LYCIAN WAY TREKKING

Coastal camping and backpacking tour along Lycian Way.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Antalya-Kas: Arrive in Turkey (L,D)

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 bougainville. 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 closest to Turkey. The sea and the mountains are equally appealing to visitors of this coast.

Day 2: Phellos-Antiphellos(Kaş)-Limanagzi (B,L,D)

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". After descending a steep path down to Kas, we will continue to Sebeda Bay for our fist camping site.

During the second 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. Late afternoon we may spend time swimming, canoeing, snorkeling and lazing under sun.

Day 3: Factoria--Inönü Cove-Barak Cove-Appolonia (Kilincli Village) (B,L,D)

Today, continue to Inönü Cove and start to last climb to Barak Cove for overnight stay in the second lunch stop of the trip. Late afternoon we may spend time swimming, snorkeling and lazing under sun.Starting from Barak Cove we will climb up and descent to the Dinek Tepe. 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.

Note: camp night may be changed into village house accommodation according to the seasonal conditions.

Day 4: Appolonia-Aperlai Isthmus (Sicak Cove)-Simena (B,L,D)

Today we have to work hard. After very early departure we walk eastward to Kekova sound. Leaving the village behind, we continue walking to the site of Aperlai, while exploring coastal features, and Roman outlooks.

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 Teimiousa cove. Walking along the coastline, once we reach the other side we explore the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound; explore ancient towns of Teimiousa and Simena, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial grounds.

After 2 hrs walk, 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. After a long visit Aperlai ruins, passing southward through Dar Bogaz (Sicak Peninsula isthmus) we reach our lunch spot at this hidden cove, the other side, the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound. 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.

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. 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

Day 5: Simena-Gokkaya Bay-Cayagzi (Andrakos River Mouth) (B,L,D)

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 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.

Day 6: KAS: Free day in Kas and its surroundings. (B)

Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible.

Day 7: Kaş-Antalya - Fly to home. (B)

Transfer to Antalya Airport for the onward flights or continue with extension tours. passing through eastern Lycia seashore via coastal road.

DETAILS

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: 4 nights B&B accommodation in a hotel/pension, 3 days overnight in tents, 5 days hiking, breakfast + lunch + dinner for all hiking days, all transport during the tour, transfers from/to Antalya Airport for groups of minimum 4 persons; all group camping equipment: services of professional and experienced guides.

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.

The last day in Kas we will drive back to Antalya Airport for the end of services or continue with extension Turkey tours.

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