The Lycian Way is a long-distance hiking trail in southwestern Turkey along the coast of ancient Lycia. The western Taurus Mountains border the Mediterranean coast in the present-day provinces of Mugla and Antalya. According to historians, the Lycians lived in the late Bronze Age. They built city-states along the Mediterranean coast and founded the Lycian League. Thanks to their strategic location, they had excellent opportunities for maritime trade and even piracy. In later times, the region of Lycia was occupied by the Persian Empire and ancient Greece, then controlled by ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire, the Seljuk Empire and finally the Ottoman Empire. Rock-cut tombs on cliff faces and sarcophagi in the region bear witness to the Lycian civilisation.

The entire route is about 540 km long. This trail ride will cover 200 km of the route, or the so-called Eastern Lycian Way. Starting in Kuzdere and around Mount Olympos via Ovacik, Gedelme, Beycik, Cirali, Tekirova and Camyuva. You will visit Lycian cities called Phaselis and Bizanthene Castle in Gedelme. You will discover 2000-year-old trees and caves, breathtaking panoramas of wild bays and rocky forests.
We offer a 200 km trail for one week. You will ride for 5-6 hours a day with a lunch break.

Itinerary

Lycian Way 200 km trail ride 8 days with 6 riding days
Day 1:
Arrival. Transfer from Antalya Airport and check-in.

Day 2: Kuzdere
After breakfast, the horses are groomed and saddled. First, we head into the forest near Kuzdere for a two-hour ride, during which horses and riders can get to know each other and riding skills can be assessed. Along the way, you will see orange and pomegranate orchards, the ruins of an old village, springs and a small palm forest. At lunchtime, you will have the opportunity to relax by the pool or on the beach and pack for the trail. Later, you will take a sightseeing tour to Mount Chimera at dusk. This is the last day at the hotel.

Day 3: Kuzdere - Gedelme
After breakfast, the horses are groomed and saddled. The saddlebags are packed and the support vehicle is loaded with luggage. After a ride of about 2 hours, you will reach the beautiful Kuzdere Gorge with a mountain river. During the lunch break, you will have the opportunity to drink clean, fresh spring water, swim and take photos. Afterwards, you will begin the ascent of the highest mountain in the region - Tahtali (2365 metres above sea level). The road leads uphill and is perfect for trotting and galloping. You will need about 3 hours. The first stop is in the village of Gedelme. There you will see a Byzantine castle and a very old tree (about 2000 years old) as well as an authentic 150-year-old village house. The table is already set and food is cooked over an open fire and served on the terrace. But first, you feed, brush and groom the horses for the night. Overnight stay in bungalows.

Day 4: Gedelme - Ovacik
Lycian Switzerland. After breakfast, you will ride to a hidden valley with a shepherd's house near the village of Ovacik. You will see how the highlanders live, try freshly cooked lamb for lunch and gallop across the green meadows before letting the horses graze. This is also an ideal place for taking photos and a drone will be used to film your gallop. Today's ride will take about 5 hours in total, including a long fast gallop. You will stay overnight in bungalows in the valley.

Day 5: Tahtali - Beycik
The sky. You start with breakfast and feeding and preparing the horses. Then it's back up the Tahtali mountain. Today you will reach the highest point at 2200 m. You will reach the area where the trees disappear into the clouds, which you can literally touch. After reaching the highest point, you will descend again to Beycik, a village with beautiful mountain and sea views. There you will take a break, eat, take care of the horses, shower and stay in the village for the night in a hotel. The ride will take about 5 hours.

Day 6: Beycik - Beach
You begin the descent down to sea level. The ride takes at least 6 hours. The trail is lined with beautiful bays and untouched nature. After crossing the largest bay, you reach Turtle Bay, where baby turtles are born. This is in the national park and only backpackers are allowed. Sometimes you won't see another person. Tents and food are already prepared there. Riders can go swimming with or without their horses.

Day 7: Phaselis - Tekirova
You will make your way back to the starting point in Kuzdere. You will pass five bays with magnificent views and the ancient city of Phaselis (2000 years old). This is the most dangerous part of the climb, as the path to Phaselis is narrow and rocky. You will therefore have to walk alongside your horse for some of the way. After lunch, you will trot and gallop back through the village of Tekirova. The ride takes about 6 hours and is partly on a road. You will spend the night in a hotel.

Day 8:
Departure day. Transfer to Antalya Airport.The mountains are not crossed in the winter months from January to March. The fifth day is therefore a day off from riding, which offers the opportunity for a sightseeing tour.

Accomodation
You will spend the first two and the last night in a small, typical local hotel with a pool. On the trail ride, you will spend two nights in bungalows and one in a tent.

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and bridles

Experience: Only for advanced riders with trail experience. A well-balanced, light seat for the longer gallops is a prerequisite for this offer. Guests help with grooming and saddling the horses.
The rider's weight must not exceed 80 kg.

Horses: Arabian and Arabian mix.