TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Dates
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Tour Highlights
Compete in the WORLD'S OLDEST SWIM in the annual 'Victory Day' Hellespont swimming race in Canakkale, Turkey
Enjoy a truly unique experience as one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes is closed for the race
Follow in the historical wake of Leander and Lord Byron who turned these waters into the icon that they are
Meet and swap stories with fellow open water swimmers from all over the world
Relax and soak in the festivities of the SwimTrek post-race dinner after completing your swim
Hellespont and Dardanelles: THE WORLD’S OLDEST SWIM. It’s been said that you can’t call yourself a true open water swimmer until you’ve completed this historic cross-continental swim from Europe to Asia in Turkey. From the challenge of the swim itself to the region’s incredible history, this event is a must-do for open water swimmers from around the globe.
No other open water challenge in the world combines as much history, prestige, romance and bragging rights into a single swim as the legendary crossing of the Dardanelles strait, as one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is closed for the annual ‘Victory Day’ race.
If you want to extend your time in Turkey, join us on the Hellespont Week Tour from 26 Aug - 01 September.
The Legendary Swim
The Hellespont is celebrated in the ancient Greek myth as the strait that Leander swam across to reach his lover Hero. It was officially swum for the first time by the famous poet, Lord Byron, in 1810 and ever since it has been considered the absolute epitome of open water swimming and can often be found at the top of any avid open water swimmer’s international wish list. As well as its own ancient history, the crossing also holds a special place in SwimTrek’s history as the swim which prompted our fearless founder, Simon Murie, to set up a pioneering open water swimming company in 2003.
Two Iconic Swim Events in One
In 2024 the date of the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim enables your to extend by one night in Istanbul and then immediately join our Hellespont Week Tour giving you two iconic events plus escorted tours of Istanbul, Gallipoli and Troy in one tour package.
Who is this trip for?
The Hellespont and Dardanelles crossing is a significant open water swim of 4½ km between Europe and Asia. Conditions during the event may be challenging and swimmers should have a good understanding of open water swimming. They should be capable of swimming 4½ km in the open water and be comfortable swimming in choppy waters and currents prior to the start of the trip.
Entries for this iconic event are strictly limited and SwimTrek is official partner for race packages. Be quick to secure your place on this unforgettable swimming event!
Please note that the Race Organisers require every entrant to complete a Pre-Race Medical and to submit this at registration (refer to our Health Information section for further information)
Groups save up to 10%
If you have a group of swim club members, friends or colleagues you can make a saving by booking together.
For groups of 5 swimmers or more, we can help tailor your Hellespont experience. We can organise accommodation and tours specifically for your group. In addition, we can take away the organisational burden as well as giving you a saving!
To get this tailored service, please email Ben or Lucia using the email groups@swimtrek.com and they will get back to you.
What's included?
- Entry into the annual Hellespont Swim Race
- Three nights' accommodation
- Shared return transfers between Istanbul Airport and Canakkale (Arrival 28Aug - Departure 31Aug & 01Sept)
- Welcome drink at the acclimatisation swim & briefing
- All breakfasts
- Pre-race acclimatisation swim on Day 2
- Pre-race boat tour on Day 2
- Post-race celebration and dinner on Day 3
- ABTOT Financial Protection
What's not included?
- Air travel to and from the start of the tour
- Lunch and evening meals (except the post-race meal)
- Optional guided tours
What's included for Supporters?
- Three nights' accommodation
- Shared return transfers between Istanbul Airport and Canakkale (Arrival 28Aug - Departure 31Aug & 01Sept)
- Welcome drink at the acclimatisation briefing
- All breakfasts
- Pre-race boat tour on Day 2
- Post-race celebration and dinner on Day 3
- ABTOT Financial Protection
Daily Itineraries
Please note that the above itinerary is subject to change during the course of your trip.
Trip Schedule
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 - Race Day
Day 4
Map
Reviews
Trip and experience of a lifetime. Unforgettable. Very grateful for the SwimTrek staff for making this possible.
Hellespont 2024 with my son, a really fantastic, well organised experience. To be part in the annual victory day race has been very special challenge, thank you to the SwimTrek team!
Incredible experience! A memory to last a lifetime! Thank you SwimTrek!
Great trip! Great experience! I will be back!
The Hellespont swim was such a magical swim and superbly organised and executed by SwimTrek
I felt privileged to be part of the SwimTrek group for the Hellespont swim in Turkey. We had excellent preparation, which made the swim a breeze, and the camaraderie and pre- and post-race events made it such a fun experience.
One of my most memorable experiences to date made possible by an amazing SwimTrek group.
As a father and son (14 years old) swimming duo taking part in the Hellespont Swim I can only describe the experience as exceptional. A safe, community focused and quality experience that we will never forget.
Being able to call yourself a cross continental swimmer, and knowing this was done in challenging waters with superb safety cover; what’s not to like!
The Hellespont was an iconic swim. Well organised and safely managed. It was fun and enjoyable from start to finish - great event, great new friends and gave a full sense of achievement. Superb !
Location Summary
Trip Grading
Race Event Information
Getting There
Accommodation
Travel Advice
Other Iconic Races & Challenging Swims
Photos (click to enlarge)
Related Links
- Swimming Holidays Europe
- Swimming Holidays Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
- Swimming Holidays Bozburun - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Bozburun Short Swims - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Hellespont Week Tour
- Swimming Holidays Hellespont and Dardanelles Swim
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way Long Swims - Turkey
- Swimming Holidays Lycian Way With Teens - Turkey
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