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CENTRAL LYCIAN COAST (6 nights, 7 days) ALL INCLUSIVE(airport-airport) 3 overnights in boat, 3 nights hotel/pension accommodation, 4 days hiking
Tour dates: May - November |
CENTRAL LYCIA
This tour is designed exclusively for those people who are used to or willing to hike and partly sail on a traditional Turkish boat, Gullet(schooner). The group will meet with the boat at the end of the daily walks and at the lunch times as well wherever possible. The one, who may wish to cancel half-day walk, can join boat at the lunch stop.
click for route map
For
those who enjoy experiencing the world beneath their feet, infinite hiking
possibilities are available, especially in Lyciaan
coast. Experience what it's like
walking on an unknown planet as you hike across Lycia's rocky landscape.
You will be able to enjoy beauty spots,
viewpoints, beaches, villages, monuments, ancient ruins and diverse landscapes
as you walk between overnight accommodation of campsites.
Adventure in an astonishing historical atmosphere of Lycia, an ancient
civilization which existed in Southwest Anatolia. A vacation in a region with
antique nature and historical value.
The stunning coastline of southern Turkey with its beautiful turquoise
water, abrupt cliffs and archaeological richness of preserved Greek and Roman
cities, makes for a diverse and interesting trekking destination. Turkey is
about tradition, people, history and scenery, and our tour captures all of
these aspects.
The marked trail will allow casual and dedicated
walkers alike the opportunity to explore LYCIA'S rocky coastline, high
pastures, dramatic gorges cedar forests secluded beaches and ancient sites,
Walkers following the route will be able to swim in the warm waters of the
Mediterranean where the path dips down to the sea,
Days spent walking on the trails, rambling over the hills and
traditional boat
in secluded coves, the whisper of ancient voices in the maquis or
pine trees above, just another hectic day on the Lycian Coast.
An English speaking guide will accompany you to further
illuminate the history of the sights you will see.
Previous
hiking
experience is an advantage but is not essential. However hikers should be in a
good physical and mental fitness for the itinerary described below. A flexible state of mind and a sense of humor are also important when
experiencing " Lycian time."
Remember to leave your clocks, deadlines and schedules behind so you can
enjoy a state of mind where the local concept of time is measured by the
seasons.
Safety is first! Our guides are
passionate about outdoor pursuits. We know how to have fun. But we also respect
our natural heritage and the potential perils of adventure travel-we are very
safety-oriented.
Come prepared for spectacular Lycian sunrises and sunsets that will take
your breath away. Light along Lycian Coast, especially in spring and autumn
days, has the clarity and pureness that photographers crave. Add to that an
incredible variety of photographic subject matter-people, landscapes, architecture
and wildlife. Nested between Mediterranean Sea and Teke
Peninsula Range, Lycian coast's deep blue waters shimmer with life, providing
surreal contrast to the surrounding landscape.
This backcountry experience will turn you into a backpacker for sure. Experience mythical Lycian Coast like no one else has...
Bring your camera equipment and immerse yourself in the
visual ecstasy that Lycia provides.
Itinerary
Option1: cabin sleeping on traditional sail boat
Option2: deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boat
Day 1: ARRIVALS: Dalaman Airport or Antalya Airport - Kas: Arrive in Turkey.
Meet in the
Dalaman Airport or Antalya Airport; transfer to hotel in
AntiPhellos (Kas) passing through Turkmen villages via mountain road.
Kas, a beautiful town of whitewashed houses,
covered with the rich purples of bougainvillea. The town of Kas lies on a small
bay nestled into the mountains not far from the southern point of Lycia. As is
the case in so many parts of the Lycian coast, a small, sleepy fishing village
has been transformed into a lively vacation center. Just above the modern port,
known to antiquity as
AntiPhellos(Kaş), lays the older colony of
Phellos. In Hellenistic times, the port town of AntiPhellos gradually came
to dominate its mother colony of Phellos, until the latter faded into obscurity.
In addition to the Lycian tombs, the view of the bay from the theater is well
worth seeing. A short walk from the harbor
brings us to the ancient theatre hidden amongst olive trees. There is a
marvelous view across to
Castellorizo,
the Greek island
Megisti, closest to Turkey, the farhest to Grecee.. The sea and the mountains are equally
appealing to visitors of this coast.
Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Kas Harbour-Limanagzi (Sebeda Isthmus)-FACTORIA BAY (Ufakdere)
We start walking at
Kaş Harbour.
As the differences in altitude are
quite low and there are no hard climbing sections on our way.
During the first leg, linking the town of Kas with the
Limanagzi
(Bayindir Liman); you see the splendid rock tombs carved into the
hills, the powerful remnants of Lycian civilization.
On the mountain side over this natural harbor,
there is a group of sarcophagi with Lycian inscriptions carved on them. This
must be a very small ancient city, and its name is believed to be Sebeda.
After crossing grassy areas the
route now heads for the sea edge. To reach Coban Beach we should traverse a rocky shoreline
walking to remoter coast to Ufakdere, where the landscape became more bizarre by the hour.
But here the coast became brittle and rocky.
As we crest the ridge, we pass through the
remains of old olive groves and shepherd encampments. In front of you is the triangular mast of Ulu
Burun, where the oldest shipwreck ever known, has been excavated by the
Institute of Nautical Archaeology.
After that a short walks will take to our lunch spot, the tiny beach and emerald grass at Ufakdere.
The surrounding peculiar ecosystem
formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. Hiking along maquis covered limestone shore
and cliff faces of Lycian coast; lunching at a beautiful cove and walking on
Lycian trail you may have a chance to see village life of nomads.
Nature and sea lovers can enjoy
this pristine region that encompass maquis landscape, small canyons, stream
mouths, pocket beaches, tiny islets, olive gardens and rock tombs carved into
the hills.
Continue to for meeting with our boat at Factoria Bay
and overnight stay in yhe boat.
Late afternoon we may spend time swimming, snorkeling and lazing under sun. Overnight in boat.
Hike time: 4 hours.
Difficulty level: GRADE B.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Factoria Bay-Barak-Appolonia-Aperlai
Leaving our
night spot, we
will pass nearby the tractor road to Cape Uluburun. Our today's trekking tour is characterized by the
view to the breath-taking cliffs at the coast and to the Mediterranean Sea in
the east of Kas glistening in all silver and turquoise shades.
Starting from Factoria Bay we will climb up İnonu Cove and descent to the Barak Cove. After exploring Roman watch tower at Dinek Tepe hill just above our Barak Cove we will climb up Appolonia, another ancient Lycian settlement near to Kilicli village.
We will take our luch at a farmyard house in the village
Leaving the village behind,
we continue walking to the site of
Aperlai, while exploring coastal features, and Roman outlooks.
Then arriving to Ancient City of
Aperlai you will see the ancient port city of Aperlai, including structures now
underwater as a result of earthquake subsidence over the centuries. Marble columns,
paved floors and the foundations of a church lie just below the surface. Twelve
miles from Kas, this ancient walled city and port may be seen both above and,
with mask, under water.
Known as Aperlai, the 2,400
year-old settlement likely supported no more than 1,000 people at its zenith in
the fourth to sixth centuries
The shore is still covered with murex shells from which the famous purple dye
was made. …You can smell old days of the city partially submerged on the
Mediterranean Sea in present-day Turkey has yielded a second underwater
church, leading researchers to believe the settlement was a magnet for pilgrims
traveling to and from the Holy Land nearly
2,000
years ago.
It is speculated that Lycia, a
small region encompassing Aperlai, may have been a stopover for pilgrims
heading for the Holy Land -- then Palestine -- in the fourth, fifth, sixth and
seventh centuries. Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine who ruled
from A.D. 306 to 337, visited Palestine, and she and Constantine began spreading
the word of Christianity and encouraged church construction throughout the
Roman Empire.
In addition, the popularity of
Saint Nicholas -- the bishop in a town called Myra located just 15 miles from
Aperlai in the early fourth century - was growing due to reports of his
miracles that included saving drowning sailors, filling empty ships with grain
and providing gifts to children. The close proximity of Myra likely increased
the number of pilgrims visiting Aperlai.
After a long visit Aperlai ruins, passing southward through Dar Bogaz (Sicak Peninsula narrows) we reach our boat at this hidden cove, the other side, the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound. Overnight in boat.
Hike time: 6 hours.
Difficulty level: GRADE C.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Aperlai- Polemos- Teimiousa-Simena
Today
we have to work hard. After very early departure we walk eastward to Kekova
sound. This section of the trail follows cobbled inland tracks and a dramatic
coastal path with sensational views.
After
a short ascent the path winds its way slowly down to Teimiousa cove.
Walking along the coastline, once we reach the
other side we explore the sheltered coast of Kekova Sound; explore ancient
towns of Teimiousa and Simena, both the most evocative of all Lycian burial
grounds.
This walk to Kekova and Ucagiz will be the highlight of your
stay in antique Lycia. The 'three
mouths' of Ucagiz are the openings South, East and West of Kekova Island.
Kekova is famous for its
Sunken City that can only be reached by sea. With its ruins just below sea level,
mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks, Kekova is
a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland village of
Ucagiz lies ancient Teimiousa ("place of the three outlets,"
referring to its location). Interesting are the necropolis and ancient Simena
(Kalekoy), certainly one of the quaintest towns in all Lycia.
We then continue to Kalekoy
Castle (ancient Simena) which offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets,
islands and colorful yachts, sailing peacefully on the glassy water. During a
delightful approach to
Kale (ancient Simena) you'll notice the
unusual shapes of the islets and outcrops that you pass, results of quarrying
along the water line to provide stone for the buildings you've been seeing all
day. The medieval castle
of the Knights of Saint John,
sitting high on the hill is surrounded by the remains of the ancient city.
Odd Lycian ogival
sarcophagi, sometimes partially
submerged, constantly remind you of the prosperous Lycian civilization.
Simena can only be reached by
kayak/boat or along footpaths. The ruins are interspersed among houses standing
beneath the pewter-capped walls and turrets of the medieval city. Since ancient
times, the coast has continued to gradually sink into the sea, creating surreal
scenery of partially submerged sarcophagi and other ruins. Arriving Simena, the
nearby village of Kalekoy lies below an idyllic Ottoman fort on the site of
ancient Simena, one of the most romantic settings of the entire trip. Level
walks then a short, steepish climb up to the castle of the Knights of Saint
John - worth it for the fantastic views.
After exploring Simena walking downwards take us to our last anchoring point, quiet and beautiful Simena harbor. Overnight in boat.
Hike time: 6 hours.
Difficulty level: GRADE C.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Simena-Gokkaya
Bay-Andriake-Cayagzi
(Andrakos
River Mouth)
After
exploring Simena walking eastward take us to our last
lunch stop,
quiet and beautiful Gokkaya harbor(Smugglers
Cove).
From here is it
only a short bit to walk until we reach
coastal
ruins of Istlada..
Istlada was a small but a fascinating ancient city in the region. Istlada on Gokkaya Bay is connected to the parts in Hoyran where there are sarcophagi. It is not easy to climb from Gökkaya Bay to this point.
After
visiting coastal
ruins
of Istlada and
lunch time,
hiking eastward will take us to Demre-Cayagzi (Andrakos) river mouth where is
the our final destination.
If
time permits, we will walk up a spring flow in search of birds and natural
springs. After crossing Cayagzi springs we end our tour at Kokar Beach,
alongside of which are the ruins of Andriake. Situated at the mouth of the
Andrakos River, Andriake was the port for Myra, home of St. Nicola’s church
known to the world as Father Christmas.
In AD 61, the ship that brought the Apostle Paul to Rome for his last visit anchored here to wait for better winds. The strong current of the Demre stream (once Andrakos River) prevented the silting up of the port until the Byzantine era.
Located between Finike and Kas, Myra was one of the most important cities among the other six Lycian cities. It was settled in the 5th century B.C. Although it was originally a coastal town, it has retreated from the sea because of the alluvium from the river. It was abandoned in the 9th century A.D. after the Arab invasion.
After visiting St. Nicholas Church and ruins of ancient Myra, we will drive up to Kas.
Hike time: 6 hours.
Difficulty level: GRADE C.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Kaş; Transfer time: 40 minutes.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 6: Free Day in Kas: Leisure Time or Optional Activities:
PLEASE
CLICK HERE FOR OTHER OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Overnight in hotel.
Day 7: DEPARTURES: Kas-Antalya / Dalaman Airport: Final transfer and Fly home.
Transfer
to the airport passing through Lycian seashore via coastal road.
Breakfast
cabin sleeping on traditional sail boat
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ITINERARY (Sunday-Saturday) |
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| day | route |
| 1 | ARRIVAL:Transfer to Kas |
| 2 | Kas(AntiPhellos)-Factoria Bay |
| 3 | Factoria Bay-Aperlai |
| 4 | Aperlai-Simena (Kekova Sound) |
| 5 | Simena-Gökkaya-Çayağzı(Andriake)-Myra |
| 6 | Free Day in Kas |
| 7 | FLY HOME:Transfer to airport |
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PRICES-cabin sleeping- on traditional sail boat- |
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| max. capacity : 8 cabins = 16 Participants ( plase ask for 4 or 6 cabin boat options in low season) | |||
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high season(july-september) |
low-season(may,june,october) |
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| double occupancy(hiker) |
825 Euro/person |
745 Euro/person |
double occupancy(hiker) |
| single occupancy(hiker) | 936 Euro/person |
856 Euro/person |
single occupancy(hiker) |
| accompany-double occupancy | 798 Euro/person | 685 Euro/person | accompany-double occupancy |
| accompany-single bed- | 889 Euro/person | 796 Euro/person | accompany-single bed- |
| 3 nights hotel( double bed room), 3 nights cabin accommodation. Cabins with WC and shower. | |||
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all inclusive, except ALCHOLIC drinks in the boat: 10% DISCOUNT FOR 7-14 YEARS OLD CHILDREN, 5 % DISCOUNT FOR 15-18 YEARS OLD YOUNG MAN/LADY |
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ENTRENCE FEES to museums and ruins are also INCLUDED |
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BOAT PICTURES-option1
deck sleeping(no privite cabin) on traditional boat
|
ITINERARY (Sunday-Saturday) |
|
| day | route |
| 1 | ARRIVAL:Transfer to Kas |
| 2 | Kas(AntiPhellos)-Factoria Bay |
| 3 | Factoria Bay-Aperlai |
| 4 | Aperlai-Simena (Kekova Sound) |
| 5 | Simena-Gökkaya-Çayağzı(Andriake)-Myra |
| 6 | Free Day in Kas |
| 7 | FLY HOME:Transfer to airport |
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PRICES- Deck Sleeping (no privite cabin) on traditional boat-* |
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min. 4 , max.6 participants (please ask for 8 participants) |
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high season(july-september) |
low-season(april,may,june,october) |
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| hiker | 713 Euro/person | 685 Euro/person | hiker |
| accompany(non-hiker) | 663 Euro/person | 540 Euro/person | accompany(non-hiker) |
| 3 nights in hotel (double bed room), 3 overnights in boat- deck / tent sleeping - | |||
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all inclusive, except ALCHOLIC drinks in the boat: 5 % DISCOUNT FOR 7-17 YEARS OLD |
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ENTRENCE FEES to museums and ruins are also INCLUDED |
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| * communal WC, shower and kitchen available. | |||
BOAT PICTURES-option2
Included in Cost
Accommodation as double
occupancy basis (shared
deck /
cabin basis for individuals) and hotel/ pension (One-star hotel equivalent). Your fellow campmates
may be foreign as well, adding to the international nature of your adventure.
Services of a professional guide, drivers and
service men.
All airport transfers in air-conditioned minibus (for groups: 8 participants).
All sightseeing and admission fees to
sites/museums.
Meals as indicated B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D
(Dinner).
Bottled water and all soft drinks on
hiking days and bottled water with lunch and dinner throughout.
Service charges and
other taxes.
Not
Included in Cost
International
airfare.
Domestic airfare in Turkey (Istanbul/Antalya or Dalaman /Istanbul).
Airport transfers for individual arrivals (less than 5 people).
Post-Tour
Extension. Please ask for the possibilities.
Items of
a personal nature such as soft drinks (except on
hiking
hours
on the trail), liquor, laundry,
phone calls, medical assistance, postage, additional hotel nights and meals not
specified in the itinerary, traveler's insurance,
tips
to guide, drivers and crew.
Trip cancellation, travel delay
or baggage insurance (Please refer to Terms & Conditions on the web page
www.dragoman-turkey.com).
Passport
or Turkish visa fees.
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond control of Dragoman Travel Agency.
Notes:
Previous hiking experience is an advantage but is not essential. However, in order to participate in a hiking trip, you should be in good physical and mental fitness.
Price includes: 3 nights accommodation in a hotel/pension, 3 overnights in boat, 4 days hiking; breakfast + lunch + dinner throughout; all transport during the tour, transfers from/to Antalya Airport for groups of minimum 5 persons; services of professional and experienced guides; For terms & conditions and reservations, please refer to our reservations page on our web site.
We offer 5% discount for customer groups who may wish to join this trip at Dragoman Travel's Kas office without any transfer requested.
İf requested, all archaeological, ecological and historical information about the tour route will be presented to the participants as a printed document and/or to be sent via internet.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all International outdoors & adventure travel.
WHEN THE MINIMUM GROUP NUMBER IS REACHED,
YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED IN A REASONABLE TIME PERIOD.
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Tour Duration:
6
Nights, 7 Days |
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Destination:
Kas(AntiPhellos)-
Demre(Myra)
TURKEY: Antalya-
Mediterranean Coast;
Ancient Lycian Coast |
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Specialty Categories:
Hiking & Sailing
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Best Season: May-June, September-November please ask for closed groups of 8 |
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Airfare Included?: NO |
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Tour
Customizable?: YES |
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Number of
Participants:
Minimum: 4(option2)-8(option1)
hikers
+ 1 guide Maximum: 6(option2)-16(option1) hikers + 1 guide |
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Accommodation
Overnights in
traditional boat and
hotel / pension |
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Meals
Lunch box /
restaurant /
boat
cooking /hotel
Vegetarian rations are
possible. |
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Transfer &
transport:
by
boat,
minibus and/or 4 x 4
vehicle. |
GRADING THE TOURS: Backpacking tours are here divided arbitrarily into four categories, A-D according to potential difficulty and risk.
It should be remembered that every situation is different and your trip may not fit readily into one category or another.
In the grading of all our tours we try to take into account a combination of:
the distance walked,
the toughness of the terrain,
the altitude,
the overall length of the whole tour and
the degree of comfort that can be expected.
Our grades range from A to D.
A. is easy - for anyone of any age.
B. is moderate - for anyone who is a ‘regular walker’.
C. is fairly strenuous - for the regular hill walker.
D. is strenuous-for the keen, regular hill walker, or even the less keen if they are willing to feel tired at times.
In general however we
are not running commando courses and can be
fairly flexible but it is important that you
do not ‘bite off more than
you can
comfortably chew’!
Please remember that it is impossible to be absolutely precise about how hard a walk may be, as there may be many contributory factors. The main benefit of grading is to provide you with an overall indicator to compare one walk against another. We therefore look at the following 6 factors before deciding the grade:
Length of trek and length of walking day.
Average altitude and altitude gain and loss.
Trail conditions.
Level of porterage or backpacking.
Temperature range and likely weather
conditions.
Remoteness to services and general level of comfort.
Clearly conditions for a particular holiday may vary from one month to the next. It is not practical for us to give grades for each individual departure, but you may like to take this into account before choosing a specific departure date.
Our Environmental Philosophy
As walking holidays grow in popularity, more and more rubbish is being left unnecessarily in some beautiful areas, in spite of promises by tour operators to curb this. Dragoman Outdoors Center adopts a ‘Pack it in - Pack it out’, 'Soft Walking&Camping' and 'Leave No Trace' policy on all our holidays. To meet this end, all rubbish that is not combustible or biodegradable (i.e. metal, glass and often plastic) will be carried out to a suitable disposal point. For example, we collect all rubbish on the trails and at campsites (and not only ours)! Any non-burnable or non-biodegradable rubbish is carried back to Kas for proper disposal. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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FOR YOUR FLIGHTS |
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COACH
SERVICES |
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DRAGOMAN
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES CENTRE
&
TRAVEL AGENCY
Uzuncarsi Caddesi No: 15, KAŞ
07580, Antalya – TURKEY
Phone: + 90 242 836 3614
Fax: + 90 242 836 3615
