WEST OF LYCIA

Coastal backpacking trip from Fethiye to Patara

ITINERARY

Day 1: Dalaman-Fethiye: Arrive in Turkey (D)

Meet in the Dalaman Airport; transfer to hotel in Fethiye-OLUDENIZ LAGOON.
Welcome drink, tour briefing and welcome dinner at the hotel.
* Dinner offer depends on the arrival time.

Day 2: Ovacik village-Faralya village (B,L,D)

To the south-east of Olu Deniz Lagoon (Dead Sea Lagoon) is Baba Dag (Father Mountain), northernmost of the Cragus Mountains, with a summit of 1989 m, still capped with snow until April. It rises steeply from the sea, with just one gully and beach, breaking the western slopes. As the back drop to 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, 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 with views over the cliffs, towards a jigsaw of dark islands, beyond the pale golden 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)

Our first day on the path 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. We transfer to the beginning of the Lycian Way, and start walking with spectacular views as we climb the shoulder of Baba Dagi / Father Mountain (5-6 hrs walk). Dinner and night in pension in Faralya, overlooking Butterfly Valley. If the time is available optional walk to the beach (45 minutes downwards or upwards) Overnight in pension.

Day 3: Faralya village-Kabak village (B,L,D)

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 at Kabak you can either explore Kabak valley or swim in the Gemile Bay. Overnight in camp.

Day 4: Kabak village-Alinca village (B,L,D)

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). Overnight in pension.

Day 5: Alinca village-Sancakli-Gey village-Bel village (B,L,D)

Today you will walk on the goat paths, dirt roads and mule tracks. From the broad treeless summit , you can again see Yedi Burun headlands and the coast is spread out in front and back towards the beach of Sancakli headland below. At Gey there is an optional walk around Yedi Burun. The last place of the day is Bel village, which means pass, located at approximately the lowest point between the Black valley and the sea. Overnight in camp.

Day 6: Bel Village - Patara Beach (B,L,D)

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

Day 7: Patara Beach Walk (B,L,D)

Walking further along, the surreal views of the coast and 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. Overnight in village pension

Day 8: Canoeing along the Xanthos River. (B,L,D)

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 the Turkish coast. The cool mountain waters and the stunning riverside scenery, teaming with wildlife, will make this a day to remember.

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

Day 9: Kas: Free day in Kas and its surroundings. (B,D)
Post-trip extensions and daily programs are possible. Overnight in hotel

Day 10: Kas-Antalya / Dalaman : Final transfer and Fly home. (B)
Transfer to Antalya Airport or Dalaman Airport.
* Breakfast offer depends on the departure time.

DETAILS

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 the astonishing historical atmosphere of Lycia, an ancient civilization which existed in Southwest Anatolia. This is a vacation in a region with a historical nature of value. The stunning coastline of southern Turkey with its beautiful turquoise water, abrupt cliffs and the 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 are spent walking on the trails, rambling over the hills and campgrounds, and through secluded coves. The whisper of ancient voices in the maquis or pine trees above tell of 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 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 above. 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 the Lycian Coast, especially in the 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 the Mediterranean Sea and the Cragus Range, the Lycian Coast's deep blue water's shimmer with life, providing a surreal contrast to the surrounding landscape.

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

On 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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