TREKKING PROGRAM 2

5 NIGHTS, 6 DAYS......1ST STAGE LYCIAN WAY- AKDAG- SAKLIKENT
(Grade – Medium)
The Lycian hills, mountains and valleys shelter secret paths and ancient roads, ruins, rock tombs, temples and stunning mountain and pine forest views letting down on to secluded bays and beaches. The route, named after the ancient Roman province of Lycia, consists a coastal trail of sign-posted, way-marked walking tracks. Enjoy local life at unspoilt, tiny villages and experience rarely visited ruined settlements from ancient times.
DAY 1 : Ovacik – Kozagaci – Kirme - Faralya
Transfer to the beginning of The Lycian Way in Ovacik. Early into the walk you will be rewarded with great views over the Ölüdeniz beach and lagoon. Bring plenty of camera film as one may only last you a few hours! Pass goat herds tended by herders and climb up to arid, but still farmed, hillside land for views extending down the Mediterranean coast towards Patara. Picnic lunch at Kozagaci, nestled at the base of Babadag’s (Father mountain) sheer south west face ( exposed rock a legacy of the 1959 earthquake). Sit at the top of the valley among tall pines and enjoy the view over a resort to the sparkling sea.
Continue on to the village of stone houses, Kirme. Pass by the spring at the centre of the village – a good place to freshen up – before carrying onto Faralya, the village above Butterfly Valley, entering the village via the mill house.

Overnight at a pension in Faralya.

Total walking time – 6 hours.

DAY 2 : Faralya – Kabak – Alinca
Leave the farming and bee keeping village of Faralya for the scenic, coastal village of Kabak. Take the time to see the unique pillared grave dating back over 2000 years. We lunch here in a local restaurant before continuing on to Alinca, a village perched on the sheer cliffs with views down the coast towards Yedi Burun ( Seven Capes). Enroute see Delikkaya (rock with a hole), pass through olive groves and pine forests.

Overnight at Alinca in a village house and village style dinner.

Total walking time – 6 hours.

DAY 3 : Alinca – Gey – Bel – Sidyma
Bid our village hosts farewell after breakfast as we set off for another day of sheer pleasure. Heading towards the village of Gey, we pass carob trees, a cistern and some sparce tobacco crops with again, many photo oportunities. Expect a warm welcome by the Gey residence, known for their hospitality. On to Bel, another village with a meagre population, lying low in a pass with coastal views. A picnic lunch here before we embark on a side trek to the Lycian ruins of Sidyma – look out for eagles over head.. Let your guide impart his knowledge of the site as you explore. Return to Bel for overnight village house stay.

Total walking time – 6 hours.

DAY 4 : Bel – Gavuragili - Patara beach – Arsa Köy
Our final day on this section of The Lycian Way. We descend from the mountains towards Patara passing juniper trees (and an array of wildflowers if its Springtime) and the beautiful village of Gavuragili, perched just above a beach among windswept pines. Picnic lunch enroute before we reach the long sands of Patara beach. Look out for the very rare Smyrna kingfisher as well as the many egrets, gulls and storks. Patara, famous for both it’s long sandy beach and as the birth place of Saint Nicholas, is of historical and natural importance. We spend some time here before meeting our transfer to Arsa Köy where we stay the night. Be prepared for some real Turkish entertainment.

Total walking time – 5 hours.

DAY 5 : Arsa Köy – Akdag – Arsa Köy
Today we hitch a ride in a tractor up Akdag to the 1600m point. Here we are left to hike the remaining 1200m (strenuous) to the peak for breathtaking views over mountains and valleys to the Mediterranean. Keep your eye out for herds of goats and their sheperds. A chance to see some birds of prey too. Picnic lunch enroute. We descend again to 1600m where the tractor awaits to take us back to Arsa Köyü.

Village style dinner & overnight at Arsa Köyü.

6 hours including tractor ride.

DAY 6 : Arsa Köy - Saklikent - Return to base
Our final day sees us trekking from Arsa to Saklikent (Hidden Gorge). Time to explore the gorge and perhaps take a breathtaking dip in the fast flowing, chilly, spring water that gushes from the source inside the gorge. Lunch by the stream at a local restaurant.

Our minibus then transfers you back to your base in Fethiye.

Total walking time – 4 hours.

NOTES:

1.Guided by our professional, experienced mountain guide and accompanied by our licensed tour guide.

2.All meals, bottled water and transfers included.

3.Main packs transfered between overnight stays by our minibus, clients only carry a day pack with water, lunch and personal daytime needs.

4. Firstaid kit, radio and mobile phone carried by guide at all times.

5. Accommodation is basic, clean and friendly in either pensions or village houses.

6. The ideal time to walk this route is April/May for wildflowers and September/October/ November for mild weather.

7. Requirements for this walk – sturdy walking boots, day pack, water bottle, sleeping bag & sleeping mat (for village house stays), swimming gear, waterproof jacket & sunscreen.

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