Experience Turkey’s immensely beautiful nature while hiking along the west coast of Lycia. From the uninhabited and natural 12 km long beach in Patara, through the high alpine paths that offer you some of the most fantastic views imaginable, over the coast and the majestic peaks of the Taurus Mountains that touch the sky with their 3000 meters. You will walk through pine forests and olive groves and over ancient aqueducts, exploring the Lycian ruins.
Tour Highlights:
♦ Mt. Tahtali – also known as Lycian Olympus, home of the gods
♦ Cape Gelidonya – the site of late Bronze Age shipwreck that led to the development of the field of nautical archaeology
♦ Göynük – a town of great historical interest with hundreds of Ottoman period houses, mosques, tombs and Turkish baths
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to Antalya and transfer to Adrasan. You can use the rest of the day for a walk on the beach or a swim at the beach.
Day 2: Lighthouse Gelidonya
One of the most beautiful hiking sections of the Lycian Way is scheduled during the very first day of the program. Splendid views can be enjoyed from Gelidonia lighthouse to the Chelidonia Islands (Beşadalar). Afterwards you reach your hotel while catching glances of the sea through the pine forests.
about 6 h distance: 16 km denivelation: 750 m 790 m
Day 3: Adrasan – The Ancient City of Olympos
Today your hike begins at the hotel. After a 20 minute walk along the seafront you will reach the entry point of the Lycian Way. An old trade path leads you through pine forests to a 700 m. high saddle. On the other side you are going to descend through laurel and strawberry trees to Olympos.
about. 6 h distance: 17 km denivelation: 800 m 800 m
Day 4: Passing lonely bays with views to Mt. Tahtali
Today you will enjoy a tour that offers you both coastal scenery and deep forest landscapes. The first path takes you along the beautiful coast with two small beaches that were once a mine bay where the remains of a chromium mine can be found. Then your route goes inland through pine forests up a forest road to the main road at Ulupınar where the walk ends at 530 m. Transfer to Beycik and overnight at the hotel.
about. 5 h distance: 13 km denivelation: 750 m 400 m
Day 5: Mt. Tahtali (Olympos)
In the Shadow of Mt. Olympos you will climb to the highest point of this week’s hiking up to the 1850 m tall Mt. Tahtalı. A beautiful path winds its way up to Mt. Tahtalı where gigantic cedar trees stand tall. While you wander through a fragrant cedar forest you can enjoy the magnificent view from the terrace over the valley and the sea. The walk ends in the mountain village Yaylakuzdere where you will be picked up.
about. 6 h distance: 15 km denivelation: 1100 m 1100 m
Day 6: Ovacik
Today’s route will have you passing by plantations to a creek bed, then mountain villages and back to the hotel. This tour is not on the official Lycian way however it's worth checking out because it gives you an opportunity to see the idyllic mountain villages and mighty mountains of the Taurus range.
about. 4 h distance: 11 km denivelation: 450 m 400 m
Day 7: Ovacik – Göynük
The hiking program starts and ends with some of the most beautiful hiking parts of the Lycian Way. You walk directly from your hotel in Ovacik and you pass the Göynük Mountain Village and courtyards through to the path in the Göynük Canyon. After crossing the river your forest walk begins along an old trade route. The walk will finish at the end of the Goynuk Canyon. After that you will walk to your accommodation in Göynük
about. 6 h distance: 17 km denivelation: 500 m 1300 m
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport in Antalya or the hotel if you decide to extend your stay.
Gallery
Most of you, who are used to walking/cycling during a long weekend, will be in condition to cope with a tour of this level. You should be in a good health condition. We have successive days of longer and more difficult walking and days of lighter walking/cycling. Some parts of the day routes are done at a higher altitude. The paths are in good condition. We walk/cycle for 5/7h a day.
Tour: Iraqi Kurdistan
★★★★★
My recent trip in Iraq organized by Penguin was excellent from start to end. Both Penguin tour guide (Nessi) and the local guide (Fahad) managed all topics efficiently and facilitated an amazing experience for the group. Now I dream about visiting the Northern part of the country, too.
Tour: Socotra Island Adventures (Yemen)
★★★★★
Thanks for everything in terms of your work and help with this trip to Yemen. It was an amazing experience - one I would recommend to almost anyone. By the numbers of people who travelled to the island, it is only going to get more exposure. The local company was very good - so you can have no problems with them at all. I was really lucky though - there were only 2 of us on the trip - and it was a really nice experience. I will continue to work with Penguin in getting ideas for great places to travel.
Tour: Caucasus Explorer
★★★★★
Interesting trip in a different part of the world. with a possibility to learn a lot. Visit to spectacular churches and monastries, museums, wine producers, nature and beautiful cities. This tour is recommended.
30.05.2023 13:30
Isfahan, a city steeped in rich history and unparalleled beauty, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Persian civilization. Located in central Iran, Isfahan boasts a mesmerizing blend of architectural marvels, vibrant bazaars, and serene gardens that have captivated travelers for centuries. With its UNESCO-listed landmarks, such as the majestic Imam Square and the stunning Shah Mosque,...
29.05.2023 14:55
Kenya, a land of breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, holds an array of hidden gems for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Among these treasures lies the captivating Lake Nakuru, a mesmerizing waterbody nestled within the Great Rift Valley. Renowned for its abundant birdlife and stunning scenery, Lake Nakuru National Park offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and...
24.05.2023 16:26
Nestled in the heart of Yemen, the city of Shibam stands as a living testament to the ingenuity and architectural marvels of ancient civilizations. Renowned as "the Manhattan of the desert," Shibam boasts a skyline of towering mud-brick skyscrapers, capturing the essence of Yemen's rich history and cultural heritage. Shibam, located in the Wadi Hadramaut region, is a UNESCO World...
22.05.2023 13:45
Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, is an ancient city that continues to captivate travelers from around the world. This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and mysterious history. In this article, we will uncover 20 intriguing facts about Machu Picchu, shedding light on its significance and allure. Discovery and Rediscovery Machu...