Turkey's Mediterranean coastline offers seemingly endless stretches of rocky outcroppings, quaint towns nestled in hidden coves and dramatically-coloured water. On this seven-day adventure, you'll dive deep into the region's history with visits to ancient Greek and Roman sites and sample delicious local delicacies along the way. Explore Bodrum castle and soak in mud baths before witnessing the cliff-side rock tombs along the Dalyan River. Trek through small villages and along the historic Lycian Way, then experience the Turquoise Coast in all of its glory from a sea kayak or following coastal hiking trails. Sprinkled with local charm and incredible food throughout, this is Turkey beyond your wildest dreams.
Day 1 Şirince: Gateway to Ephesus
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.
Day 2 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.
Day 3 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.
Day 4 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.
Day 5 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.
Day 6 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.
Day 7 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.
Day 8 Göcek
Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Turkish Bagels Lunch, Akköy Your Wellness Moment: Mud Baths, Dalyan Your Local Living Moment: Minare Village Day Tour, Minare Your OMG Day: Kayak or Hike Along the Lycian Way, Fethiye
- Complimentary arrival transfer
- Welcome dinner
- Visit the ancient sites of Priene, Miletos and Didyma
- Tour Bodrum Castle and the ancient city of Halikarnasos
- Walk around the Bodrum windmills
- Boat trip on the Dalyan River
- Explore Kauros historical site
- Hike from Minare Village to the Pinara historical site
- Full-day boat trip from Göcek with swimming, snorkelling and a barbecue lunch onboard
- Hike to Cleopatra's Bath for a swim
- Farewell Dinner
- All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 lunches
- 2 dinners
Reference : GAH