MAY 11 - 18 - TREK THE LYCIAN WAY, EASTERN HIGHLIGHTS (TURKEY)

Backabush is going back to the Lycian Way to trek the highlights of the eastern half of this fantastic long distance trail.

Cost - Twin share £749. Private single £899.

Nights - 7. Group Size - 14. Accommodation - Hotels & guesthouses. 'Inn to Inn' trekking with luggage transfer.

The Lycian Way stretches 300 miles along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline. In previous years Backabush has hiked the western half of the this beautiful trail and in 2025 we are going back to finish the job by trekking the highlights of the eastern half. Starting in Antalya and finishing in the secluded cove of Kekova.

Compared to the hikes on the other half of the trial, the eastern half has slightly longer hike distances, up to around 19km a day but less ascent. The trail also follows the coast more closely with plenty of opportunities to swim in the sea from beautiful sandy beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS
Swim from sandy beaches and rocky coves
Stroll through the dense coastal forest as it comes alive in late spring
See some stunning coastal views as our trails wind over headlands.
Try local Turkish pancakes, coffee and pomegranate juice from the small village cafes along the way.
Soak up the chilled vibe of the coastal towns before the tourist seasons begins.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

• Day 1. Arrive at Antalya Airport. Transfer to the hotel in the charming old town 'Kaleici' district of Antalya and relax in the Mediterranean ambience.
• Day 2. Tekirova to Cirali Beach, 19km. A gentle but spectacular route, overlooked by the towering Mt. Olympos. Swimming opportunities en-route.
• Day 3. A Morning visit to the ancient city of Olympos, then 8.5km down via the Chimera, (this eternal flame is a rare natural phenomenon) and back to the accommodation.
• Day 4. Cirali Beach to Adrasan, 16 km. Starting along the beach then climbing up through strawberry-tree forests, we reach the pass of Mt. Moses ( Musa Dag) before a descent through pine and oak forests to Adrasan.
• Day 5. There are plenty of beautiful hikes from Adrasan and we aim to get the best out of the area by choosing one of 3 superb route options. It's best we look at the weather and how most of the group is feeling before our final selection but the day is best ended with cool drinks on the beach.
• Day 6. Adrasan to Melanippe, 18km. This is another wonderfully photogenic day as we walk through coastal pine forest, eventually descending upon the Gelidonya lighthouse, one of the most photographed points in Lycia. Rounding the cape we head north to the historical little cove of Melanippe, known to be a pirate hideout in bygone days. After a final swim we will be picked up and brought to Demre where dinner is included at our hotel.
• Day 7. Visit the Church of St. Nicholas and ancient site of Myra, the one time capital of Lycia with impressive theatre and rock tombs. Hike Kapakli village to the sound of Kekova, 10km, passing the picturesque castle of Simena. Boat transfer to guesthouse in Kaleucagiz Village.
• Day 8. Transfers back to the airport in Antalya for our travel home.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

• 7 nights hotel and guesthouse accommodation in shared twin rooms.
• 7 breakfasts
• 1 evening meal on night 6
• Private airport transfers to meet the recommended flights
• Transfers to and from the trailheads
• A full itinerary of guided hikes
• Luggage transfers between accommodations
• Financial protection in line with package travel regulations

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

• Travel insurance
• Flights to Antalya
• Lunches and evening meals (except one)
• Entrance fees to historic sites.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
Our airport transfers will be organised to meet these flights, if you choose to book alternative travel to Antalya Airport then you will need to meet us at our hotel in Antalya.

Outbound - Sunday 11 May
easyJet - EZY8559
Departs LGW London Gatwick 13:15
Arrives AYT Antalya 19:35

Return - Sunday 18 May
easyJet - EZY8556
Departs AYT Antalya 14:35
Arrives LGW London Gatwick 17:20

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking, your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use LYCIAN as your payment reference. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/

Only payment secures your place. Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks. :)

IMPORTANT NOTES
VISA: Please check if you need a visa to travel to Cappadocia. Turkey is NOT within the Shengen zone. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary documents, including visa.