Best seasons to hike: May, June, September, and October
Group size: Maximum 25 participants
Accommodation: Final hotel list will be provided upon confirmation of tour dates
Fitness requirements: Ability to hike up to 15 km per day while carrying a backpack weighing approximately 10 kg
The Lycian Way is one of the world’s top 10 long-distance hiking trails, stretching 509 kilometers from Antalya to Fethiye along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The trail was developed by British researcher Kate Clow between 1995 and 1999 and is renowned not only for its natural beauty, but for the richness of its historical heritage.
This is not just a hike—it’s a journey into the mysteries of an ancient civilization. As you follow the trails once walked by the Lycians, you’ll revive their world, just as they once unveiled it to history. Expect to encounter hidden pirate harbors, wild canyons that once sheltered entire cities, fortresses carved into cliffs, and statues hewn from the mountains themselves.
This is the cradle of the ancient world, and you’ll explore it not as a tourist, but as an adventurer—step by step, as Alexander the Great once marched with his army through these same lands. The route winds from secluded coves with pristine beaches, through pine-clad mountain forests, past waterfalls hidden in deep canyons, and onward into the heart of Lycian mythology.
Upon arrival in Antalya, you’ll be transferred to the charming old town of Kaleici and check into Atelya Hotel. You’ll have free time to explore the cobblestone streets or relax before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel. In the evening, we’ll hold an introductory meeting with your guides to go over the journey ahead.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our adventure with a transfer to the village of Göynük, home to one of the most scenic canyons in the region. We’ll explore a natural park filled with grottos and emerald pools, then trek approximately 15 km through canyons, ridges, and pine forests (approx. 6 hours). In the evening, we settle in at Gul Mountain Hotel, perched at 1,000 meters above sea level, and enjoy a well-earned dinner.
After breakfast, we hike 8 km to the village of Gedelme, passing by the ruins of a Roman-era castle. After lunch, we explore nearby landmarks including karst caves (up to 150 meters deep), a nomadic camp, and a 2,000-year-old plane tree. In the evening, we gather around a barbecue feast featuring lamb on a spit, grilled vegetables, and local flavors. Overnight in tents under the stars.
Today, we ascend Mount Tahtalı, the highest peak in the region, offering panoramic views of the coast. The 3-hour climb follows mountain pastures and winding trails. At the summit, we take the cable car down (ticket not included) and transfer to the seaside village of Çıralı, surrounded by orange, lemon, and pomegranate groves. After lunch, we check into Emin Pension, and head to Olympos Beach, one of the top 10 beaches in the world—and a protected nesting site for Caretta sea turtles. In the evening, we hike to the mystical Chimera (Yanartaş), where eternal flames burn from the mountainside. Along the way, we pass the remains of a Byzantine basilica.
After breakfast, we visit the ancient city of Olympos, believed to be one of the landing sites of Alexander the Great during his campaign against Persia. We then transfer to Adrasan and set off on a 6-hour hike through pine forests and remote cliffs, circling Cape Gelidonya. You’ll enjoy views of Suluada Island and visit the Gelidonya Lighthouse, built by French engineers in 1936, offering one of the most iconic vistas on the Lycian Way. Later, we travel to Kekova, cross by boat to Simena, and settle in at Ankh Pension for dinner and the night.
Today begins with a sea kayaking trip around Kekova Island, gliding over the submerged ruins of ancient cities lost to an earthquake. Paddle past Lycian tombs rising from the sea, immersing yourself in mystery and history. After lunch, we travel to the coastal town of Kaş, where we check into the Kayahan Hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner in this charming harbor town.
Today we explore Kaş’s underwater treasures on a guided diving expedition. Considered one of Europe’s top dive destinations, Kaş offers everything from underwater caves and coral reefs to shipwrecks—and even a sunken WWII plane. After your dive, we relax on a yacht and return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
After breakfast, we leave Kaş and stop at ancient Patara, once the capital of the Lycian League and birthplace of St. Nicholas. We then head to the Saklıkent Gorge, a dramatic canyon with a cool, shaded microclimate and turquoise waters. After lunch, we continue to the traditional village of Gay, where we’ll stay in local village homes. Enjoy an evening barbecue under the stars.
After breakfast, we head to Sancaklı Beach, once a retreat for the elites of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. The water is crystal-clear—it’s easy to see why it was favored by emperors. After lunch, we head to the mountain village of Alınca, and begin a 15 km trek to Faralya, offering stunning sea views along the way. We’ll stay at Montenegro Motel, where dinner awaits.
From the village of Kozagac, we hike to Ölüdeniz, Turkey’s famous “Dead Sea.” A haven for paragliders, the area is framed by turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. After the trek and lunch, we transfer to Dalyan Nature Reserve, home to rivers, forests, waterfalls—and ancient Lycian cities. We check into a local hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax for the evening.
Today is a feast of nature and culture. We cruise along the Dalyan River, stopping at thermal springs for a mud bath and visiting the Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs. Then we head to Iztuzu Beach, one of Europe’s longest and cleanest coastlines and a protected site for loggerhead turtles. We finish the day at the ruins of Caunos, where you can test the acoustics of the ancient amphitheater, whispering from the back rows to friends standing on stage.
After breakfast, we depart for Antalya Airport (approx. 4.5 hours by road) for your return flight home.
