Turkiye Lycian Way Adventure

Day 1 – Welcome to Turkiye!

The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived – you’re in Turkiye! Arrival on all our Camino Women trips is a breeze, since a member of our team will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at the hotel.

If you get here early enough, you’ll have time to explore the Karaköy area with your guide, checking out the Golden Horn and Galata Bridge on the way. Wandering around, it’s pretty easy to understand why so many travellers rave about Istanbul.

After a quick freshen-up in your room, it’s time to meet the rest of the group for your very first dinner together. Over a table laden with meze as far as the eye can see, share tales of previous travels, toast to the journey up ahead, and make new friendships. It’s only your first night in Turkiye, and you have another 13 fun-filled days up ahead, you lucky thing!

Accommodation: The Haze Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner

Day 2 – The Prince Islands

Istanbul is great, but you know what’s even better? The Prince Islands. This chain of islands, just off the coast of Istanbul, is more than worth the short water taxi ride. It’s only logical, then, that this is where you’ll get to head out on the first hike of the trip. Today’s 13-kilometre trail will show off the very best of Büyükada Island’s eye-catching natural beauty!

As you wander through olive groves, forests and beaches, you’ll definitely be impressed, but it’s not all about the natural highlights. You see, back in the 19th century, this island was the summer playground for Istanbul’s rich and famous. Along the route, you’ll get to eyeball some swanky Ottoman mansions dating back to this era, sandwiched between charming wooden houses and a bunch of cool churches, monasteries and mosques.

These peaceful islands feel a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, that’s for sure!

Special Note: In 2020, a group of travel operators banded together to design walking routes of the Prince Islands. The walking route you’ll follow on Büyükada was designed by our good friend Alper, who organised this initiative.

Accommodation: The Haze Hotel (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Cappadocia

You haven’t had much chance to explore Istanbul yet, but don’t worry, you’ll be back. In the meantime, we’re whisking you off to the dreamlike world of Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes and those iconic hot air balloon scenes you’ve seen splashed across travel brochures!

Today’s a travel day since you’ll need to fly to Cappadocia, so we’ll go easy on you with a few leisurely walks, totalling about three kilometres – just enough to stretch your legs. One of our favourite leg-stretching sights is Uchisar Castle, and soon it’ll be yours, too. This unusual rocky fortress is the best spot in town for mesmerising views, and a visit here is the perfect crash course on Cappadocia’s history. 

Now, it’s time for the grand finale… tonight, you’re staying in a luxury cave hotel. Yes – a cave! Forget any visions you have of a damp, dark space filled with bats. This place is pure elegance, and you’re going to love it!

Accommodation: Les Maisons de Cappadoce (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Cappadocia

Your first full day in Cappadocia is here, and we’ve got some exciting plans. If you can manage the early start, seize the opportunity to drift over the moon-like terrain on an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride. The views alone are a worthy trade-off for a little less sleep!

Joining back up with the group, it’s time to head out to the Red Valley, where an eight-kilometre morning hike is waiting for you. Weaving through jaw-dropping canyons and past giant rock walls, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a different planet, yet this is all Turkiye, all natural.

Post-hike, ditch the standard kebab for a Cappadocian treat, pottery kebab. This tangy tomato and meat stew is baked in – you guessed it – pottery! Wiping the juice from your chin (because there’s no elegant way to eat these!) get ready for a crafty afternoon watching the intricate making of Turkish carpets. It takes a lot more than knotting and weaving!

Accommodation: Les Maisons de Cappadoce (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Cappadocia

Today’s all about going underground… way underground! Diving into the hidden world of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, you’ll find two subterranean mazes where 60,000 people once lived, complete with everything from churches to wineries hidden beneath the earth. But why did these people decide to live underground? Join us to find out!

Doing a few rapid blinks as you reemerge into the daylight, it’s time to feast your eyes on the Ihlara Valley. Fill your lungs with that sweet, fresh air – you’ll get plenty of it as you tackle the 13-kilometre trail. This canyon, complete with stream-carved landscapes and lined with Byzantine churches and age-old frescoes, is an absolute treat. Especially after spending so much time underground.

Want to know what else is an absolute treat? Breaking up the hike with a riverside lunch. Catching your breath and filling your belly has never been so scenic!

Accommodation: Les Maisons de Cappadoce (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Ürünlü Village

This morning, you’re following the old camel caravan routes on a two-hour journey to Konya. This isn’t your final destination for the day, but it’s definitely a detour worth making. 

Konya’s claim to fame? The Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes, and Rumi’s tomb. In case you’re not familiar with Rumi, he’s a national treasure and one of the most significant poets out there, so definitely a big deal.

From Konya, it’s back on the road… if you could call it that! You’re in for a bumpy ride along these seldom-used backroads, but that’s all part of the adventure. Rolling into Ürünlü, you’ll find a secret village that has hardly been touched by western travellers. Here, you’ll swap the hotel stay for an authentic homestay experience. Living alongside locals, you’ll get a taste of genuine Turkish village life. The path less travelled is far more fun!

Accommodation: Local Homestay
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Antalya

Start your day the village way with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast. Then, with full bellies, set off wandering the ancient streets right outside your doorstep, saying Merhaba! to the locals as they share their tales of life in this remote area. It’s going to be hard to tear yourself away from this place, but you’re going to have to. Antalya is waiting for you!

The road to Antalya is paved with world-class attractions, so you’ll make a pit stop at the very coolest – the world’s best-preserved Roman Theatre. Bet you didn’t expect to find that in Turkiye.

As you roll into Antalya, let those laid-back coastal vibes wash over you. It’s hard to have a single care in the world when the sun is shining and you can feel the sand between your toes! Take a walk along the beach, check out historic Antalya, or go cafe hopping – the choice is yours!

Accommodation: Dogan Hotel by Prana Hotels & Resorts (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – Olympos

Today’s journey takes you away from Antalya to the wild heart of Termessos National Park. This biodiverse wonderland gets its name from the ancient city of Termessos, a city that was once so tough that Alexander the Great famously failed to conquer it – despite his best efforts!

The eight-kilometre hike we have planned for you today is hardly a walk in the park, you’ll spend three to four hours walking alongside your Camino crew to conquer this tough uphill journey. The good news is that the trail winds past carved stones and dense coastal vegetation, and through ancient archways, as you make the way to the ruins of the ancient city.

And then… before you know it… you made it! They say it’s all about the climb, but here, sharing sweaty high-fives with your Camino crew and gawking down at the ancient city sprawled beneath you, you have to admit – getting to the finish line feels pretty great too.

Accommodation: Ulupınar Blue & White Hotel Olympos Beach (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Olympos

New day, new challenge. This time, it’s your turn to tackle the Lycian Way, a legendary trail that snakes along the ancient Lycian trade route, and, get this – the trail was designed by a woman! As you head out on this morning’s 12-kilometre hike, let the blooming Mediterranean flowers and fragrant pomegranate orchards guide your way. This trail’s a game-changer – your roster of top hiking tales just got an upgrade!

After a leisurely lunch, and with renewed energy, it’s time to carry on hiking for two more kilometres, weaving through pine forests to make your way to the mystical Flames of Chimaera. These naturally occurring fires have been burning continuously for thousands of years, inspiring all sorts of wacky tales – including one about local fire-breathing monsters!

Accommodation: Ulupınar Blue & White Hotel Olympos Beach (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

About The Lycian Way – The First Major Walking Route Designed by a Woman

One of the star attractions of Turkiye’s hiking scene is the Lycian Way, and, fun fact, it’s the first major hiking route in the world designed by a woman! This 540-kilometre trail of pure gorgeousness was designed by British expat and avid hiker Kate Clow back in the late 90s, and it became an instant hit.

Kate’s motivations were clear: she absolutely adored Turkiye’s coastline and wanted to preserve its ancient coastal pathways, promoting sustainable tourism along the way. The fact that this trail is now known as one of the world’s most stunning long-distance hikes just goes to show that, with a woman in control, anything is possible!

On this trip, you’ll get to tackle a chunk of the Lycian Way for yourself, wandering along ancient farming pathways and mule tracks to see what all the fuss is about. And we’ll let you in on a little secret… it lives up to the hype!

Day 10 – Myra

A 90-minute drive down the Turquoise Coast and you’re in the ancient ‘tomb city’ of Myra. Before you head off on today’s 8-kilometre hike, take some time to reflect over the sarcophagus of St Nicholas – the ‘original’ Santa Claus. He was from around here, and during his lifetime the ground you’re standing on was ruled by the Roman Empire. 

Moving on to Myra’s coastal port, Andriake, for another quick bout of time travel. Muse over Emperor Hadrian’s mammoth grain storage unit – still in mint condition considering its age! After your short visual ‘course’ on the marvels of Roman contingency planning, your hike begins! 

Along the trail from Andriake, those secluded beaches are tempting and taunting you, but try to resist! You’ll be sweetly rewarded with a proper dip when you finish today’s hike, in Kekova – just wow!  

The day’s coming to an end, but not before you drive on to the sleepy town of Kas. Here, the streets are lined with whitewashed houses and bougainvillaea stretches seemingly as far as the eye can see. This town could easily win a few beauty pageants!

Accommodation: Lantana Aparts (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 – Kaş

Time to get to know Kaş! Starting off with something almost as fun as hiking… kayaking! You’re in luck, because this morning’s plans involve kayaking along one of the most stunning stretches of the Mediterranean (if we do say so ourselves).

Bobbing along the coast of Kekova Island, you’ll paddle through jewel-toned waters until you get to the sunken ruins of Aperla, and then, it’s snorkel time! The water has been tempting you, so now’s your chance to dive in, grab your snorkel mask, and explore. The foundations of ancient temples, old harbour buildings, and fragments of columns and pottery are all still there for you to check out. It’s practically an underwater museum!

Accommodation: Lantana Aparts (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 – Kaş

Today, Kaş is all yours, with a blissfully blank agenda. Yup, that’s right, some rest time at last! Feel like paddling back into those turquoise waters? Go right ahead! Or maybe you’re just itching to don the scuba gear and dive a little deeper into the Mediterranean’s underwater wonders? We won’t blame you!

Not in the mood to get wet? We get it. Kaş’s old town is drop-dead-gorgeous, and the many colourful streets here are a far cry from those back home, so take the opportunity to explore them in depth. There’s just something about Kaş that might make you want to stay forever – don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Accommodation: Lantana Aparts (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 – Istanbul

We’re taking it back to where it all began today and returning to Istanbul. It’s just a hop, skip and a flight away, and before you know it, you’ll be checking into your Istanbul hotel. Does it look familiar?

The contrast between Kaş’s chilled vibes and Istanbul’s… not so chill vibes can be a bit jarring, but we promise you’ll settle in again in no time. As the evening draws in, there’s no better way to wrap up this whirlwind adventure than a massive farewell feast with your travel crew. 

This is your opportunity to celebrate everything – from dodging bats in Cappadocia to that time you almost capsized your kayak. It’s about the laughs, the “oops” moments, and those “wow, did we really do that?” memories. As you swap stories with your clan of hiking besties, think of tonight not as goodbye, but as “catch you on the next crazy adventure”!

Accommodation: The Haze Karaköyl (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 – Farewell Friends

All good things must come to an end, but what an adventure it’s been! Just before we drop you off at the airport, swap contact details with your new friends and make plans for the next adventure. From epic hiking to exploring ancient ruins and eating your bodyweight in yummy Turkish kebabs, you’ve packed in memories and friendships that’ll last way beyond these trails. Here’s to the next journey!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch