FROM FETHIYE TO PATARA

"WEST LYCIAN WAY - 8 DAYS GROUP TOUR"

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Day 1 : Transfer from Dalaman to Fethiye

Pick-up from Dalaman Airport at pre-agreed time. When all the group

have met, we transfer to Fethiye in private vehicle. Drive time

approximately 1 hour.  Group welcome dinner included in a famous local restaurant. Town centre comfortable hotel. BB

 

Day 2 : Trek from Fethiye via Kayakoy to Oludeniz

From your hotel we walk via the spectacular Amyntas tomb above Fethiye

(optional entrance fee approx. 2€)

 

Continuing to climb past the remains of the Castle of the Knights of

St John, we follow the ancient cobbled road that connects Fethiye

(old name Megri – Telmessos) and Kayaköy (old name Livissi – Karmylassos) 

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The stiff climb through pine forest rewards you will excellent views of the Fethiye Bay. Descending into the plain of Kayakoy we will walk to the hotel where we will stay the night. From here we trek around the ghost town of Kayaköy (Entrance fee included).

(For those who have had enough trekking for their first day, they can walk back to the hotel, making a total trek of 9km, 500m ascent, 300m descent.)

 

The trek continues to the ridge above Kayaköy then descends on a spectacular footpath with excellent sea views. We arrive at the Lagoon of Ölüdeniz and can reward ourselves with a dip in the sea. We then walk the final 2km along the quiet lagoon road to the centre of Ölüdeniz, where we use public transport to get back to Kayaköy.

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Dinner in hotel included.  Simple hotel with swimming pool. HB

Total trekking 9km or 15km 500 or 750m ascent, 300 or 750m descent

 

Day 3 : Ovacik to Faralya (Butterfly Valley)

A vehicle will pick us up and drive the short distance to Ovacik, from where today’s trek begins.

We start to walk at the official start point of the Lycian Way, the long distance footpath which we will be following for much of the next few days.

The trail takes us to the shoulders of Babadag ( Father Mountain 2000M) with magnificent views of Oludeniz lagoon and St Nicholas' island.  Cresting the pass we trek through villages nestled under the summit of the mountain before descending to Faralya Village, which is perched on the edge of the famous butterfly valley.

 

We stay in a relatively comfortable trekkers lodge.  Dinner and next day’s picnic included (Swimming pool available).

 

Day 4 : Faralya - Kabak - Alinca - Gey

Walking straight from the lodge, we climb up to fine terraced land with views back to Oludeniz.  On a clear day, the Datca peninsula, and sometimes even the island of Rhodes is visible.

 

Skirting above the pristine beach at Kabak village, we climb on an ancient path to a seemingly impassable valley. As the views improve with every step. Cresting to the ridge of Alınca, we can enjoy a glass of hot tea, to soak up the vistas of the ‘Seven Capes’ spread out below.  Those who have had enough walking for today will be transferred free of charge to the accommodation.

 

We continue to the rustic village of Gey, perched on a headland of ancient terraces.

 

We stay in a hospitable but simple village house/trekkers’ lodge.

Dinner and next day’s picnic included.

 

Day 5 : Gey - Sidyma trek, then transfer to Patara

Bidding a sad farewell to our hosts, we continue uphill through the terraced farmland that creates a amphitheatre effect framing this beautiful village.  We climb through pine forest striking into more open scrubland before we come to the pass which offers magnificent views to the high mountain inland,  we enter a steep but very lush valley complete with the striking red skinned Arbutus trees as we descend to the fascinating ancient site of Sidyma, sharing space with the village of Dodurga. 

We will have time to explore the site before meeting our bus to go to Patara.  We will visit the site of Patara, the metropolis of Lycia. many of the buildings were well preserved by virtue of being under the sand dunes.  We will have time for a drink on the beach watching the  sunset before dinner.

 

Day 6 : Optional circular walk at Patara

Today, those who would like a rest can just walk to the pristine sands of Patara beach!

 

For those who want to walk we pick-up the Lycian way from near the hotel and trek through pine forest to the fascinating Roman engineering masterpiece of Delikkemer aqueduct, a reverse syphon system.  Those who want a short day are transferred back to Patara from here. For those who want a full walk continue around the Yali Peninsula, past various secluded coves suitable for an impromptu dip in the sea.  We then climb to a viewpoint affording us extensive sea views including the 16Km Patara beach and extensive archaeological site of Patara, the Roman Capital of Lycia.

 

Day 7 : Transfer to Sutlegen Village, Trekto Summit of Mt. Bozkaya. Transfer to Kas

Drive from Patara up past the high mountain village of Sütleğen.  As we climb on narrow footpath and forestry road, we rise in series through pine, oak, juniper and then Lebanese cedar forests,  just before our final ascent to the bare rock summit at 2050M high. 

 

After  arelatively short descent to a mountain pasture, we meet our bus again and descend to Kaş, a small but stylish resort town where you will spend your last night in a comfortable hotel with a large pool.

 

For dinner, we will go into the town square for dinner ( included) and soak up the atmosphere. Perhaps a last drink in one of the bars with live music will end our Lycian odyssey.

 

Day 8 : Leave Kas and transfer to Dalaman

Depending on your flight time, we will pick you up from Kaş and transfer you to Dalaman Airport.

EASTERN LYCIAN WAY

"8 days SELF GUIDED tour"

Day 1 :  Arrive Antalya Airport
Our driver will meet you straight from the arrivals terminal and you will be taken directly to the old walled town of Antalya. You will find your pack of detailed trekking notes on arrival at the hotel.  Depending on your arrival time you may have time to wonder the cobbled streets and take a traditional Turkish Bath to get your trekking muscles ready for Lycia. There are many bars and restaurants to enjoy your first night in Turkey. 

Boutique Hotel BB basis.

 

Day 2 : Trek Tekirova to Cirali via Maden Beach

19 Km -  700m ascent/descent

After a healthy and tasty Turkish breakfast, nip out to the local shop to buy your picnic.

Your driver will be waiting for you to take you to the start of the trekking at the entrance to the Olympos National Park. Today's trek follows the coast between secluded coves and rocky points, all under the watchful eye of towering Mt. Olympos above. A long but fairly gentle walk with many opportunities for a swim. The path is clear road till the  abandoned chrome mines of Maden beach, where the footpath narrows, taking you to the final stretch of beach at Cirali, where you will walk straight to the hotel.  

 

Day 3 : Trek Ulupinar-Chimera- Cirali

9 Km – 350 m ascent/descent

After a relaxing morning where you can enjoy the beautiful beach of Cirali, we will transfer you up to the gushing springs of Ulupinar village. Here you will have the opportunity to eat a great lunch of mezze, fresh trout, and hot bread. You then trek, generally downhill, following the densely forested river until you climb to a fine viewpoint with visages to the heights of Mt Olympos, and the bay of Cirali, before you descend via the 'chimera' and natural phenomenon where gas seeps from the rock, leaving an eternal flame, the legendary fire breathing monster know as the Chimera was slain here by Bellephoron and Pegasus. You then descend to the plain of Ciralı and back to the hotel.

 

Day 4 : Cirali - Adrasan Bay

16 Km -800 m ascent/descent

Walking straight from your hotel, you follow the beach to Olympos and start to climb Mt. Moses (Musa Dağı). The climb takes you through the strange Strawberry tree (Arbutus Andrachne) forests, the rippling trunks with smooth bark like the arms of Hercules. At the pass, you can visit the site of Phoenikos, undisturbed by archeologists. Following a stream, we descend to the citrus groves of Adrasan.

 

Day 5 : Optional treks or relaxation in Adrasan Bay

11 or 20 or 8Km - 240/1000/288m ascent/descent

To enjoy your time in this peaceful beach resort best, we provide you with 3 trekking options, the fourth option would be to just stay on the beach and absorb some sun!

 

Day 6 : Trek from Adrasan to Melanippe via the Gelidonya Point and Lighthouse

18 Km  - 760m ascent/descent

The trek from Adrasan to Melanippe via Gelidonya is considered one of the highlights of the Lycian Way, taking yo a long way from the nearest  road through truly untouched coastal forest. Reaching the crest of Cape Gelidonya, you descend to the iconic lighthouse that has saved many lives of sailors as they pass this dangerous point. The trek continues on to Melanippe cove, thought to be a hideout of pirates, from where we transfer you to Demre. 

 

Day 7 : A choice of the historical sites of Demre followed by a trek via Istlada ancient city to Simena, then boat to Kekova (Kaleucagiz)

You have the opportunity this morning to visit the Church of St. Nicholas - the famed Father Christmas. Nicholas was a Lycian bishop of Myra, the one time capital of Lycia. He was famed for kindness to orphans and the poor, frequently giving anonymous gifts by throwing money down chimneys. He was, however, a serious theologian and was at the council of Nicea in 325AD, when the tenets of the Christian church were agreed upon.

 

You will have time to visit his church and also the site of Myra, with its impressive theater and rock tombs, before transferring to the start of your last walk. You will walk from Kapakli village to the sound of Kekova, passing the castle of Simena, surely one of the most picturesque anywhere. You descend through the protected village of Simena to meet your boat, which will take you to Kaleucagiz, your village for the last night.

8,5 Km - 150m ascent/descent

 

Day 8 : Boat from Simena to Ucagiz village. Transfer to Antalya or Dalaman Airport

Depending on your flight time, we will pick you up with a boat and bring you to the village of Ucagiz, from where we transfer you back to the airport of Antalya or Dalaman.