9-Day Lycian Way Trek in Turkey with Mount Olympus and Chimera

1

Day 01

Arrival in Antalya and Old Town Exploration

• Arrival in Antalya.
• Our representative will meet you at the airport and arrange a transfer to the hotel. Explore the Old Town, followed by dinner at a local Mediterranean restaurant. Briefing and instructions with your guide. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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Day 02

Geynuk Trek and Transfer to Ovacik

• Transfer to Geynuk and trek to Geynuk Yayla, followed by a transfer to Ovacik.
• After breakfast, we'll head to the village of Geynuk, which translates as "a fertile valley where the sky meets the sea" - a name justified by its blooming pomegranate and orange trees and the sparkling, gentle sea. Overnight in an atmospheric campsite in Ovacik.

3

Day 03

Mountain Trail to Yayla Kuzdere

• Trek to Yayla Kuzdere. A winding mountain trail leads us to the village of Gedelme, where we'll visit the ruins of an ancient castle and enjoy lunch.
• Afterward, we'll continue along the Lycian Way to Yayla Kuzdere, a village at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. 13 kilometers, 650 meters of elevation gain.

4

Day 04

Mount Olympus Summit and Descent to Beycik

• Mount Olympus (Tahtali).
• After breakfast, a short transfer takes us to the start of the trail.
• After a moderate ascent (2.5-3 hours), we'll reach the cable car station for Mount Tahtali and ride to the summit. In ancient times, this mountain was believed to be Olympus, the dwelling place of the gods.
• According to local legend, the fearsome Chimera monster once roamed here until the brave Bellerophon defeated it, casting it down from the peak. The views from the summit over the coastline and surrounding hills are stunning.
• We'll have a picnic in a scenic spot before descending via goat trails to the village of Beycik.
• Overnight in a campsite with panoramic views of the Lycian Way mountains. 6 hours, 300 meters ascent, 1500 meters descent.

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Day 05

Chimera Flames and Cirali Beaches

• Chimera Flames and Cirali Beaches.
• After resting, we'll head to Beydaglari National Park and continue toward the luxurious beaches of Cirali, a cozy spot on the Antalya coast and a breeding ground for sea turtles.
• In the evening, we'll hike to the Chimera Flames, a mystical natural phenomenon where fire has burned on the mountainside for thousands of years.
• Flames erupt from the ground in various spots, changing over time, flaring up and fading unpredictably. We'll watch the sunset before heading to a picturesque seaside hotel for the night. 5 hours, 900 meters descent.

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Day 06

Olympos Ruins and Hike to Adrasan

• Cirali to Adrasan.
• In the morning, we'll visit the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, perfect for incredible photos, exploring frescoes, and soaking in the ancient atmosphere.
• Olympos, founded in the 3rd century BC, was a port city of Lycia, believed to have been established by pirates who settled in a secluded bay near the river and mountains.
• Afterward, we'll ascend Mount Musa (650 meters) before descending to the bay and the village of Adrasan, also known as Cavuskoy. This picturesque corner of southern Turkey was once a vital trading hub for the Lycian civilization and the Ottoman Empire. Azure waters and sandy beaches at sunset will complete the day.

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Day 07

Cape Gelidonia and Ancient Simena

• Adrasan to Cape Gelidonia. The trail runs parallel to the scenic coastline.
• Cape Gelidonia, known as the "edge of the world," is home to a pristine white lighthouse. The panoramic views resemble a vivid postcard, with distant islands dotting the horizon.
• After the hike, we'll transfer to Kalekoy (about 2 hours), where the ancient port city of Simena was established in the 4th century BC.
• In the 2nd century, part of the city sank into the sea due to an earthquake.
• We'll visit the Simena Fortress and ancient tombs with unique boat-shaped lids, a testament to the Lycian belief in an afterlife at sea.
• If possible, we'll rent kayaks and capture stunning sunset photos. Overnight at a hotel. 17 kilometers, 6 hours.

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Day 08

Myra and Geynuk Canyon

• Transfer to Antalya.
• Just 20 kilometers from our overnight stop lies the ancient city of Myra, one of the best-preserved Lycian Trail sites.
• After exploring, we'll continue to the famous Geynuk Canyon for a short hike (2 hours) among towering cliffs. Activities include boat rides and canyoning, offering unforgettable experiences for even the most seasoned adventurers.

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Day 09

Departure from Antalya

• Departure.
• Fly home.