This tour is designed exclusively for those people who are used to and willing to carry their own backpacks.

For those who enjoy experiencing the world beneath their feet, infinite hiking possibilities are available, especially in Lycia. Experience what it's like walking on an unknown planet as you hike across Lycia's rocky landscape. You will be able to enjoy beauty spots, viewpoints, beaches, villages, monuments, ancient ruins and diverse landscapes as you walk between overnight accommodation of campsites or pensions..

 

Adventure in an astonishing historical atmosphere of Lycia, an ancient civilization which existed in Southwest Anatolia. A vacation in a region with antique nature and historical value. The stunning coastline of southern Turkey with its beautiful turquoise water, abrupt cliffs and archaeological richness of preserved Greek and Roman cities, makes for a diverse and interesting trekking destination. Turkey is about tradition, people, history and scenery, and our tour captures all of these aspects.

 

Each route has different attractions. While enjoying different means of moving through nature, you will have a chance to observe natural formations and habitat besides the local life style, culture and the ancient Lycian ruins.

The marked trail will allow casual and dedicated walkers alike the opportunity to explore Lycia's rocky coastline, high pastures, dramatic gorges cedar forests secluded beaches and ancient sites, Walkers following the route will be able to swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean where the path dips down to the sea,

 

Days spent walking on the trails, rambling over the hills and campgrounds in secluded coves, the whisper of ancient voices in the maquis or pine trees above, just another hectic day on the Lycian Coast.

 

An English and / or French speaking guide will accompany you to further illuminate the history of the sights you will see.

 

Previous backpacking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However hikers should be in a good physical and mental fitness for the itinerary described below. A flexible state of mind and a sense of humour are also important when experiencing " Lycian time."

Remember to leave your clocks, deadlines and schedules behind so you can enjoy a state of mind where the local concept of time is measured by the seasons.

Safety is first! Our guides are passionate about outdoor pursuits. We know how to have fun. But we also respect our natural heritage and the potential perils of adventure travel-we are very safety-oriented.

Come prepared for spectacular Lycian sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away. Light along Lycian Coast, especially in spring and autumn days, has the clarity and pureness that photographers crave. Add to that an incredible variety of photographic subject matter-people, landscapes, architecture and wildlife. Nested between Mediterranean Sea and Cragus Range, Lycian coast's deep blue waters shimmer with life, providing surreal contrast to the surrounding landscape.

This backcountry experience will turn you into a backpacker for sure. Experience mythical Lycian Coast like no one else has...

Bring your camera equipment and immerse yourself in the visual ecstasy that Lycia provides.

 

 

 

 

ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Dalaman-Fethiye: Arrive in Turkey.

 

 

Meet in the Dalaman Airport; transfer to hotel in Fethiye-OLUDENIZ LAGOON.

Welcome drink, tour briefing and  welcome dinner at the hotel.

Dinner

* Dinner offer depends on the arrival time.

Overnight in pension

 

Day 2: Ovacık village-Faralya village

 

The south-east of Olu Deniz Lagoon (Dead Sea Lagoon) is Baba Dag(Father Mountain), northernmost of the Cragus Mountains, with the summit, at 1989 m, capped with snow until April.

It rises steeply from the sea, with just one gully and beach breaking the western slopes. As the back cloth of for the calm lagoon of Olu Deniz, it must be the most photographed mountain in Turkey.

This walk takes you from just above sea level to Kirme village, which is squeezed o the shoulder close to the gully and then to Faralya, which is above Kelebekler Vadisi(Butterfly valley), the first beach south of the mountain.

Thus it is uphill for much of the day but you are rewarded by the views  over the cliffs, towards the jigsaw of dark islands beyond the pale gold crescent of Olu Deniz.

The sea here is turquoise in the bays and deep indigo further out but stained glass variations glitter under the sunset or change moodily according to the incoming weather. prevailing winds are from the sea and should cool you a little.

(excerpt from the book The Lycian Way by Kate Clow)

 

Transfer time to the starting point: 15 minutes.

 

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in village pension

Hike time: 5-6 hours.

Distance: 15 km.

Difficulty level: GRADE C .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Faralya village-Kabak village

 

After breakfast we trek into the forested Kabak valley. Kabak village is, like Faralya, a farming village set above the Gemile beach. It is the steepest part of the shoulder of Baba Dag along the mountain side with pines on the left and views of the sea on the right. After arriving to Kabak yo can either explore Kabak valley or swim in he Gemile Bay.

 

 

Hike time: 4-5 hours.

Distance: 11 km.

Difficulty level: GRADE B .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in tents

 

 

Day 4: Kabak village-Alinca village

 

This is a short walk in terms of horizontal distance but the route rises frm sea level to about 600 meters, using an old path to cross the sheer ridge to Alinca. From the first house you can see back along the coast to olu Deniz lagoon. As you pass, you will then see the view opening up down the coast towards the deep inlets of Yedi Burun (Seven Headlands).

 

Hike time: 5-6 hours.

Distance: 11 km.

Difficulty level: GRADE C .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in village pension

 

 

Day 5: Alinca village-Sancakli-Gey village-Bel village

 

Today you will walk on the goath paths, dirt roads and mule tracks as well.

From the broad treeless summit , you can again see Yedi Burun headlands and the coast spread out in front and back towards the beach of Sancakli headland below.

At Gey optional walk around Yedi Burun.

The last place of the day is Bel village which means pass, is approximately at the lowest point between Black valley and the sea.

 

 

Hike time: 6-7 hours.

Distance: 16 km.

Difficulty level: GRADE C .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in tents

 

Day 6: Bel village-Patara Beach

 

Following the sea side skirts of Sandik Mountain (1009m) rugged terrain ends at the Ozden Creek, the west end-beginning- of the Patara Beach. Optional visit to Pydnai ruins.

 

Hike time: 5-6 hours.

Distance: 13 km.

Difficulty level: GRADE C .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in tents

 

Day 7: Patara Beach Walk

 

Walking along the surreal views of the coast and the sand dunes will take your breath away.

After meeting the truck at the river mouth of Xanthos River, visit ancient Lycian towns and settlements; Xanthos (capital of Lycia), Letoon(cult center), Patara.

 

 

Hike time: 3-4 hours.

Distance: 6 km.

Difficulty level: GRADE B .

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in village pension

 

Day 8: Canoeing along the Xanthos River.

 

Spend a day canoeing gently down the Xanthos River(Esen Cay) through Patara National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The river flows from the mountain springs that emerge at Saklikent Gorge and ends at Patara, the longest sandy beach along Turkish coast. The cool mountain waters and the stunning riverside scenery, teaming with wildlife, will make this day a day to remember.

Experienced and professional guides will assist you get the most from your day and ensure that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the trip. Itinerary includes a lunch-break, and the chance to take a mud bath and swim, in the cooling waters of the Xanthos. No previous canoeing experience is necessary.

 

 

Transfer to the hotel in Kas.

Free time in Kas.

 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in hotel

 

Day 9: Kas: Free day in Kas and its surroundings.

Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible .

 

Breakfast, Dinner.

Overnight in hotel

 

Day 10: Kas-Antalya / Dalaman : Final transfer and Fly home.

Transfer to Antalya Airport or Dalaman Airport.

Breakfast*

* Breakfast offer depends on the arrival time.

 

  INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE.

 WHEN THE MINIMUM GROUP NUMBER IS REACHED,

 YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IN A REASONABLE TIME PERIOD.

 

Prices are subject to change without notice.

 

 Included in Cost

• Accommodation as double occupancy basis in tents (shared tent / room basis for individuals) and hotel/ pension... Your fellow campmates may be foreign as well, adding to the international nature of your adventure.

• Services of a professional guide, drivers and service men.

• All airport transfers in air-conditioned minivans.

• All sightseeing and admission fees to sites/museums.

• Meals as indicated B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner).

• Bottled water and all soft drinks on camping & paddling days and bottled water with lunch and dinner throughout.

• Service charges and other taxes.

 

Not Included in Cost

• International airfare.

• Airport transfers for individual arrivals (less than 6 people).

• Domestic airfare in Turkey (Istanbul/Antalya/Istanbul).

• Post-Tour Extension. Please ask for the possibilities.

• Items of a personal nature such as soft drinks (except on hiking days at the trail), liquor, laundry, phone calls, medical assistance, postage, additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the itinerary, traveller's insurance, gratuities to guide, drivers and crew.

• Trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage insurance (Please refer to Terms & Conditions on the web page).

• Passport or Turkish visa fees.

• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond control of  Dragoman Travel Agency.

 

 Notes:

• The Itinerary represented above is the one taken under normal weather conditions. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary for any reason deemed necessary to ensure the best trip possible.

• Previous hiking and camping experience is an advantage but is not essential. However, in order to participate in a backpacking trip you should be in good physical and mental fitness. Group camping equipment is supplied.

• Price includes: 6 nights B&B accommodation in a hotel/pension, 3 days overnight in tents, 6 days hiking, breakfast + lunch + dinner for all hiking days, all transport during the tour, transfers from/to Dalaman/Antalya Airport for groups of minimum 6 persons; all group camping equipment: services of professional and experienced guides; For terms & conditions and reservations, please refer to our reservations page on our web site.

• Prices do not include international and domestic flights; gratuities to tour guide(s) and driver(s); any items of a personal nature.

• We offer 5% discount for group customers who may wish to join this trip at Dragoman Travel's Kas office without any transfer requested.

• We can also arrange transfers from/to Dalaman Airport by taxi.

• A recommended gear & essential equipment list is to be sent to the participants before the tour.

• A support vehicle will drop water and other supplies for the group at certain points.

• Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel.

• Depending on the weather situation, it might be necessary to modify the walking tour program; in this case the modifications will be announced in time before the flight to Turkey or directly in Kas at least a day before the tours start.

 

Tour Duration: 9 Nights, 10 Days

Destination: Fethiye- Patara TURKEY: Mediterranean Coast; Ancient Lycian Coast

Specialty Categories: Backpacking, Camping

Best Season: January – June, September-December

Airfare Included?: NO Dalaman/Antalya-Kas-Antalya/Dalaman airport transfers are optional

Tour Customizable?:YES for minimum 6 participants

Number of Participants: Minimum: 6 backpackers + 1 guide Maximum: 12 backpackers + 2* staff *(Group leader and an assistant).

Accommodation Overnights in tented camps and hotel / pension room

Meals Lunch box / restaurant / camp cooking /hotel Vegetarian ratios are possible.

Transfer & transport: by minibus and/or 4 x 4 vehicle.

 

Our grades range from A to D.

   A. is easy - for anyone of any age.

   B. is moderate - for anyone who is a ‘regular walker’.

   C. is fairly strenuous - for the regular hill walker.

   D. is strenuous-for the keen, regular hill walker, or even the less keen if they are willing to feel tired at times.

In general however we are not running commando courses and can be fairly flexible but it is important that you do not ‘bite off more than you can comfortably chew’!

 Conditions that may affect grading

Please remember that it is impossible to be absolutely precise about how hard a walk may be, as there may be many contributory factors. The main benefit of grading is to provide you with an overall indicator to compare one walk against another. We therefore look at the following 6 factors before deciding the grade:

• Length of trek and length of walking day. 

• Average altitude and altitude gain and loss.

• Trail conditions.

• Level of porterage or backpacking.

• Temperature range and likely weather conditions.

• Remoteness to services and general level of comfort.

 

Clearly conditions for a particular holiday may vary from one month to the next. It is not practical for us to give grades for each individual departure, but you may like to take this into account before choosing a specific departure date.

 

 

Our Environmental Philosophy

As walking holidays grow in popularity, more and more rubbish is being left unnecessarily in some beautiful areas, in spite of promises by tour operators to curb this. Dragoman Outdoors Centre adopts a ‘Pack it in - Pack it out’, 'Soft Walking&Camping' and 'Leave No Trace' policy on all our holidays. To meet this end, all rubbish that is not combustible or biodegradable (i.e. metal, glass and often plastic) will be carried out to a suitable disposal point. For example, we collect all rubbish on the trails and at campsites (and not only ours)! Any non-burnable or non-biodegradable rubbish is carried back to Kas for proper disposal. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.