Turkey - An Olympian Odyssey

9 days from £3375 per person

Two traditional gulet boats at anchor off the Turkish Mediterranean coast

The former ancient kingdoms of Lycia and Pamphylia now contain some of Turkey's best preserved classical cities. The stunning coastal scenery and luxurious accommodation makes the task of exploring the cultural history of this region a comfortable pleasure.

Route: Antalya – Kaş

Itinerary Highlights

Antalya, on the Turkish Riviera, is an ancient city with many Roman ruins. The city’s attractive position on the coast, overlooked by high mountains enhances the charm of the Old Town.

The town of Kaş lies on a hill running down to the Turquoise Coast. This quiet town produces fruit, flowers, honey and almonds and is one of the most popular tourist towns of the coast.

Enjoy exploring the beautiful Kaş peninsula, visit temple ruins and the Lycian tombs in the fortress village of Kaleköy and stop to see the sunken city of Simena.

Itinerary: Turkey - An Olympian Odyssey

Day 1 London to Istanbul/ Istanbul to Antalya – by air

In the early morning take the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul and connect with the Turkish Airlines flight to Antalya. Founded by Attalus II in the 1st century BC, Antalya is beautifully placed, overlooking a long sweeping beach and facing the Bey Mountains. The Roman harbour in the centre of the city is the entrance to the Kaleiçi, the old quarter with narrow streets and courtyards. The city is a good base for visiting nearby ancient sites. (N)

Accommodation in Antalya: Alp Pasa Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Antalya

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon tour the city, visiting Hadrianus Gate from the time of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the clock tower, Palm Street, the Old Town and marina, Republican Square and finally Antalya Archaeological Museum where Antalya's several thousand years of history is laid out before you. (B)

Accommodation in Antalya: Alp Pasa Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Antalya

This morning drive north out of the city and see the ancient city of Perge, believed to date back to the 4th century BC or earlier. The city, which occupies an elevated position on a hill outside of Antalya, was of significance in Roman imperial times and is also thought to have been home to one of Asia Minor's oldest Christian communities. The ruins of Perge are impressive with both Greek and Roman remains. The great theatre and stadium are large but Perge is renowned for its Roman and Greek gates and colonnaded street. Continue on to visit the ruins of Aspendos, 50 kms north-east of Antalya. The Roman theatre is the best example in Turkey, built by the Romans and preserved by the Seljuks and Byzantines, the theatre was renovated after a visit by Atatürk who decreed that it be used again for its original purpose of plays and sport. (B)

Accommodation in Antalya: Alp Pasa Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Antalya to Kaş – 193kms

Drive west along the coastal road to Olympos, an important Lycian city, whose inhabitants worshipped Hephaestus, the God of Fire, probably due to the abundance of Chimaera, eternal flames that spring from the ground about 7 kms from the city. Later ascend Mount Olympos by cable car before continuing to the Kaş peninsula. (B)

Accommodation in Kaş: Villa Tamara (or similar)

Day 5 Kaş

Today drive to Üçagiz and take a boat trip to see the fortress village of Kaleköy and the ruins of temples and Lycian tombs. Enjoy the beauty of Kekova Island and the signs of the sunken city of Simena. (B)

Accommodation in Kaş: Villa Tamara (or similar)

Day 6 Kaş

In the morning visit Xanthos and Letoön. Xanthos was once the capital of Lycia and has a fine Roman theatre and many Lycian tombs. The city was destroyed by its own inhabitants when besieged by superior forces. Letoön is name after a shrine to Leto, mother of Apollo. This World Heritage Site includes temples and a theatre. Later explore Saklikent canyon, a deep gorge in the Akdaglar Mountains. The entrance is along a wooden boardwalk and then you can walk far into the gorge, which is so steep and narrow that the sun hardly reaches the floor and the water remains ice-cold. (B)

Accommodation in Kaş: Villa Tamara (or similar)

Days 7 - 8 Kaş

At leisure (no car and driver). (B)

Accommodation in Kaş: Villa Tamara (or similar)

Day 9 Kaş to Dalaman – 156kms/ Dalaman to London

Morning drive to Dalaman airport for the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul and connect with Turkish Airlines flight to London, arriving London Heathrow in the evening. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Turkey - An Olympian Odyssey

9 days from £3375 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Turkey - An Olympian Odyssey

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price