The Lycian Way

Lycia is the historical name of the Tekke Peninsula, which juts into the Mediterranean on
Turkey’s southern coast. The mountains rise steeply from the rocky coast, giving beautiful
views and varied walking. Forestry predominates; pines are mixed with strawberry trees and
carob, and give way to juniper and cedar at higher elevations. Along with coastal tourism,
high-intensity agriculture is crowded onto the deltas.
The Lycians were a democratic but independent, warlike people, with a developed art style
and a high standard of living. Their strategic position gave them unique opportunities for sea-
trade and (at times) for piracy. After Persian rule, the Lycians welcomed Alexander the Great
and absorbed Greek culture. Later, Lycia became a province of the Roman Empire. The
Romans developed many cities and ports, linking them with paved roads and equipping them
with theatres, baths, forums, temples and ceremonial gates. From the 4th Century, Christianity
took hold and, as the Roman empire crumbled, many Byzantine monasteries were founded in
the Lycian hills. Lycian graves and ruins abound on the peninsula and the Lycian Way passes
about 25 remote historical sites.

The Lycian Way is a 540 km, 29-day way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in
southern Turkey, from Fethiye to Antalya. The trail consists mainly of Roman roads, old
footpaths and mule trails, often hard and stony underfoot, not suitable for mountain bikes.
Lying between the coast and mountains, it often has steep gradients. It was researched,
designed and waymarked by Kate Clow, a British/Turkish amateur historian, in 1999.
Turkey’s first long-distance walking route, it was made in order to identify and protect some
of Turkey’s old roads.

PROGRAM
 
DAY 1 : Norway – Antalya Arrival
Transfer from Antalya to Fethiye, the gateway to Lycia.
We meet you at Antalya Airport. Then we have a private transfer to Fethiye, a drive
of approximately 3 hours. Group welcome briefing on the way.
Accomodation in Ölüdeniz.
DAY 2 : Lycian Way
Walk from Fethiye via Kayakoy to the famous Lagoon of Ölüdeniz
After having breakfast in hotel, we will drive to Kayaköy (Karmylasoss). 
The curious deserted town of Kayakoy in Turkey bears witness to an early 20th century
upheaval that saw hundreds of thousands of people uprooted in a population swap between
Greece and Turkey which followed the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922).
First of all, we will visit and take photo of village and area of Greek Orthodox Church in
Kayaköy. Then starting our ascent behind the crusader castle, we enter the Red Pine forest,
our views improving at every step. We find the old cobbled road connecting Fethiye ( Old
Name Meğri – Telmessos) and Kayaköy (Old name Livissi – Karmylassos). After walking
few kilometers, we will have chance to see amazing view of Ölüdeniz. With excellent rugged
sea views, we descend to the  Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, and can reward ourselves with a dip in the
sea. According to weather conditions, we may enjoy some time in Ölüdeniz or Kıdrak
Beaches and relax there after 12 km hiking. Then we will reach our hotel to rest.
 
� Walking Track : 12 km (350 mt Ascent / 300 mt Descent)
Estimated walking duration : 3,5 h
Accomodation : Ölüdeniz 
Dinner included in our hotel
 
DAY 3 : Lycian Way
Ovacık – Babadağ – Faralya (Butterfly Valley)
After having breakfast in hotel, We will take a short drive to the start of today’s trek in
Ovacik. Starting our walk at the official start point of the Lycian Way, the trail takes us to the
shoulders of Babadag ( Father Mountain 2000M) with providing us with stunning views of
Oludeniz lagoon and St Nicholas island. We stay in a pleasant trekkers’ lodge with
unforgettable views over Butterfly valley.
 
� Walking Track : 15 km (800 mt Ascent / 570 mt Descent)
Estimated walking duration : 5 h
Accomodation : Faralya 
Dinner included in our hotel

DAY 4 : Lycian Way
Faralya – Kabak- Alinca- Gey ( Yediburunlar village)
After having breakfast in hotel, climbing around 650m to abandoned terraced fields giving
splendid sea views back to Oludeniz. You can see the long peninsulas of the Fethiye bay and
Datca like a map before you and the island of Rhodes is visible on a very clear day. Keeping
high above the pristine beach of Kabak, we climb on an ancient path up a seemingly
impassable valley, the views improving at every step.  We will enjoy a cup of local tea at the
peerless viewpoint of Alinca, enjoying the ‘Seven Capes’ spread out below us. We keep
walking with grand vistas to the rustic village of Gey, nicely perched on a terrace lined ridge.
Then we will meet our driver and drive to Kaş.
� Walking Track : 14  km (600 mt Ascent / 510 mt Descent)
Estimated walking duration : 6 saat
Accomodation : Kaş
Dinner included in our hotel
DAY 5 : Relax Day
DAY 6 : Lycian Way 
Kılınçlı – Aperlai – Üçağız (Kekova) – Teimiussa
After having breakfast in our hotel, we will drive to Kılınçlı where the trek starts. After
walking on skid trail, we will go on stony paths. On the way, we will have great landscape as
if painted by Professional painter. While approaching to the sea, we will see the ancient ruins
of Aperlai. The city was found as a port city on 4th century B.C and means strait passage.
Especially necropolis of city exists as a well-preserved. We will have a lunch in local
restaurant there. After having lunch, we will go on our hike around the Lycian Tombs and
ruins. Then we will reach Üçağız Village. After free time in village center, we will go our
hotel.
 
� Walking Track : 14  km (180 mt Ascent / 470 mt Descent)
Estimated walking duration : 5 h
Accomodation : Antaya
Dinner included in our hotel

DAY 7 : Antalya City Tour
Antalya City Tour with Old Town, Düden Waterful and 1h boat tour included lunch.
Accomodation in Antalya included dinner.
DAY 8 : Antalya- Norway Departure
Transfer to Antalya Airport in order to fly back to Norway.