This challenging new trek follows the highest and most rugged section of Turkey's first ever long-distance footpath - the Lycian Way. The route snakes its way above the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastline, to the limestone peaks of Mt. Olympos (2388m), soaring high above the glittering sea. It descends through shady wooded valleys along a 4 km beach past the ruins of the Greek city of Olympos. It finishes at the spectacular isolated lighthouse on the ridge of Cape Gelidonia.
Grade C. On Day 4 trekkers have to carry their own tents plus overnight gear to camp. Ascent of Mount Olympos is over scree and involves some light scrambling. Maximum 16 trekkers.
Trekkers should have a 3 season sleeping bag, mat, trekking boots, raingear, swimwear, sunhat and sunblock and a 30-40 litre rucksack. Sleeping bags are for hire.
4 nights in pensions, 1 night in a village house, 2 nights camping. Tents are the latest Vango 2-person dome tents; customers are expected to help pitch/strike their own tents. Evening meals in camp will be hot soup or salads, a main course and fruit, or Turkish menus in restaraunts / pensions. Lunches are picnic, barbarcues or local restaraunt lunches. Prices do not include alcoholic drinks which are available at restaraunts or in camp.
Day 1: Transfer from Antalya to Natyrel Pension in Goynuk, set in orange gardens. Welcome drink and open air evening meal (traditional Turkish food).
Day 2: Walk up the Goynuk Canyon; (opportunity to swim in canyon pool) through pine forest to emerge on a summer pasture. (6 hrs walk, sea level to 800m.) Camp in orchard with grapes and figs.
Day 3: A varied day's walking over two passes and around a pretty stream to Gedelme village; explore the medieval castle and walk o village house at Yayla Kuzdere. (7 hrs, 800m to 900m) Supper and night in village house (shared rooms and sleeping bag).
Day 4: A steady climb up a stream bed to th pastures of Cukuryayla just below Mount Olympos. Meet vehicle and collect sleeping bags etc. Climb to our base camp on the shoulder o Mount Olympos. (3 hrs walk, 1200m - 1600m, 1 hour walk with kit 1600m - 1800m) Camp and barbarcue in cedar forest.
Day 5: Early start to climb Mount Olympos, with fantastic views over the coast. Descend via mulepath to village of Beycik. Drive to village of Ulupinar for late trout lunch; driv to beachside pension in Olympos, buffet supper. (4.5 hours climb 1800m - 2388m and return; 3 hrs 1800m - 900m, 1.5 hrs trabsers).
Day 6: Early start for walk over Musa Dag (Moses Mountain) to Adrasan. Climb through strawbery trees to old ruins, descend through forest part deserted farmhouse and down green valley to beach at Adrasan. (7 hrs, sea level to 650m and return to sea level).
Day 7: Walk along cliffs overlooking sea to lighthouse at tip of Cape Gelidonia. Chance to swim en-route. Meet the lighthouse keeper and light the lamp; camp and supper at lighthouse. (6 hrs walking, sea level to 450m and down; undulating, short scree section).
Day 8: Early start for views of sunrise and possibly dolphins; descend to meet bus. Transfer to Kadir's pension at Olympos for lunch and end of trek.