Turkey – Istanbul & The Lycian Way
A Journey from the heart of Istanbul to the coastal trails of the Lycian Way
Uniquely located in two continents; Asia & Europe, Turkey has a lot to offer. Starting in the largest city, Istanbul which has a population of over 15 million and sits beautifully on the Bosphorus strait. Home to the Grand Bazaar market – the world’s biggest and oldest market and the beautiful Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern which is over 1500 yrs old! Although the official language of Turkey is Turkish, there are over 30 languages spoken across the country, including Zazaki, Kurmanji, Mesopotamian Arabic etc. One of the main draws for LBH is the long distance hiking trail, the ‘Lycian Way’ and stretches from Hisarönü (Ovacik), near Fethiye to Geyik Bayiri, about 20km from Antalya. Consisting of ancient roadways, mue tracks and shepherds’ paths, taking you on a journey deep into the history and culture of ancient Lycia.
May 3rd – 11th 2025
Guided Hiking and Cultural Tour
Duration: 9 days
Grading: Moderate to Challenging
Starting point: Istanbul
Finish point: Antalya
Price: 8 – 11 pax €1311 pp
12 – 16 pax €1165 pp
Based on 2 people sharing. Single supplement €195
Days 1 - 2
Arrival into Istanbul, to welcome you after a long journey and get a feel for the city we will take a Bosphorus cruise. The following day we visit the sites of the Hippodrome, the Blue mosque, Topkapı Palace and later in the day the Grand Bazaar giving us a great introduction to this vibrant city.
Days 3 - 4
Departing the city we take the high speed train from Istanbul to Konya, visiting the sites of Konya spending the night and then take bus over the Taurus mountains to Antalya the next day.
Days 4 - 8
On the afternoon of the 4th day we utilise a cable car which takes us to the summit of Tahtali Dagi (2365m), with far reaching views of the Beydaglar mountains and beyond. As we descend we reach the tree line at 1900m hiking through cedar, maple, pine and juniper forest. 10km
Day 5 – Çirali – Tekirova – After leaving the Çirali valley the LW spends the morning on small footpaths, staying close to the sea, and with the afternoon giving us the opportunity to swim before descending to the gatehouse. 18km
Day 6 – Çirali – Olympos – Adrasan – Starting from the beach we join the ancient site of Olympos, an old Lycian city that was taken over by pirates in the 1st century BC. A steep climb to Phoinikous, a mysterious citadel before descending to the fertile plain of Adrasan. 16km
Day 7 – Adrasan – Gelidonya – Melanippe – The trail starts by climbing to an abandoned camel farm, wonderful sea views arriving the a ridge above Gelidonya lighthouse before descending to explore this popular location. On here we journey admiring the sea cliffs before ending the hike at Melanippe bay, known as Korsan Koyu in Turkish, ‘Pirate bay.’ 18km.
Day 8 – Kaleucagiz – Visiting the site of Andriake, Harbour of Myra, and home of the museum of Lycian Civilisations we visit the site and look at the wetland reserve where flamingoes are a common site. Walking along to the modern harbour nearby we are picked up and have a stunning boat trip on the Kekova straits, including swimming, a tasty lunch and a visit to the Sunken city of Dolikhiste and Simena castle. Trip ends in Kaleucağız village,
Day 9 – Depart
Take a look
Need To Know
Accommodation
Centrum Hotel, Istanbul – 2 nights
Konya Mesnevi – 1 night
Çirali Odile Hotel – 2 nights
Adrasan Papirus Hotel – 1 night
Beymelek Tas Evleri – 1 night
Kekova Baba Veli Pansiyon – 1 night
Extra stays: You can book an additional night(s) at the start and end of the trip
What’s included
– All transfers
– Accommodation in ensuite rooms with breakfast
– Dinners (Apart from 1 dinner in Istanbul & 1 dinner on the Lycian way)
– Guided hikes with local guides
– City Tours
– Boat tour in Kekova
NOT INCLUDED: Lunches – Typically we visit a local shop for you to buy some picnic supplies for the trail
Throughout the trip there are plenty opportunities to taste both the great local food and a wide array of prestigious delicacies of the region.
Guides
This trip includes LBH guide + local guides/leaders for the activities.
Booking and Price
Dates also available throughout the year
8 – 11 pax €1311 pp
12 – 16 pax €1165 pp
Based on a minimum of 18 people
Maximum group size: 16
A deposit of €250 is required to secure your place, this is transferrable but non-refundable.
We manage every booking independently to ensure attention to detail and provide a personalised service.