Self-Guided Walking Turkey's Lycian Way West

On arrival at Dalaman Airport (DLM) you will be met and driven to Kayakoy; a peaceful farming community close to Fethiye and around one hours' drive from Dalaman Airport. Tonight's hotel is set a quiet rural area. The deserted Greek village of Kayakoy is right by the hotel. Dominating the mountainside that overlooks the village, Kayakoy has fallen into ruin since the exodus of the Greeks in 1923, forced out by the Treaty of Lausanne. Today its ghostly buildings cast a strange profile against the sky, giving the impression of a town cursed by its turbulent past.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to relax beside the hotel's outdoor swimming pool, have a drink in the terrace bar or to take a stroll in the garden or through Kayakoy ruins. Stay: Muzzy's Place (Comfortable) (D)

After breakfast, a cartakes you to Ovacik village, nestling on the hillside overlooking Oludeniz. From here the walk starts and heads south up onto the outflung shoulders of Baba Dagi (1989 m). Along the way, you are rewarded with fine views back over Turkey's most photographed beach, Oludeniz. Passing through pine forests and remote villages we descend to the village of Faralya which lies on a small plateau above the fjord-like Butterfly Valley, where steep limestone cliffs drop to the sea. Butterfly Valley is a lepidopterist's delight, deriving its name from the abundance of creatures that flutter about its lush canyon walls.

Today's 15 kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with 600 metres of ascent and descent, the morning is mostly uphill but gradient is never severe. Stay: Onur Motel (Simple) (B/L/D)

Today's walk is a stunning route which hugs the coast, first high atop the cliffs of Butterfly Valley, then descending through dense pine forest to the sea at Aktas and Kizilcakaya, where you can stop for a swim and to cool off. The route then follows the coastline directly before climbing up to Kabak village where you spend the night.

Today's 9 kilometre walk is expected to take around three and a half hours with 500 metres of ascent and600metres of descent. Stay: Shiva Camp (Comfortable) (B/L/D)

Skirting the higher slopes of the village follow an ancient path into a blind valley before climbing up through pine forest again to the tiny village of Alinca. Perched high over the sea you may wish to may take a well-earned tea break with the villagers before continuing. In the afternoon, pass high above beautiful bays of this spectacular coastline as you continue towards the village of Gey, your destination for the night.

Today's 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 1200 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent. Stay: Damanoglu Pension (Simple) (B/L/D)

From Gey, the Lycian Way continues through stunning coastal scenery staying high as far as Bel, and then climbs more via some large plains and pine forests, before descending steadily to Sidyma Ancient City (Dodurga Village). The site has some very well preserved and unusual tombs from the Roman and Byzantine period - the village is amongst, and indeed is part of the site. A tea stop can be made at the house opposite the mosque. From the site a carwill take you to the village of Patara (approximately 40 minutes) where you spend the next two nights.

Today's 12 kilometre walk is expected to take around five hours with 260 metres of ascent and 640 metres of descent. Stay: Patara Delfin Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast, a short car ride takes you to Delikkemer. Today you will follow the route of the of aqueduct from Delikkemer to Patara. Hike across fertile rolling fields and through pine forest, enjoying beautiful coastal views before descending to the southern end of Patara Beach. Here you have an opportunity to swim and explore the extensive ruins of ancient Patara, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. When you are ready, you can either walk take a taxi (€5) or take a bus back to the hotel.

Today's 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 250 metres ascent and 350 meters descent. Stay: Patara Delfin Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Again, the day starts with a 25 minute transfer , this time to Hacioglan. This walk takes you to the hinterland of Lycia, on the shaded north side of the mountains. The vegetation is quite different here, with strawberry trees, Spiny Juniper and some Lebanese Cedars at the high points of the trek. It is a long lonely trek offering fine views to the frequently snow-capped mountains of the interior. The unexcavated site of Phellos, high on the ridge above a fertile valley, is the antithesis of grand Patara: Phellos' buildings were built in times less secure and prosperous, and are now hidden amongst the thick maquis, just waiting to be discovered. After visiting the site a transfer takes you to your hotel in Kas. Kas is one of the most beautiful ports on the Turkish Riviera, with a dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs. Kas is a great place to relax, with cafes and restaurants spilling out onto cobbled streets and a network of tiny back-alleys to explore.

Today's 16 kilometre walk is expected to take around six hours with 900 metres ascent and 750 meters of descent. Stay: Hideaway Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast there is an included transfer to Dalaman Airport (DLM) where our trip ends. (B)