This exciting new trek follows the prettiest parts of Turkey's first ever long-distance footpath - the Lycian Way. The route snakes its way over bare hillsides and through scented pine forests overlooking the blue Mediterranean. It dips down to wonderful hidden beaches where sparkling waves lap smooth sands. We spend the nights at tiny villages where grape vines wreathe the stone cottages. The trek descends to the ancient Lycian coastal fort of Pydnai and the three temples of Letoon, where French archaeologists are re-creating history.
Grade B, with C options. All luggage is transported to the next night's stop. Two Grade C optional half-day treks. Maximum 16 trekkers.
4 nights in hotel or pension, 2 nights in village house, 1 night in wooden cabin. Evening meals are typical Turkish dishes, including soup or salads, and fruit or sweet. Lunches are picnics with local produce. Breakfasts include local yoghurt and honey.
Prices do not include soft drinks or alcohol, which are available at pensions or village houses.
Trekkers should have a 3-season sleeping bag, mat, trekking boots, raingear, swimwear, sunhat and sunblock and a daysack. Sleeping bags available for hire.
Day 1: Transfer to Lycia Lodge, Ovacik. Welcome drink, evening meal, briefing.
Day 2: Trek from Ovacik to Kozaagac, Kirme and Faralya, 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.
Day 3: Optional descent to Butterfly Valley, down dry waterfalls; swim from Butterfly Valley beach and climb back up to Faralya (4 hrs scamble). Trek from Faralya to Kabak; dinner and night in tree houses (3.5 hrs walk). Midnight swim.
Day 4: Early morning swim. Trek into the forested Kabak valley; splash in the waterfalls, and up a beautiful old mule trail to Alinca, with spectacular views over Yedi Burun (Seven capes) (4-5 hrs). Dinner and night in village house.
Day 5: Optional climb down to secret beach; explore and swim in crystal waters; then return to main trail (4 hrs). Trek along clifftops to Gey village (3 hrs). Dinner and night in village house.
Day 6: Trek a tiny goat path around a spectacular bay to Bel, then to Belcegiz and descend a steep rocky Roman road to Gavuragili (7 hrs). Dinner and night in timber cabins in Gavuragili.
Day 7: Morning swim and trek to the ruins of Pydnai Roman fort. Explore ruins, then trek to the three temples of Letoon (3-4 hrs walk). Trek ends with transfer to Saklikent, the perfect place to unwind or to Fethiye.