DAY 1

Upon meeting in the lovely port city of Antalya, dramatically situated at the base of the 9,000-foot Taurus Mountains, you drive 45 minutes to Termessos, a wild mountain-top settlement of the ancient Pisidians at an elevation of 3,455 feet with spectacular views of the mountains and the Antalyan coast. Protected by geography from the attacks of Alexander the Great, it later became an ally of Rome, eventually declining due to an earthquake that destroyed the city’s aqueduct and water supply. The path climbs steadily to the natural platform on which the ancient city was built, and leads to the site’s highlight, the well-preserved theater, perched on the mountain’s cliffs as if hanging in mid-air.

You descend following the same trail part of the way, and past several cliff tombs. The van takes you to a charming restaurant where lunch is served in the shade of full-grown pine trees, with pools and water channels gurgling in the background. You indulge in your first assortment of local specialties that may include hibesh, an appetizer flavored with tahini, yogurt, cumin and paprika, or perhaps lamb stewed with onions, tomatoes, peppers and herbs, followed by a baked pumpkin dessert. This afternoon, you stroll through a farmers’ street market before traveling approximately two hours along a beautiful stretch of Mediterranean coastline, contouring the base of Mt. Olympos, to the village of Çirali, your home for the next two nights. Time permitting, you may stroll or ride one of the hotel’s bicycles on the sandy road to a two-mile long secluded beach, part of which is protected by the World Wildlife Fund as a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles.

You gather with your group for a welcome drink at the outdoor bar before a dinner al fresco by the swimming pool. Local specialties may include a variety of meze (appetizers) and freshly caught grilled fish.
Nerissa Hotel, Çirali

DAY 2

After a bountiful buffet breakfast of fresh and preserved fruit, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, cheeses, yogurt, and baked goods, you transfer 30 minutes to the morning walk starting at the secluded bay of Alacasu. Within Olympos National Park, a beautiful trail takes you over three coves under Aleppo pines, and to your final destination, the beachfront ruins of ancient Phaselis, founded in 700 BC. Because of its location on an isthmus, the city features three harbors and was once a major trade center. You walk the short and wide main street, passing Roman baths, agoras, theaters, and numerous sarcophagi, and end at the impressive Hadrian Waterway Gate.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you begin a walk which initially takes you along a stream on a well-established dirt trail. After crossing the stream (this may require taking your boots off depending on the water level) you walk uphill in an open forest spotted with bright pink bougainvilleas in the spring, before reaching an open viewpoint. You start descending a somewhat rocky trail within a much drier landscape of rust-colored soil and rubber plants. The day culminates at the sacred site of Chimaera, where “eternal flames” have literally been coming out of the rocks for 3,000 years. According to Book 6 of Homer’s Iliad, it is here where Bellerophon, riding Pegasus, slays the Chimaera, the monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. Those who prefer can opt for a more relaxed afternoon, transferring directly to the entrance of the Chimaera site to follow a smooth trail up and down (approximately 30 minutes each way) to the “flaming rocks” before returning to the hotel and spending the afternoon on the beach or by the pool. Dinner this evening is once again served on the hotel premises.
Nerissa Hotel, Çirali

DAY 3

Today’s adventure starts with a very early wake-up call and a cup of coffee before boarding the van for an approximate three-hour drive during which you enjoy a breakfast “on-the-go” of local pastries and fruit. The discreet trailhead separates from the main road and you follow rocky paths and goat trails partly shaded with carob trees, gradually descending all the way to sea level. Before reaching the shore at ancient Aperlea, you walk by ancient sarcophagi and remnants of Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine era buildings hidden in the wild vegetation. Aperlae, with some of its monuments buried under the sea due to a 5th-century earthquake, is an ancient Lycian city dating to the 4th century BC. It is most remarkable for its 1,300-year life span, declining only as late as the 7th century AD during the Byzantine period. The ancient economy of this town was the valuable Tyrian dye, derived painstakingly from a type of marine snail; archaeological excavations have uncovered huge vats where the snails were kept and processed to produce the deep purple dye, prized by the Romans for use in ceremonial robes.

A private boat awaits on the only dock at Sicak Bay, and your morning efforts are rewarded with the scent of grilled chicken cooked by your first mate aboard your vessel. A buffet of mixed salads and stewed vegetable completes your lunch, enjoyed while peacefully cruising the turquoise waters. Your captain takes you to a tiny cove where ancient ruins stand on the white-sand beach. There is time to sunbathe on the deck or relax in the shade, or perhaps swim in the crystal clear sea.

The boat docks at Andriace where your van is waiting to take you to two nearby sites of interest. The town of Myra, known for its amazing rock-cut cliff tombs dating back to 500 B.C., and a well-preserved Roman theater circa 100 B.C., is perhaps best known as the home of St. Nicholas, who performed miracles and evolved into Santa Claus. Another quick hop on and off the bus takes you to the church where he presided as bishop. Finally, you drive approximately one hour to the town of Kas. A quaint fishing town once known for its sponge divers, Kas is now a lovely seaside resort. Your hotel is built on the hillside and features a multitude of waterfront lounging areas, from the swimming pool, to the bar, to canopies hidden behind climbing bougainvilleas, to lounge chairs placed along the rocky shoreline.
Villa Hotel Tamara, Kas

DAY 4

The morning begins with a buffet breakfast on the hotel terrace, overlooking the neighboring Greek isles. Fully energized, you transfer to a rarely visited Roman aqueduct, its arches a magnificent apparition in the tranquil countryside. The environment in which you walk today is varied, at times lined with silvery olive trees and a natural herb garden of thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary, alternating with fragrant pine forests, or open meadow, switching from a single track trail to a wide dirt road, and sandy path among tall grasses. Finally, the views open up and the ruins of Patara appear in the distance, with the deep blue sea as a backdrop. The city, said to be founded by one of Apollo’s son, Patarus, was once one of the most important seaports in Lycia, and particularly known for its temple and the oracle of Apollo. Patara is also the birth place of St. Nicholas. As in ancient times, you enter via the city gate and pass remains of temples, sarcophagi, a “main street,” and an impressive theater (access to various areas vary according to the progress of excavation projects).

You board your van for a 45-minute transfer to the mountain village of Bezirgan at just over 2,000 feet in elevation, where you are treated to a traditional lunch with a local family. Tucked in a fertile plateau, villagers tend their fruit orchards, fields of chickpeas, and herds of sheep. You remove your shoes as you enter the house, and observe your hostess as she prepares “katmer” on a wide metal sheet over an open fire—a savory flatbread filled with greens, onions, cheese, olive oil, and spices. Another version of katmer has tahini and sugar, which she may also prepare for you. Various other traditional dishes follow such as homemade dolmas stuffed with eggplant, peppers, or zucchini, homemade yogurt, and tomato salad. If you still have room, dessert might be delicately flavored rice pudding and fresh fruit. Lunch is served according to custom on wide floor trays, sitting cross-legged around the trays on the carpeted wooden floor (with cushions available if floor seating is uncomfortable). Afterward, hot tea is served on the terrace.

An hour drive takes you back to Kas and the rest of the day (including dinner) is on your own and at your leisure. This small resort town features attractive shops and markets ideal for souvenir shopping, or you may choose to sit at an outdoor restaurant overlooking the harbor, or return to your hotel where you may lounge by the pool or by the sea.
Villa Hotel Tamara, Kas

DAY 5

Departing Kas, a scenic two-hour drive north to the towns of Kalkan and Esen turns west into the coastal mountains. You begin today’s walk in Alinca, a tiny settlement at 2,100 feet. Perhaps one of the most scenic trails along the Lycian Way with its sweeping sea views, it is an ancient trail that takes you along the top of sea cliffs and under pine trees, creating shade for the majority of your walk. The path today is mostly downhill, with both smooth and rocky sections. You walk all the way down to the remote fine sand beach of Kabak, an eccentric little community, where there is time to kick off your boots, stretch, and lounge “Turkish-style,” on oversize pillows and cushions, perhaps with an ice-cold beer. Lunch is served buffet-style, featuring hearty soups, a variety of stewed vegetables, pasta dishes, all made with organic products. Your table is set in the shade of a canopy, and a gentle breeze blows as you indulge in this casual homemade meal. There is time to swim in the turquoise waters of this secluded cove, sunbathe on its white-sand beach, or perhaps even enjoy a brief siesta, lulled to rest by the sound of the waves.

Kabak Beach has limited access, and instead of climbing the steep surrounding trails on foot to exit, you are taxied up the hill along a bumpy road (approximately 20 minutes). After this exciting ride, you hop in the more conventional van and transfer slightly over an hour to the town of Fethiye, a lively port town set in a broad bay at the base of the Taurus Mountains. It is a perfect place to explore on foot, from the seafront promenade and marina with both fishing boats and yachts, to the pedestrian-only town center with many cafés, enticing shops, and a communal hammam or Turkish bath. You gather for dinner at the colorful farmers’ market where your guides select fresh fish from the stalls and have these prepared for you at an adjacent restaurant, accompanied by savory meze and vegetables.
Yacht Hotel, Fethiye

DAY 6

This morning, a 45-minute drive brings you to Oludeniz, a famous lagoon whose waters glitter in a multitude of shades of greens and blues. From here you begin an uphill climb on foot, including some steep and rocky sections. You walk along a trail partially shaded by emerald green Aleppo pine forests and over headlands, which provides magnificent views of the lace-like seascapes below. Your morning efforts are rewarded with a steady downhill section at the end, and views of the astonishing Greek ghost town of Kayakoy. The inhabitants of this 600-home ghost city were subjects of the mass population exchanges of the 1920s. Today’s unsettled state of the city offers moving flashbacks of a past human drama. Farther down the hill is the modern village of Kayakoy, now hosting a few shops and open-air restaurants. You settle at one of the shaded tables and once again savor a variety of meze, by now both familiar and enticing, local grilled meat, and colorful fruit platters.

In the afternoon, you may choose to walk a pine-shaded path from a nearby trailhead to Affouli Monastery. The trail is mostly smooth except for the last short section, which is a steep downhill with loose rocks and gravel. The dramatic cliff-side monastery offers sweeping views of the blue expanse of the Mediterranean (not recommended for those with vertigo or fear of heights). Others may stroll the streets of Kayakoy, perhaps even ride a camel (!), or return to the hotel to relax by its swimming pool. You regroup for an apéritif on the top floor of the hotel, and dine with a stunning view of the marina as the sun sets.
Yacht Hotel, Fethiye

DAY 7

Today you leave behind the Mediterranean and the region of Lycia, and travel north along the Aegean coastline to Caria and Ionia. Due to the distance covered today, you start again very early, with a departure from the hotel at 7:00 am. Breakfast is served during your four-and-a-half-hour drive, and there is an opportunity to use facilities mid-way. Your first destination is Bafa Lake and the village of Golyaka. You stretch your legs on a delightful trail into the foothills of Mt. Latmos. The route is shaded by thousands of olive trees and meanders among smooth weather-sculpted boulders, some of which you occasionally have to climb over. Wonderful views overlook Bafa Lake, and you may also catch glimpses of sure-footed mountain goats running along impossibly steep inclines. This area hides dozens of 9,000-year-old Neolithic caves complete with well-preserved cave paintings. These pictographs have never been extensively studied or catalogued, thus a true sense of discovery awaits. The trail leads gently uphill to a cave locally known as Kerdemlik, which holds wonderfully preserved cave paintings. A picnic lunch is served on the trail, and features a variety of fresh cold dishes.

This afternoon you may choose to continue to walk to Yediler Manastiri, the remains of a Byzantine monastery, where fine frescoes decorate the chapel walls. Or, you may loop back to the village of Kapikiri, resting on the extensive ruins of Herakleia, some of which are still visible. You can relax at a taverna over a glass of steaming hot coffee served the traditional way, or perhaps shop for a delicately embroidered scarf made by the community’s elder women.

Late afternoon, the drive continues for another hour and a half, and time flies as you toast the day’s accomplishments with refreshments and snacks. Dinner is served at your elegant seaside hotel on the doorstep of Ephesus.
Kismet Hotel, Kusadasi

DAY 8

You rise for a hearty breakfast to fuel you for the 3-hour walking tour of Ephesus, the Greco-Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage site that contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean region. The visible ruins provide a glimpse into the size and wealth of the city, and it is estimated that only 15 percent of the site has been excavated. The tour includes landmarks such as the Roman Library of Celsus (125 AD), baths, a brothel, temples, and the main Harbor Street dominated by the Great Theater, believed to be the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world. In addition to Greek and Roman history, the site has strong associations with early Christianity. Saint Paul lived and was imprisoned here, and the Gospel of John is believed to have been written here around 100 AD. Similar to Ancient Priene, Ephesus was once situated on a harbor, which also became filled with silt over the centuries. The most prosperous period for the city was around the 1st and 2nd century AD, when it was a major trading center and the largest city in Roman Asia. After concluding the tour, you join the locals for lunch in the city center, at a simple family-owned restaurant known for its excellent liver flavored with mint and accompanied by a refreshing cucumber-and-yogurt dish. You are free to order à la carte, and indulge in freshly baked desserts directly from the pastry shop across the street.

Your last stop in the region is at a weaving school and production cooperative, where you are given an educational and entertaining lecture on Turkish tribal art and weavings and gain insight into this tradition with hands-on demonstrations. A one-hour drive late in the afternoon brings you to the Izmir Airport for the 50-minute flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, your waiting bus transports you to your hotel in the center of the old town—a row of nine historic mansions, ideally situated between the Topkapi Palace walls and the great Hagia Sophia. Given your evening arrival in the city, there are no more group activities scheduled for the day and you are free to dine on light fare at the hotel’s peaceful outdoor restaurant, or rest up for the Istanbul exploration.
Hotel Ayasofya Konaklari, Istanbul

DAY 9

After a copious buffet breakfast in the hotel’s garden, you depart for your overview tour of Istanbul. Please note that your guides have purposefully chosen sites that are removed from the bustle of the Sultanahmet neighborhood and the main attractions to give you a more intimate experience and get you oriented for your independent exploration post-tour (highly recommended). Your first stop is the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, featuring splendid tile, marble, and stained glass work. Away from the crowds, there is time to examine the outstanding construction from the outside as well as its interior. Walking past the city’s most famous sites, the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque, your guides lead you to another unique perspective on the ancient city. You make your way underground to the awe inspiring Basilica Cistern, with its 336 marble columns—featured in the James Bond film, “From Russia with Love.”

Following a light lunch, you may follow your guide to the Grand Covered Bazaar. Those who prefer a more relaxing and independent option may peruse the many street vendors and colorful boutiques in the vicinity of the hotel, or simply return to their room to rest for the remainder of the afternoon. Following your immersion in this fascinating city, you reunite for a celebratory dinner on the hotel premises. The 1600-year old Roman cisterns, much smaller than the ones visited in the morning, make for a unique setting and dining experience. You toast your new friends and the week’s discoveries surrounded by candlelit brick domes, stone columns, and a massive fireplace.
Hotel Ayasofya Konaklari, Istanbul

DAY 10

The tour ends after breakfast, and you are free to continue your exploration of Istanbul, depart for our post-tour Cappadocia Extension, or for your journey home.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Hotel Nerissa
Cirali, Turkey

A new hotel featuring 35 guest rooms with simple décor but all modern amenities. Facilities include a swimming pool, an outdoor bar, hammocks, bicycles (for those wishing to travel the short distance to Çirali beach), and an organic restaurant serving only fresh local ingredients.

Nights 3 & 4

Villa Hotel Tamara
Kas, Turkey

A stunning seaside hotel built of golden stones on several levels and into the hillside with a swimming pool, lovely terrace and outdoor bar, and many lounge areas overlooking the sea and neighboring Greek islands. Spacious rooms are tastefully decorated and feature air conditioning and balconies, but no television or telephone.

Nights 5 & 6

Yacht Hotel
Fethiye, Turkey

A modern boutique hotel, ideally located on the harbor in Fethiye. The décor is of contemporary design and the hotel is a five-minute walk from the beautiful old town. A swimming pool, lounge chairs, and outdoor bar are available on the ground level, while the hotel restaurant and breakfast buffet offer splendid views from the top floor.

Night 7

Kismet Hotel
Kusadasi, Turkey

This historic property is located on a peninsula that protrudes into the Aegean Sea. Rooms are beautifully furnished and have panoramic views over the harbor of Kusadasi. Guests enjoy the outstanding service, modern amenities and outdoor pool.

Nights 8 & 9

Hotel Ayasofya Konaklari
Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

A historic hotel right in the heart of “Old Istanbul,” tucked between Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sofia, comprised of nine guest houses connected by a quiet cobblestone street. The lovely rooms are decorated in 19th-century Turkish style. The hotel’s outdoor restaurant and garden offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Sunay Ethemoglu

A former German language teacher and translator, Sunay is passionate about archaeology, art history, and theology. She has guided professionally for many years and is very keen to share her extensive knowledge of Asia Minor and love of nature on our Turkey tour.

Serdar Akerdem

Serdar is a classical archaeologist who has participated in many famous excavations, including the Temple Tombs at Patara, and the underwater excavations at the Leto Sanctuary of Kaunos. He has been guiding tours for over fifteen years and brings his enthusiasm for astronomy, Roman architecture, and maritime archaeology to our tour. He is currently living in Izmir.

Mahmut Turhanoglu

Since 1992 Mahmut has been a professional guide and enjoys sharing with his guests the nature, history, and culture of this beautiful country. Before discovering his love of guiding he worked for a broadcasting company as a producer of television commercials in Istanbul. He resides in Antalya on the Turquoise Coast.

Yunus Ozdemir

Yunus combines his passion for walking with his education in classical archeology in guiding walking tours in his native Turkey. His archeological background and experience in walking route design were a perfect match in developing and marking the historic Lycian Way, the long-distance trail along the Turkish coast. With further training and acumen in the tourism business, he is now working on a book about the Carian Way, a network of trails in the Caria region of southwest Turkey.

Murat Tiryaki

A native of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, Murat brings his lifelong love of Turkish history, art, and music, to his walking tours. With many years of guiding, Murat shares his extensive knowledge and his own enthusiasm for travel in his position as a university instructor in tourism and guiding, and further was the founder and long-time president of the Tourist Guide Association in Ankara. He especially enjoys playing both the guitar and the “baglama,” an instrument unique to Turkey and Anatolia.