Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 12:02
Walks of Turkey's Turquoise Coast Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Turkey
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TTD
- Carbon Footprint: 25kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover classic Mediterranean shores and sections of the Lycian Way on an active trip in southwest Turkey
The Turquoise Coast – some call it the Turkish Riviera – is an alluring combination of beautiful scenery, ancient sites, and fine coastal and inland walking, including sections of the much-loved Lycian Way. Highlights include the ruined city of Arycanda and some fantastic coastal views. Those looking for more adventure can also take part in several optional activities including scuba diving, paragliding and mountain biking. Alternatively, just sit back and enjoy the leisurely pace of life in Turkey from the comfort of a poolside lounger or harbour cafe.
At a Glance
- Seven nights in a comfortable hotel
- Four walking days; one free day
- Group normally 4 to 16. Minimum age: 16
- Altitude maximum: 4,990ft (1,521m); average: 360ft (110m)
- Travel by minibus
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Stunning mountain backdrop and blue lagoons
- Glorious coastline and varied trails
- Historic and cultural landmarks
- Water sport activities opportunities
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) with four days of walking. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Although the walks run on established paths, they can be rocky underfoot with some exposed areas (no guard rails), so you need to be steady on your feet. The itinerary on this trip is flexible, allowing you to do as much or little as you like.
This is a relaxing but active break with something to suit all tastes – stunning walks, impressive historic sites, excellent food, long sandy beaches and numerous optional activities including diving and paragliding. The walks last on average four hours (not including rest stops) and, to some extent, will be tailored to the abilities and interests of the group as well as the season. In the hotter months, some walks might be further inland at a higher altitude where it is cooler. Kaş is a lively town in the summer; out of season it can be quiet but is never deserted as the town is not entirely dependent on tourism.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 3
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Kas
- End City: Kas
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Dalaman; transfer to Kas.
Transfer to our group hotel in Kas.
Start Kaş
Welcome to Kaş, a pretty coastal town occupying the site of Antiphellos – a well-preserved first-century BCE theatre stands in tribute to the ancient town. There are no activities planned for today so you are free to arrive at any time and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Morning orientation tour of Kaş followed by a walk through the olive groves to Limanagzi beach
We start our trip with a gentle warm-up day. The morning is spent on an orientation walk discovering Kaş, then we can enjoy coastal views through the olive groves on the way out to Limanagzi beach, where a historic shipwreck was once excavated. This is part of the famous Lycian Way. At Limanagzi, we have time to relax or swim before we head back to Kaş by another route, where you may see some rock tombs, a feature of the area. It was a custom of the Lycians (the predominant people of the area between the 15th and 14th centuries BCE) to build tombs for their dead in mountainsides, or at least in high places, as they believed they would be carried to the afterlife by a winged creature.
There is also the option to take a water taxi back to Kaş.
Walk along the Lycian Way from Ufakdere to Limanagzi
After a vehicle transfer (30 minutes), we start our walk along one of the most spectacular sections of the Lycian Way. There are great views out to sea and we can spot Lastellirizo, the closest Greek island to mainland Turkey. We end up at yesterday’s finish point where we visit a low-key beach club; there is time to swim and relax before returning to Kaş by water taxi.
Walk the ancient city of Phellos, through the village of Cukurbag and down into Kaş
In the hills above Kaş there are many ancient sites and one of the most enigmatic is Phellos, hardly excavated. After a vehicle transfer (25 minutes), we start our walk close to the ancient ruins. Today’s walk is mostly downhill, firstly to the village of Cukurbag. There are some great views over the coast. If the weather is hot, we shorten the walk using a vehicle transfer for 1.8mi (3km). Our walk brings us down back into Kaş.
Optional daywalk in the hills above the town or optional full-day sea kayaking in the clear waters of Kekova Bay
Your leader will advise on things to do in and around Kaş, including some self-guided walking options. A very popular excursion is sea kayaking at Kekova, an alternative way to explore the Kekova region and Turquoise Coast. Our optional guided tour departs from the small fishing port of Ucagiz (approximately 45 minutes’ transfer from Kaş) to explore the island of Kekova and float over the sunken city there. We disembark at the hillside village of Simena and stroll up to a superb fortress where we can enjoy spectacular views over the aquamarine bays, inlets and islands below. We have a late lunch and then transfer back to Kaş in the mid-afternoon.
Explore ruined city of Arycanda; afternoon walk to mountain village of Yazir
Today we travel inland for approximately 1hr 45min to Arycanda, a city renowned in Lycian times for its love of pleasure and merrymaking as well as being in constant debt. Arycanda is the most impressive of the Lycian cities and its setting is one of the most outstanding in all southern Turkey. After visiting the site, we enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch with a local family in the village (payable locally).
In the afternoon, we drive approximately 20 minutes to the Ordubek Plateau and begin the 5mi (8km) walk to Yazirbeli village. This is the highest point of the day; from here, we begin our descent with fabulous views of the surrounding landscape, made more colourful by cedar and juniper trees.
Free day; optional activities including diving and paragliding or local exploration
Today is free for relaxing and exploring Kaş, a small coastal town with a pretty harbour. Although tourism has discovered Kaş it has retained much of its old charm. There are opportunities to walk to the ancient theatre on the peninsula as well as the nearby rock-cut tombs. The more active can try their hand at diving or paragliding.
Transfer to Dalaman; fly to London.
Transfer to Dalaman; fly to London.
End Kaş
Our adventure ends after breakfast today and we begin our return journey home. If you’d like to spend a bit more time exploring this beautiful stretch of Turkey, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Hotel Club Phellos
Our base for the week is the Hotel Club Phellos located in the heart of the picturesque town of Kas. Just a 4 minute walk from Kas square and 100 metres from Küçük Çakıl beach, this 89 room property has an outdoor pool and terrace with sweeping views across the bay.
Worth knowing
- On occasion, we might use a different hotel of a similar standard.
Single supplement from £ 350
Food & Drink
All breakfasts included.
Breakfasts normally include boiled eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, honey or jam and yoghurt, olives and bread. Lunches may be taken as picnics or in lokantas (small local restaurants). For dinners, Kaş has plenty of excellent restaurants and cafes. Some specialise in locally caught fish, others in various lamb dishes. There are also plenty of snack bars where pide (Turkish pizza) is served. Most restaurants also offer meze (mixed starters). Your tour leader will arrange group meals (non-obligatory, if you would rather explore yourself) in a variety of establishments. The Turks have a sweet tooth, so expect plenty of honey-covered pastries, plus cakes and ice creams.
Transport
A comfortable air-conditioned mini- or midi-bus is used throughout the trip.
Weather & Seasonality
The area has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
April, May and October: Pleasant daytime temperatures of 12C-22C (54F-72F); night time 5C-13C (41F-55F), a chance of some rain.
June and September: Daytime temperatures 20C-35C (68F-95F), nighttime 15C-20C (59F-68F); very dry.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Hotel: Phellos Hotel, Andifli, Doğruyol Cd. No:4, 07580 Kaş/Antalya
Phone: +90 242 836 19 53
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Dalaman Airport (DLM)
Getting to the hotel
The hotel is approximately a 2hr 20min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kas
Location end: Kas
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Two/three-season jacket for April and May departures
- Good walking shoes (ones with ankle support recommended)
- Light waterproof jacket (just in case)
- Sunhat
- Water bottle to refill
- Lightweight but sturdy boots with ankle support
- Backpack
- Swimwear
- Footwear for swimming
- Comfortable footwear for sightseeing outside of the daywalks
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
The temperatures can sometimes be very high from June to September; comfortable light clothing, sunhats, sunglasses and a high-factor sunscreen are highly recommended at this time of the year.
Practical Information
Visa
Turkey
Travellers from the UK and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Canadian and US citizens normally do need a visa – apply at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkey
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html
Vaccinations and Health
Turkey
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Turkey's time zone: Europe/Istanbul (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Turkey's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
ATM Availability
Turkey has a good network of cash machines, which can be used to get advances in lira. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
There are no restrictions on the import of Turkish currency. It is best to bring some cash to exchange and take the rest out at ATMs. The exchange rate does fluctuate quite considerably, so it is best to check just before departure.
Tipping
If you would like to leave a tip, we suggest you budget around 1,210 Turkish liras (US$46) to be broken down as follows: Approximately 690 liras (US$26) for your tour leader. Approximately 345 liras (US$13) for your driver and approximately 175 lira (US$7) for the hotel. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received.
People, Places & Planet
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a ‘total approach’ to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
As a trekking holiday, it allows easy access and flexibility for clients to interact with the locals, visit local cafes and bars, support local produce and craft to facilitate cultural exploration..
In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.