TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour Highlights
Enjoy a multicity tour discovering the best of Turkey
Compete in the WORLD'S OLDEST SWIM in the annual 'Victory Day' Hellespont swimming race in Canakkale, Turkey
Enjoy tours of Istanbul, Gallipoli and Troy
Enjoy a truly unique experience as one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes is closed for the race
Meet and swap stories with fellow open water swimmers from all over the world
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. We’re thrilled to offer the chance to complete this epic race as part of a wider trip which will see us exploring around Troy as well as Istanbul.
This extended Hellespont Race trip begins in Istanbul, with time to explore Turkey’s largest city before travelling to the historic region of Troy. There’s also time to visit Canakkale’s significant war sites and ancient archaeological ruins, before taking on your swim challenge.
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.
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 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.
Entries for this iconic event are strictly limited and SwimTrek is the sole provider of all race places for non-Turkish residents. Be quick to secure your place on this unforgettable swimming event!
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?
This trip is designed for those who are looking combine a swim race with additional travel around Turkey. The trip allows guests to visit multiple cities and take in different types of tours, from war memorials to archaeological sites. 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.
What's included?
- Six nights accommodation (2+3+1)
- All breakfasts
- Lunch on Day 3
- Post-race celebration and dinner on Day 5
- Transfers between Istanbul and Çanakkale and return
- Guided Tour of Istanbul
- Guided Tour of Gallipoli
- Guided Tour of Troy
- Welcome drink at the acclimatisation swim & briefing
- Pre-race acclimatisation swim on Day 4
- Pre-race boat tour on Day 4
- ABTOT Financial Protection
What's not included?
- Travel to and from the start of the tour
- Lunches (except Day 3)
- Evening meals (except the post-race meal)
What's Included For Supporters?
- Six nights accommodation (2+3+1)
- All breakfasts
- Lunch on Day 3
- Post-race celebration and dinner on Day 5
- Transfers between Istanbul and Çanakkale and return
- Guided Tour of Istanbul
- Guided Tour of Gallipoli
- Guided Tour of Troy
- Welcome drink at the acclimatisation swim & briefing
- Pre-race boat tour on Day 4
- 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
Day 4
Day 5 - Race Day
Day 6
Day 7
Map
Location Summaries
Trip Grading
Race Event Information
Getting There
Practical Information
Related Trips
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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