For full details of our walking holiday venue, Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotels, please click here.
Our unique Walking Weeks in south-west Turkey are designed not only to enable you to discover some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Lycian coast and the rugged mountainous hinterland on foot, but also to visit some of the region's lesser-known archaeological sites and to learn more about rural life in Turkey, and the chequered history that has shaped local customs and culture over the centuries.
The walks will be lead by our MD, Ghislain, who knows the area intimately and has spent much time over the years exploring the region's mountain trails and coastal paths. Being born and raised in
Turkey, he has a deep personal understanding of the country's traditions and heritage, and his wealth of local contacts helps to give participants a very personal experience.
The holiday is based at our exclusive Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel. Peacefully situated in the rural hamlet of Faralya, close to the ancient Lycian Way, much favoured by walkers of all nationalities, Mandarin & Mango offers an ideal location for a walking holiday with the added bonus of providing a comfortable base to return to at the end of each day.
The holiday is offered on a half-board basis with a traditional Turkish breakfast and Mandarin & Mango's delicious five-course dinner, as well as 5-o'clock tea with cakes/pastries. En route you can enjoy a meal in a simple Turkish eaterie, all payable locally.
Some days will be spent walking in the immediate area, others exploring a little further afield and some following parts of the Lycian Way and a minibus will be used to transport you whenever necessary. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy walking boots are required but the week's routes are designed to allow you to enjoy the countryside at a fairly leisurely pace and not to test your endurance.
Subject to local conditions and availability, guests also have the opportunity to take part in several optional activities during the week, including horse-riding, scuba-diving and even a tandem para-glide flight!
This holiday can be extended by a second week (or just a few extra days) for those who want to spend
time relaxing at Mandarin. Partners/travelling companions not wishing to join the walks can stay at Mandarin & Mango with a reduction of £100 off the total tour price.
Itinerary
- Day 1:
- Informal welcome dinner to get to know your hosts and fellow travellers.
- Day 2:
- We explore the fertile Kaya Valley, walking from Oludeniz Lagoon up to the atmospheric ruined village of Kayakoy (approx. 10 km walking) where we stop for local specialities. There are few archaeological remains of the ancient Lycian city of Karmylassos that stood here, but it is the village's more recent history that makes a visit so interesting and poignant; known as Levissi, it was a vibrant Greek community until the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1922, the events of which were brought to life in Louis de Bernieres' novel "Birds Without Wings".
- Day 3:
- A walk above the coast with stunning views down to the Butterfly Valley. We descend through the forest and walk along Aktas Beach towards Kabak where we have a light lunch. Those who wish can walk down to Kabak beach for a swim before the return walk (approx. 14 km).
- Day 4:
- We travel by minibus from the hotel to the start of the Lycian way in Ovacik. From here we walk to the mountain villages of Kozagac and Kirme and start our descent to Faralya. At the first section of the village of Faralya, we will see a Roman rock tomb with ancient Greek inscription, a sarcophagus dating back to the Lycian era and a Byzantine church gate dating back to the 4th Century. (Approx. 18 km walking).
- Day 5:
- A 50-minute minibus journey will take us to the village of Uzumlu, once famous for its grapes. From here, we walk up to the atmospheric archaeological site of Cadyanda, founded around 3000 BC and finally abandoned in the 7th century AD. With its impressive hillside theatre, extensive temple complex and fascinating necropolis, Cadyanda offers a glimpse into an ancient civilization’s artistry, architecture and legends. On our hike up to the main site, we will pass several rock tombs, including the "Tomb of Hector", an intriguing mix of myth and historical reality. Whilst the claim that the Trojan Prince Hector was buried here is unlikely, the site remains an integral part of Lycian heritage. (Approx. 9 km).
- Day 6:
- A free day to relax at base, go shopping in Fethiye or visit the lagoon at Oludeniz. Adrenaline-seekers can take a tandem para-glide flight from the peak of Mount Babadag, and for qualified divers, we can arrange a diving excursion with a local dive centre in Oludeniz (these optional activities are not included in the holiday cost and are payable locally).
- Day 7:
- Drive up to Alinca and walk down to Faralya along part of the Lycian Way, with spectacular views over Kabak Bay and Gemiler Bay before returning to Mandarin & Mango for your farewell dinner.
- Day 8:
- Return transfer to Dalaman Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay at Mandarin & Mango.
Price includes:
- Return flights from Gatwick to Dalaman (regional flights at a supplement).
- Accommodation at Mandarin & Mango on a half board basis.
- Five full-day walking excursions with your guide, and transfers where required