Tour Type
Fully guided hotel and hiking tour with support vehicle
Duration
8 days / 7 nights / 6 hiking tours
Arrival and Departure Airport
Dalaman International Airport (DLM)
Road Condition
Marked, moderate, and active hiking trails with slight altitude variations.
Route
45 km in total, Daily average of 5 to 10 km (grade 2 moderate to grade 3 active)
Ascent
min. 30 m to max. 540 m elevation
Descent
min. 160 m to max. 380 m elevation
Immerse yourself in a captivating blend of history and nature on this enchanting hike through the Western Lycian Trail. Witness the ancient cities of Aperlae and Patara, where time-honored ruins narrate tales of a glorious past. Stroll through the ghostly remains of Kayaköy and marvel at the stunning views from the hilltop Simena Fortress. The trek along ancient waterways and through idyllic landscapes showcases Turkey's breathtaking beauty and its rich historical tapestry. Savor the delightful flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine, from olive oil-enriched mezes to fresh seafood. Each step of this journey is a discovery - a harmonious blend of antiquity, nature, and the inviting Mediterranean lifestyle.
Day-by-Day Tour Program
Print Friendly Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday, Welcome to Turkey
Upon arrival to Dalaman, your guide will warmly welcome you, offering a comprehensive overview of the adventure that awaits you in the coming week. Settle into the cozy ambiance of a quaint family-run hotel, where you'll have the opportunity to connect with other members of the group. As dusk falls, we’ll enjoy the rich Turkish cuisine right after a welcome cocktail served in the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Bungalow Hotel in Kidrak or Faralya
Day 2, Sunday, Ölüdeniz to Kayaköy, A Ghost Town Coming Back to Life
Today, we embark on an exciting journey to Kayaköy, starting with a delightful breakfast featuring "Simit" pastries and fresh sheep's cheese. Our hike begins at the picturesque Ölüdeniz, famed for its stunning "Blue Lagoon" bay, leading us through a pine-scented forest to the hauntingly beautiful ghost town of Kayaköy, once known as Karymlassos. Here, amidst over 3000 abandoned houses, ancient churches, and chapels, we'll discover stories etched into the ruins. The adventure continues with a short bus ride to Fethiye, where we explore the historic Amintas Rock Tomb and meander through the vibrant fish market and bazaar, ending our day with a leisurely stop at a charming ice cream parlor.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ölüdeniz, Kayaköy, Soguksu
Accomplishment: 5.1 km hike / 2 hours / Moderate
Accommodation: Bungalow Hotel in Kidrak or Faralya
Day 3, Monday, Be Lazy or Active: Free Day or Optional Hike to Kabak
Today, we have the choice to either fully relax and bathe in the serene waters of Kidrak Bay or enjoy a short hike from Faralya to Kabak. For those who opt for the second option our trail leads us on a serene hike from Faralya to Kabak, a delightful village cradled in a dreamlike bay. The path meanders gently towards the sea, setting the stage for a relaxed day in this tranquil haven. The shores of Kabak Beach invite us to bask in the sun and enjoy a swim in its inviting waters. As the day continues, a comfortable drive in our small bus brings us back to the charming bungalow hotel.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Faralya - Kabak
Accomplishment: 5.8 km hike / 2 - 3hours / Medium
Accommodation: Bungalow Hotel in Kidrak or Faralya
Day 4, Tuesday, Kas, Aperlae and the Sunken City: Untouched Historical Treasures
Today, after breakfast, we set out on a journey along the stunning coastline to Kas, a typical Mediterranean town. We take a moment for a leisurely break and enjoy a stroll through its charming streets, a rewarding experience in itself. Our journey then leads us via a small transfer to Sahilkilinçli, the starting point of our hike. Following the ancient Lycian path, we soon arrive at a magnificent bay, where the rarely visited ruins of the ancient city of Aperlae greet us with their imposing walls and numerous sarcophagus tombs. After soaking in the historical ambiance, we continue along the marked trail, eventually arriving at a beach shack. Here, a modest snack of fried potatoes and fresh salad, prepared by a local nomad named Ramazan, provides a rewarding end to our hike. Our adventure culminates as a boat awaits us, ready to take us directly to the doorstep of our hotel in Üçagiz, where we will spend the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Salihkilinçli - Aperlae
Accomplishment: 6 km hike / 2 hours / Challenging
Accommodation: Hotel in Üçagiz
Day 5, Wednesday, Simena Fortress: The Most Breathtaking View on the Lycian Way
Following a relaxed breakfast, our adventure begins with a short bus transfer, initially hugging the coastline before walking along a dry creek bed. Our trail ascends to the Simena Fortress, perched atop a hill, offering a vantage point like no other. From this elevated perspective, we marvel at the surreal landscape, gazing across to Kekova Island and the myriad of bays dotting the coast, including Üçagiz (Teimussa). We then wander down through the tiny village, pausing at a unique sarcophagus grave partially submerged in water. The afternoon brings another highlight; we embark directly from our location, cruising aboard our boat along the mesmerizing sunken city near Kekova Island. A lunch on the boat adds to the day's charm, complemented by a delightful swimming break in an ideally situated bay. Our captain skillfully selects a picturesque spot, immersing us in the beauty of this coastal paradise.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Gökkaya - Simena
Accomplishment: 5.1 km hike / 2 hours / Challenging
Accommodation: Hotel in Üçagiz
Day 6, Thursday, Yesilköy - Akbel – Patara: Following the Ancient Waterway
After a hearty breakfast on the hotel terrace near the sea, we set off for today's hike towards Kinik, beginning at Akbel on an ancient aqueduct. The aqueducts provide a comfortable hike with minimal elevation changes, leading us along a third of the Lycian water channel. For lunch, we stop in Gelemis, savoring delicious mezes and appetizers enriched with fine olive oil. Post-hike, we dedicate around 2 hours to an extensive exploration of the ancient city of Patara. The theater, bouleuterion, colonnaded street, bath, basilica, and numerous tombs stand as awe-inspiring remnants of this former Lycian port city. We can also enjoy a swimming break at the Caretta Caretta beach, perfect for relaxation on its fine sandy shore. Our accommodation is not far, nestled in the village of Gelemis.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Yesilköy (Delikkemer) - Patara
Accomplishment: 8.7 km hike / 3-4 hours / Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel in Gelemis
Day 7, Friday, Ovacik - Kirme – Faralya: Above the Butterfly Valley
Fortified by breakfast, today's hike starts in Ovacik, the official starting point of the Lycian Way. After a bus transfer, our moderately challenging route takes us through Kirme, then onwards to Faralya, ascending from 330 meters to 830 meters. This trek reveals the Lycian Way's most stunning landscapes, showcasing some of the most breathtaking panoramic views. Upon reaching Kirme village, we enjoy a Gözleme with Ayran (yogurt drink) for a boost of energy, with Faralya being just a short distance away.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Ovacik - Faralya
Accomplishment: 9.6 km hike / 4 hours / Moderate
Accommodation: Bungalow Hotel in Faralya
Day 8, Saturday, Goodbye!
After our last breakfast together, transfer to the airport and say goodbye (Güle Güle) to your group, guide, and driver. We wish you a safe flight back home. See you on another adventure!
Meals: Breakfast