Highlights
- Walk through Antalya's restored historic center & marina
- See the famous ancient Lycian rock tombs scattered along the hike trail
- Explore the semi-submerged ruins of Kekova Island by boat
- Visit ancient Roman Baths at the 7th-century BCE city of Phaselis
- Behold the eternal flames of the legendary Mount Chimera
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Flight to Antalya | Antalya |
| Day 2 | Drive to Kas | Kas |
| Day 3 | Hike from Phellos to Kas | Kas |
| Day 4 | Hike to Ucagiz | Kas |
| Day 5 | Boat Tour Through Kekova Bay | Adrasan |
| Day 6 | Hike Around Cape Gelidonya | Adrasan |
| Day 7 | Hike to Cirali | Adrasan |
| Day 8 | The Eternal Flame of Chimera | Antalya |
| Day 9 | Depart from Antalya |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Antalya
"Hos geldiniz"—welcome!
Upon arrival to Antalya, a representative will help you transfer to your hotel, which is located in the beautifully restored Old Town.
Once the capital of the ancient region of Pamphylia, Antalya is now a modern coastal paradise. Located in southern Turkey, the town lures people in with its Mediterranean beaches, a cliffside waterfall that falls straight into the sea, and its ancient hilltop castle.
Depending on your time of arrival, you could spend the afternoon walking around the historic center and the picturesque marina. Just before the dinner, you'll enjoy your first Turkish cay, or tea, and then treat your tastebuds to a delicious local meal.
Day 2: Drive to Kas
Rise bright and early for your first day of travel along the majestic Lycian Way.
You'll spend the day driving to Kas, making stops in Phaselis and Myra. The ancient Lycian city of Phaselis was founded in the 7th-century BCE, and quickly became an epicenter of commerce. Three gorgeous bays surround the city and you can easily walk along Harbor Way, passing by the Agora, the Roman Baths, and the Theatre.
The second stop of the day is Myra, one of the most important cities of the “Lycian League.” Here, you'll encounter typical Lycian rock tombs for the first time. As their name suggests, these tombs are carved right into the rock of towering mountains. Many are intricate and ornate, others are simple openings in the rock, but collectively they form a marvelous archaeological site.
In the late afternoon, you'll reach Kas. This scenic village has been spared thus far from mass tourism, keeping intact its spirit of laid back gusto. The restored old town houses give you a glance into the Greek style of the past, and make for a pleasant promenade through the streets. Visit the 4th-century Lion Tomb, catch a beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean, or visit the ancient Hellenic theater.
Day 3: Hike from Phellos to Kas
Today will be your first day of hiking on the Lycian Way.
You'll start by taking a bus to the mountainous town of Phellos, from where you will be hiking your way back to Kas.
First, visit Phellos' ancient ruins, from where you'll get an almost too-good-to-be-true view of the Greek island of Kastelorizo in the distance. Then, you'll get on the trail, passing through the picturesque village of Cukurbag, where you'll enjoy a refreshing tea break.
You'll then continue effortlessly across a plateau up to cliffs that overlook the Bay of Kas. From here, you'll only have to do the steep but scenic descent to the edge of the locality. At the end of the trail, you will find a bus waiting to take you back to Kas.
Walking time: 5 hours
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Hike to Ucagiz
Get excited for another day of hiking through this astonishing trail. You will make your way to the archaeological site of Apollonia, where you will walk up through the numerous sarcophagi scattered along the path all the way to the top of the Byzantine acropolis.
After that, the path will take you to Aperlai, once the head of the Lycian Federation. The massive walls of this city are quite impressive, as they begin on the shores and then gradually merge with the hills. You will have the pleasure of eating fresh-grilled fish on the coast of this beautiful Mediterranean city.
Once you've finished lunch, you will hop on a boat towards Ucagiz. The main attraction at this tiny fishing village is the ancient Necropolis of Teimiussa, where you'll see ancient Roman tombs and Lycian rock tombs rising throughout the terrain. Take in the quiet charm of the town before heading back to Kas.
Walking time: 4 hours
Day 5: Boat Tour Through Kekova Bay
Spend the day on a fascinating boat tour through the various islands that surround Kekova Bay. You'll visit the remote fishing village of Kalekoy—the only Mediterranean town in Turkey that can only be accessed by boat.
The highlight of the tour will be Kekova Island, where you can see the partially-submerged ruins of Simena. Above ground are the remains of Lycian tombs, a church, and a staircase that leads to the ocean. Underneath the water, lie houses, public buildings, and even a shipyard. Because of the transparency of the Mediterranean Sea, it is possible to see the sub-aquatic ruins from the boat.
At the end of the day, you'll board a bus from Ucagız to Adrasan, where you'll be staying for three nights.
Day 6: Hike Around Cape Gelidonya
In the morning, you'll drive to Karaoz. This tiny village will be your starting point as you continue walking along the Taurus Mountains.
One of the highlights of this day will be Cape Gelidonya, a site most famously known for the Bronze Age shipwreck that was located here in the 1950s. You will also pass by the cape's lighthouse, which overlooks a collection of forested islets.
Stop for a scenic lunch near the lighthouse before boarding the bus back to Adrasan.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 7: Hike to Cirali
Today's hike will be a bit more strenuous, as you will be walking up for a significant part of the trail.
The path firsts takes you through rows of orange and pomegranate trees, then into the wild Musa Daglari Mountain. Walk through a rising labyrinth of shady pine forests and sandstone gorges, passing through quaint shepherd's huts.
You'll take a drinking break on the Yayla, a high-altitude plateau that is paradise for orchid lovers in the spring. For lunch, you'll stop at the foot of Mount Olympus.
After an extensive rest, you'll take on the steep and rocky descent to the ruins of Olympos, an ancient Lycian city, in Cirali. From here, the tour bus will take you back to Adrasan to rest.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Day 8: The Eternal Flames of Chimera
In the morning, you'll go back to the Olympos Valley, which is near Cirali Beach.
You will be climbing up Yanartas, thought to be the legendary Mount Chimera, whose eternal flames have been written about since ancient times. The fires that can be seen through the cracks on the rocks have been alight for thousands of years, fed by the gases that are released from below. It is easy to imagine how this site could reach a mythological status—even with the explanations of modern science, it is hard to believe what you're seeing!
Afterward, you'll have lunch at the pretty village of Ulupınar, where you can relish in a fresh trout meal.
Once you've rested, you will make your way back to Antalya for the night.
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Day 9: Depart from Antalya
Spend one last free morning in Turkey before making your way to the Antalya Airport. A representative will help you with check-in procedures.
Safe travels!
Map
