route map

Introduction

The Mediterranean region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and outdoor activities like wind surfing, water skiing, sailing, sea kayaking, biking, mountain climbing and hiking. If you come to Antalya in March or April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Awaiting your discovery are important historical sites set in a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, orange,  apple, avocado and banana plantations.

Trip Overview

Our trip includes cycling along the roads connecting Anatolian Turcoman villages, paddling in sea kayaks to explore the unspoilt beaches and walking along the turquoise shores with superb sceneries. We will have a support vehicle when biking, a van for transfers and a security boat for sea kayak trips.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Meeting at Antalya Airport. Transfer to hotel. Visit to Antalya Archaeological Museum and hiking along Konyaaltı/Topcam Beach (depending on the flight times). Opportunity to see the historical Kaleici Yacht Marina and stroll around the city. Overnight at a three star hotel, dinner is included.

Antalya and it's environs, offering all the mysticism of past in our day, is now called the "Turkish Riviera" due to its archaeological and natural beauties. The city of Antalya stretches along the bay bearing its name, and is built at 39 meters altitude on a rocky coastline. One is immediately stunned by the Taurus Mountains rising to 3086 meters above this coastline, interspersed with valleys of varying sizes. Land and sea everywhere meet the beaches stretching for miles or the steep cliffs. The Taurus mountains against the blue backdrop of the sky, the precipices and especially the caves close to the sea add another dimension to the beauty of the region.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

We leave our hotel early in the morning to visit Termessos Ancient City (App. 45 minutes bus drive).

Termessos is one of the most important and the best preserved archaeological sites in south Turkey and the only town that Alexander the Great never managed to conquer. It is a Psidian city built at a height of 1040 meters in the Taurus Mountains. Termessos constitutes an unusual synthesis of a large number of rare plants and animal species, which are under protection in the Termessos National Park. Finally abandoned in the 5th century A.D., some of the remains found there are the walls, the Hadrian's triumphal arch, the cisterns, the theatre, the gymnasium, the agora, the Odeon and the Heroon. Among the tombs which are scattered far and wide can be seen those of Alcates, Agatemeros and the Lion decorated sarcophagi, which are extraordinary.

 Finishing another one hour bus transfer, we take our bikes in Tatköy after the lunch in a village house and start cycling towards Avdan village and then Begis village. We will have a chance to visit and have a cup tea in the tea house of old Ovacık village to appreciate the Turkish hospitability. Overnight at campsite in Begis village with all meals (41 km - 5 hrs cycling).

Difficulty Level : 2A

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

We will visit a cave-tumulus (Semahoyuk) and a karst cave (sink hole) and near Bozhuyuk before we get headed towards Goltarla Village by our bikes (30 km. - 5 hrs cycling). The archaeological studies has proved that the area has been inhabited since the bronze age. We will have picnic for the lunch (comprising a large selection from Turkish snacks). We will stop at Tekkekoy village where will have an opportunity to visit the tomb of Abdal Musa.

 Abdal Musa was one of the saint dervishes(eren) whose family come from Horasan(Middle Asia) together with Haci Bektas Veli. He was very important figure in instituliazing the doctrine(dervish order) after Haci Bektas Veli's death. After living in Bursa and Aydin he then moved to Tekke village in Elmali, near Antalya, where he founded his own dergah(dervish convent). Later this dergah became a center for many affiliated tekkes(dervish sect school). The reason for this development can be attributed to the fact that Anatolian Alevis(Shiite: mix of. shamanic and Islamic belief) accepted Abdal Musa as Pir(patron saint), after Haci Bektas Veli's death. Masses from different parts of Anatolia gather around in vividly celebrated Abdal Musa public celebration every year at 21.st  of  June.

 Afterwards, we will go past the ruins of Podalia and stop at the beautiful Lake Avlan for our lunch. The lake is surrounded by Turkey's unique and old Juniper Forest. We will follow the coastal line embracing the vast amount of different birds on the lake. If time permits we will walk around the 800 year old King Juniper Tree looking down on the Lake. Finishing our day in Goltarla Village, we will get to Arykanda Ruins (ancient holy spring for Lycian cities*)  by our van /truck.

 Overnight at campsite next to Akarcay river, (Arifköy) with all meals, and turn back to the campsite. (15 min. bus drive)

 * It is not known exactly when Arykanda, which dominated the Akarcay valley and its surroundings, was established. Known as Aalanda in Byzantine times, it was built on terraces; many of the buildings are in a good state of preservation. The theatre is especially spectacular and has beautiful views.

Difficulty Level : 2A

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Arifköy(Arykanda)- Myra (DEMRE) (50 km.- 5 hrs cycling). Today we will visit mountain pastures and ancient ruins on our way. We will start at Çatallar juction where Turkoman peasants spending the summer time with their dairy animals. Enroute, we will keep going up and down nicely all the way to the ruins of Myra at the sea level. When we cover all the distance of our scenic route from the campsite to Myra, we will be treated with the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Myra, which is famous for its striking rock tombs. Myra was an important Lycian city in the Middle Ages and St. Nicholas (Father Christmas) served as a bishop in the city. Lycia means “the place of the sacred Mother Goddess.” Myra, or “Myrrh” in the Lycian language, was set up on the coastal side of the mountains with a wall on the north-western side of the Demre valley. First, the city that was built on today’s rock tombs on top of the hill expanded towards lower parts of the hill and it became one of the most important six cities of Lycia. The first coins of the city in the fourth century B.C. bore pictures of the Mother Goddess. Although old sources date Myra to the first century B.C., it is understood from coins and rock tombs that the city existed as early as the fifth century B.C. During the time of Theodosius II (408-450), when St. Nicholas served as an archbishop, Myra was the capital of the Lycian region. Starting in the seventh century, the city was raided by Arabs until the ninth century. Finally in 809, one of the commanders of the Caliph Harun el-Rashid gained control of the city. The Church of St. Nicholas was demolished in 1034 during an attack of Arabs from the sea. Myra’s splendid theatre has survived to our day and it is still in good shape. Behind it, the cavea of the theatre located on the steep side of the mountain is mostly carved into rocks. The theatre was later used as an arena, and so some changes were made to it. Visiting Myra ruins, we will get to our pension.

Lunch will be picnic box (comprising a large selection from Turkish snacks.)

Overnight at our pension or in tents at Suluklu beach with all meals.

Difficulty Level : 2A

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Starting from Suluklu beach; sea kayaking between Cayagzi (Andreakos River Mouth) and  Simena (Kalekoy). (5 hrs paddling)

 East of Kas in the valley of Demre, the role of agriculture along the Demre River is quite visible. Tomatoes, eggplants and other vegetables grow in the greenhouses, while further south near ancient Andriake, Roman wheat granaries from Hadrian's time still loom over the landscape. It is likely that Andriake with Patara were the only trade cities using this type of silo to store grain for Rome and the legions stationed here in the East. Situated at the mouth of the Andrakos river, Andriake was the port for Myra. In A.D. 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 river prevented the silting up of the port until the Byzantine era.

Today's trip takes us on a scenic journey to some of the most beautiful and easily accessible areas around. We start at Cayagzi river mouth, also called Kokar Bay. Paddling westwards takes us to then Asirli Island with its big sea cave used at one time by pirates and then Kisneli Island. Next, we get headed towards the southern coast of famous Kekova island. We will go into a thin and long inlet called spiral cove. For lunch we will stop at the quiet Gokkaya Bay. We will be discovering the coastal ruins of Istlada and the coastal features of Kalekoy (Simena) which faces Kekova is remarkable with its historical cites left from the Lycian era. The Lycian Castle, which has been restored during the Middle Ages, still stands proudly with a small amphitheatre. We will then visit Kalekoy, to witness history and traditional village life intermingles. After getting lost in its narrow streets with traditional houses, stores, and natural beauty, we stay at the campsite with indescribable feelings.

Lunch at restaurant or picnic box (depending on the season).

Overnight in pension in Kalekoy village (Simena) with meals.

Difficulty level: CLASS 2

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Today we will continue kayaking from Simena to Sicak Peninsula. (5 hrs  paddling)

This is another trip to a magnificent place, Kekova Sunken City that can only be reached by sea kayaks. You can discover the magical world of Kekova Sunken City, with its ruins just below the sea level and the mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks. Kekova is actually a long thin island that separates the open sea from the mainland. The surrounding peculiar ecosystem formed by thin points and narrow bays is absolutely quiet and peaceful. We will take break on Tersane (Ship Yard) beach.  If the weather conditions are okay, we will have a chance to enter a big  sea cave at Kekova Island’s South shore, as well. Then, paddling westward we plan to arrive in Sicak isthmus by evening. After a swim, we will walk to Aperlai Lycian ruins as the second sunken city of the region and watch the sunset with our drinks.

Guided tours tend to ignore the ancient site of Aperlai, located west of Ucagiz on the mainland and accessible only by boat from the sea and by the ancient trail on foot; the effort required to get there has ensured the preservation of another "sunken city" here, and you can plan some time on land to explore these ruins on foot. We will then have an opportunity to visit Aperlai ruins to witness history, after a 2+2-km walk. Following the Lycian trail we reach our campsite at Ufakdere.

Lunch at a local family fish restaurant or picnic box (depending on the season).

Overnight at campsite of Sicak Bay (Isthmus) with all meals.

Difficulty level: CLASS 2

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

We start walking from Sicak Isthmus to Ufakdere (Factoria Bay) (6-7 hrs. walking). We will visit Apollonia ancient city on our way.

Apollonia was a strong fortress where a ruler lived. Judging from the remains, Apollonia existed in the fourth century B.C. and was represented in the Lycian Union as Aperlai. The city was set up on a rocky area that looked like the letter L. The city walls to the north and west have survived to our day with little damage. Some of the city walls were built in rectangular shapes and cyclopean-style large stones were used in the construction of most of them.

Visiting Apollonia and going through Anatolian villages we will walk down to wild Barak bay for our lunch. Here, Lycian trail goes along the coast, giving us a nice opportunity to witness the intact marine life of Mediterranean region. Then, we will leave the sea behind us and walk up to our campsite looking down on the gorgeous Factoria Bay and it’s islands.

Lunch will be picnic box (comprising a large selection from Turkish snacks.)

Overnight at campsite with all meals.

Difficulty level: Grade B

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Ufakdere(Factoria Bay) -Sebeda Isthmus(Bayindir Liman)-Kas (5 hours walking). Free time in Kas.

The dazzling coastal view and tombs carved into sheer rocks from the Lycian Era seem miraculous.  The winding path will sometimes take us to the shore, through the solitary maquis that embraces coastal rocky walls. Starting from the first minutes, we explore the geological history of the region, meet colorful flowers and every shade of green.  It is nearly impossible not to be fascinated by the unspoiled view.  We will be able to swim on any beach we fancy. We go down to Limanagzı Beach, where cold turquoise waters are ready to rejuvenate you.  Time to relax, and lunch. We descend 30  meters to reach Hidrellez Cave; and later, we see the rewarding ruined Byzantium Chapel below.  We move ahead into the cave and with a bit of luck, we may have an encounter with very rare featherless bats. Then we walk among Lycian tombs, and from time to time, we look back on Limanagzı beach with regret... Before the path ends at Big Pebble Beach, we have another chance to relax in clear cold seas of Kas.

Lunch will be picnic box (comprising a large selection from Turkish snacks.)

Overnight at a three star hotel in Kas. Dinner is not included.

Difficulty level: Grade B

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Transport to Antalya Airport early in the morning. Fly home.

Breakfast

PRICES ARE "ALL-INCLUDED" UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

MORE DETAIL ON THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.