Turkey adventure vacation, Sports & Sundowners

Planet

Accommodation & Meals:
On this trip we spend 7 nights at The Kas Artemis Hotel, a boutique hotel located 700 metres from the seafront. Where meals are provided, the hotel tries to make the most of the fresh, seasonal Mediterranean produce which grows in the area, this include eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, bread, honey and yoghurt.

Activity & Environment:
Few vacations have as little detrimental impact on the environment and local residents as a trip like this, we incorporate fun, sustainable activities and sports such as swimming, kayaking and canyoning to mitigate damage to the places we visit. Since we are very conscious of our effects on the natural environment, we also operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy, whereby we ensure no rubbish including plastic has been left behind throughout our travels.
Our operator is also actively involved with a new Plastic Free Kas initiative (Kas is a WWF Special Protection Area) whereby restaurants, shops and businesses supporting it will receive a certificate to display. Our Tour leaders will be briefed and will inform clients, who are encouraged to resist single-use plastics including cups, straws and sachets.

There are numerous opportunities for guests to witness natural beauty on this trip, by passing through Gizlikent Gorge and uncovering its incredible waterfall, visiting Patara Beach to view another angle of the pure azure sea, and exploring the bays and coves around the Turkish and Greek Islands to name a few. We also visit Saklikent National Park, where our entrance fees will contribute towards the upkeep and maintenance of the reserve. One exhilarating day is also spent in the mountains, cycling along trails that ascend through the Cedar forest.

Water:
Water is a vital issue with activity-oreintated trips and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also important that we have a system for providing clean water without causing avoidable waste with plastic bottles, therefore, we suggest that instead of repeatedly buying bottled water, guests should re-fill a singular bottle. There are mountain springs on the journey which offer clean, natural water, or you can fill up at the hotel before each day begins.

Group Size:
Since this is a small group tour, we will have a low impact on the environments and communities we visit and are able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in unique, family-run accommodations that cannot benefit from coach tours and other mass tourism due to their limited sizes.

UK Office:
It all starts at home where we work towards reducing our carbon footprint in our offices through energy conservation measures, recycling policies and the promotion of cycling and walking as a means for our staff to commute. Our head office has become a plastic-free zone with the use of plastic bottles being banned in our head office and we distributed reusable water bottles and tote bags to every staff member. We also support a large number of community and environmental projects in different parts of the world and try to give something back to the places we visit.

People

Culture & Community:
Throughout this trip we will have the chance to engage with the Turkish culture, by gaining a sense of the regions ancient history whilst meandering around the rocky outcrops. On day six, we also have the privilege of a homemade lunch served in a village house by a local resident, which helps bring financial support to the community. On our final full day, we have a free day where guests are advised to visit the local market to purchase handmade souvenirs made from residents. This further supports the community as our visit directly injects money into the places we visit. Alternatively, other cultural activities such as taking a Turkish bath would also support the community as they are locally owned.

Where meals are not included, our local guide will be able to recommend cafes and restaurants in the area where guests can continue to try alternative Turkish dishes.