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Between Fethiye and Antalya along Southern Turkey's Tekke Peninsula, or Lycia as it is historically known, is one of the country's first waymarked walking trails, the 509km Lycian Way. This mountainous route encompasses coastal views, archaeological treasures dating back to the 8th century BCE and interesting villages with their unique Lycian flavour. During a series of day walks in the company of an experienced guide, you discover sections of the route with well preserved Greek and Roman cities, a Lycian necropolis lost in vegetation and a side excursion to the remains of the immersed city of Kekova. At other times you traverse rugged mountain trails to meet the gracious local people, sample culinary specialties and swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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39kg of CO2-e PP per day
(276kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Dalaman airport, transfer to first hotel
Meet at the Dalaman airport with our representative and group transfer to Fethiye for overnight accommodation. Own arrangements for dinner this evening. Drive: 1 hour, 45km/28mi
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk Kayakov to Oludeniz lagoon (2-3hrs)
After breakfast we will transfer (30min) to the beginning of our trek in Kayakoy. Originally named "Karmilassos", this is an old Greek village given up at the beginning of the 20th Century in accordance with the treaty of Lausanne, which envisaged an exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey. Two churches remain between the ruins of stone-built houses. After a short visit we will begin our trek along a forest path which offers a splendid panorama on the limpid turquoise waters. We'll walk directly down to the Oludeniz lagoon, a national nature reserve and one of the most photographed Mediterranean beaches. It is usually possible to bathe very late in the season here so if the temperature allows there will be time for a swim. In the late afternoon, we transfer back to Fethiye (30min) and our hotel. Drive: 2 x 30mins, 15km/9mi Walk: 6-7km/3.7-4.3mi. Ascend: 120m/394ft, descend: 240m/787ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Blue bay views from Ovacik en route to Kirme village, return to Fethiye (4hrs)
After breakfast a short transfer will take us to the trailhead point near Ovacik village. From the southern foot of Babadag Mountain (1969m) we'll walk along the coastal side following a small path with a beautiful panoramic view over the deep blue bay of the Oludeniz. We'll continue along sheep trails through small authentic villages including Kozagac to Kirme village. A bus will pick us up here and we'll drive back to Fethiye. Drive: 30 min, 25km/15.5mi Walk: 10km/6.2mi. Ascent: 495m/1624ft, descent: 85m/279ft
Day 4
Transfer to Faralya, walk to Yuva Beach via Butterfly Valley, return to Fethiye (4hrs)
A short transfer (40 minutes) takes us to Faralya village where we begin our walk. After a small climb there is a magnificent view over Butterfly Valley. Continuing along the coastal trail the view transforms with every bay we pass. In the afternoon we reach Yuva Beach where we have lunch and spend time at the beach before returning to Fethiye. Drive: 40 min, 30km/18.6mi Walk: 8km/5mi. Ascent: 30m/98ft, descent: 145m/476ft
Day 5
Kekova Island boat tour and walk, return to mainland and continue to Adrasan
After breakfast we drive to Ucagiz/Kekova; a great place for coastal scenery and well preserved archaeological sites because they are not easily accessible. A pleasant excursion by boat is the best way to see the ruins on the northern coast of Kekova island. Some of the old houses were completely submerged due to earthquakes during the Byzantine period. By boat, we go round the island, where you can see remains down to 2m deep, in the bluish light on the seabed. We walk up to the Simena castle rewarding us with views all around, and on numerous rock tombs. You will fully appreciate this day with a stroll on the Tersane Island. In the afternoon we also visit the ancient city of Myra. There is no substantiated written reference for Myra before it was listed as a member of the Lycian alliance; according to Strabo it was one of the largest towns of the alliance. The ruins of the Lycian and Roman town are mostly covered by alluvial silt. The Acropolis on the Demre-plateau, the Roman theatre and the Roman baths has been partly excavated. The semi-circular theatre was destroyed in an earthquake in 141, but rebuilt afterwards. In the late afternoon we arrive in Adrasan and our hotel. Drive: 3-4hrs, 215km/134mi. Boat tour: half day (approximately 3-4hrs)
Day 6
Walk along the coast to Gelidonia Lighthouse and back to Adrasan (5hrs)
Today is a superb day of coastal walking. We begin today's walk from our hotel climbing steadily to a pass at 470m. We then drop down closer to the sea's edge and the route twists and turns amongst limestone crags, under pine trees and occasionally along the cliff edge. As we walk along the range of hills which form the backbone of Gelidonia there are views down to hidden coves and across to deserted islands. We climb again to arrive on a rock ridge overlooking the peninsula of Cape Gelidonia with its two lighthouses. We descend a stony path to the upper lighthouse and then follow a wide trail down through pine forests to our waiting vehicle and drive back to Adrasan. Drive: 20 min, 14km/8.7mi Walk: 18km/11.2mi. Ascent: 400m/1313ft, descent: 400m/1312ft
Day 7
Visit the flames of the Chimaira, continue to Cirali beach and the ruins of Olympos before transferring to Antalya (4hrs)
After breakfast we leave Adrasan and drive to the village of Ulupinar where we join the Lycian Way and follow the trail south. We continue to Chimaira, where according to the legend, Chimerae the monster blowing fire from its mouth was killed by the Lycian hero “Belle heron”. In Turkish, Yanartas (flaming rock), the spot consists of some two dozen vents in the ground, grouped in two patches on the hillside. The vents emit methane thought to be of metamorphic origin. In ancient times sailors could navigate by the flames. Afterwards we have a gradual descent to the coast, finally arriving at the beach at Cirali. There will be an opportunity for those who wish to visit the ruins of Olympos which extend right down to the southern end of the beach. From here we drive to our hotel in Antalya. Drive: 1-1.5 hour, 85km/53mi. Walk: 9km/5.6mi (optional Olympos walk +2km/1.2mi). Ascent: 390m/1280ft, descent: 120m/394ft
Day 8
Transfer to airport, trip concludes
After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport, trip concludes. Drive: 20 min, 15km/9mi
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 3 - Daily walks of around 3-5 hours per day. There are some steep sections over loose trails during the walk and such sections of the trail require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate