Walking The Lycian Way

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Martin Williams

  THE ULTIMATE LYCIAN WAY

  

  Written September 2011

  I expected more of a coastal walk which was not a disappointment and walking through pine clad forest meant we were shielded from the sun. The unexpected aspects of the trek made it more interesting. Obviously the trip depends on the other group members which in this case was the makings of the trip. I did expect the accommodation to be not quite as basic – there was no water or only scorching hot water at times.  The breakfasts were a bit monotonous but the food was generally good. In spite of this I found the holiday enjoyable and rewarding, each day being quite challenging in the heat and humidity. The well-marked paths are full of scenic moments and there are several opportunities to swim in the sea. I found the camping and the climb of mount Olympus very interesting and different from what I expected. It is a quite a rush to pack up and get ready each day but that is what trekking is all about, I guess. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Mount Olympus was the main highlight and climbing it gave me a good sense of achievement. I found the ruins of Olympus very stimulating and the flames of Chimera visit fascinating.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  A patient and friendly leader, who at times had to do most of the tasks - brief us, guide us, buy and prepare the food and arrange the accommodation. I had expected more historical and local knowledge, better fluency in English and more advice to prepare us for the next day. I could have done with some more guidance as to what to take with us for the camping and climb of Mount Olympos. I believe we should have been warned of the stoniness of two of the beeches which at one could have been dangerous with the breakers.

  In general he was attentive and concerned for our safety without detracting from the sense of adventure, achieving a good balance between being organisational and giving one a sense of using one’s initiative. I will always remember his patience at the camp when serving out the tea from the hot urn using pliers to turn tap which was broken.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It was necessary to have a good sleeping bag for the camping night to ensure a good night’s sleep – my tent had a problem of condensation on the inside. Some of the beaches are painfully stony and it advisable to use the jetties and ladder to get clear of the stones. Be prepared to carry some of the food, pitch your tent and gather firewood.There is time and the opportunity to wash your clothes.If you are travelling with ladies do not be surprised to inadvertently see some female posterior on the Lycian way and having to avert one’s gaze. The trail is quite slippery in places an one must look out for low branches. On the last day there is the time and the possibility of a boat cruise as well as the shopping at Antalya.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It would have been handy to know that there was quite a lot of room on the Thomas Cook plane for a reasonably sized rucksack.It would have been good for Exodus to supply a bag for the provisions for camping rather than the bin bag provided. A map of Antalya would have been useful and some prior information on the ancient town of Olympos.

   

   
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  James Smith

  THE ULTIMATE LYCIAN WAY

  

  Written May 2011

  A perfect trip.The challenging hiking days amongst the amazing mountain scenery and the long mountain climb, mixed with a couple of nights to relax at the most stunning, almost deserted beach at Cirali to swim and get some energy back, and finally some time at the end in the city of Antalya to explore a bit of Turkey, gets the mix just about right. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The climb to the top of mount Olympos has got to be the highlight, unbelievable views to the coast and across the other mountain ranges. The whole of the region has the most green and beautiful scenery, and the smells from the Cedars and Pines is amazing, drinking from the mountain springs, eating wild Mulberries off the trees, several river crossings in the valleys, and keeping an eye out for the many wild Tortoises on the hikes are great memories too.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Group leader was great, very knowledgeable and went the extra mile many times to make sure all the group were well fed and had a great time, always putting our interests first and took us to some great places to see some Rural Turkey which I particularly enjoyed. Certainly did not believe in hanging about as far as pace is concerned but this did suit our group well. Made an unbelievable meal on the open fire at base camp (and managed to get a crate of Efes up there too !) then got up at 4 in the morning to do the same for breakfast before the climb. Top man Thanks Ozgur !

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do make sure of your fitness for this one, none of the hiking on this trip is on flat ground, it is all climbing up or down very steeply and where there are paths they are very rocky under-foot. A very good pair of strong leather walking boots with good ankle support is a must, the other thing that I would not have done without was my 2 litre platypus, which meant not having to stop and fiddle about with rucksacks and bottles to get a drink whilst on the mountain climbs. A good warm fleece for the night camping at base camp as the temps can drop a bit at night and a good camera with video is also a must as the views are fantastic.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  My first Exodus trip and it will certainly not be my last, very impressed with all the organization from the booking right to the flight home. The whole group had a great time and the food, accommodation, hiking and locations were all extremely good. It is a holiday after all and I really enjoyed joining with like minded people to do some of the things I love.

   
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  Christopher Herdman

  THE ULTIMATE LYCIAN WAY

  

  Written November 2009

  One of the more enjoyable holidays with Exodus, with accomodation, food and leadership up to par ! As I always find with Exodus the diverse background of Group members lends to excellent company and craic !! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I would say there was nothing truly "inspirational" on the trip but each day was varied and presented different challenges.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very good ! He may not have been to everyones taste, but I thoroughly enoyed his (and his compadres) company. His knowledge of local history, past and present, was excellent and in my opinion he looked after us very well.

  The leader can make or break a holiday and I certainly have no complaints on this front !!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be open minded and don't expect a "home from home". Also know your physical limits !!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Nothing really. Just that on most occasions Exodus get it right. I've only been disappointed once and that was down to the leadership of the Group not the location. It is critical that the Leader has an empathy with peoples needs.

   Whilst some trips can be challenging, it is a holiday after all, and therefore at the end of a long day the accomodation must be clean and the food plentiful and good ! Stick to these rules and you'll not go far wrong !

   
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  Jonathan Dusheiko

  THE ULTIMATE LYCIAN WAY

  

  Written November 2009

  Enjoyable mix of forest, mountains, sea and ancient history.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the lighthouse at Cape Gelidonia.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very funny guy, especially Clint Eastwood and Captain Jack Sparrow impressions. Passionate about the landscape. Organised brilliant boat trip to sunken city of Kerkova on the free day. Timekeeping not perfect but hey you are on holiday.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for hot and humid weather but it is cold at altitude on the camping night so take a good sleeping bag. Take a packable duffel bag or large stuff sack to repack for Mt Tahtali base camp. Also take a reusable bag for the packed lunch provided. Goggles and a snorkel are useful if you go to Kerkova.  The private beach near the old harbour at Antalya is nice for a final swim, just down road from the hotel. Watch out for mosquitos at night in Cerali, take repellent.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It would be better for the environment if purified water was provided instead of buying plastic bottles.

   
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  George Shanks

  The Lycian way

  

  Written November 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The walk to the Lighthouse with the views out over the Med was neat. Overnighting on the boat was cool. Camping out before climbing Mt Olympus. Sunken city, ruins at Myra, blue skies day after day , cold Efes to drink - lots of good memories.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Group leader and his assistant were excellent. Friendly and approachable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  This was a good trek. Trekking was tough going mainly due to the heat. Whatever water you are recommended to carry each day add another litre plus a couple of cans of cola onto that.  A lot of the terrain was tricky underfoot. Lots of pebbles, boulders and rock. Without the guide I would have found it hard to follow the path in some places. I'm not believing people have walked the Lycian way for 2000 years - if they had the path would be a lot better defined!

  One draw back to this trip were the flight times. Arriving and departing at silly o'clock in the morning is not good. Hopefully the flight times will be more civilised next year. Definitely recommend this trek. Tough going at times but very rewarding. 

   

   
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  Stephen Taylor

  Some great moments, some not so good.

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Having seen and read about the walk as one of the 10 great walks of the world, I was expecting something more. Undoubtedy it has some high spots-the ruins of Olympus, Kerkova, kayaking over the sunken city, and the coastal sections of walking were very good, but the mountain scenery did not offer dramatic peaks, often seeming a bit repetitive, with the vegetation very scrubby in many parts. That said, there was nothing unpleasant, and the Turkish people were all very friendly and hospitable, with opportunites during the trip to wander about without a guide in the villages and towns allowing us to see more of rural life in Turkey than expected. Not the classic trek I expected, but still a pretty enjoyable trip.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  One comment which says it all-in two weeks of the holiday he did not learn the names of the individual members of the group.

   
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  Terence Burt

  Turkey Rocks !

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I normally choose holidays that include a lot of high altitude walking and wondered if I was going to really enjoy this holiday but the  sense of walking through history made this a remarkable trip. Visiting the site of Myra is an optional extra that I strongly recommend you do as it is a sight you will never forget, the craftsmanship is staggering. Along with amazing flora and fauna and rugged terrain I really felt that I saw the real Turkey not the plastic beach resort variety. On a couple of days you walk to a beach and are then picked up by boat so you get a mini cruise and swim for your money which is just as well as the terrain is rugged and very rocky on the mountains and lower levels it certainly presents a challenge.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader was Turkish he spoke very good English and had a lot of local knowledge and was a great motivator and organiser and great fun to be with.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for very rocky loose terrain , heat and be aware of a plant called Euphorbia - it has many varieties but all have a similar appearance, when crushed they exude a milky sap which reacts with bright sunlight and if it is on your skin it will cause severe blistering , as I and another member of our group found out the hard way. It's worth checking it out before you leave home  it's very easy to identify.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  It's good to have a European holiday offered by Exodus that is longer than the 8 day norm sadly I'm running out of them.

   

   

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