Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way

G Adventures · 8 days
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way
8 Days
From AUD $3749 Was AUD $4999
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(3 reviews)

Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way

Turkey: Ancient Cities & Hikes Along the Lycian Way

G Adventures · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Turkey's Mediterranean coastline offers seemingly endless stretches of rocky outcroppings, quaint towns nestled in hidden coves and dramatically-coloured water.

Highlights

  • Go back in time with visits to ancient Greek and Roman archeological sites
  • Soak in mud baths and see the cliffside rock tombs from a boat on the Dalyan River
  • Hike or kayak along the Turquoise Coast of the Lycian Way
  • Take a boat trip in the bay of Gocek and swim at Cleopatra's Beach before a bbq lunch.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking, boat.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Şirince, Turkey

Finishes

Göcek, Turkey

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Luxury

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Şirince: Gateway to Ephesus

Descending into Izmir airport, you'll catch a glimpse of the long stretches of Turkey's stunning Aegean coastline and its' strikingly blue water. Let your imagination wander as you witness the meeting of ancient and modern cultures through the architecture and cityscapes as you make your way south to your hotel in a small village. We welcome you to Turkey, and we invite you to experience the old and new as you set off to explore the Turquoise Coast and the Lycian Way.
Arrive at any time and transfer from Izmir airport to your hotel in the village of Şirince. For those who have pre-booked the visit to Ephesus, the tour will depart the hotel at 4pm and will return at approximately 6pm. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. After dinner, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.
2

Day 2: Bodrum: Ancient Sites and Turkish Countryside

Delve deep into Turkey's history as you wander through ancient temples and ruins dating back thousands of years. The massive columns and sheer size of these complexes will spark the imagination into how these places once were in their heyday. Sip tea from a local tea house and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing south to the Bodrum Peninsula, jutting out into the Aegean Sea.
Drive from Şirince to the ancient sites of Priene and Miletus to visit the ancient ruins, theatre and temples. After a light typical lunch, stop in a local tea house before visiting the temple complex of Didyma on the way to Bodrum. Enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants around or join the CEO at their local favourite.
3

Day 3: Bodrum: Castle and Coastline

Sitting at a strategic position on the water, Bodrum has been an important marine and shipping hub for the region over the thousands of years that people have lived there. You'll discover parts of this history firsthand as you wander through the castle and some of the city's other historical sites. Venture out to the end of the Bodrum Peninsula for a delicious lunch of local specialties with great views across the sea and coastline.
Visit Bodrum Castle before heading to the ancient city of Halikarnasos to see the tomb of Mosaleus and the theatre. Continue to Gumusluk for lunch overlooking the bay before stopping at the Bodrum windmills perched on a hill with views of the surrounding area. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
4

Day 4: Dalyan: Along the Dalyan River

Swap the bus for a boat as you drift down the Dalyan River for another day of adventure. Feel the warmth of the bubbling natural mud pools and let your skin soak in all of those rejuvenating minerals before taking a refreshing rinse in the river or lake. Meander further downriver to the sprawling ancient site of Kaunos and cruise right up to your hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool or gazing across the river at the rock tombs.
Drive from Bodrum to Dalyan and take a boat trip on the Dalyan River. Soak in mud baths and then travel upriver to visit the Acropolis of Kaunos and see the nearby rock tombs. Continue to Dalyan beach to have lunch next to the river, relax and swim before arriving by boat to the hotel for a free evening.
5

Day 5: Göcek: Hike to Rock Tombs

The Turkish countryside opens up as you follow the coast south to a small village where the trailhead lies for today's hike. Set off on foot with the remote ancient city of Pinara as your goal, to explore the remains of the theatre, basilica and the Lycian rock tombs carved out of the stone cliffs. Back in the village you'll gain insights into daily life of the people who live in this region with a delicious lunch prepared by a local family.
Travel from Dalyan to the village of Minare to start the hike to the historical site of Pinara. Back in Minare, enjoy a local lunch prepared by a family before continuing on to Göcek to check into the hotel and have an evening at leisure.
6

Day 6: Göcek: Your OMG Day

The Lycian Way is yours to discover today either by sea kayak or on foot. Hike from village to village along the coast with the Mediterranean on one side and forest on the other, or alternatively paddle the rocky coves and shoreline around Saint Nicholas Island. Regroup in the picturesque seaside resort village of Ölüdeniz which serves as the official start point for the marked footpath of the Lycian Way and also is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
Choose either a half-day hike along part of the Lycian Way or go sea kayaking along the Turquoise Coast. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Ölüdeniz and then take some free time to explore before returning to the hotel in the evening.
7

Day 7: Göcek: The Turquoise Coast

There's no better way to appreciate the beauty of rocky coastline and blue waters than from a boat. You'll spend the day winding in and out of the bays of Göcek, swimming and snorkelling along the way, as well as make a stop for a short hike to a beach where a natural hot water spring meets the sea. Göcek and the Turquoise Coast provide the ultimate capstone to this adventure along the Lycian Way.
Head out on a full-day boat tour of Göcek's bays for swimming and snorkelling with a barbecue lunch onboard. Stop for a hike to Cleopatra's Baths before returning to Göcek. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.
8

Day 8: Göcek

Today your adventure comes to an end and you can depart at any time.
Departure transfers to Dalaman airport are included.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $4999

AUD $3,749
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
25% Off

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Turkey's Mediterranean coastline offers seemingly endless stretches of rocky outcroppings, quaint towns nestled in hidden coves and dramatically-coloured water.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Oct 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Luc
Traveled, June 2024

07/07/2024

Overall a fantastic tour! As with most group tours, the experience heavily rested upon the kind of passengers who are on the tour. I was fortunate to have been with an incredible group! Our tour leader, Sebnem, was fantastic. She went out of her way to help provide the best possible experience for everyone, especially challenging when you have a full group of 18 with different interests. The itinerary was overall great, there were some areas that could have benefited from an extra day, but as a whole it was well rounded and provided a journey that gave you a feel for various landscapes, cities, and experiences in Turkey.

4.0
Estelle
Traveled, August 2024

08/26/2024

We usually travel independently so this was our first tour experience. It makes traveling under a time limit really easy. Highly recommend.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990