Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way - 8 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Sirince: Gateway to EphesusArrival Day

  Descending into Izmir airport, you'll catch a glimpse of the long stretches of Turkey's stunning Aegean coastline and its' strikingly blue water. Let your imagination wander as you witness the meeting of ancient and modern cultures through the architecture and cityscapes as you make your way south to your hotel in a small village. We welcome you to Turkey, and we invite you to experience the old and new as you set off to explore the Turquoise Coast and the Lycian Way. Arrive at any time and transfer from Izmir airport to your hotel in the village of Şirince. For those who have pre-booked the visit to Ephesus, the tour will depart the hotel at 4pm and will return at approximately 6pm. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. After dinner, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

• Days 2-1: Bodrum: Ancient Sites and Turkish Countryside

  Delve deep into Turkey's history as you wander through ancient temples and ruins dating back thousands of years. The massive columns and sheer size of these complexes will spark the imagination into how these places once were in their heyday. Sip tea from a local tea house and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing south to the Bodrum Peninsula, jutting out into the Aegean Sea. Drive from Şirince to the ancient sites of Priene and Miletus to visit the ancient ruins, theatre and temples. After a light typical lunch, stop in a local tea house before visiting the temple complex of Didyma on the way to Bodrum. Enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants around or join the CEO at their local favourite.

• Days 3-2: Bodrum: Castle and Coastline

  Sitting at a strategic position on the water, Bodrum has been an important marine and shipping hub for the region over the thousands of years that people have lived there. You'll discover parts of this history firsthand as you wander through the castle and some of the city's other historical sites. Venture out to the end of the Bodrum Peninsula for a delicious lunch of local specialties with great views across the sea and coastline. Visit Bodrum Castle before heading to the ancient city of Halikarnasos to see the tomb of Mosaleus and the theatre. Continue to Gumusluk for lunch overlooking the bay before stopping at the Bodrum windmills perched on a hill with views of the surrounding area. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

• Days 4-3: Dalyan: Along the Dalyan River

  Swap the bus for a boat as you drift down the Dalyan River for another day of adventure. Feel the warmth of the bubbling natural mud pools and let your skin soak in all of those rejuvenating minerals before taking a refreshing rinse in the river or lake. Meander further downriver to the sprawling ancient site of Kaunos and cruise right up to your hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool or gazing across the river at the rock tombs. Drive from Bodrum to Dalyan and take a boat trip on the Dalyan River. Soak in mud baths and then travel upriver to visit the Acropolis of Kaunos and see the nearby rock tombs. Continue to Dalyan beach to have lunch next to the river, relax and swim before arriving by boat to the hotel for a free evening.

• Days 5-4: Göcek: Hike to Rock Tombs

  The Turkish countryside opens up as you follow the coast south to a small village where the trailhead lies for today's hike. Set off on foot with the remote ancient city of Pinara as your goal, to explore the remains of the theatre, basilica and the Lycian rock tombs carved out of the stone cliffs. Back in the village you'll gain insights into daily life of the people who live in this region with a delicious lunch prepared by a local family. Travel from Dalyan to the village of Minare to start the hike to the historical site of Pinara. Back in Minare, enjoy a local lunch prepared by a family before continuing on to Göcek to check into the hotel and have an evening at leisure.

• Days 6-5: Göcek: Your OMG Day

  The Lycian Way is yours to discover today either by sea kayak or on foot. Hike from village to village along the coast with the Mediterranean on one side and forest on the other, or alternatively paddle the rocky coves and shoreline around Saint Nicholas Island. Regroup in the picturesque seaside resort village of Ölüdeniz which serves as the official start point for the marked footpath of the Lycian Way and also is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Choose either a half-day hike along part of the Lycian Way or go sea kayaking along the Turquoise Coast. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Ölüdeniz and then take some free time to explore before returning to the hotel in the evening.

• Days 7-6: Göcek: The Turquoise Coast

  There's no better way to appreciate the beauty of rocky coastline and blue waters than from a boat. You'll spend the day winding in and out of the bays of Göcek, swimming and snorkelling along the way, as well as make a stop for a short hike to a beach where a natural hot water spring meets the sea. Göcek and the Turquoise Coast provide the ultimate capstone to this adventure along the Lycian Way. Head out on a full-day boat tour of Göcek's bays for swimming and snorkelling with a barbecue lunch onboard. Stop for a hike to Cleopatra's Baths before returning to Göcek. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

• Days 8-7: Göcek

  Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time. Departure transfers to Dalaman airport are included.