East Lycian Way From Antalya to Kas

Initial region Antalya

Duration 15 Days

Language English

Price € 975 _{/ person}

Pirate Coast Trek 15 day guided trek on Turkey’s first ever long-distance footpath – the Lycian Way. The famous 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 Simena and Kekova lagoon, famous for the underwater ruins of the Sunken City that can be visited by boat.  We end the tour at the charming coastal town of Kas with a day full of activities at sea.
Olympos: Cool off in the turquoise water and explore the glittering city ruins

Chimera: See the eternal flames of burning rock.

Pastures: Witness the nomad’s life,walk through the untouched country side

Adrasan: Enjoy the the unwinding atmosphere.

Kas: Fantastic coastal town with nice cafe and restaurants in nature and history

Day 1 Meeting with Overland Travel guide and transfer to hotel

Depending on your arrival time we have optional old city tour. Old town(Kaleiçi) has always been the heart of the sprawling modern city.Roman city remains and Ottoman style houses create its unique charecter.We walk along narrow lanes and explore major parts of the town.Overnight in Antalya.

Day 2: Hisarcandir - Goynüu (17km / 7 hrs / +260m / -1525m)

After a transfer from Antalya (1hr 15mins) our walk starts through the Hisarçandır traverse with beautiful forest of pine and cedar trees. Antalya and the Tauros mountains are visible in the distance. The walk leads down to the bottom of the Göynük canyon from where we have a short transfer to our pension. Dinner and overnight in pension in Göynük.

Day 3: Goynuk - Goynuk Yayla (17km / 6hrs / +1200m / -510m)

We take a short transfer from our pension to the entrance of the Göynük canyon and walk up the gorge over switchback ridges beneath pine trees, with excellent views to pastures and orchards. It is possible to swim where the river forms a nice pool near our lunch spot. We meet our vehicle near a bridge (alt. 850m) from where we transfer to Ovacık. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Ovacık.

Day 4: Goynuk Yayla - Yayla Kuzdere (16km / 5hrs/ +460m / -525m)

We transfer back to where we left the walk the previous day. On the trek to Gedelme we will explore a Roman castle and continue our walk up to the village of Yayla Kuzdere (alt. 900m) for our overnight. Dinner and overnight in village house in Yayla Kuzdere.

Day 5: Yayla Kuzdere - Beycik (15km / 6hrs / +990m / -1130m)

From Yayla Kuzdere we start with a steady climb up a stream bed to the pastures of Cukur Yayla, just below Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dagi). We climb the pass from here (alt. 1950m) through forest of pines and impressive cedar trees. We descend via a winding mule path to the village of Beycik (alt. 900m) where we meet our transfer vehicle that takes us to our pension in Çıralı. Dinner and overnight in pension in Cıralı. NOTE: Day 5 can be changed into an optional ascent of Mount Olympos summit (alt. 2366m). In that case we don't descend to Beycik but climb from Yayla Kuzdere to the pass and from there to the top (total 6-7 hours and appr. 1400m uphill). From the summit we take the cable car to the lower station and transfer to Çıralı (cable car ticket excluded from tour price) Hotel in Cirali

Day 6: Ulupinar to Olympos & Chimaera (Yanartas)

After breakfast we make an optional exploration of the ruins of ancient 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 adjoining a long, sandy beach. It once was a hide out for pirates and amongst its ruins are tombs, temples, churches and palaces all hidden between lush vegetation. After lunch there is free time until dinner. You can swim and lie on the beach or do other activities as desired (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 the location called Yanartas) in the dark. Dinner and overnight in pension in Cıralı.

Day 7: Cıralı - Adrasan (16km / 6hrs / +750m / -750m)

We start directly from our pension in Cıralı and walk through the ancient city of Olympos and up Musa Dagi (Moses Mountain, alt. 650m). 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 to reach our accommodation in the beautiful bay of Adrasan. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Adrasan.

Day 8: Adrasan - Gelidonia Lighthouse (18km / 7hrs / +700m / -700m)

The walk starts directly out of our hotel and leads south via Kızıl Sırt (alt. 450m) along a remote and isolated coast line. We follow a path parallel to the coast at a high altitude along cliffs and green slopes, overlooking the sea and enjoying great views towards some little islands. After arriving at the lighthouse at the tip of Cape Gelidonia (alt. 200m) we walk down to a dirt roadto check in our guesthouse in Karaoz.  Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.

Day 9 : Cultural Sightseeing Day 5 Ancient city in 1 day

Visit Rhodiapolis, Limyra, Arykanda and drive to Demre visit Myra and Andriake

Day 10: Cayagzı- Kapaklı - Simena (15km / 7hrs / +150m / -100m)

We start from Cayagzi and walk towards Kapaklı where we rejoin the Lycian Way. Along sheltered coves and rocky inlets we reach Simena (also known as Kale). We enter the village near the crusader castle, built on the remains of a necropolis with sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs and with outstanding views across to Kekova. Our pension is situated right on the shore with lovely views across the bay. Dinner and overnight in pension in Simena.

Day 11: Kılıçlı (Apollonia) - Aperlai (7km / 3hrs / +50m / -400m) & cruise

We transfer by boat and car to the village of Kılıçlı and climb the acropolis of the ancient Lycian city of Apollonia. The descent is along old mule paths to the seaside ruins of ancient Aperlai, a Lycian harbour town, from where purple dye extracted from sea shells was exported to the centres of the Roman world. After a short coastal walk we are collected by boat and enjoy a cruise over the Sunken City before returning to Simena. A swim in the crystal clear waters will be accompanied by a barbecue lunch as we sail past the ruins of houses and harbour works. Dinner and overnight in same pension in Simena.

Day 12: Apollonia - Bogazcık - Okcuoldugu (12km /4,5hrs / -200m / +560m)

We transfer to the village of Bogazcık from where we walk past Ottoman cisterns and Roman watch towers to the beach. After a swimming break we continue along the rocky coast to the hamlet of Okcuoldugu from where we have a transfer to Kas (30 mins). Dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel in Kas

Day 13: Okcuoldugu - Limanagzi / Kas (8,5km / 3hrs / +220m / -380m)

We transfer back to Uzum iskelesi from where we enjoy a short walk on coastal paths with many opportunities for a swim. We have lunch at a restaurant in Limanagzi where the walk ends. After some free time we take a ferry boat to cross over to the harbour town of Kas. Dinner not included. Overnight in same hotel in Kas.

Day 14: Free day in Kas

Free day in Kas with ample opportunities for swimming, diving, canoeing, paragliding or just some souvenir shopping and relaxing. Farewell dinner in local restaurant and overnight in hotel in Kas.

Day 15: Departure to airport

Transfer from Kas to Antalya airport  or Dalaman Airport (3,5 hrs).

All transfers (also from/to airport Antalya)

Luggage transfers with private vehicle including driver and fuel

All accommodation

Meals: breakfast / lunch (picnic) / dinner except in Kas

Licenced English speaking trekking tour guide

Flights

Soft and alcoholic drinks

Entrance fees to historical sites and museums

Tips

Personal expenses

Personal insurance