Walking The Lycian Way

Day 1
Start Ovacik

Day 2
Today we set off from our hotel for the village of Kuzdere. From the Ovacik plateau we carry on down to join what once was a main commercial trade route in Lycian times. The imposing figure of Mt Olympos will be a constant companion and views also extend across the ancient cedar forests as we arrive at our village house in late afternoon for some traditional Turkish tea.
Approx walking 14 km, 4-5 hours

Day 3
The trail starts out amongst peaceful, pine-scented forests, taking us up to Çukuryayla. After 4 km we walk up to an altitude of 1100 metres where the cedar and juniper trees dominate the hills. The whole area gives us a great opportunity to explore the fascinating endemic richness of flora in the region, which is at its best during the spring months. For those opting to climb Mt Olympos (2650 m) we make a very early start. The climb is worth every step as at the summit ridge the views along the coast are breathtaking. In the early season the summit is dependent on the weather, but all being well we will start at 5 a.m and those opting for just going over the ridge will start a couple of hours later. From the saddle the descent is on a mule path to Beycik, where our day ends.
Approx walking 16 km, 6-7 hours

Day 4
After a traditional village breakfast we start our walk from Beycik accompanied by views of the the Cirali valley. The old mule path takes us to the little village of Ulupinar where we have the chance to have lunch at a traditional Turkish Lokanta. In the afternoon we start our walk by the river, which we eventually cross before climbing a relatively steep 3km up and over the side of the valley where we encounter the upper 'Eternal Flame' before making our way down to the beautiful sandy beach, en route seeing the one of the lower flames.
Approx walking 15km, 4-5 hours.

Day 5
This is a free day to relax and enjoy the long sandy beach at Cirali. In the evening there is an optional trek to the Eternal Flame at the Chimaera (2 hours) followed by dinner at a beachside restaurant. The Eternal Flame or Flaming Rock is a unique geographical feature. Dozens of small flames burn constantly from vents in the rocks. Not surprisingly these were attributed mystical powers by the locals, and the ruins of the temple of Hephaistos are not far away.

Day 6
We start the day exploring the ruins at Olympos, which was one of the most important cities in the Lycian Union and later was incorporated in the Roman Empire when it was taken by a Roman commander and a young Julius Cesar. We then climb overgrown hairpins over the saddle of Musa Dag (Moses Mountain). We descend into Adrasan on an old mule trail through the forest and past deserted farmhouses.
Approx walking 15 km, 5 hours.

Day 7
Walking today starts off on a rocky footpath through the pine forest for about 1 hour. This section is uphill but you are rewarded for your efforts by fantastic sea views at the top. We continue undulating until we reach our last great viewpoint, from where we can see the Gelidonya lighthouse rising from the coastline.The last 4 km is downhill until we actually reach the lighthouse. We transfer back to Antalya after the walk.
Approx walking 19 km 6-7 hours

Day 8
End Antalya.