Highlights of the Lycian Coast

Location: Turkey. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed by Headwater appointed agent. Activity level: 2 boots Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: A mix of mid range/good value, friendly/quirky. Meals: Continental breakfast and 6 evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Selected Mondays from 7 May '12 to 15 Oct '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Turkey is blessed with her stunning Turquoise Coast, white sandy beaches, hidden mountain villages and some of the finest classical sites in the world. Evidence of forgotten empires are linked by coastal trails that were the trade routes of antiquity.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Kayakoy

We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Kayakoy (70mins). Time for a swim in the pool before dinner.

Day 2 - Ruins and Lagoons of Kayakoy 8km/5mi/3.5hr

Walk from the door through the adjacent ghost village of Kayakoy, whose original Greek inhabitants were expelled in 1923. An eerie climb past abandoned schools and frescoed churches takes you high above the village for shimmering views of Aegean bays below. After a panoramic picnic, descend through pines to a ruined C7 church on the shore of a crystal lagoon - a perfect swimming spot - before a taxi back (pay locally).

Day 3 - Kayakoy/Ovacik to Faralya 15km/9mi/5hr

Your first steps on the Lycian Way take you above perfect beaches past holly oak and strawberry trees. After cresting a saddle, you wind through scented pine forest alive to the drone of honeybees, before picnicking by poplar and plane trees under Baba Dag - 'Father Mountain'. A steady descent through villages laced with vineyards brings you to your hotel in Faralya in time for a swim and a chilled drink.

Day 4 - At Faralya

Faralya village is set on ancient terraces above Turkeys famous Butterfly Valley. Today you have the possibility of an optional 2-3 hour walk down to the shores and to a place where you can swim in the sea. Or relax at the hotel, an environment which has been created with tranquility and relaxation very much in mind - lovely pool too.

Day 5 - Faralya to Alinca/Patara 13km/8mi/4.5hr

You follow the Lycian Way winding south from Faralya through thyme and oleander rich terraces to Kabak Gorge on the flank of Baba Dag mountain. A beautiful pine-shaded route leads you through this spectacular chasm, before a hillside picnic gives turquoise bay views far below. On reaching Alinca - a veritable eagle's eyrie - relax with a drink before your transfer to Patara, where you'll enjoy dinner in the village.

Day 6 - In Patara

Patara was a giant among Roman trading ports, as big as Ephesus, though today only partially excavated. Half buried by giant sand dunes, you can see broken mosaics, pottery shards and columns scattered between bath houses, theatres and marble streets. Just beyond the ruins is an amazing 18km long beach, perfect for picnics and swimming.

Day 7 - Patara to Akbel/Kalkan 13km/8mi/4.5hr

From Patara, you rejoin the Lycian Way skirting the fertile Xanthos Valley on an easy red earth track through daphne bushes, leading to a fabulously preserved Roman aqueduct with views of Kalkan Bay. After a picnic under shady olive trees, continue through maquis and pines with bee-eaters and cicadas for company, before a descent to a village cafe and a transfer to Kalkan. Lots of choices for restaurants in this pretty resort for dinner.

Day 8 - Leave Kalkan

We drive you back to the airport (2 hours) for your flight home.