Ancient Lycia & The Turquoise Coast

Start the day by viewing the Tomb of Amyntas, Fethiye’s most impressive Lycian tomb, then continue to the ‘ghost town’ of Kayakoy. Once inhabited largely by Greeks, the village is preserved as a memorial to the compulsory population exchanges between Greece and Turkey in 1923. This afternoon follows a highly scenic section of the Lycian Way on foot (5km: 2 to 3 hours – moderate) over the mountain and down to the picture-perfect Oludeniz Lagoon. Then return to Gocek.

The wild and mountainous interior of Lycia will be your destination today. Tlos, one of the most exquisite Lycian hilltop citadels in Turkiye, will be your first stop. Next, walk into the magical Saklikent gorge, where you will be able to wade through its cool rushing waters. Then, continue to the shrine of the goddess Leto – the Letoon – the festival venue of the Lycian Federation and admire the tower tombs of nearby Xanthos before returning to Gocek.

Travel north to Dalyan and embark on a relaxing private cruise on the green waters of the Dalyan River. The cruise will reveal the spectacular Carian rock-carved tombs and the ruins of ancient Kaunos. An afternoon drive inland will then bring you to Pamukkale, where you will check in at your Spa hotel.

Visit the extensive ruins of ancient Hierapolis, formerly a great cult centre and place of pagan pilgrimage. The city occupies a dramatic location atop the famous white cotton bud-like travertine terrace and opaque chalky-blue pools of one of Turkiye’s great natural wonders, Pamukkale. Next, follow the highly scenic road through the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea, stopping en route to climb up to the dramatic tumbled ancient ruins of the Psidian city of Termessos.

This morning, drive out onto the Pamphylian plain to Perge, with its almost complete stadium, fine Hellenistic walls, and impressive monumental street. Then, continue to Aspendos, where one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world is located. Return to Antalya to see the stunning Roman sculpture in the archaeological museum, then enjoy a walking tour through the city’s beautiful Ottoman lanes.

The tumbled ruins of ancient Olympos are particularly picturesque and will be your first destination this morning. Located a short walk from beautiful Cirali beach Olympos was once one of the most celebrated cities of the Lycian League. Drive on to ancient Myra where you will be able to admire the city’s theatre and many finely carved Lycian tombs before completing the day’s sightseeing with a visit to the church of St Nicholas (Father Christmas) in Demre. Arrive Kalkan late afternoon.

A hike along a scenic section of the Lycian Way (10km/3hrs) this morning will bring you down to the isolated and partially submerged Lycian city of Aperlai where you will board a privately chartered boat for a cruise through the Gulf of Kekova – one of the most picturesque locations on the Turquoise coast. En route you will view the submerged ruins of ancient Dolikisthe through the crystal-clear waters and visit the charming village of Simena with its Byzantine castle and scatted Lycian tombs.

Today will be at leisure in Kalkan on the Turquoise Coast.

Private transfer to Dalaman International Airport and check in for your onward flight.