Itinerary Highlights
  • Soak up the beauty and joys of a peaceful Turkish Riviera preserved from the excesses of mass tourism


  • We have carefully chosen three hotels for their prime coastal location and laidback charm


  • A cruise in Kekova Bay is already included in the itinerary


  • Hire car, GPS navigation service accessible from our Smartphone app and our local Concierge service: all reasons to travel with us

Contact one of our Turkey specialists + 44 (0) 20 3958 6120

Cruise on the Lycian Coast

Gocek is the first leg of the trip. Legend has it that this is where Icarus fell into the sea after he escaped the labyrinth with his father. Enjoy the sun and sea. Lycia is located on the mountainous Teke Peninsula in south-western Turkey. The region is full of Mediterranean charm, with its rugged peaks, pine forests and cliffs plunging into the sea. This region also has plenty of beaches, with crystal clear blue waters; fishermen cast their nets and reel in proof of Poseidon's bounty. As you go farther inland, take in the warm smells of resin and orchards, while listening to the cicadas tunefully sing. From Gocek, go to Kalkan, then Olympos, following the coast from west to east.
Marvel at the sea on the right, mountains on the left... You're really spoilt for choice. There's a never-ending stream of captivating archaeological sites, one after the other. By boat, marvel at impressive views of the city. At each stop, soak up the ultimate experience of Turkey and enjoy swimming, relaxing, grilled fish from the agora markets, thermal baths, necropolis and marinas, 'hammam' (steam rooms) and an abundance of delicious mezze dishes.



Your Trip

A hire care ensures you have freedom and independence. Your hotels all share a prime coastal location, but are all deliciously different. The first, appropriately enough, has a smart nautical spirit in keeping with its location in a marina. The second is just clear enough of the trees to enjoy the wonderful surrounding views. The third is rather posh and enjoys an idyllic location on a protected beach. At all three, service is attentive, considerate and friendly. To take full advantage of the most beautiful sites and the perfect weather, we have included a day cruise in Kekova Bay, a beautiful treasure on the Lycian coastline. If, along the way, there's a slight setback or you have a last-minute request, just contact our local Concierge.

Route

Everything is 100% tailored to you
DAY 1

Flight to Istanbul and Dalaman - Gocek

Flight to Istanbul, then Dalaman. Pick up your hire car and drive to Gocek, on the Turkish Riviera. Three-night stay in a modern, pristine hotel by the water's edge, with views of a bustling marina dotted with boats. The comfortable rooms are a calming white, softened by blue bedding and a delicate, marble floor. The sea-view terrace of the main restaurant is delicious, as is the Aegean cuisine served there. The endless fish dishes beautifully highlight the bounty of the sea. At the spa, you'll happily realise that the great Turkish tradition of looking after body and mind is still alive and well. To top it all off, there's a private beach with fine, soft sand and, on the mountain side, a long swimming pool with a sun deck. The stay begins at a relaxed pace.

DAYS 2 & 3

Gocek

Gocek Bay is home to several pine forest-covered islands. The delicious Turkish sun makes the crystal clear waters of the secluded coves sparkle. Sailors are familiar with these areas, which are famous for their excellent mooring conditions and stunning landscapes. It has been declared an area of special protection; buildings cannot exceed a specific height, so as not to obstruct the views. Take a taxi boat or fishing boat to the islands and enjoy the beautiful beaches and fragrant dishes. On the mainland, enjoy the same - just minutes from the town. Citrus orchards in the hinterland yield abundant fruit. Paragliding enthusiasts and divers will be able to take full advantage of Oludeniz lagoon and enjoy its clear, turquoise and aquamarine hues. If you're not feeling quite as energetic, this stunning lagoon is still worth exploring because it's one of those wonderful places where the Mediterranean goes Polynesian. The distinctive rock-cut tombs of Fethiye are from the Hellenistic period; the castle was a fortress of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem.

DAY 4

Gocek - Kalkan

Drive to Kalkan, south-west of Antalya. Three-night stay on the hillside, in the heart of a small but dense grove of gorgeous greens and greys. A row of narrow stone platforms sits below the hotel while waves lap at the foot of the property. The hotel features a blend of white and blue, the traditional colour-scheme for such a coastal setting, but the rooms, sometimes in spring green or with a quirky, rustic piece of statement furniture lend an original flavour to the decor. At lunchtime, eat in the shade of the olive trees and soak up the mouthwatering smells of food mixed with the great outdoors and salty sea air. In the evening, the beach club terraces are transformed into an open-air restaurant. They are illuminated by twinkling stars, lanterns, dancing shadows and deliciously cool vibes... During the day, relax and slip into the large infinity swimming pool, take a sea shuttle to visit Kalkan, go for a refreshing dip in the sea and enjoy full-body massages.

DAY 5

Kalkan

Already included in the itinerary - Schooner in Kekova Bay. Head to the idyllic, protected area between Kas and Demre. First, embark on a small hike through the pine forests to the archaeological site of Aperlai, which was the main port of Lycia in the fifth century BC. Marvel at the typical stone sarcophagi. They look like little overturned boats, as if they were washed up onto the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Then, continue to the village of Ucagiz and board a traditional wooden boat. Enjoy an on-board lunch and then sail around the stunning coves and islands. If you're feeling energetic and want to explore this paradise further, jump in and go for a swim. Here, the crystal clear waters are like a fragment of an ancient mosaic; spot loggerhead sea turtles and groupers as you cool off. In the afternoon, visit Kalekoy and the Byzantine castle, built in the Middle Ages to fight off pirates.

DAY 6

Kalkan

With its white houses and shocking pink bougainvillea, the ancient 'Greek' town of Kalkan is full of charm. Four miles to the south-east, the small beach of Kaputas, at the mouth of a narrow gorge, is the epitome of a picturesque Mediterranean paradise. Just over half a mile to the south-west, Patara, with its long, open and flat landscape and never-ending sand dunes, is quite the opposite and another ancient Lycia. A little archaeology is a captivating contrast to dips in these turquoise waters, so visit the site near Xanthos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The theatre is still very evocative and numerous graves have been discovered. And, it could inspire you to continue your trip when you return: two of the city's most beautiful remains from its glorious past, Payava Tomb (fourth century BC) and the Nereid Monument (same era) are at the British Museum in London.

DAY 7

Kalkan - Cirali/Olympos

Drive to Olympos. Three-night stay in an area with astonishing and delightful greenery, just a stone's throw from the sea. The rooms are cosy, with a boudoir feel, and there's a veranda overlooking the estate, where chickens, peacocks and ducks wander freely. There's no swimming pool, but you won't even notice when you're relaxing under the shady palapas (thatch roofed shelters) on the private, idyllic beach. The hotel also has a sauna, hot tubs and massages available to guests. Breakfast is served beneath the trees and is a great sign of the rest of the day's meals to come (traditional Turkish dishes, pasta and pizzas, fresh fish and shellfish every morning). Laze in the hammocks during the day and hang out at the gazebo bar for dreamy evenings.

DAY 8

Olympos

Enjoy free and privileged access to a private section of Cirali beach, a protected site and a hatching ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Go for a bike ride and venture along the mountainous paths lined with sweet-smelling orange trees. Ancient Olympos, once described by Cicero as a rich and highly decorated city, is a 10-minute walk away in the Beydaglari Coastal National Park. Located on the edge of a peaceful valley, dominated by the mass of Mount Omurga, this archaeological site includes baths, aqueducts and agora and has a real, rural charm. Wild vineyards, fig trees, pine trees, oleanders and laurels combine with ancient ruins and a small river to create a captivating setting.

DAY 9

Olympos

Optional - Sunset cruise. On Olympos beach, board a schooner for a second adventure out at sea. The setting sun lights up the sea and the mountains with every shade of pink and purple, while a light breeze blows and the water laps against the hull. And, to make the whole experience even more delicious, enjoy a mouthwatering mezze feast, little dishes that are enjoyed with pitta bread. This is usually the moment when visitors vow to make a return trip to Turkey as soon as they can.

DAY 10

Olympos - Antalya - Return flight

Drive to Antalya airport and return your hire car. Return flight, via Istanbul.

A Rough Idea of Price

Dependent on season, accommodation and activities
The estimated cost for this trip starts from £2,680 to £3,395 per person. All of our holidays are tailor made so prices will vary dependent on a number of factors, such as seasonality, level of accommodation and how far in advance you book. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be shown on your personalised quote. The average starting price for this trip is £2,945 per person.
  • Return trip to Istanbul with a scheduled airline, domestic flights

  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge

  • Nine-day car hire

  • Three-night stay in Gocek in a double room with breakfast included
  • A few of the benefits of travelling with us
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    Contact one of our Turkey specialists