Turkey

Turkey has an enormous wealth of beautiful, in parts quite exceptional, countryside. One of these areas is Lycia between the Taurus mountains and Ägäis on the Turkish Mediterranean coast.

Lycia

Beautiful coastline, wonderful views of the snow-capped peaks of the Taurus mountains, great cultural treasures from ancient times and hospitable people.

The Coast of Lights received this name from the seafarers and fischers. The cliff fires, which have burned since ancient times, were helpful for orientientation.

Experience and explore

We experience this spectacular countryside and its fascinating cultural sites actively on lovely unhurried walks. Our local guide, who speak good English, will tell us about the history, where the various people who live there came from and their culture.

Relax and appreciate

We want your trip to be a good balance between physical activity and regeneration. We stay overnight in family-run guest houses. Especially in the autumn the sea is inviting for swimming.

Tour Program

The walking times given include breaks.

Day 1: Arrival

Flight from D - A - CH to Antalya. Drive from Antalya to Olympos. Accomodation in guest house in Cirali/Olympos. Travelling time: ca. 2h.

Day 2: Olympos, Flames of the Chimäre

Walk beside a beautiful sandy beach through the picturesque ruins of the Lycian town Olympos in a bright wood near the sea. Along the beach to Çirali, up through a pine forest to the Flame fields, where the eternal tongues of fire of the Chimera have flickered out from rock crevices since ancient times. Beside the Flame fields if the sky is clear we can also experience a wonderful sunset. C. 5km

Ascent total 200m. Driving time: c. 30min. Over night in Olympos.

Day 3: Tekirova, Çirali

We take a gentle walk from Tekirova through pine forests with splendid views of the Mediterranien and its picturesque bays. Via the peninsular Karaburun and Chrom beach we reach Çirali/Olympos. Accomodation in Olympos.

c 7h, ascent 200 m. Driving time: c. 45min.

Day 4: From Olympos to Adrasan

Ascent from the Nekropolis of the antique Olympos to Musa Dagi, the mount Moses c. 600m high. Along goat paths to Yayla (summer pastures) on Musa Dagi. Walk through pine forests and cork oak wood. Accomodation in Olympos.

c. 18km, 6-7h. Driving time: c. 1h

Day 5: "The Sunken Town", Simena, Teimiussa

Drive from Çirali to Üçagiz. Boot trip to island of Kekova and to Simena, the underwater ruins of the city in the harbour. The village Kale has been built into the ancient Simena. Ascent via the Necropolis (burial ground) to the medieval castle. Fantastic views over the islands. Walk through olive groves back to Üçagiz; in the ruins of the Lician Teimiussa stone sarcophages from the Acropolis (citadel) down to the sea can be found. Accomodation in guest house in Üçagiz.

4 km, c. 2 hours. Driving timeca. 2.5h.

Day 6: Islada, ancient town

A wonderful walking day. About 5 hour walk through beautiful country. Guided tour of the ancient town of Islada with many interresting stone sarcophages. Accomodation in Üçagiz.

Ascent c. 300m. Driving time: c. 20min.

Day 7: Aperlai

Hiking along stony paths beside the lagoon of Üçagiz and along a peninsular to the ruins of the Lician Aperlai: town walls, towers, Byzantine churches, fortifications up to the upper Acropolis; parts of the old harbour are underwasser. Swim in the sea straits of the `Hot Peninsula´. A  lovely boot trip from the ancient town back to Üçagiz. Walk c. 3-4h, 8km.

Day 8: Tyberissos, Farmers market in Demre, Myra, Nicholas church

Visit to the weekly farmers' market. Visit to Nicholas church and the ancient Myra: Roman theatre with impressive friezes, especially impressive is the Lycian sea and river necropolis in the steep rock walls below the acropolis built from 400 B.C. The graves richly decorated with reliefs in the sea necropolis indicate the wealth of the inhabitants in pre-Roman times. In the afternoon we go for a lovely walk for about 2-3 Stunden to Tyberissos. The Lycian-Byzantian hill settlement of Tyberissos once belonged to Teimiussa. Small hilltop fort at at height of 350m. Back to Üçagiz. Driving time: c. 20min.

Day 9: Antalya - The `Pearl of the Turkish Riviera´.

Drive to Antalya. Guided tour through the old part of the town of Antalya with Hadrian Gate, Kesik Minare, Seldschukisch Yivli Minare - A landmark of the town. The harbour area bears witness to early Christianity: the churches converted into mosques by the Seldschuken, whose  materials came from ancient buildings. Tea break above the rocky horseshoe of the picturesque old harbour. Opportunity to buy leather, jewellery, textiles, etc. Accomodation in hotel in Antalya. Driving time: ca. 3h.

Day 10: Return journey

Transfer to airport. Driving time: c. 20min. Return flight.

Condition:

The daily walking/hiking times including breaks are from 3 to 7h only mostly good but partly stony paths. Ascent max. 500m. The tempo is easy. We carry light day packs.

Suitability

This trip is suitable for all who appreciate nature, combining the enjoyment of being active and out in the countryside with cultural experiences.

Weather and Temperature 

The weather is often beautiful and dry when we visit the area, but one should always be prepared for clouds and rain. The temperatures in Licia are mostly summery and warm. If the weather is bad then it can be cool.

Equipment

For the trips we need the same equipment as for hiking in the Alps.

Accomodation

Basically we book full board. In the towns we eat restaurants or guest houses. On our trips we take food in our rucksacks. For individual likes/dislikes in between times the members of the group should make their own arrangements e.g. snacks. Things can be bought locally.

Size of Group

Minimum 6 to max 12 persons

- Single room supplement in guest house/Hotels (EUR 90.-)

The price includes:

- Travel and walking guide - English speaking, licensed, local 

- Flights from D - A  - CH    incl. all taxes

- myclimate - climate tax - CO2-compensation for our flights (EUR /Sfr. 35.-)

- all transfers as in program

- 4 overnight accomadation in double room with shower/WC in Cirali/Olympos

- 4 overnight accomadation in double room with shower/WC in Üçagiz

- 1 overnight accomadation in double room with shower/WC in Antalya

- Full board throughout the trip, excluding drinks

Not included in price are:

- personal travel insurance

- additional costs because of program changes due to unexpected weather or conditions out of our control, or as demanded by group members.

- supplementary snacks

- drinks

- single room supplement in guest house/hotel (Fr. 90.-)

- tips

 

Program changes

Despite careful planning changes in the program might be necessary due to unforseeable events. These could be dependent on weather or last minute changes due to legal regulations, political decisions or health problems of group members, etc.

In any case we will try to carry out the travel program within the limits of our responsibility, or when that is not possible to organise a replacement program of similar value.

 

We look forward to having you with us!

This trip offers you many unforgetable experiences and impressions of a terrific, exceptional world of nature and culture.

If you think this is the holiday for you, we would be very happy to have you in the group!

Dates and Prices on request