Global Adventure - Trek the Best of the Lycian Way on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast

Info Session:  Come to Wide World Books and Maps, 4411 Wallingford Ave N, Seattle at 7PM on November 11 for an informative session of photos and information about touring and trekking in Turkey!

Meet in Oludeniz, Turkey on 23 April 2015, traveling by air via Istanbul to Dalaman or by bus from the pre-trip extension along the Aegean coast.  Trek the Lycian Way from 24 April to 7 May 2015, ending in Antalya, Turkey.  Fly back to the US via Istanbul on 8 May (arriving 9 May) or spend a free day and join our Cappadocia trek on 8-12 May.

Download the preliminary itinerary. 

Most people think of Turkey for its mosques, ancient ruins and fantastic joining of eastern and western cultures.  What many may not know is that Turkey is also a growing trekking destination, with well-marked extended trails, great services and no crowds!  The Lycian Way is the best of these.

Itinerary Highlights:   Our 16-day sampling of the Lycian Way will include the best 115 miles of the trail, starting at the western end at Oludeniz, and ending with an optional non-technical climb to the top of Mt Olympos and descent into the modern seaside town of Antalya to the east.    The route is ascends to the top of coastal ridges and bluffs and descends to the seacoast multiple times along the way – approx. 20,500’ total elevation gain and loss. Trekking days will range from 6 to 11 miles with 250 to 3000’ daily gain.  Minibus transport will connect the various trail segments, and our luggage will be transported for us and food prepared for us along the way, so that we only need to carry a daypack. Along the way we’ll stay in simple village hotels and pensiones (plus some supported camping), eat tasty local foods simply prepared, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Turkish people.  Rest days along the route will allow participants to relax by the sea, walk to nearby ruins and views, or take an optional kayak along the scenic coastline.  

Time of Year: We’ll travel during April-May, when wildflowers are at their peak, snow is melting from the peaks, and weather is warm but not hot and crowds haven’t yet begun to swarm. 

Lodging:   Basic village homes, hotels or pensiones and nice 3-star hotels in larger towns (double occupancy), sometimes shared (2-person) tent accommodations. Bathroom facilities may be shared and could be quite basic in some places.

Food:   We’ll enjoy simple traditional Turkish meals along our route, prepared for us in small village restaurants, homes and pensiones.  Turkish food is an addictive mix of sun-ripened vegetables with olive oil, spices and roasted meats, a fusion of Asian, Ottoman and Western.

Leader’s Experience:  Cheryl Talbert has been a Mountaineers hike and backpack leader since 2009, and a Global Outings leader since 2011.   She has led or co-led a number of extended backpacks in the US as well as  successful trips and treks to Turkey, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Belize, Patagonia and Peru.  

Participant Requirements:  Must be a Mountaineers member with an up to date waiver on file.   Participants need to be in excellent cardio-vascular condition with the endurance, balance and confidence to travel on steep rugged trail for up to 10 miles a day for several days in a row.  Recent active schedule of backpacking, trekking or hiking, plus a positive attitude and ability to get along well with groups under demanding conditions, will be very important.

Trip Price Detail:  $2800 (may vary depending on the final headcount and itinerary). This includes all lodging, ground transport and guided tours, luggage transport, and nearly all meals and supported camps, plus Mountaineers admin fee and a portion of the leader’s costs. The price does not include international or domestic airfares (~ $1,300), additional hotel nights before and after the itinerary, some lunches, snacks and drinks in town, optional tours, or any personal items.

Registration Instructions: Please download and complete this application form and email it to the leader. Please indicate your interest in either of the extensions.  After the leader’s approval, please call the Mountaineers at 206-521-6001 with your credit card number to pay a $1000 deposit which holds your space on the roster. Registration will close and the balance of the trip price charged on January 15.

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.