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CENTRAL LYCIAN COAST (7 nights, 8 days) ALL INCLUSIVE(airport-airport) 4-5 overnights in boat, 2-3 nights hotel/pension accommodation, 6 days hiking
2008 Tour dates: April 19-26, May 3-10, June 7-14, July 5-12, August 23-30, September 20-27, October 11-18, November 1-8 |
CENTRAL LYCIA
This tour is designed exclusively for those people who are used to or willing to hike and partly sail on a traditional Turkish boat, Gullet(schooner). The group will meet with the boat at the end of the daily walks and at the lunch times as well wherever possible. The one, who may wish to cancel half-day walk, can join boat at the lunch stop.
click for route map
For
those who enjoy experiencing the world beneath their feet, infinite hiking
possibilities are available, especially in Lyciaan
coast. 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.
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.
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
traditional boat
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 speaking guide will accompany you to further
illuminate the history of the sights you will see.
Previous
hiking
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 humor 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 Teke
Peninsula 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
Option1: cabin sleeping on traditional sail boat
Option2: deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boat
Day 1: Antalya-Kas: Arrive in Turkey.
Meet in the Antalya Airport; transfer to hotel in
AntiPhellos (Kas) passing through Turkmen villages via mountain road.
Kas, a beautiful town of whitewashed houses,
covered with the rich purples of bougainvillea. The town of Kas lies on a small
bay nestled into the mountains not far from the southern point of Lycia. As is
the case in so many parts of the Lycian coast, a small, sleepy fishing village
has been transformed into a lively vacation center. Just above the modern port,
known to antiquity as
AntiPhellos(Kaş), lays the older colony of
Phellos. In Hellenistic times, the port town of AntiPhellos gradually came
to dominate its mother colony of Phellos, until the latter faded into obscurity.
In addition to the Lycian tombs, the view of the bay from the theater is well
worth seeing. A short walk from the harbor
brings us to the ancient theatre hidden amongst olive trees. There is a
marvelous view across to
Kastellorizon,
the Greek island
Megisti, closest to Turkey, the farhest to Grecee.. The sea and the mountains are equally
appealing to visitors of this coast.
Lunch, Dinner
Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Phellos-Antiphellos(Kaş)
Transfer to fire watch tower; Transfer time: 25 minutes
Our first day on the path.
This tour is the "warming up" for
the following days.
2500 years ago Lycians had created the antique path for reaching the sweet chill of the mountain, so naturally we have no other choice but to follow their example.
The hiking day begins from a forest house. After 15 km. by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, the route becomes joyful while watching alternating mountain ranges and stone houses.
The starting point at the path is at an altitude of 850 m. After a couple of hundred meters, we give a break for several minutes to enjoy the view of the valley covered with colorful plants and flowers. Later, after another 20-minute walk, we reach a narrow path that leads us to the heart of the ancient city Phellos. The most amazing necropolis of the region, ornamented with ancient tombs, suddenly appears among a thick plant cover. This is a meeting with silent witnesses of history.
Descending to Cukurbag Village, the peculiar architecture of old local houses, still in very good condition, attracts our attention... The magnificent view of Kas Archipelago awaits us at the end of a one hour long walk: we stop for a picnic on a 600-meter high hill, watching Meis Island.
After lunch, we begin to descend towards Antiphellos. With some luck, we may have an encounter with squirrels, partridges, or bats while walking round “Kara Magara-Black Cave”. Overnight in boat.
Hike time: 5 hours.
Difficulty level: GRADE B.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3: Kas-Limanagzi (Sebeda
Isthmus)-Ufakdere-İnönü Cove
We start walking at
Kaş Harbour.
As the differences in altitude are
quite low and there are no hard climbing sections on our way.
During the first leg, linking the town of Kas with the
Limanagzi
(Bayindir Liman); you see the splendid rock tombs carved into the
hills, the powerful remnants of Lycian civilization.
On the mountain side over this natural harbor,
there is a group of sarcophagi with Lycian inscriptions carved on them. This
must be a very small ancient city, and its name is believed to be Sebeda.
After crossing grassy areas the
route now heads for the sea edge. To reach Coban Beach we should traverse a rocky shoreline
walking to remoter coast to Ufakdere, where the landsca
pe became more bizarre by the hour.
But here the coast became brittle and rocky.
As we crest the ridge, we pass through the
remains of old olive groves and shepherd encampments. In front of you is the triangular mast of Ulu
Burun, where the oldest shipwreck ever known, has been excavated by the
Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
After that a short walks will take to our lunch spot, the tiny beach and emerald grass at Ufakdere.
Leaving our
lunch spot, we
will pass nearby the tractor road to Cape Uluburun. Our today's trekking tour is characterized by the
view to the breath-taking cliffs at the coast and to the Mediterranean Sea in
the east of Kas glistening in all silver and turquoise shades.
The surrounding peculiar ecosystem
formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. Hiking along maquis covered limestone shore
and cliff faces of Lycian coast; lunching at a beautiful cove and walking on
Lycian trail you may have a chance to see village life of nomads.
Nature and sea lovers can enjoy
this pristine region that encompass maquis landscape, small canyons, stream
mouths, pocket beaches, tiny islets, olive gardens and rock tombs carved into
the hills.
Continue to for meeting with our boat
at İnönü Cove and overnight stay in yhe boat.
Late afternoon we may spend time swimming, snorkeling and lazing under sun. Overnight in boat.
Hike time:
6 hours.
Difficulty level: GRADE B.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Inönü Cove-Barak-Appolonia-Aperlai Isthmus
Starting from İnönü Cove we will climb up and descent
to the Brak Cove. After
exploring Roman tower at Dinek Tepe hill just above our Barak Cove we
will climb up Appolonia, another ancient Lycian settlement near to Kilicli
village. Leaving the village behind,
we continue walking to the site of
Aperlai, while exploring coastal features, and Roman outlooks.
Then arriving to Ancient City of
Aperlai you will see the ancient port city of Aperlai, including structures now
underwater as a result of earthquake subsidence over the centuries. Marble columns,
paved floors and the foundations of a church lie just below the surface. Twelve
miles from Kas, this ancient walled city and port may be seen both above and,
with mask, under water.
Known as Aperlai, the 2,400
year-old settlement likely supported no more than 1,000 people at its zenith in
the fourth to sixth centuries
The shore is still covered with murex shells from which the famous purple dye
was made. …You can smell old days of the city partially submerged on the
Mediterranean Sea in present-day Turkey has yielded a second underwater
church, leading researchers to believe the settlement was a magnet for pilgrims
traveling to and from the Holy Land nearly
2,000
years ago.
It is speculated that Lycia, a
small region encompassing Aperlai, may have been a stopover for pilgrims
heading for the Holy Land -- then Palestine -- in the fourth, fifth, sixth and
seventh centuries. Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine who ruled
from A.D. 306 to 337, visited Palestine, and she and Constantine began spreading
the word of Christianity and encouraged church construction throughout the
Roman Empire.
In addition, the popularity of
Saint Nicholas -- the bishop in a town called Myra located just 15 miles from
Aperlai in the early fourth century - was growing due to reports of his
miracles that included saving drowning sailors, filling empty ships with grain
and providing gifts to children. The close proximity of Myra likely increased
the number of pilgrims visiting Aperlai.
After a long visit Aperlai ruins, passing southward through Dar Bogaz (Sicak Peninsula narrows) we reach our boat at this hidden cove, the other side, the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound. Overnight in boat.
Hike time:
6 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE C.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Aperlai-Simena
Today
we have to work hard. After very early departure we walk eastward to Kekova
sound. This section of the trail follows cobbled inland tracks and a dramatic
coastal path with sensational views.
After
a short ascent the path winds its way slowly down to Teimioussa cove.
Walking along the coastline, once we reach the
other side we explore the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound; explore ancient
towns of Teimioussa and Simena, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial
grounds.
This walk to Kekova and Ucagiz will be the highlight of your
stay in antique Lycia. The 'three
mouths' of Ucagiz are the openings South, East and West of Kekova Island.
Kekova is famous for its
Sunken City that can only be reached by sea. With its ruins just below sea level,
mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks, Kekova is
a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland village of
Ucagiz lies ancient Teimioussa ("place of the three outlets,"
referring to its location). Interesting are the necropolis and ancient Simena
(Kalekoy), certainly one of the quaintest towns in all Lycia.
We then continue to Kalekoy
Castle (ancient Simena) which offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets,
islands and colorful yachts, sailing peacefully on the glassy water. During a
delightful approach to
Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the
unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass, results of quarrying
along the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've been seeing all
day. The medieval castle
of the Knights of Saint John,
sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city.
Odd Lycian ogival
sarcophagi, sometimes partially
submerged, constantly remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization.
Simena can only be reached by
kayak/boat or along footpaths. The ruins are interspersed among houses standing
beneath the pewter-capped walls and turrets of the medieval city. Since ancient
times, the coast has continued to gradually sink into the sea, creating surreal
scenery of partially submerged sarcophagi and other ruins. Arriving Simena, the
nearby village of Kalekoy lies below an idyllic Ottoman fort on the site of
ancient Simena, one of the most romantic settings of the entire trip. Level
walks then a short, steepish climb up to the castle of the Knights of Saint
John - worth it for the fantastic views.
After exploring Simena walking downwards take us to our last anchoring point, quiet and beautiful Simena harbor. Overnight in boat.
Hike time: 6
hours. Difficulty level: GRADE C.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Simena-Gokkaya Bay-Cayagzi (Andrakos River Mouth)
After exploring Simena walking eastward take us to
our last
lunch stop, quiet and beautiful Gokkaya harbor(Smugglers Cove).
From here is it only a short bit to walk
until we reach
coastal ruins of Istlada..
Istlada was a small but a fascinating ancient city in the region. Istlada on Gökkaya Bay is connected to the parts in Hoyran where there are sarcophagi. It is noteasy to climb from Gökkaya Bay to this point.
After visiting coastal ruins of Istlada and lunch time, hiking eastward will take us to Demre-Cayagzi river mouth where is the our final destination.
If time permits, we will walk up
a spring flow in search of birds and natural springs. After crossing Cayagzi
springs we end our tour at Kokar bay, alongside of which are the ruins of
Andriake. Situated at the mouth of the Andrakos River, Andriake was the port
for Myra, home of St. Nicola’s church known to the world as Father Christmas.
In AD 61, the ship that brought the Apostle Paul to Rome for his last visit
anchored here to wait for better winds. The strong current of the Demre stream
(once Andrakos River) prevented the silting up of the port until the Byzantine
era.
Located between Finike and Kas, Myra was one of the most important cities among the other six Lycian cities. It was settled in the 5th century B.C. Although it was originally a coastal town, it has retreated from the sea because of the alluvium from the river. It was abandoned in the 9th century A.D. after the Arab invasion.
After visiting St.Nicholas Church and ruins of ancient Myra, we will drive up to Kaş.
Transfer to Kas by bus(Option1) or boat(Option2); Transfer time: 45 minutes(by bus)-4 hours(by boat).
Transfer to Kaş; Transfer time: 40 minutes.
Overnight in hotel.
Hike time:
6 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE C.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kalkan(Kalamaki)-Patara Beach (Gelemiş Village):
Transfer to Kalkan; Transfer time: 30 minutes.
Starting
from Kalkan, today's route follows the course of an old aquaduct; supplied the
city of Patara, which today is partly covered by drifting sand
dunes, near the 12km long beach of the same name. The route is mainly downhill
and has some beautiful views over the sea. Halfway along the siphonic system of
Delikkemer aquaduct bridge, which merits a detailed look. This section is an
engineering miracle, proving that the Roman water engineers' skill and knowladge
has not been greatly exceed in 2000 years.
The path ends the city of Patara,
where you can either take time to explore or head to the beach.
Patara was the major port of Lycia, located at the mouth of the Xanthos River, until it silted up and turned into a malaria-plagued marsh. Patara was a very wealthy city due to trade and was one of the six principal cities of Lycia. Following its capture by Alexander the Great it became an important naval base as well. Patara’s oracle at the renown temple of Apollo (not yet found) was said to rival that at Delphi and the temple equaled the reputation of the famous temple on the island of Delos. It was believed that Apollo lived at Delos during the summer but spent his winters at Patara Omens were interpreted in these two towns during the respective seasons.
In a hymn attributed to Homer in the
honour of Apollo, Apollo is mentioned with both Lycia and Delos:
(ll. 179-181) O Lord, Lycia is yours and lovely Maeonia and Miletus, charming city by the sea, but over wave-girt Delos you greatly reign your own self.
In Christian history Patara is famous for being a place of St. Paul’s missionary work at the end of his third missionary journey as he changed ships on route to Jerusalem. Patara was also the birthplace of St. Nicholas (c.300 AD), bishop of Myra and the future Santa Claus.
One (of many) legends
about Patara tells that a Spanish girl was carrying of “patara”, a bowl of
cakes, which she intended to give to Apollo. She dropped the bowl and it
floated ashore to the city, giving it its name.The structures at Patara now
visible include a splendid Roman-type triple-arched triumphal arch in excellent
condition, many sarcophagi, a bath complex, Byzantine basilica, amphitheatre and
the large Granary of Hadrian. Much of Patara remains undiscovered, buried in the
shifting sand, including the famous Temple of Apollo. However, some very
exciting excavations have been going on over the past year revealing many
structures previously hidden by the dunes. 
Patara beach should not be
missed with its gorgeous landscape and great swimming. It is a national park and
home to many birds, also the breeding ground of the endangered Loggerhead
turtle(Caretta caretta). The beach is an 18 kilometer-long strip of sand
bordered on its ends by mountains and along its length by sand dunes and the
large marshy area which once was the celebrated harbour of Patara.
Overnight in hotel.
Hike time:
5 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE
B.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Kaş-Antalya: Final transfer and Fly to home.
Transfer
to Antalya Airport passing through eastern Lycian seashore via coastal road.
Breakfast
cabin sleeping on traditional sail boat
|
ITINERARY (Saturday-Saturday) |
|
| day | route |
| 1 | ARRIVAL:Transfer to Kas |
| 2 | Phellos-AntiPhellos(Kaş) |
| 3 | Kaş-İnönü |
| 4 | İnönü-Aperlai |
| 5 | Aperlai-Simena |
| 6 | Simena-Gökkaya-Çayağzı |
| 7 | Kalkan-Patara |
| 8 | FLY TO HOME:Transfer to airport |
|
PRICES-cabin sleeping- on traditional sail boat- |
|||
| min. 8 , max.8 participants (please ask for 12 participants) | |||
|
high season(july-september) |
low-season(may,june,october) |
||
| double occupancy(hiker) |
742 Euro/person |
561 Euro/person |
double occupancy(hiker) |
| single occupancy(hiker) | 1,192 Euro/person |
819 Euro/person |
single occupancy(hiker) |
| accompany-double occupancy | 677 Euro/person | 496 Euro/person | accompany-double occupancy |
| accompany-single bed- | 1,127 Euro/person | 764 Euro/person | accompany-single bed- |
| 2 nights hotel, 5 nights cabin accommodation. Cabins with WC and shower. | |||
|
all inclusive, except ALCHOLIC drinks in the boat: 40% DISCOUNT FOR 7-14 YEARS OLD CHILDREN, 20% DISCOUNT FOR 15-18 YEARS OLD YOUNG MAN/LADY |
|||
|
ENTRENCE FEES to museums and ruıns are also INCLUDED |
|||
BOAT PICTURES-option1
deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boat
|
ITINERARY (Saturday-Saturday) |
|
| day | route |
| 1 | ARRIVAL:Transfer to Kaş |
| 2 | Phellos-AntiPhellos(Kaş) |
| 3 | Kaş-İnönü Bay |
| 4 | İnönü-Aperlai |
| 5 | Aperlai-Simena |
| 6 | Simena-Gökkaya-Çayağzı |
| 7 | Kalkan-Patara |
| 8 | FLY TO HOME:Transfer to airport |
|
PRICES-deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boat-* |
|||
|
min. 4 , max.6 participants(please ask for 8 participants) |
|||
|
high season(july-september) |
off-season(april,may,june,october) |
||
| hiker | 595 Euro/person | 490 Euro/person | hiker |
| accompany(non-hiker) | 295 Euro/person | 298 Euro/person | accompany(non-hiker) |
| 4 nights in hotel, 3 overnights in boat | |||
|
all inclusive, except ALCHOLIC drinks in the boat: 40% DISCOUNT FOR 7-14 YEARS OLD CHILDREN, 20% DISCOUNT FOR 15-18 YEARS OLD YOUNG MAN/LADY |
|||
|
ENTRENCE FEES to museums and ruıns are also INCLUDED |
|||
| * communal WC, shower and kitchen available. | |||
BOAT PICTURES-option2
Included in Cost
Accommodation as double
occupancy basis (shared
deck /
cabin basis for individuals) and hotel/ pension (One-star hotel equivalent). 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 minibus.
All sightseeing and admission fees to
sites/museums.
Meals as indicated B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D
(Dinner).
Bottled water and all soft drinks on
hiking days and bottled water with lunch and dinner throughout.
Service charges and
other taxes.
Not
Included in Cost
International
airfare.
Domestic airfare in Turkey (Istanbul/Antalya/Istanbul).
Airport transfers for individual arrivals (less than 4 people).
Post-Tour
Extension. Please ask for the possibilities.
Items of
a personal nature such as soft drinks (except on
hiking
hours
on the trail), liquor, laundry,
phone calls, medical assistance, postage, additional hotel nights and meals not
specified in the itinerary, traveler's insurance,
tips
to guide, drivers and crew.
Trip cancellation, travel delay
or baggage insurance (Please refer to Terms & Conditions on the web page
www.dragoman-turkey.com).
Passport
or Turkish visa fees.
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond control of Dragoman Travel Agency.
Notes:
Previous hiking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However, in order to participate in a hiking trip, you should be in good physical and mental fitness.
Price includes: 2-3 nights accommodation in a hotel/pension, 4-5 overnights in boat, 6 days hiking; breakfast + lunch + dinner throughout; all transport during the tour, transfers from/to Antalya Airport for groups of minimum 4 persons; services of professional and experienced guides; For terms & conditions and reservations, please refer to our reservations page on our web site.
We offer 5% discount for customer groups who may wish to join this trip at Dragoman Travel's Kas office without any transfer requested.
