AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Walking & Cruising Western Lycia

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia Overview

This is a dream trip for walkers and sailors alike, with fabulous swims and stunning archaeology thrown in for good measure.

Rated by The Sunday Times as one of the ‘Ten Best Walks in the World’, the Lycian Way in Turkey follows 300 miles of ancient trails and mule roads that linked the region before the coming of the car. We follow some of its very best stretches, averaging about 5-6 miles walking a day, with a traditional gulet ever present offshore, providing elegant transport, dining and accommodation.

We’ll stroll along Roman roads, retrace the route of a 2,000 year old aqueduct, and follow in the footsteps of characters from Alexander the Great to modern day shepherds.

On foot we will be able to discover many of the remote archaeological sites, like Sidyma, an ancient town perched in the hills that encompasses a modern day tiny farming village. We’ll walk the magnificent opening section of the Lycian Way, with wonderful views in all directions, visit the ghost town of Kaya, abandoned by the Greeks after the exchange of populations in 1923 (the centrepiece of Louis de Bernières’ novel, Birds Without Wings); and discover Kekova, one of the most romantic and picturesque areas on the Turkish coast. More often than not we’ll be the only people exploring the historic ruins on our journey.

From footpaths by the coast, to goat tracks high up in the hills, this is an archaeological tour and gulet cruise packed full of breathtaking panoramas.

Lycian Way walking tour

Reviews of this holiday

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by LO, 4 Dec 2023
Traveller rating:

We had an absolutely wonderful time exploring this area of Turkey from our home base on a Gulet boat. Our guide, Dr. Richard ... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Mark (Australia), 9 Nov 2023
Traveller rating:

The Walking and Cruising Western Lycia tour was superbly organised and incredibly interesting, even for a non archeologist... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Andy G, 29 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

Very well run tour with knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour leader and friendly crew. A nice blend of activity and rest/recre... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Jane Turner Goldsmith (ok to use my name) , 26 Oct 2023
Traveller rating:

This holiday exceeded all our expectations. The itinerary attracted us, being a combination of physically active walking ... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by JSG, 7 Sep 2023
Traveller rating:

I am very late in reviewing this wonderful trip as I couldn’t think of enough superlatives to do justice to what was one ... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Roberto, 20 Jun 2023
Traveller rating:

Following a full written briefing before departure we were delighted to have our expectations more than fulfilled. High ... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Fordingbridge, 14 Jun 2023
Traveller rating:

I thoroughly enjoyed the trip from start to finish. Planning and execution were exceptional. I also thought that a good ... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by CB, 12 Jun 2019
Traveller rating:

A week on a beautiful wooden ship on the southern coast of Turkey. Accompanied by a guide - who was an experienced archaeolo... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by kimshoe1, 21 Nov 2015
Traveller rating:

A great way to learn about the history of Turkey. Staying on the Gulet was a great experience as we cruised the coast of Turkey... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Experiencing Turkey the Gulet Way!, 17 Nov 2015
Traveller rating:

Our Group of longtime friends included four couples from various parts of Western Canada. We met our Travel Director (Peter ... read more

Overall Holiday Rating
100%
Excellent 13
Good 0
Average 0
Poor 0
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 13
Reviews Accepted: 13
Reviews Rejected: 0
Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by LO, 4 Dec 2023
Traveller rating:

We had an absolutely wonderful time exploring this area of Turkey from our home base on a Gulet boat. Our guide, Dr. Richard ... read more

Walking & Cruising Western Lycia by Mark (Australia), 9 Nov 2023
Traveller rating:

The Walking and Cruising Western Lycia tour was superbly organised and incredibly interesting, even for a non archeologist... read more