The trek is centred around Mt Olympos (Tahtali), mainly following the Lycian Way
and taking in some of the most beautiful beaches, coastal trails and mountain
paths in Turkey. We will also visit the eternal flames of the Chimaera and the
ruins of the ancient city of Olympos. Christian Kollinsky is the main guide for the trip. He lives at the base of Mt Olympos and just a
short distance from the EWP base in Beycik. His enthusiasm and
knowledge of the flora and fauna will add greatly to the enjoyment and interest
of the trip. Accommodation
will be in comfortable pansiyons (guest houses) or hotels. These vary in
their facilities but they have all been chosen carefully for their
friendliness, cleanliness, good food, basic essentials and their atmosphere.
Although you will need to carry a change of clothes, waterproofs and other
personal items there will be an opportunity to have a clothing resupply and on
one or two days a vehicle transfer for your equipment will be possible. We will
be walking between 5 and 7 hours every day (including breaks) and the walking
varies greatly from rough, steep paths to forest tracks, stream crossings and
the occasional
short sections of tarmac. Several days involve height changes of around 1000m
and a reasonable fitness is required.
Programme- Arrive in Antalya. Private transfer in the afternoon to a
forest lodge above Karaoz (116km, 2h) to the southeast of the small provincial
town of Kumluca. Short walk in the pine woods surrounding the lodge to stretch
your legs after the long journey.
- Short transfer to the starting point of the first walk on the Adrasan
Peninsula. We hike along a pleasant forested trail through fine coastal
scenery passing bays and Roman ruins to reach the beautifully situated
Gelidonia lighthouse. We climb a ridge with good views over the peninsula with
its surrounding islands. Continue through woods to Adrasan, where we stay in a
comfortable pension. 5-6 hours walking, 500m of ascents.
- North of Adrasan there is a wild stretch of coastline with many remote bays,
some only accesible by boat. We will explore the area landing on a remote
beach. There will be several opportunities to swim and lunch will be served by
the crew of the boat. Whoever wants to hike can walk along the coast trail from
Adrasan and meet the boat group in one of the bays. Then return by boat to
Adrasan. Walkers: 3 hours walking, 250m of ascents.
- We leave Adrasan through orange groves and follow a wooded valley to yaylas
overlooking Adrasan. We cross a mountain ridge and then descend along shady
paths to the ruins of Olympos. This was once one of the most important cities
of Lycia due to its strategic location on the coast. At various times it was
under Greek and Roman control and for a period a pirate stronghold. There will
be time to explore the ruins before continuing along the beach to Ciragli,
where we stop for the night. Along the walk the guide will show you
the many typical Mediterranean plants and herbs including numerous wild
flowers. The route is rich in a wide variety of orchids best seen in May. Also
of note on this walk is the altitude related sequence of vegetation. 6 hours
walking, 700m of ascents.
- In the morning a short hike takes us to Yanartas (the burning stones), where,
according to Homer's legend, the Chimaera, a terrifying, fire-breathing monster
is said to have lived. Higher up we pass a second set of flaming rocks before
crossing a ridge. The trail now leads into a wooded valley. We cross and follow
streams to Ulupinar, where several springs feed into a single river. We have
lunch in one of the riverside restaurants that offer good trout dishes. In the
afternoon we follow trails leading up through forests and meadows to the
mountain village of Beycik where we stay overnight.
- We leave the village behind and walk up to an idyllic mountain meadow to reach
a steep mountain path through old mixed forests. Along the way, you can admire
rare specimens of ancient cedar of Lebanon. Finally we reach a pass
below the snow-covered* slopes of Tahtali (2365m). Time and weather permitting a
side trip could be made to the western summit of Tahtali. A long beautiful
descent past meadows and springs takes us to Yayla Kuzdere. Transfer to our
next accommodation overlooking the sea and Göynük gorge.
* In spring and sometimes in autumn. - We leave the mountain yaylas (meadows) and descend forested paths and tracks
passing rock towers, forest meadows and hamlets to reach the upper
Göynük gorge. The trail gradually works its way down the gorge. The
lower gorge becomes impassable and here we follow an ancient herders path
taking us high above the gorge. After crossing a mountain ridge we walk down to
the gorge entrance and a forest track that leads us to Göynük. A 30
minute drive takes us to our comfortable hotel in Antalya for the last night.
This day's walk provides a superb ending
to the trip. The walk through the gorge amongst mixed coniferous and decidous
shady forests takes us through some beautiful scenery along fine trails where
there is a profusion of colours and flowers including carpets of cyclamen in
autumn and orchids in spring. There are two stream crossings that in high water
would mean getting your feet wet, it may be useful to have sandals and trekking
poles for these sections.
- Free time in Antalya with opportunities to walk around the beautiful old town,
buy souvenirs or visit the museum. Transfer to airport.
The programme is available as a private trip all the year round, contact us for more details. Or join one of our scheduled trip departure dates. Prices: Included: - Olympos, Chimaera and Göynük Gorge entry fees
- group transfers as per the itinerary
- guide
- accommodation, mainy en-suite twin-bedded rooms
- all meals
Excluded: - luggage transfers and other transfers such as late arrivals / early departures
- breakfast and lunch on the first day, lunch and supper on the last day
- extra drinks
- tips
Purchase detailed guidebook and map to the Lycian Way.
| Nature Gallery Göynük Gorge
Olympos Coastal Path
Chimaera Mountains
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