EXPLORE: The Lycian Way Walking Holiday

Take a hike through history on the Lycian Way, Turkey's first and only long distance walking route. Stretching from Fethiye in the west to Antalya in the east, the route traverses the ancient province of Lycia, whose inhabitants were famed for their ferocity and independence of spirit.

Itinerary

We spend a more peaceful time amongst the hills and mountains of their beautiful land, travelling on foot between little-known ancient ruins and time-forgotten villages.

Oludeniz & Butterfly Valley

After an overnight stay amongst the evocative remains of Kayakoy, a Greek village abandoned in the 1920s, we hike south up onto the outflung shoulders of Baba Dagi (1989m). Along the way we are rewarded with fine views back over the idyllic lagoon of Oludeniz. Passing remote hamlets nestling under the heights of Baba dag we descend to the tiny village of Faralya, perched on a small plateau above the fjord-like Butterfly Valley.

Time-Forgotten Villages

From Faralya we hike through pine forests and along spectacular terraces with views to distant villages and across the sea to far flung islands. Following ancient footpaths we reach the village of Alinca, where with views out over the sea we may stop for cay with the villagers. Then, hiking high above the dramatic coastline, we continue towards the traditional village of Gey, our overnight stop. Here we stay as guests in a simple village guesthouse.

Kalkan, Kas & Kekova

We walk on through stunning coastal scenery to reach the remote fortress of Pydnai, whose ancient walls stand sentinel over the golden sands of Patara. From here we make a short journey to Kalkan, beautifully sited at the head of an azure bay, and a contouring trail through the Taurus foothills to the attactive harbour town of Kas. Finally we hike to the hamlet and ancient port of Aperlae and continue by boat via the sunken ruins of Kekova to Simena, a picturesque village accessible only by boat and on foot.

Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Join Kayakoy.

  • Day 2: 2 Hike from Ovacik via Baba Dagi to Faralya (5hrs).

  •  Day 3: Hike via Kabak to Alinca and on to Gey (7hrs).

  •  Day 4: Walk to Pydnai on Patara Beach (5-6 hrs); drive to Kalkan.

  •  Day 5: Coastal walk around Yali headland to Patara (4-5hrs); return to Kalkan.

  •  Day 6: Hike through Taurus foothills to Felen ridge; spectacular mountain and coastal views (6hrs); drive to Kas.

  • Day 7: Walk to ancient Aperlae (3-4hrs) and boat to Kekova and Simena; drive to Kas.

  •  Day 8: Transfer to Dalaman Airport where tour ends.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.

Pricing

8 Days / 7 Nights From $935*

Enquire Online
Price Includes: 5nts hotel, 1nt village guesthouse, 1nt village house; 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners; transportation by Bus/On Foot/Boat; Explore Tour Leader plus boatmen and driver(s)

Comments: The Lycian Way is Turkey's first long-distance walking route and our one-week trip takes in the best of the western section. Using hotels and simple village accommodation our route combines dramatic coastal and mountain landscapes. In some traditional villages we recommend conservative dress - see trip dossier for details.

The trek is in the main graded as mainly moderate but has one strenous section (of 7hrs walking) and should be within the capabilities of most moderately fit people.

Group Size: Approx 12 to 16.


Highlights

  • Butterfly Valley

  • Forgotten Valley

  • Fortress of Pydnai

  • Ancient port of Aperlae