along ancient Lycian Way and Nomadic Paths CENTRAL LYCIA (7 nights, 8 days) 2008 dates: Season: all year trips are possible Best Season: January-June, September – December

         

 CENTRAL 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, ruins and diverse landscapes as you walk between the ancient sites.

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 walking destination. Turkey is about tradition, people, history and scenery, and our tour captures all of these aspects.

 

On this ‘one base’ holiday, you will be able to penetrate each route with 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. Ramblers 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 secluded coves, the whisper of ancient voices in the maquis or pine trees above, just another hectic day on the Lycian Coast.

 

An English or French speaking guides 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 ramblers 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.

Experience mythical Lycian Coast like no one else has... Bring your camera equipment and immerse yourself in the visual ecstasy that Lycia provides.

route map

 

Itinerary

 

 

Day 1: Antalya-Kaş: 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, 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 Castellorizo, the Greek island Megiste, closest to Turkey. The sea and the mountains are equally appealing to visitors of this coast. 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.

Your accommodation is a nice and cosy hotel that is at the same time the starting point of our daily hiking tours.

Lunch or Dinner

 

Day 2: Phellos-AntiPhellos(Kaş)

Our first day on the path. This tour is the "warming up" for the following days, as the differences in altitude are quite low and there are no hard climbing sections on our way. The walking day begins from a forest fire watchtower. 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 some minutes to enjoy the view of the valley covered with colorful plants and flowers. From here, a narrow dirt road formed among the bushes will lead you to the acropolis on top of the hill. You will see that Kaş is right below you when you look down from the acropolis. If you look to the west, you will be mesmerized by the view of Mt. Akdağ, which has snow on its summit throughout the year, even in summer. 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.  Your morning walk gives you to the most picturesque slopes of  Felen ridge(Phellos) where 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.

Phellos was quite an important city in the ninth century. Even Antiphelos in Kas was a port for Phellos. But Antiphelos later gained wealth and importance because of the cedar trees found in its forests and Phellos shrunk in significance. Unlike other Lycian cities which built cisterns to meet their water needs, Phellos had plenty of water. A rich water spring on the eastern side of the hill also feeds the fountain in Cukurbag village. Although there aren’t many remains in Phellos, the beautiful vistas surrounding the city are worth seeing.

After exploring Phellos we descend the Pinarbasi village where you can witness village life. Later ddescending to Cukurbag, the peculiar architecture of old local houses, still in very good condition, attracts our attention... crossing grassy areas the route now heads for the sea edge via Bakacak pass for lunch stop. 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. the path is spilling down the nearly vertical landscape to the Mediterranean Sea. Last part of the walk introduces you most picturesque views of Kas Archipelago.

Hike time: 4-5 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE B.

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 3: Ufakdere-AntiPhellos(Kas)

Departure from hotel and transfer to trekking location. 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. 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.

To reach Limanagzi we should traverse a rocky shoreline where the landscape became more bizarre by the hour.

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.

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 Uluburun, where the oldest shipwreck ever known, has been excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology.

Already after quite a short time we have got a marvelous view to the coast; this view accompanies us almost all way long. Two hours later we leave the track aside and descend towards Bayindir Bay that, sheltered by the surrounding mountains, is a natural harbor and invites for a swim. After lunch in we may spend time swimming, snorkeling, exploring Hidrellez grotto and 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. The path westward linking the town of Kas with the Limanagzi(Bayindir Liman) offers the surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow coves is absolutely quiet and peaceful. 

Late afternoon we start to walk back to AntiPhellos(Kas). The day ends with a final walks to Big Pebble Beach where you can make last swim of the day or laze with a beautiful sunset. Continue to Kas and overnight stay.

Hike time: 4 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE B

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 4: Inonu-Barak Liman-Apollonia(Kilincli)

Departure from hotel and transfer to hiking location. The Apollonia is today's destination. This morning invites exploration around the lush hillsides, terraced with endless groves of olives. Tiny rural lanes wind through nearby villages, offering a peek into the local lifestyle. We continue walking to the site of Apollonia while exploring coastal features, and Roman outlooks. This section of the Trail follows cobbled inland tracks and a dramatic coastal path with sensational views.

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 Barak Liman for lunch. First exploring Roman tower at Dinek Tepe and Kale Tepe hills just above Barak Liman, our walks continue to Apollonia ruins via Bogazcik village. The late afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Apollonia's ancient artifacts that tell of life as the Lycians and Romans lived it centuries ago.

Ancient writers were also not clear about where exactly Apollonia was situated, but today we know almost definitely from inscriptions and a sacrifice stele from the times of Augustus and Tiberius that Apolloia was in today’s Kilincli village. Apollonia was a strong fortress where a ruler lived. Judging from the remains, Apollonia existed in the fourth century B.C. and was represented in the Lycian Union as Aperlai. The city was set up on a rocky area that looked like the letter L. The city walls to the north and west have survived to our day with little damage. Some of the city walls were built in rectangular shapes and cyclopean-style large stones were used in the construction of most of them. The trip ends at Kilincli village.

Hike time: 5 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE C.

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Day 5: Kilincli-Aperlai-Teimioussa-Simena

Today we have to work hard. After breakfast we have a short transfer to the foot of Appolonia where we start our walk through a pine forest, arriving at Aperlai(Sicak narrows) by midday.

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.

After a long visit Aperlai ruins, passing southward through Dar Bogaz (Sicak Peninsula narrows) we reach the other side, the sheltered coast of 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.

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. Old 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 Castle, the narrow village streets take us to our pension in quiet and beautiful Simena harbor. Overnight in pension(Simena village).

Hike time: 6-7 hrs. Difficulty level: GRADE C.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 6: Simena-Gokkaya Bay-Cayagzi (Andrakos River Mouth)

  

After exploring Simena necropolis, 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 not easy 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 Kaş; Transfer time: 40 minutes.

Hike time: 6-7 hours. Difficulty level: GRADE C.

Breakfast, Lunch,

 

Day 7: Kas: Free day in Kas and its surroundings.

 

 

 

 

 

Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible.

Breakfast

 

Day 8: Kas-Antalya: Final transfer and Flight home.

The tour ends in hotel after breakfast.Transfer to Antalya Airport passing through eastern Lycian seashore via coastal road.

Breakfast

Included in Cost

• Accommodation as double occupancy basis in rooms for individuals (hotel/ pension). Your fellow roommates 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 (for minimum 4 people).

• 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 days ), liquor, laundry, phone calls, medical assistance, postage, additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the itinerary, traveler'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  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: 7 nights B&B accommodation in a hotel/pension, 5 days hiking, breakfast + lunch for all hiking days, 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.

• 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 DragomanTravel Kas office without any transfer requested.

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

• If requested, all archaeological, ecological and historical information about the tour route will be presented to the participants as a printed document and/or to be sent via Internet.

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

• Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel. Our insurance may not protecet you. Please check your own policy details.

• 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.

 

  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.

 

 

 

Grading the Tours.

Backpacking tours are here divided arbitrarily into four categories, A-D according to potential difficulty and risk.

It should be remembered that every situation is different and your trip may not fit readily into one category or another.

In the grading of all our tours we try to take into account a combination of the distance walked, the toughness of the terrain, the altitude, the overall length of the whole tour and the degree of comfort that can be expected. 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’!

 

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. 

 

Day Hiking. On a walking or hiking trip, you’ll make day hikes in the local area, returning each night to a restaurant meal and a warm bed in an inn or hotel. First, know the difference between a trek and a walking or hiking trip. A treks loosely defined as a multi-day, long-distance walk from point A to B (or a big loop from A back to A), with porters or pack-animals carrying the loads and guides setting up camps along the way. Call it full-service backpacking without the backpack. Treks typically run in remote, mountainous regions.

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Route:

 

1.    PHELLOS(Felen) -ANTIPHELLOS(Kas)...12 km

2.    UFAKDERE-ANTIPHELLOS(Kas)...9 km

3.    INONU-Barak Liman-APOLLONIA(Kilincli)..12 km

4.    KILINCLI-Aperlai- Teimioussa -SIMENA(Kale)..19 km

5.    SIMENA-CAYAGZI(ANDRIAKE)..15 km

TOTAL : 67 KM

 

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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 Center adopts a ‘Pack it in - Pack it out’, 'Soft Hiking & 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. All rubbish that is combustible or biodegradable will be disposed of without trace. 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 Kaş for proper disposal. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

 

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