Walk the highlights of the Lycian Way
Experience Overview
Imagine a magical place where ancient ruins crumble between lush greenery, rocky cliffs tower out of the Mediterranean Sea and quaint towns sit above the southern coastline – this is Lycia, and your chance to explore it all. Spend an unforgettable week walking along the Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans – joined by a local leader who will add historical context to all your discoveries. You’ll reach ancient cities like Olympos, Aperlai and Sidyma by foot – your journey through the wilderness, making the ancient ruins that much sweeter to explore. You’ll get your blood pumping and ignite your passion for the outdoors but still enjoy time to rest and rejuvenate between hikes. Think afternoon boat tours on the Mediterranean, cultural activities, traditional meals and sunsets by the water to make sure you're balancing work and play. If you can call scenic hikes to incredible locations work, that is.
Highlights
- Spend an unforgettable week walking along the Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans – joined by a local leader adding historical context to your discoveries.
- Unearth thousands of years of Turkey’s history and see how tradition lives on today during visits to Fethiye, Phaselis, Olympos, Adrasan and Aperlai.
- Your walks will be complimented by a truly spectacular backdrop – the Turquoise Coast. Named for its vibrant waters, you’ll have plenty of chances to marvel at stunning beaches and dazzling coastline.
- Visit Cirali Bay – home of sea turtles, legendary flames and Lycian ruins. This is a place where history and nature meet!
- Hike to the ancient ruins of Olympos – one of the major cities of the Lycian union, this important city served as both a centre for trade and a pirate stronghold for many centuries.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1808
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ERXL
Starts: Antalya, Turkey
Finishes: Fethiye, Turkey
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,655 ($332 /day)
Itinerary
Karsilama! Welcome to Turkey. Your hiking adventure begins in Antalya today. This beautiful, ancient city sits atop cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. Your trip will officially kick off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and trip leader before being briefed on the adventures that lie ahead. If you arrive in Antalya early, there’s plenty to keep you busy. You might like to wander the old quarter of Kaleici where narrow streets intertwine between wooden houses with plenty of character. There are also a few additional day tours you might like to join – from Turkish baths and Aspendos' ancient city to touring the Side Antique city – there’s plenty of activities to choose from. Simply talk to your hotel reception for best recomendations and help with bookings.
Optional Activities:
- Antalya - Phaselis Ancient City (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll make your way to the starting point of your first hike – Alacasu. A nice and easy introduction to the terrain, today’s hike will take just one to two hours, and will finish in Phaselis. These are beautiful, well-preserved ruins where you’ll be able to wander through the ancient, crumbling street, theatre and baths, each protected by the shade of surrounding leafy pine trees. In the afternoon, you’ll take another stroll around famous rocky mountainside above Cirali village – Yanartaş. You’ll have a chance to explore the place of eternal flames dancing on the side of the Fire Mountain. These flames were used in ancient times by sailors to navigate their way round the coast of Lycia, and even before that time, athletes used to light their torches with what was believed to be a sacred flame and run down to Olympos city. You'll stay in family-run accommodation tonight, surrounded by gorgeous views of the surrounding nature (sunset, anyone?).
Included Activities:
- Yanartaş eternal flames guided walk
Optional Activities:
- Alacasu to Phaselis guided walk - Free
- Antalya - Olympos Ancient City (10 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Fuel up on breakfast today and then lace up your walking shoes in preparation for your hike through Olympos and the surrounds. With plenty to see and explore along the way, today’s trek will be broken up into sections. The first section of the trail will lead you directly from your guesthouse to Camburnu. You’ll walk by a medieval tower and rock-climbing route before reaching an intriguing cave that descends into the sea below. From here, you’ll walk back to reach a lovely beach, break for lunch and, if the weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the lapping water. After some time to relax and soak up the scenery, you’ll embark on the next section of your trek to Olympos. This place will take your breath away – an ancient city, built presumably in the 4th century BC. Once ruled by leaders of the past, it’s now only ruled by the wild trees and greenery that surround it. From here, you’ll hike to Maden Bay and Cirali beach to complete your walk for the day before heading back to your accommodation to relax, unwind and stretch your muscles.
Included Activities:
- Çamburnu to Olympos guided walk
- Olympos ancient city walk
- Cirali beach walk
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll embark on the longest trekking day of our Lycian adventure. We'll walk from Olympos to Adrasan – one of the most scenic trails of the Lycian Way. You can expect to cross through the Musa (Olympos) Mountain and wind through the lush greenery and pine trees, perhaps with glimpses of the turquoise beaches below. After combating steep hills (both up and down) along the path, you’ll be rewarded with magical vistas and a delightful stop for a picnic lunch (at your own expense) along the way. You’ll finish today’s big trek in the seaside oasis of Adrasan. Now, it’s time to put your feet up and breath in the sweet ocean air – you deserve it! Tonight's accommodation is also only 5 minutes from the beach, so watching the sunset tonight will be easy breezy.
Included Activities:
- Olympos to Adrasan guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up for a relaxed day of recovery today – after yesterday’s epic trek, it’s time to take things back a notch. After a leisurely breakfast to begin the day, you’ll take a short drive to the starting point of a relaxed hike to the close by Gelidonya Lighthouse. Standing proudly above the Mediterranean Sea, the lighthouse was built in 1934. With captivating sights that extend across the sea below and islands dotted in the distance, you’ll have some time to rest and fill your camera roll before we take the same path back to your vehicle. This afternoon is for cultural experiences – you’ll visit the ancient city of Myra, the Museum of Lycian Civilizations and the ancient city of Simena. Plus, your local leader will take you to a special spot to tuck into lunch (at your own expense) at a famously tasty seafood restaurant in Finike.
Included Activities:
- Gelidonya Lighthouse
- Museum of Lycian Civilizations guided visit
Optional Activities:
- Ancient city of Myra visit (13 EUR)
- Myra - St. Nicholas Museum (17 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another fun day filled with the same sense of adventure and excitement you’ve now surely come to expect. We’ll start off with a walk to Aperlai Ancient City. Formerly, Aperlai was significant trading city – now there is little that remains to this once thriving seaside acropolis. You’ll marvel at the crumbling city walls, stone gate that still stands proudly today and the remains of two Roman baths amongst the ruins. After some time here, you’ll retire to lunch at a local restaurant and take the opportunity to snap some photos for the memory bank. After lunch, trace your way back to Simena for afternoon of shopping, or relaxing at the sea side (or both!).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, hit the trails for the final full day of your trekking adventure through Turkey. You’ll begin with a walk to Delikkemer – a magnificent early Roman aqueduct. Then, you’ll enjoy lunch at the local village of Sidyma before exploring Sidyma Ancient City which lies on the southern slope of Mount Cragus. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a leisurely downhill walk, watching as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea and finishing your final walk of the trip at a beautiful turquoise beach, aglow under the sunset skies. Tonight, your accommodation, surrounded by lush greenery, boasts gorgeous views of the sea and if you have time, you can even take up a yoga class! Later, tuck into dinner with your newfound travel buddies and toast to all that you’ve seen and all that you’ve achieved in the last week.
Included Activities:
- Alinca to Kabak guided walk
- Delikkemer Roman aqueduct visit
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After one final breakfast together, depart for Fethiye. You can expect a scenic drive with plenty of stops along the way to soak in the last few moments of your trip and briefly explore places like Kayakoy and Oludeniz. Your Lycian trekking adventure comes to an end in Fethiye. You can arrange to be dropped to the airport, city centre or your hotel.
Included Activities:
- Archaeological site
Optional Activities:
- Mugla - Kayaköy Archaeological Site (3 EUR)
- Mugla - Amyntas Tomb (3 EUR)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Laurie - Traveled, June 2023
I highly recommend this trip for the rich history and cultural information it contains. Our guide, Onur, was a fantastic, enthusiastic leader with an incredible wealth of knowledge to share. The trip includes hiking on small portions of the Lycian Way with incredible views of the Mediterranean and surrounding areas, but I found it to be extremely valuable for the knowledge I gained of the history and culture of the region. Highly recommended!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
Wei - Traveled, June 2023
The hiking trip is fascinating and super enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/14/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, May 2023
Great trip! Guides Selcen and Micky were fantastic; very knowledgeable on the local area and ancient sites. I’ll definitely be coming back to Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Isobel - Traveled, May 2023
Really exceeded my expectations. Beautiful views on the hikes, and while some portions of the terrain was quite difficult (think climbing very steep rocks, and scree, a lot of scree), the difficult portions didn't last for too long, and we always had our guide Miki to help us. Our other guide Selcen was amazing - very knowledgeable and passionate about history, and she and Miki made a great pair!! The accomodations were very cute and clean, especially on the last night. It wasn't hard to find meals or snacks nearby. My group was filled with great people. And we got to meet Kate, the lady who mapped out the Lycian Way. Overall a great tour, I'm really glad I did it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
Xiaochen - Traveled, May 2023
Amazing scenery, unique destinations, hiking can be strenuous, rocky and steep and long. Make sure you have ankle support shoes and in decent physical shape. Highly recommended, overall amazing experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2023
Hannah - Traveled, May 2023
Excellent trip, provides a great insight into the history of the region, seeing many historic sites and stunning scenery along the way. Be prepared for some challenging hikes on a couple of days! Many thanks to Onur for being an excellent group leader.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Helen - Traveled, May 2023
This tour was excellent value for anyone considering hiking parts of the Lycian Way; it would not be much cheaper to do it yourself! Having the company of an tour leader, Onur, meant that the trail was made safer and more interesting and the company of enthusiastic travellers was a great addition; all the charming hotels were great for end of day 'happy hour' get togethers before our great meals together. It was great to be taken to some off the beaten track places for meals with locals. As a regular hiker I had no trouble with the fitness required for this tour. Anyone who does regular exercise e.g. gym or hiking should have no trouble and I thoroughly recommend this tour for solo travellers. On this tour the participants were between 30s and 70s and we all got on well!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2023
James - Traveled, April 2023
Pros. Onur was an excellent Tour Leader. Group was good mix of people. Olympos Site was very good. 4 of the 7 hikes were worth the effort. Cons. Admissions advertised as included were not and had to be repaid. More scenic routes along coast could be taken. On the whole I am glad to have done it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2023
Stephanie - Traveled, June 2022
Be prepared to put some effort in but you’ll have a great trip. You need to be fit to really enjoy the trip. The places you stay and experience you have will be great and the last day in particular is a real treat. Hopefully like me, you will also have a fantastic group to share it with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2022
Anand - Traveled, June 2022
The Lycian way has one of the best views I have see while hiking. It can be a challenging terrain sometimes but for intermediate hikers it should be a lot of fun. Visiting something as old and fascinating as this, was an experience of a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2022
Christopher - Traveled, June 2022
We had a fantastic holiday hiking the Lycian Way. If you’re not familiar with the area then it’ll probably be slightly more challenging than you are expecting, lots of steep rocks and uneven ground, hiking poles are definitely recommended, if you go at the end of June like we did then expect it to be really hot and you’ll need a lot of water (we also kept a third flask with added hydration and electrolytes which worked well) whilst the walking is challenging, the rewards and views are amazing with some great hotels , food and places to see, plus some very friendly locals, overall a lovely trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2022
Shan - Traveled, May 2022
Exceeded expectations! Great hiking, history and views. Trip packs a lot of punch and variety. Hiking is a little challenging so do come prepared! Trip is planned really well and the end of the trip is the best part!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2022
Owen - Traveled, May 2022
The Lycian Way made for some tough hiking in late May however the views and trails were incredible, ancient ruins, the beautiful blue sea, the local flora - it was wonderful. The beach stop and boat ride were real gems and I felt very well rewarded for my hard work.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2022
Jonathan - Traveled, May 2022
Really enjoyed this challenging but rewarding trip that combines hiking over rugged terrain with stunning scenery, archaeological marvels, good accommodation and great company from fellow travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2022
Merry - Traveled, May 2022
The hike offered amazing views of Turkey's coastline - truly spectacular! Visiting the villages and meeting the locals along the way really added to the authenticity to the trip and the natural surrounds. The people are friendly and warm, the landscape is rugged, challenging at times, and revealing...spotting wild tortoises along the way, who knew? Doing this trail offered short escapism from the every day grind and was most welcome. Really enjoyed the country and we had a great group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2022
Sofia - Traveled, October 2023
This is an incredible trip, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It allows one to hike across some stunning locations, rest and swim in serene coves and discover the rich and unbelievably interesting history of Lykia as the trail takes you through some of the numerous ancient sites and structures of the Lykian coast.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Georgina - Traveled, October 2023
The Lycian Way is a perfect trip for anyone who is interested in ancient cultures and beautiful scenery. The trip was a great way to condense all of the best aspects of the hiking route into 8 days. And the option of a boat ride,kayak or hiking one one day gave diversity to the trip. I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2023
Lisa - Traveled, September 2023
Excellent trip, I would recommend! Lovely trekking, scenery and culture visits to break up the walking sections.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
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