Lycian Way Trekking in Turkey

Lycia

Lycia is the historical name of the Tekke Peninsula, which juts into the Mediterranean on Turkey’s southern coast. The mountains rise steeply from the wooded shore and tiny bays, giving beautiful views and varied walking. The Lycians were a democratic but independent people, with a unique art style and a high standard of living. They absorbed Greek culture, and were later conquered by the Romans. Their graves and ruins abound on the peninsula and the walk passes many remote historical sites.

The Route of Lycian Way

The Lycian way is a 509 km way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The route is graded medium to hard; it is not level walking, but has many ascents and descents as it approaches and veers away from the sea. It is easier at the start near Fethiye and gets more difficult as it progresses. We recommend walking the route in spring or autumn; February-May or September-November; summer in Lycia is hot, although you could walk short, shady sections. The route is mainly over footpaths and mule trails; it is mostly over limestone and often hard and stony underfoot.

On the first part of the route, and in Patara, Kalkan, Kas, Myra, Finike, Adrasan, Olympos, Cirali and Tekirova, you can stay in pensions or small hotels. On other nights, you may stay in a village house, or camp out. There are plenty of camping places with nearby water mentioned in the book; you do not have to ask permission to camp out.

 

Highlights of the Lycian Way are:

• Theatre Mask at Myra Spectacular walks on the slopes of Baba Dagi, beneath the flight path of the paragliders.

• Stunning descent to Faralya, above the cliffs of Butterfly Valley.

• The 12km long beach at Patara.

• Spectacular views over the coast from above Kas and Kalkan.

• The castle, harbour and sunken ruins at Ucagiz.

• Myra rock tombs.

• A fabulous ridge top walk to Finike.

 

• Staying at the lighthouse at Cape Gelidonia.

• Climbing Mount Olympos – 2388m.

• Splashing in the canyon at Goynuk.

 

• And the ruins of hidden Lycian cities, the friendliness of the villagers, the quaint old houses in deserted corners, the deep forests and white rocks, and the blue Mediterranean.

 

7 days tour on Lycian Way

Tours and Self-guided Trekking
This exciting new trek follows the prettiest parts of Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath – the Lycian Way. The route snakes its way over bare hillsides and through scented pine forests overlooking the blue Mediterranean. It dips down to wonderful hidden beaches where sparkling waves lap smooth sands.

We spend the nights at tiny villages where grape vines wreathe the stone cottages. The trek descends to the ancient Lycian coastal fort of Pydnai and the three temples of Letoon, where French archaeologists are re-creating history.

Itinerary – Day 1
On arrival in Dalaman airport you will be met by your driver and tour guide. We will transfer and check in to Hotel. Welcome drink, briefing and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2

We transfer to the beginning of the Lycian Way, and start walking with spectacular views as we climb the shoulder of Baba Dagi (Father mountain) (5-6 hrs walk). Dinner and night in pension in Faralya, overlooking Butterfly Valley.

Day 3
In the morning we have an optional descent to Butterfly Valley, down dry waterfalls. We can swim at the Butterfly Valley beach and climb back up to Faralya (4 hrs scramble). In the afternonn we trek from Faralya to Kabak along a forested path; dinner and night in tree houses (3.5 hrs walk). Midnight swim.

Day 4
For those who wake up early there is a possibility for a morning swim. After breakfast we trek into the forested Kabak valley; splash in the waterfalls, and we climb up a beautiful old mule trail to Alinca, with spectacular views over Yedi Burun (Seven capes) (4-5 hrs). Dinner and night in village house.

Day 5
From Alinca village we have an optional descend to a secret beach; explore and swim in crystal waters. Then we then return to main trail (4 hrs). We walk along clifftops to Gey village (3 hrs). Dinner and night in village house.

Day 6
We trek a tiny goat path around a spectacular bay to Bel, then to Belcegiz and descend a steep rocky Roman road to Gavuragili (7 hrs). We meet our vehicle here and taka a transfer to Patara. Patara is famous for its very long beach where the giant sea turtles, caretta caretta are also known to come for laying eggs. Dinner and night in pension in Patara.

Day 7
We transfer shortly to the roman aquaduct that supplies water for the city. We walk back from the aquaduct to the ancient site of Patara and explore the ruins. (3-4 hrs walk). Trek ends with transfer to Dalaman airport.

Grade:
Grade B, with C options: Medium trekking with daypack. All luggage is transported to the next night’s stop. Two Grade C optional half-day treks.

Grade B: Treks mean that you will be on trek for 4-6 hours per day, with some loose stone and occasional steep ascents.

Grade C: Demands a bit of experience and fitness to tackle steep slopes and narrow, stony paths for up to 8 hours per day.

Equipment:
Trekkers should have a good quality sleeping bag, mat, good quality hard soled trekking boots, raingear, swimwear, sunhat, sunglasses and suncream, and a 30-40 litre daysack. Walking sticks are recommended.

Accommodation and Meals:
3 nights in hotel or pension, 2 nights in village house, 1 night in wooden cabin. Lunches will be picnics. Trekkers are expected to carry some part of the food for lunch. Evening meals in camp will be hot soup or salads, a main course with pasta or rice and fruit.

Inclusions:
Price includes all transfers, accommodation, guide, transfers, meals and mule support. Soft drinks, beer and tips are not included as well as entrance fees to historical sites and museums.

Tour Schedule for 2009

• October 3rd, 2009

• October 10th, 2009

• October 17th, 2009 (reservation is closed for this date)

• October 24th, 2009

 

Prices

• Per Person, 450 Euro

This price is valid for groups (min. 6 pax, max. 12 pax)  For under 6 people add 50 Euro per person to the price..

 

A movie about Lycians (English subtitle)

 

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