Uniquely located in two continents; Asia & Europe, Turkey has a lot to offer. Starting in the largest city, Istanbul which has a population of over 15 million and sits beautifully on the Bosphorus strait. Home to the Grand Bazaar market – the world’s biggest and oldest market and the beautiful Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern which is over 1500 yrs old! Although the official language of Turkey is Turkish, there are over 30 languages spoken across the country, including Zazaki, Kurmanji, Mesopotamian Arabic etc. One of the main draws for LBH is the long distance hiking trail, the ‘Lycian Way’ and stretches from Hisarönü (Ovacik), near Fethiye to Geyik Bayiri, about 20km from Antalya. Consisting of ancient roadways, mule tracks and shepherds’ paths, taking you on a journey deep into the history and culture of ancient Lycia.

Arrival into Istanbul, to welcome you after a long journey and get a feel for the city we will take a Bosphorus cruise.

Take a Bosphorus cruise to experience the city from the water.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation at Centrum Hotel, Istanbul.

Today day we visit the sites of the Hippodrome, the Blue mosque, Topkapı Palace and later in the day the Grand Bazaar giving us a great introduction to this vibrant city.

Later in the day the Grand Bazaar giving us a great introduction to this vibrant city.

Dinner: Independent

Accommodation: Centrum Hotel, Istanbul

Visiting the sites of Konya spending the night.

Dinner: Independent

Accommodation: Konya Mesnevi

Departing Konya, we drive across the Taurus mountains. In the afternoon we utilise a cable car which takes us to the summit of Tahtali Dagi (2365m), with far reaching views of the Beydaglar mountains and beyond. As we descend we reach the tree line at 1900m hiking through cedar, maple, pine and juniper forest.

In the afternoon we utilise a cable car which takes us to the summit of Tahtali Dagi (2365m), with far reaching views of the Beydaglar mountains and beyond.

As we descend we reach the tree line at 1900m hiking through cedar, maple, pine and juniper forest. Hike: 10km.

Dinner: Local Restaurant

Accommodation : Çirali Odile

After leaving the Çirali valley the LW spends the morning on small footpaths, staying close to the sea, and with the afternoon giving us the opportunity to swim before descending to the gatehouse. Hike: 18 km.

Dinner: Independent

Accommodation: Çirali Odile

Starting from the beach we join the ancient site of Olympos, an old Lycian city that was taken over by pirates in the 1st century BC. A steep climb to Phoinikous, a mysterious citadel before descending to the fertile plain of Adrasan. Hike: 16km.

Dinner: Independent

Accommodation: Papirus Hotel in Adrasan

The trail starts by climbing to an abandoned camel farm, with wonderful sea views arriving at a ridge above Gelidonya lighthouse before descending to explore this popular location. Journey admiring the sea cliffs before ending the hike at Melanippe bay, known as Korsan Koyu in Turkish, 'Pirate bay.' Hike: 18km.

Dinner: Hotel restaurant

Accommodation: Beymelek Taş Evleri hotel

Kaleucagiz – Visiting the site of Andriake, Harbour of Myra, and home of the museum of Lycian Civilisations we visit the site and look at the wetland reserve where flamingoes are a common site.

Walking along to the modern harbour nearby we are picked up and have a stunning boat trip on the Kekova straits, including swimming, a tasty lunch and a visit to the Sunken city of Dolikhiste and Simena castle. Trip ends in Kaleucağız village.

Dinner: Local restaurant for our farewell dinner

Accommodation: Kekova/ Kaleuçağız Baba Veli Pansiyon