Two Weeks Lycian Way Hiking & Trekking Tour

Lycian Way Hiking & Trekking  Tour From Antalya – Side and Alanya

This famous trek follows the highest and most rugged section of Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath – the Lycian Way. The route snakes its way above the Mediterranean’s most dramatic coastline of “the Land of Light” Lycia, to the limestone peaks of Mount Olympos, soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4-km beach past the ruins of the Lycian city of Olympos to the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonia. The trek continues on coastal paths around the sheltered harbour and tiny islands of Üçağız and Kekova lagoon, famous for the underwater ruins that can be visited by boat. At the harbour village of Kaş the tour ends with a day full of activities at sea be it a boat tour, snorkeling or swimming.

Tour Itinerary: 14 -Days

 Day 1: On arrival at Antalya airport you will be met by your driver and tour guide. Transfer to the hotel in Kaleiçi, the historical city centre of Antalya (30 mins) . You are surrounded by old mansions, hammams and mosques in the small medieval city centre. Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel in Kaleiçi, Antalya or or Alanya depending on request.

Day 2: Walk Hisarçandir – Göynük (6hrs, 16km) We have an early transfer from Antalya to the beginning point of the walk (1hr 15mins). Our walk starts through the Hisarcandir traverse with beautiful forest of pine and cedar and several viewpoints towards Antalya and even the Toros mountain chain in the distance. The walk is mostly downhill and leads down to the bottom of the canyon at Göynük from where we have a short transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Göynük.

Day 3: walk Göynük – Göynük Yayla (6hrs, 17km) We drive from our hotel to the Göynük canyon and walk uphill all day starting at the gorge entrance and going over switchback ridges underneath green pine trees.We will enjoy excellent views to pastures and orchards. It is possible to swim where the river forms a nice pool near our lunch spot. After our climb we meet our vehicle near a bridge (alt. 850m) for a short transfer to our hotel in Ovacık. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Ovacık.

Day 4: walk Göynük Yayla – Yayla Kuzdere (5hrs,16km) We transfer back to where we left the walk the previous day. We trek along high mountain paths and tracks to the village of Gedelme and have lunch at a local restaurant. We will explore the ruins of a Roman castle nearby before walking up to the mountain village of Yayla Kuzdere (alt. 950m) facing the slopes of mt. Olympos, where we stay for the night. Dinner and overnight in village house in Yayla Kuzdere.

Day 5: walk Yayla Kuzdere – Beycik (6hrs, 15km) From Yayla Kuzdere we start with a steady climb up a streambed to the green pastures surrounded by grey coloured rock outcrops of Çukur Yayla, just below Mount Olympos (Tahtalı ). We climb the pass from here (alt. 1850m) through the forest of pines and impressive cedar trees. Then we descend via a winding mule path through lovely forest to the village of Beycik (alt. 900m) where we meet our transfer vehicle that will take us to Çıralı. Dinner and overnight in pension in Çıralı.

Day 6: relaxing day around Çıralı. After breakfast we make an optional exploration of the ruins of Olympos (total appr. 6km along the beach). This ancient city, which gets its name from its view of Mount Olympos, was built on the banks of a wide river flowing into the sea near Çıralı with a long, sandy beach. After lunch there is free time until dinner. You can swim and lie on the beach or do some other activities (eg. sea kayak). After dinner we make a short night walk to admire the eternal burning flames of Chimaera (natural gas coming from the bowels of the earth in a location called Yanartaş) in the dark. Dinner and overnight in pension in Çıralı.

Day 7: walk Çırali – Adrasan (6hrs, 16km) We start directly from our pension in Çıralı and walk through the ancient city of Olympos and up Musa Dağ (Moses Mountain). The climb is through dense forest with many strawberry trees and passes some minor ancient ruins. After having a picnic lunch near an old hut we descend through forest, past deserted farmhouses enjoying the wide views over the large valley of Adrasan before we reach sea level and our accommodation in the beautiful bay of Adrasan. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Adrasan.

Day 8: walk Adrasan – Gelidonia lighthouse (7hrs, 18km) The walk starts directly out of the hotel and leads south via Kizil Sirt (alt. 500m) along a very remote and isolated coast line. We follow a switchback route along cliffs overlooking the sea to the lighthouse at the tip of Cape Gelidonia. We enjoy great views towards some little islands all along the route which runs parallel to the sea at a high altitude. After arriving at the lighthouse we walk down to a dirt road to meet our vehicle that will transfer us back to Adrasan. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Adrasan.

Day 9: walk Kapaklı – Simena (3,5hrs, 9km) We transfer from Adrasan to Kapaklı from where we walk parallel to the coast via rocky pastures and a small inlet suitable for a swimming break, before crossing open fields towards Simena. We climb past impressive ancient tombs to the medieval castle which dominates this remarkable harbour town. The houses are built between the ruins of the old city and it can only be reached on foot or by boat thus retaining a lot of its charms. Our pension is situated right on the shore with lovely views across the Kekova lagoon. Dinner and overnight in pension in Simena.

Day 10: walk Kilinçli (Apollonia) – Aperlai (5hrs, 12km) We transfer to the village of Kilinçli (10 mins.) from where we climb to Apollonia to explore the ruins of this ancient city. We descend over mule paths to the seaside ruins of another ancient Lycian town Aperlai. After a swimming break and a short coastal walk we will be collected by boat. We enjoy a short cruise over the sunken city in Kekova lagoon with a late lunch on the boat, and return to our pension in Simena. Dinner and overnight in pension in Simena.

Day 11: walk Boğazcık – Okçuöldüğü (4,5hrs, 12km) We transfer to the village of Boğazcık from where we walk past Roman watch towers to the beach. After a swimming break we continue our seaside walk to a beach called Üzüm Iskelesi. We continue walking along the rocky coast until we reach the hamlet of Okçuöldüğü from where we have a transfer to Kaş (30 mins.). Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel in Kaş.

Day 12: walk Okçuöldüğü – Liman Ağızı (Kaş) (3hrs, 8km) We transfer back to Okçuöldüğü from where we enjoy a short walk on coastal paths with many opportunities for swimming breaks. We have lunch at a restaurant in Liman Ağızı where our walk ends. After relaxing there we take a boat to cross over to the harbour town of Kaş (pay locally). Overnight in hotel in Kaş. Dinner not included.

Day 13: Free day in Kaş with ample opportunities for diving, canoeing, paragliding or just some souvenir shopping, swimming and relaxing. Farewell dinner in local restaurant and vernight in hotel in Kaş.

Day 14: Departure day: transfer from Kaş to Antalya airport (3,5 hrs).