Walking The Lycian Way And Gulet Cruise In Turkey

We start our tour in Kayakoy, a peaceful farming community close to Fethiye. This evening there will be the option of taking a walk around the deserted Greek village of Kaya Koyu, ‘the Rock’. Dominating the mountainside that overlooks the village, Kaya Koyu has fallen into ruin since the exodus of the Greeks in 1923, forced out by the Treaty of Lausanne. Today its ghostly buildings cast a strange profile against the sky, giving the impression of a town cursed by its turbulent past.

Overnight Simple Hotel Swimming available

Leaving this morning we hike from Ovacik village, nestling on the hillside overlooking Olu Deniz and head south, up onto the outflung shoulders of Baba Dagi (1989m). Along the way we are rewarded with fine views back over Turkey’s most photographed beach, Oludeniz. Passing through pine forests and remote villages we descend to the village of Faralya which lies on a small plateau above the fjord-like Butterfly Valley, where steep limestone cliffs drop to the sea. Butterfly Valley is a lepidopterist’s delight, deriving its name from the abundance of creatures that flutter about its lush canyon walls.Walking: 13kms, approx 5 hours; morning is mostly uphill but gradient is never severe. +600m.

Overnight Basic Village House Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Starting gently uphill through pine forest, we reach farmland with open fields that soon give way to spectacular terraces with views to the villages far below, as well as across the sea to distant islands. We descend for a while, towards the distant beach and village of Kabak. Skirting the higher slopes of the village we follow an ancient path into a ‘blind valley’ before climbing up through pine forest again to the tiny village of Alinca. Perched high over the sea we may take a well earned tea break with the villagers before continuing. In the afternoon we pass high above beautiful bays of this spectacular coastline as we continue towards the village of Gey,our destination for the night. Walking: 16kms, approx 7 hours hiking, relatively steep for about an hour and a half before lunch. +850m.

Overnight Basic Village House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Gey, the Lycian Way continues through stunning coastal scenery, staying high as far as Bel, then descending grandly to Pydnai at the northern end of Patara Beach. The rarely visited fortress here has beautiful stone walls in amazing condition from the 4th century BCE. The 18 kilometre-long beach is a protected nesting area (one of the few remaining in the Mediterranean) of the endangered species, Caretta caretta, the giant loggerhead turtle. From the beach we make a short transfer to the picturesque coastal village of Patara where we spend two nights Walking: 16kms, approx 5-6 hours. +200 m.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

We hike around the coastal headland of Yali walking through tiny, rarely visited hamlets, fertile rolling fields and enjoying beautiful coastal views, before descending to the southern end of Patara Beach. Here we can swim and explore the extensive ruins of Patara. The importance of this area stretches through time and interests all who visit: it is home to the revered temple and oracle of Apollo, it is the birthplace of St Nicholas, (aka Father Christmas) and, as an ancient Roman stronghold it boasts well preserved, often sand-covered ruins that are fun to explore. We will spend some time here before, later this afternoon, we return to Patara village for our second evening. Walking: 12kms, approx 4 hours, plus exploration of ruins and beachtime. +400 m.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

Taking a route across streams and through villages, almost untouched by modern life, our path climbs to a ridge, Mount Felen, with views of the higher mountains inland and the coast below that are almost unsurpassed. We descend by vehicle to Kas, one of the most beautiful ports on the Turkish Riviera, with a dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs. Kas is a great place to relax, with cafes and restaurants spilling out onto cobbled streets and a network of tiny back-alleys to explore. Walking: 18kms, approx 6 hours. +400m.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast Swimming available

This morning we hike to the hamlet and ancient port of Aperlae and from there by boat to the castle-topped village of Simena, possibly one of the most beautiful settings on the Mediterranean. A tiny village accessible only on foot or by boat (it has no roads), its harbour is dotted with ancient sarcophagi (tombs), Roman baths and houses that cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle. Hiking up to the castle we find within its walls a tiny ancient theatre (the smallest in Lycia, with a seating capacity for about 300 people). Carved from the solid rock it is a wonderful place to sit and soak up the beautiful surroundings and layers of history all. En-route to Simena we visit the sunken city of Kekova by boat where you can enjoy a BBQ lunch on board. The results of various earthquakes, the partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal clear waters and there are visible mosaic pavements, terracotta amphorae, walls and staircases that once formed part of this remote island community. Then we return to Kas for our final evening. Walking: 10kms approx, 3 hours. +100m.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch Swimming available

Today the 'Walking the Lycian Way' tour ends and you are transfered by bus to Fethiye where you join the gulet for the 'Blue Cruise'. We board our gulet and meet the crew at Fethiye harbour. Fethiye is a market town that can trace its history back to the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos built around the harbour in the 5th or 6th Century B.C. Reminders of the town's past include Lycian rock tombs on the hillside and a Hellenistic theatre. If circumstances allow we leave Fethiye harbour in the late afternoon and head for a local bay for dinner and to overnight.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We sail this morning to the attractive port of Kalkan, a small fishing village built into the steep slopes of the seacliff. Kalkan offers a perfect chance to explore an old village and harbour front. From here there is the chance of an optional excursion to see the ancient city of Patara and amazing Saklikent Gorge. Patara is the birthplace of St Nicholas (Father Christmas) and is situated on the largest sandy beach in Turkey. After the visit to the site you might like to have a swim in the refreshing surf. Saklikent Gorge, situated high in the mountains above Fethiye was created by icy cold water cutting through the mountains over thousands of years. A natural wonder, the resulting canyon is 300 metres deep and 18 km long. Saklikent in Turkish means “Hidden City”. The walls are so high they cut out most of the sunlight and the fresh spring waters that flow through are freezing cold! A great refuge on a hot summer day.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Sailing east along the coast towards the deserted island of Kekova, we come across a picturesque scene where ancient ruins line the coast. Overlooking these stunning views is Simena castle, set in beautiful surroundings. We can take a walk up to explore its tiny theatre, hollowed out of the rock, and the surrounding medieval walls and tombs. This afternoon there's the chance to join your Tour Leader for an optional walk to discover the ancient coastal trails. Afterwards, heading the short distance to Gokkaya island, a sheltered bay dotted with small islands, channels and several anchorages. In the port area there are a group of islands and small coves, where we'll find a good place to anchor.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Sailing eastwards, we reach Cayagzi harbour. We recommend a side trip to Arycanda, one of southern Turkey's most dramatic sites, with a magnificent setting on the slopes of the Taurus mountains. The ruins are extensive, with a city stadium, large and small theatres, aqueducts and public baths. On our return, we will moor in Camlica cove, another peaceful and blissful spot in the region.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Today we start sailing west to Ucagiz village. This morning we highly recommend doing a sea kayaking trip at Kekova. Here, submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal waters. Lycian sarcophagi (tombs) lie in the harbour bottom at Simena. This afternoon  we continue sailing west to the harbour of Kas. This picturesque coastal town is one of the most beautiful of the Turkish riviera, backed by steep cliffs covered with dense green forest. You'll have time to enjoy soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many lively cafes near the picturesque harbour.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

We sail from Kas to Soguksu Cove then Gemiler island. In the afternoon, we will have an opportunity to land on Gemiler Island where we visit the extensive ruins dedicated to Father Christmas. In the early ages of Christianity, the island was an important shelter for the pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. The top pf the island offers superb views over the lovely Mediterranean coast.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

As we sail to Tarzan Bay getting close to Fethiye, we will admire the wonderful views of turquoise seas. A last chance to relax and unwind before the tour ends. NB there may be situations where, due to operational reasons, we have to motor to Fethiye Harbour and moor up there.

Overnight Simple Cabin Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Swimming available

Tour ends Fethiye harbour.

Included meals: Breakfast