9 DAYS TURKEY’S TURQUOISE COAST: AN IDYLLIC HIKING PARADISE

Arrive in Antalya

Upon arrival in Antalya, the sunny coastal city along the Turkish Riviera, you would be met and transferred to your hotel.

Essential Antalya Tour (Half Day)

Discover Antalya city, visiting Hadrian’s Gate, which dates back to 130 AD. It was built to celebrate the arrival of Emperor Hadrian and is the last gate that remains standing in the ancient city. Then, head to the Old Town to see the Clock Tower, Fluted Minaret (Yivli Minaret Mosque), and the Old Harbour.

Continue to the stunning Duden Waterfalls, comprising the Upper and Lower falls formed over thousands of years. The Lower Düden falls cascade over a dramatic 40-metre drop into the Mediterranean Sea, and is a symbolic natural phenomenon of Antalya.

Antalya Historical Highlights Tour (Full Day)

In the morning, visit the Ancient City of Perge, one of the most well-known cities in the Pamphylia region. Continue to the Theatre and Aqueducts of the Ancient City of Aspendos, featuring amazingly well-preserved Roman ruins that rival Ephesus. Some of its most impressive buildings include the theatre, the basilica, fountains, and aqueducts.

End with a trip to the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of the largest museums in Turkey. There, admire artefacts preserved from the ancient civilizations of Lycia, Rome and Byzantine.

Lycian Way Tour – Phaselis, Olympos, & Myra (Full Day)

Drive ~50 minutes to the Ancient City of Phaselis, where we begin the Lycian Way. A rugged long-distance hiking trail stretching from Antalya to Fethiye, the Lycian Way famously winds through a breathtaking coastline of Lycian Civilisation heritage sites amidst stunning views of the Mediterranean.

We visit Phaselis, an important harbour of Lycia from the 7th century BC, before continuing to Olympos, a maritime trading city of the Lycian Union. In the afternoon, you may opt to embark on a hike around Cirali (Distance: ~4km; Time taken: ~51 minutes), to view the flaming rocks of Mount Chimaera, which have burnt for hundreds of years. Thereafter, drive ~1½ hours to the ancient ruins of Myra, one of the leading Lycian Union cities of its time and home to the largest Greco-Roman amphitheatre in Lycia. Marvel at dozens of intricately rock cut tombs above the theatre before travelling ~50 minutes to Kas to rest for the night.

Lycian Way Tour – Antiphellos, Xantos, Letoon, & Patara (Full Day)

After breakfast, visit the Ancient Ruins of Antiphellos, before driving ~50 minutes to the Ancient City of Xanthos (UNESCO). The capital of the Lycian Union, Xanthos was the world’s first federative republic, and features well-preserved mosaics and also once housed the famous Nereid Monument.

From Xanthos, we drive to Letoon, another UNESCO World Heritage site, for a short hike. Built for the Mother Goddess Leto (Zeus’ lover), Letoon has some of the finest ruins along the Lycian Way and its temples rise majestically above aqua waters and lush vegetation. You may also choose to hike from Xanthos to Letoon instead (Distance: 6km; Time taken: ~1 hour 20 minutes). In the afternoon, explore Patara, the second capital of Lycia and the birthplace of the sun god Apollo and Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus).

Fethiye & Kayakoy Exploration (Full Day)

Today, drive ~2 hours to Fethiye, which marks the tail end of the Lycian Way. Along the way, we visit the spectacular Tomb of Amyntas, an ancient Greek rock-hewn tomb of Lycia that remains superbly well preserved.

From the rock tombs, we trek towards the abandoned town of Kayaköy and explore its meandering trails, enjoying spectacular views of the turquoise Mediterranean (Distance: 8km; Time taken: ~2 hours). You may also opt to drive the route instead. Arriving at the Lagoon of Oludeniz, reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Morning at Leisure

Explore Fethiye at leisure today, with optional activities at additional cost.

Option A: Paragliding from Babadag

Just 30 minutes from Fethiye, Babadag (translated to Father Mountain) is Turkey’s top paragliding destination, and is one of the highest commercial take-off sites in the world. Experience exciting 360 degree turns as you enjoy bird’s-eye views of the famous Blue Lagoon, before gently landing on Oludeniz beach.

Option B: Boat tour around Butterfly Valley & Oludeniz Islands (Shared Basis)

Enjoy a fascinating boat trip around Fethiye’s islands and visit Butterfly Valley, a protected oasis home to roughly 100 species of butterflies. Enjoy an incredible day at sea swimming in crystal clear turquoise waters and relaxing amidst stunning, tranquil landscapes.

Saklikent Canyon Hiking (Half Day)

In the afternoon, explore Saklikent Canyon, which translates to “hidden city” in Turkish. One of the deepest and longest canyons in Turkey, you’ll trek a part of the rugged and majestic canyon, enjoying views of crystalline springs, wild rapids, and dense forests along the way.

Visit Dalyan & Kaunos (Full Day)

This morning, drive ~1 hour to Dalyan. Located on the channel which connects Koycegiz Lake with the Mediterranean, the traditional fishing village is peaceful and scenic, with activities that will satisfy your inner adventurer.

Visit the ornate Lycian tombs and ancient ruins of Kaunos, and discover a Roman theatre, fortifications, and basilica. Thereafter, enjoy the Mud Baths that Dalyan is most famous for, before driving ~3 hours to Bodrum, the sophisticated sail and party capital of the Aegean.

Bodrum Highlights Tour (Half Day)

Embark on a visit of the iconic Castle of St. Peter (closed Mon) which also houses the award-winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Learn about amazing finds from underwater excavations along the Turkish coast, such as the famous Uluburun Shipwreck.

Then, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. After being destroyed in an earthquake, the Mausoleum’s remaining rubble was used in the building of the Castle of St. Peter, and much of its statues and reliefs now live in the British Museum.

Ancient Kings’ Road Walk (Half Day)

Drive ~1½ hours to Bafa Lake, which used to be the ancient port of the city of Herakleia, part of the Ancient Kings’ Road to the Besparmak Mountains. Enjoy stunning views over Bafa Lake from the top.

Then, head to Kapikiri to discover its prehistoric cave paintings and frescoes from the early Christian period, as well as monastic ruins. The picturesque village sits among the ruins of the ancient city of Herakleia.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You would be transferred to Bodrum airport for your onward journey or flight home.

Private Charter Cruise around Bodrum Peninsula (Full Day)

Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing cruise along Bodrum’s glorious peninsula, the best way to explore the picturesque bays, pristine turquoise waters, and sandy beaches of the region.

Soak up the sun from out on deck or admire the region’s fabled coastlines framed by forests and hills, making lifetime memories onboard your private motor yacht. The route includes several stops for swimming and snorkeling, plus a visit to Kara Ada (Black island), a gorgeous island best known for its mineral-dense waters.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

You would be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.