach, which is roughly five kilometres (three miles) in length and will take about two hours. Along the way, you’ll see ancient Grecian ruins and picturesque mountain scenery. As you descend, you’ll reach Oludeniz Beach, a world-famous lagoon that is often listed among the top beaches in the world. Spend the rest of the day by the seaside, enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you or wandering along the promenade for a snack or drink. This evening, you’ll take part in a Turkish meze cooking class at your hotel, using organic ingredients from the in-house garden. You’ll then have the chance to enjoy the dishes you’ve made as a farewell dinner with the group. (B/D)

Today you’ll say goodbye to your local host and fellow travellers, as your Turkish retreat comes to an end. (B)