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Map of Hike the Lycian Way including Turkey

Discover Turkey's ancient Lycian Way and sublime Turquoise Coast on this 8 day active adventure

Spend 8 days hiking along Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast and the rocky tracks of the Lycian Way – a trail used in ancient Greek and Roman times. While the hiking along this well-established trail is a definite highlight there is so much more to experience along the way. Enjoy the welcome of friendly locals, explore ancient Lycian tombs in Fethiye, marvel at the azure waters of Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon, laze on Turkey’s longest sand beach at Patara and finish in the picture-perfect coastal town of Kas. With amazing Turkish food to enjoy and our famous Turkish hospitality to experience along the way this trip is the perfect active introduction to this amazing destination.

Start
Fethiye, Turkey
Finish
Kas, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
ERXL
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 14

Why you'll love this trip

  • Spend a week on a guided hike along ruggedly beautiful ancient Greek and Roman trails on the Lycian Way

  • Walk through ancient and modern Turkish history in gorgeous Fethiye, Patara, Xanthos and Kayakoy

  • Wash of the dust and sweat most evenings in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea

  • Experience the best of Turkey’s hospitality and cuisine on the Turquoise Coast

  • Finish your hiking with a boat ride like no other from Simena to Kekova

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip includes hikes up to 20 kilometres/6 hours per day on rocky ground and (in the summer months) hot weather. All hikes can easily be completed within the expected time by anyone of moderate fitness.

  • There is a homestay guesthouse on Day 4 in a local village. This accommodation is comfortable and clean but basic with share bathroom facilities. This is an authentic local experience and a great way to experience authentic Turkish hospitality at its best.

  • Where possible, we have tried to plan the hiking in the mornings but please be aware it can get hot in the summer months.

  • You will need to pack good walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack. Don’t forget a jacket and swimming gear.

Itinerary
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Welcome to Turkey! Your adventure kicks off in Fethiye – the gateway to the Lycian Way trail. There’s a welcome meeting planned at 5pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, your group leader will take you on a walking tour to the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos and a visit the ancient Greek rock-hewn Tomb of Amyntas. Descend to visit the Roman Theatre then enjoy a leisurely stroll back through the city and along the Mediterranean foreshore.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Amyntas Tomb
Optional Activities
  • Fethiye - Turkish Bath - TRY60
  • Fethiye - Half Day Boat Cruise - TRY25
  • Optional Sea Kayaking in Fethiye - EUR45
  • Saklikent - Saklikent Gorge - TRY317
  • Fethiye - Facial Treatment - TRY30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Arrival transfers from the nearby Dalaman Airport are available for booking.

Rise early and drive a short distance to the ‘ghost town’ of Kayakoy (Levissi). Today you hike from the ‘official' start of the Lycian Way trail’ but before you start you’ll explore this eerie village where Greeks and Turks co-existed peacefully for decades before the Turkish Greek Population Exchange in the 1920’s saw over 1 million Greek Orthodox Christians deported to Greece, and later earthquakes devastated the village. The hundreds of ruined Greek-style houses and abandoned churches that remain are a sombre but fascinating insight into a different time.

From here begin your hike beside the rugged coastline along the steep rocky trail and through forest before you emerge with breathtaking views of the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon and Oludeniz Beach, often listed among the top beaches in the world. Continue through the dramatic hills and follow the coastline before descending to Faralya. Perched on the steep cliffs above Butterfly Valley and its sandy beach the views are stunning – the perfect place to unwind after a good day’s hiking.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Hiking time - approximately 5-6 hours not including stops

Continue along the Lycian way as you begin today’s hike with a downhill for the first 6 kilometres, heading from Faralya down to the still wonderfully underdeveloped beach at Kabak. Surrounded by hilly forest this tiny cove a great place to take your first break. From here trek back up to the high path in the hills that leads to the small village of Alinca and its amazing views back over the Mediterranean Sea and the rocky coast. From here follow the undulating path south to reach your final destination for today, Gey Village. Enjoy a unique experience as you put your feet up and stay overnight in a traditional Turkish village house.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Hiking time - approximately 4-6 hours not including stops

Follow the now familiar red and white trail markers on a mostly downhill trek as you leave the high country behind and drop down to the spectacular coastline and the renowned Patara Beach region. The original birthplace of Santa Claus, Patara is now known for its 17-kilometre-long stretch of sand beach, the longest in Turkey. The nearby Roman ruins and protected Loggerhead turtle hatcheries have kept hotel development away from the beach, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day’s trekking.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Hiking time - approximately 5-6 hours not including stops

Time to take a break from hiking the trail and choose from a number of options nearby. If you enjoy history why not spend a relaxed morning exploring the Patara Archaeological Site. These impressive Lycian and Roman ruins date back as far as the 1st Century and are well worth a visit. Close by is also the ancient UNESCO-listed city of Xanthos, former capital of Lycia, and the Roman Aqueduct at Delikkemer. Otherwise just rest up and relax on the wide unspoilt beach and swim in the calm Mediterranean water.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Xanthos - Archaeological site - TRY10
  • Xanthos River Canoeing - EUR30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
No included hiking today

Depart Patara after breakfast and enjoy a short transfer (approximately 40 mins) as your vehicle does the climbing, ascending to the Mount Felen plateau and the small village of Gokceoren. From here you start your hike, staying high above the coastline as you savour the incomparable views of the higher mountains inland and the blue waters of the coast below.
To save your knees on the long descent take a vehicle (approximately 30 mins) to down to the stunning coast and the charming town of Kas, one of the most beautiful ports on the Turkish Riviera. It’s also a great place to relax, with cafes and restaurants spilling out onto cobbled streets and a network of tiny back-alleys to discover. Your leader will take you on a brief orientation walk around town then the rest of the evening is free for you to explore
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Hiking time - approximately 5-6 hours not including stops

Your last day on the Lycian Way starts with a drive (approximately 45 mins) from Kas to the ancient Roman port of Aperlai, where the crumbling city walls meet the sea. While little remains today this was once a hugely important city in the Lycian Confederation, dating back to the 4th century BC

Lace up your hiking boots one last time and start the undulating walk across the sandy peninsula to the castle-topped village of Simena – the views from the castle over nearby Kekova island are breathtaking. This tiny seaside village is one of the most beautiful settings on the Mediterranean and the perfect place to finish your week of walking. The return is no less spectacular as you enjoy a boat ride on the crystal-clear water between islands - enjoying some snorkeling along the way - to the small coastal town of Kekova then take the vehicle all the way back to Kas. This evening perhaps share a final dinner with your group in one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants that dot this beautiful destination.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Simena to Kekova boat & snorkeling trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Hiking time - approximately 3-4 hours not including stops

Today is departure day so there are no activities planned. However, if you have time and still feel active why not revisit Simena and take an amazing sea kayaking trip over an underwater city. You can even travel to the Greek island of Meis, just a 20 minute ferry ride away, or enjoy a half or full day cruise on the smooth waters of the Turquoise Coast. We can also arrange a transfer back to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul or beyond.
Optional Activities
  • Kas - Yoga Class - Free
  • Jeep Tour - TRY70
  • Kas - Full day cruise - Free
  • Kas - Sea Kayaking Sunken City of Kekova - EUR27
  • visit to the ancient Lycian city of Olympos - TRY5
  • Sea kayak excursion over sunken city of Kekova - TRY70
  • Gulet Cruise - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel/Guesthouse (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Amyntas Tomb
  • Kas - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Simena to Kekova boat & snorkeling trip

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hike the Lycian Way trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

All travellers on Intrepid trips (outside Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands) are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. From 1 December 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

GROUP MEETING
Welcome Meeting starts at 5pm on Day One.

INTERNAL FLIGHTS
Most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15 kg checked and 8 kg cabin.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The Single Supplement is not available on:
Day 4 Gey Village

HIKING & LUGGAGE
Your main luggage/bag will be transferred for you to the next destination while you are hiking

TURKEY:
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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