EXODUS: Walking the Lycian Way

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Your chance to

  • Enjoy cliff top views and coastal walks
  • See Turkey’s cultural heritage
  • Summit Mt Olympos

At a glance

  • 6 nights pensions with en suite facilities, 1 night village house with shared facilities
  • 5 days point-to-point walking
  • Mix of coastal, inland and mountain trails
  • Altitude maximum 2365m, average 350m

What´s included

  • All breakfasts, 1 dinner
  • All accommodation (see below)
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What´s not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Visas or vaccinations

Walk the famous ancient footpath

This varied trekking holiday follows the highest and most rugged section of Turkey’s most famous long distance footpath; the Lycian Way, which stretches from Fethiye to Antalya and covers 500km. The hiking route snakes along dramatic coastline and offers spectacular cliff top views and ancient ruins before reaching the limestone peaks of Mt Olympos (2365m), now known as Mt Tahtali. This ascent is a real highlight, offering superb views from the summit ridge. Varied scenery dotted with ancient ruins makes this walking tour in Southern Turkey a treat for those looking for a challenge.

Walk profile profile / Daily distance in km.

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More information:
  • Number of days cycling: 5
  • Pace: 5-6km/3-4miles an hou
  • Terrain:Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day 1

Fly to Antalya
Fly to Antalya; transfer to Ovacik.

Day 2

Walk from Ovacik to Kuzdere village, overnight village house.
Today we set off from our hotel for the village of Kuzdere. From the Ovacik plateau we carry on down to join what once was a main commercial trade route in Lycian times. The imposing figure of Mt Olympos will be a constant companion and views also extend across the ancient cedar forests as we arrive at our village house in late afternoon for some traditional Turkish tea.

Day 3

Yayla Kuzdere to Beycik via Olympos Mountain; with the option to summit or just go over the ridge.
The trail starts out amongst peaceful, pine-scented forests, taking us up to Cukuryayla. After 4 km we walk up to an altitude of 1100 metres where the cedar and juniper trees dominate the hills. The whole area gives us a great opportunity to explore the fascinating endemic richness of flora in the region. For those opting to climb Mt Olympos (2365 m) we make a very early start. The climb is worth every step as at the summit ridge the views along the coast are breathtaking. From the saddle the descent is on a mule path to Beycik, where our day ends.

Day 4

Walk the trail from Beycik to Cirali via Ulupinar.
After breakfast we start our walk from Beycik accompanied by views of the the Cirali valley. The old mule path takes us to the little village of Ulupinar where we have the chance to have lunch at a traditional Turkish Lokanta. In the afternoon we start our walk by the river, which we eventually cross before climbing a relatively steep 3km up and over the side of the valley where we encounter the upper Eternal Flame before making our way down to the beautiful sandy beach, en route seeing the one of the lower flames.

Day 5

Free day to relax and enjoy the long sandy beach at Cirali.
This is a free day to relax and enjoy the long sandy beach at Cirali. In the evening there is an optional trek to the Eternal Flame at the Chimaera followed by dinner at a beachside restaurant. The Eternal Flame or Flaming Rock is a unique geographical feature. Dozens of small flames burn constantly from vents in the rocks. Not surprisingly these were attributed mystical powers by the locals, and the ruins of the temple of Hephaistos are not far away.

Day 6

Visit ruins of ancient Olympos, climb over saddle of Musa Dag (Moses Mountain) to Adrasan.
We start the day exploring the ruins at Olympos, which was one of the most important cities in the Lycian Union and later was incorporated in the Roman Empire when it was taken by a Roman commander and a young Julius Cesar. We then climb overgrown hairpins over the saddle of Musa Dag (Moses Mountain). We descend into Adrasan on an old mule trail through the forest and past deserted farmhouses.

Day 7

Adrasan to Cape Gelidonia and the famous lighthouse and on to Karaoz; transfer to Antalya.
Walking today starts off on a rocky footpath through the pine forest for about 1 hour. This section is uphill but you are rewarded for your efforts by fantastic sea views at the top. We continue undulating until we reach our last great viewpoint, from where we can see the Gelidonya lighthouse rising from the coastline.The last 4 km is downhill until we reach the lighthouse. We transfer back to Antalya after the walk.

Day 8

Depart Antalya; fly to London.
Evening departure from Antalya; fly to London.

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and have an interest in remote or challenging environments. Some previous experience is required for activity based trips.

Accommodation details

Pension & Village House

You will spend 6 nights in a pension with en suite facilities. 1 night will be spent in a village house with shared facilities.
Single rooms may be available (except at the village house) for a supplement from GBP100.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa

Holders of UK, Austrian, Irish, Portuguese, Spanish and US passports require visas. From 10 April 2014 it will no longer be possible to purchase a Turkish visa on arrival. This can now be obtained online at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for approximately US$20. The visa is valid for a stay of up to three months (dependent on passport holder’s nationality). For a longer stay a visa from a Turkish Embassy is required. Visa regulations can change without notice; please check the current regulations in good time to obtain the appropriate visa if required.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.You may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts and 1 dinner are included. Food in Turkey is generally very good and varied, making use of fresh local ingredients. Vegetarians are usually well catered for. Lunch stops will be taken at appropriate places along the route.

Holiday style

This trip is graded B/C (moderate to challenging). Some extended parts of the trail are rough underfoot and some clients have found walking sticks to be helpful. Luggage is transported for you.
6 days walking with an altitude maximum of 2365m on the optional climb of Mt Olympus.

Book with EXODUS