Described as one of the 'World's Ten Best Walks', Turkey's first long distance footpath allows us to sample the country's beguiling rural charm. Our trail meanders its way along the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastline, providing an intoxicating blend of scenery, history and local culture.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Travel Information
	Average temperatures
	Travel to resort

Detailed itinerary

51 miles. 8-13 miles and up to 1,800ft of ascent per day.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Ovacik to Faralya
Distance: 15km (9½ miles), 550m (1,800ft) of ascent
A short transfer from our hotel takes us to Ovacik, the starting point of the Lycian Way. Baba Dag, (Father Mountain) 1,989m provides a stunning backdrop to our route, as we walk beneath this towering mountain and experience the vivid seascapes expanding before us. From Ovacik we climb on a mixture of tracks and paths, winding above valleys, through pine trees and terraced fields to eventually reach the tiny village of Kirme, where large plane trees provide a welcome spot for a rest. Here we can savour a traditional way of life, where old stone houses rest in walled gardens amongst a web of cobbled paths. The route continues on an ancient footpath down the valley, from where we catch our first glimpse of Faralya and the striking cliffs of Butterfly Valley, glowing gold and red as they dip to the blue, blue waters of the sea below.

Day 3: Faralya to Kabak
Distance: 9km (5½ miles), 300m (1,000ft) of ascent
Having passed the steepest part of the shoulder of Baba Dag, today's walk is slightly easier. We follow a path along the mountainside with pine trees on our left and a kaleidoscope of sea colours on our right. A narrow path through scented woods offers us glimpses of Kabak from behind the trees. Kabak is a farming village set above the beach. Behind the village pension is a unique pillar grave, a couple of metres high and probably 2,500 years old. It probably once supported a horizontal sarcophagus, possibly clad in marble panels. We make our way down to the sea where a boat transfer will take us back to our hotel. On the way we have the opportunity to stop and relax at the famous beach, known as Butterfly Valley surrounded by cliffs several hundred metres high. The water is beautifully clear and butterflies may be seen, attracted by the buddelias and the waterfall fed by the millstream.

Day 4: Kabak to Sidyma via Alinca
Distance: 16km (10 miles), 450m (1,500ft) of ascent
From Kabak our route ascends across the ridge, crossing a beautiful old path to Alinca. From the top of the ridge the views are stupendous. We can look back at Kabak beach and see the breaking waves and sun dappled shores between the strawberry trees. From this ridge we walk through olive trees and pine trees to a lovely green threshing floor with a spring called Karakartal (Black Eagle), just below it. Arriving in Alinca we can see as far north as Olu Deniz and the Seven Headlands opening up to the south.

We have the opportunity to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Sidyma, which can only be described as fascinating. The city has been traced back to 200 BC. Most of the ruins date from the Roman Imperial period. Spread out in the wheat fields is the necropolis, the most interesting part of the ruins. Here there is a temple tomb with a beautiful ceiling of recessed squares carved alternately with well-preserved rosettes and heads.

Day 5: Rest day

Day 6: Bel to Pydnai
Distance: 15km (9 miles), 200m (600ft) of ascent
Today we follow the course of the old Roman road, which can be simply delightful in spring with a flamboyant display of wild flowers. The trail is varied and runs on the inland side of the hills to begin with before descending on the seaward side to the village of Garuragili, which is situated in a beautiful position, hidden between some pine trees, just above a pebbled beach. From the village we can take the short path to the small deserted beach, before rounding the headland towards Pydnai.

Day 7: Patara to Akbel
Distance: 16km (10 miles), 400m (1,320 feet) of ascent
Our final day's walk starts from the ancient city of Patara, designed as the main port for Xanthos. This huge harbour, a mile long was protected from the winds by the theatre hill and we can see the three arched gate of Mattius Modestus by which the aqueduct entered the city.

Leaving Patara we see a saddle back tomb and various temple tombs in the fields before following a Roman road uphill through peaceful pine forests. We reach the Patara Aqueduct and from here follow the line of this aqueduct all the way to Akbel enjoying beautiful views over the sea. Half way along is the siphonic system of Deliikkemer where we have the chance to explore this engineering miracle before a welcome drink in the bustling town of Akbel.

Day 8: Departure day

Fitness
We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. The walking day is normally 6-7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

Luggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase.

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Dates and prices

Single Room Supplement: £15 per night

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Travel

Start: For those who have booked our 'with flight' holiday, a coach transfer from Dalaman airport direct to your first accommodation is automatically included. This transfer takes approximately 1 hour.

Finish: The holiday finishes in Kalkan, and similar arrangements apply. A coach transfer to Dalaman airport will be arranged to connect with the HF flight. Kalkan is 135km from Dalaman and the journey time is around 1½ hours.

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Average temperatures

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Travel to resort

Transfer from the airport - If you book this holiday 'with flight' you will arrive at Dalaman airport. The onward journey by coach takes around 1 hour at the start and 1½ hours at the end of the holiday.

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 11/02/2008 (provisional)

Easyjet
Gatwick - Dalaman
Out 15:55 - 21:55
Return 22:55 - 01:10

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throught the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Making your own travel arrangements
By Air: The nearest airport is at Dalaman, to where there are a number of charter flights from the UK. You may be able to make use of our transfer service between Dalaman, Fethiye and Kalkan, please let us know your travel plans.

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