Jeep Safari: Saklikent Gorge, Ancient Tlos and Lunch on the Fish Farm

Explore the stunning natural wonders and ancient history of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast on this exciting Jeep safari adventure. Dive into the dramatic Saklikent Gorge, wander through the ruins of the ancient city of Tlos, and savor a delightful riverside lunch at a trout farm. This thrilling excursion seamlessly blends cultural discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights, promising an unforgettable day along the Mediterranean. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the secrets of this remarkable region and create memories that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• Offers a full-day Jeep safari exploring the ancient Lycian city of Tlos, Saklikent Gorge, and enjoying a riverside lunch at a trout farm.
• Includes visits to rock-cut tombs, Roman baths, and natural mud baths, as well as a stop at the renowned Patara Beach.
• Provides opportunities for activities such as river crossings, suspended walkways, and swimming in the Mediterranean waters.
• Caters to moderate fitness levels and operates daily from April to October, with convenient pickup locations around the Turquoise Coast.
• Covers entrance fees to Saklikent Gorge and provides a buffet lunch, with additional activities like mini rafting or bungee available at an extra cost.

Tour Overview

This Jeep safari tour provides a full-day adventure from the Turquoise Coast, exploring the natural wonders of Saklikent Gorge and the ancient ruins of Tlos.

Lasting 12 hours, the tour includes a riverside lunch and hits highlights like rock-cut tombs, river crossings, mud baths, and Patara Beach – a sea turtle haven.

With a 3.9-star rating from 33 reviews, the tour offers an immersive journey through the region’s natural and historical attractions.

Pickup is available from various hotels, with the tour operating daily from April through October.

While moderate fitness is recommended, the tour may not suit all travelers, especially those with back problems or pregnant women.

Highlights of the Itinerary

What are the highlights of this Jeep safari tour? The day kicks off with a visit to the ancient Lycian city of Tlos, where travelers can explore the impressive rock-cut tombs and panoramic Roman baths. After a refreshment stop at a trout farm, the adventure continues into the breathtaking Saklikent National Park, a deep river canyon perfect for exploration. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant, offering a delightful buffet. In the afternoon, guests can indulge in natural mud baths and relax at the renowned Patara Beach, known for its sea turtle habitat and swimming opportunities.

Morning	Midday	Lunch	Afternoon
Visit ancient Tlos	Explore Saklikent Gorge	Buffet meal at riverside	Natural mud baths
Rock-cut tombs	Refreshments at trout farm		Patara Beach
Panoramic Roman baths			Sea turtle habitat
			Swimming

Saklikent National Park Exploration

The deep, narrow gorge of Saklikent National Park carves through the rugged Taurus Mountains, offering a breathtaking natural wonder for visitors to explore.

After refreshments at a nearby trout farm, the Jeep safari group will venture into the canyon, walking along the suspended walkways and bridges that allow them to traverse the rushing river.

The dramatic limestone cliffs and verdant vegetation provide a stunning backdrop as the group navigates the winding trails.

With its unique geological formations and cool, flowing waters, Saklikent Gorge promises an exhilarating and memorable experience within the heart of Turkey’s picturesque countryside.

Riverside Dining Experience

Enjoying a buffet lunch at a riverside restaurant is a highlight of the Jeep safari tour. After exploring the dramatic Saklikent Gorge, travelers are treated to a relaxing river-side dining experience. The buffet features a variety of freshly-prepared Turkish dishes, from grilled meats and fish to an assortment of seasonal vegetables and salads. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the serene natural surroundings along the riverbank. The restaurant also offers refreshing drinks to accompany the meal. This midday break provides a perfect opportunity to recharge and refuel before continuing the adventure.

Menu Item	Description	Price
Main Dish	Grilled meat, fish, and vegetarian options	Included
Side Dishes	Variety of roasted vegetables and salads	Included
Beverages	Soft drinks, water, Turkish tea	Approx. 1€
Dessert	Traditional Turkish sweets	Included

Natural Mud Bath Activities

After exploring the dramatic Saklikent Gorge, visitors can indulge in natural mud bath activities.

The tour includes a stop at a renowned mud bath location, where travelers can slather themselves in the nutrient-rich mineral mud and enjoy its therapeutic benefits. This natural spa treatment is said to improve skin health, reduce muscle aches, and promote relaxation.

Following the mud bath, guests can rinse off in the nearby freshwater streams.

The tour then continues to the beautiful Patara Beach, known for its tranquil waters and the presence of endangered sea turtles.

This versatile Jeep safari offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and natural wellness experiences.

Patara Beach Visit

Following the mud bath activities, the Jeep safari tour continues on to the renowned Patara Beach. This picturesque stretch of coastline is known for its unspoiled beauty and the presence of endangered loggerhead sea turtles.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the soft, golden sand, soak up the sun, or go for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

The beach also offers:

• Opportunities to spot sea turtles and learn about their conservation efforts.
• Scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains and ancient ruins.
• Facilities like showers, beach umbrellas, and snack bars for a comfortable experience.

After a full day of exploring the natural wonders of the region, the Jeep safari tour concludes with this tranquil beach visit.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Jeep safari tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an expert local guide, a buffet lunch, and the entrance fee to Saklikent Gorge, which is approximately 1-2 euros.

Drinks at the waterfall are also covered, costing around 1 euro. However, any extra activities like mini rafting, bungee, or zipline aren’t included in the tour price.

Plus, the cost of water guns and other refreshments during the tour aren’t covered.

Travelers should come prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant women, and infants must sit on laps.

Pickup and Schedule

According to the tour details, pickup points for the Jeep safari are located at hotels in Fethiye center, Calis, Oludeniz, Ovacik, and Hasaronu.

The tour operates daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the peak season from April 15 to October 20, and maintains the same hours in the off-season from October 21 to October 31.

This schedule remains consistent year-over-year, with the next available tours running from April 15, 2025 to October 20, 2025.

• The tour’s operating hours ensure maximum flexibility for travelers, allowing them to plan their day around the excursion.

• The wide range of pickup locations caters to guests staying in various parts of the Turquoise Coast, minimizing travel time and inconvenience.

• The consistent schedule across multiple years provides reliable information for those planning their vacations in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The package includes a buffet lunch at a riverside restaurant, as well as drinks during the activities. Extra snacks and refreshments can be purchased separately during the tour.

Is There an Option to Do the Tour Without the Jeep Ride?

Based on the overview, there doesn’t appear to be an option to do the tour without the Jeep ride. The package includes the full-day Jeep tour as part of the experience and doesn’t mention any alternative transportation methods.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour operator does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The all-inclusive pricing applies to all participants regardless of age. However, infants can sit on laps during the tour.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book the Jeep Safari tour for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours for smaller groups, with more flexibility in the itinerary and personalized attention from the guide.

What Should I Pack for the Day-Long Tour?

Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing, sturdy shoes, a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and snacks or water. Bring an extra change of clothes and a camera to capture the scenic landscapes and activities throughout the day-long Jeep safari tour.

Sum Up

Set out on a thrilling Jeep safari that takes you through the stunning Saklikent Gorge and the ancient city of Tlos, where you’ll explore fascinating rock-cut tombs and panoramic Roman baths. Indulge in a riverside buffet lunch featuring grilled meats and traditional Turkish sweets. This adventure seamlessly combines cultural discovery, breathtaking landscapes, and a delightful dining experience, making for an unforgettable day on the Turquoise Coast.