Ancient Lycia — 9-Day Lycian Way Trek

The Lycian Way is a long-distance route along the south-west coast of Turkey. Walking it end to end takes several weeks, so the Ancient Lycia programme links selected mountain, coastal and historical sections by transfer. That makes it possible to see very different parts of the route in nine days without carrying all your luggage.

The first walking days run from the Göynük canyon to the mountain settlements and the slopes of Tahtalı. The group then descends to Çıralı, visits the Chimaera flames and the ruins of Olympos, and walks over Musa Dağ to Adrasan. The coastal stage leads to the lighthouse on Cape Gelidonya, after which the programme continues in the area of Simena, Myra and the Göynük canyon.

The main physical demand is not absolute altitude but repeated ascents and long descents over stone. The Tahtalı day carries a descent of about 1500 m, and the stage to Cape Gelidonya reaches 17 km. Participants need sound knees, broken-in trekking boots or shoes with a grippy sole, and the ability to hold a pace in hot weather.

No technical mountaineering experience is required. Canyoning and kayaking are separate activities inside the trip and are run only where they are available and conditions are safe. The guide may change the order of visits or drop the water section because of the weather, the water level or the operation of local services.

The Lycian Way is often combined with a separate Ararat climbing programme. Several walking days here build general fitness, but they do not create high-altitude acclimatisation; a separate three-day Ararat format also exists for experienced participants with recent altitude experience. Both are distinct programmes and are booked separately.

Day 1. Arrival in Antalya.

A member of the team meets the group at the airport and arranges the transfer to the hotel. After check-in there is an introduction to the guide, a discussion of the programme and a check of footwear and day packs. An evening walk through the old town and dinner ease everyone into the trip before the first walking day. Night at the hotel.

Day 2. Göynük — mountain valley — Ovacık.

After breakfast the group transfers to Göynük and starts the first section of the trek towards the mountain valley. The day introduces the character of the Lycian Way and lets the guide judge the group’s pace before the longer ascents and descents. Once the walking part is finished, a transfer takes the group to Ovacık. Night at a campsite.

Day 3. Walk to Yayla Küzdere.

The route follows a mountain path through the Gedelme area, where the ruins of an ancient fortress survive, and continues to the settlement at the foot of the Taurus mountains. The stage of about 13 km with roughly 650 m of ascent prepares the legs for the following day on Tahtalı. Night at a campsite or at the confirmed accommodation on the programme.

Day 4. Mount Tahtalı and the descent to Beycik.

A transfer takes the group to the start of the route. After 2.5–3 hours the walk reaches the cable car station and the ascent of Tahtalı. After taking in the panorama of the coast and a snack, the route descends by mountain paths towards Beycik. This is one of the most demanding days because of the long descent: about 6 hours, roughly 300 m of ascent and 1500 m of descent. Night at a campsite.

Day 5. Çıralı and the Chimaera flames.

The route descends through the Beydağları national park to the coast at Çıralı. The stage takes about 5 hours and includes some 900 m of descent. After settling in and resting, the group sets off for the natural gas vents known as the Chimaera flames. The evening walk closes the transition from the mountain section to the coastal one. Night at the hotel.

Day 6. Olympos — Musa Dağ — Adrasan.

The morning is spent among the ruins of ancient Olympos, after which the walking route continues over Musa Dağ, about 650 m high. The ascent and the descent into the bay at Adrasan bring the group back to a full walking load after the quieter evening at Çıralı. Night at the confirmed accommodation in Adrasan.

Day 7. Adrasan — Cape Gelidonya — Simena.

The trail runs along the coast to the lighthouse on Cape Gelidonya. The stated length of the walking part is about 17 km and the time about 6 hours. After the route is finished the group transfers to the Kaleöy and Simena area and visits the fortress and the Lycian sarcophagi. The kayak outing is possible only in suitable weather and with confirmed arrangements. Night at the hotel.

Day 8. Myra, the Göynük canyon and the return to Antalya.

The group transfers to the ancient city of Myra, then continues to the Göynük canyon, where a short walk of about 2 hours is planned. Boats and canyoning are possible where the water level is safe, the weather suits and the local services are operating. After the programme the group returns to Antalya. Night at the hotel, or the day closes according to the confirmed booking.

Day 9. End of the programme.

At the agreed time there is a transfer to the airport. Participants check in themselves. If the trip continues with a separate Ararat ascent, the onward flights and transfers are arranged as an independent linkage of two programmes.

• A guide for the whole programme
• All accommodation on the programme, with breakfasts
• All transfers on the programme, in comfortable vehicles
• Permits and registrations for the route, with the exact scope and the responsibility of each side confirmed before booking
• Entrance fees
• Canyoning and boats in the Göynük canyon
• Group equipment
• First-aid kit
• Meeting and seeing off at the airport

• Lunches and dinners, ordered from the menu — on average about USD 150 for the trip
• Kayaks — USD 20–40
• Personal expenses, tips and drinks
• Travel insurance
• Any costs arising from a change to the programme

Documentos:

• Passaporte internacional
• Bilhetes de avião
• Seguro de viagem

Equipamento pessoal:

• Mochila de 40 a 60 litros
• Bastões de trekking

Roupa e calçado:

• Botas de trekking / tênis
• Calças de trekking
• Camiseta de trekking de manga longa
• Capa de chuva (a mais leve possível!)
• Jaqueta fleece
• Bandana
• Shorts
• Camisetas / meias / roupa íntima
• Chapéu ou boné para proteção solar

Diversos:

• Forro para saco de dormir
• Garrafa reutilizável (pelo menos 1 litro!)
• Lanterna de cabeça com duração mínima de 12 horas
• Óculos de sol
• Protetor solar, protetor labial
• Kit de primeiros socorros pessoal
• Atadura elástica e/ou faixa de suporte