Dalyan River Adventure and Ancient Caunos
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Port
Marmaris, Turkey
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5½ hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Go beyond the ordinary and visit Dalyan and Caunos – two of the most striking spots in the Marmaris area. As you navigate the tranquil river waters, marvel at the ancient rock tombs and explore the ruins, you’ll be transported back in time in southwestern Turkey.
Start today’s adventure traveling by motor coach to the tiny village of Dalyan, where you will admire the small mosque and the statue in bronze representing the famous Caretta caretta (loggerhead) turtles, who come here every year to lay their eggs on the Dalyan River Delta. This is a protected area for both vegetation and local fauna.
Then board a motorboat that will take you down the river's winding canals and through a maze of reeds on the Dalyan River Delta. Cotton plantations and fields alternate with little islands covered in reed thickets. During your journey down the river, you will see the famous temple-tombs of the ancient kings carved into the rocky cliffs. A snack of cake and a soft drink (or water) is provided on the boat.
Arriving in ancient Caunos, you will walk up the bare hillside to the ruins of the city, complete with a Roman theater, Roman bath and streets of the port city founded in the 5th century BC. Caunos was once a thriving trading center, but the silting up of the ancient harbor brought an end to the affluence of the city.
Return to the ship, with a cookie and water served on the coach.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Drive to Dalyan approx. 1 hour 30 mins by bus. River cruise on traditional motorboat with cover approx. 30 mins. Caunos ancient city approx. 1 hour 30 mins in duration. There is a steep incline to the ruins of Caunos over uneven surfaces, which takes about 15 mins to navigate (no handrails, no shade). Dalyan by boat for approx. 30 mins.1 drink and a bottle of water is served on the boat.