Echoes of Empires: Ephesus, Lake Bafa & Lycian Coast Cruise

Echoes of Empires: Ephesus, Lake Bafa & Lycian Coast Cruise

Echoes of Empires: Ephesus, Lake Bafa & Lycian Coast Cruise

From : Ask a Price 

Total Time

14 days / 13 nights

Tour Calender

From Apr. to Oct.

Max Person

15 Person

Min Person

5 Min

Qverwiew

Journey through time from the legendary city of Ephesus to the serene shores of Lake Bafa, where ancient Herakleia lies hidden amidst timeless landscapes. Explore the Greek cities of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma before embarking on a traditional wooden caique for a coastal voyage along the untouched Lycian shore. Hike to forgotten ruins, swim in turquoise coves, discover remote villages, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Anatolian history. This unique combination of cultural exploration and sea adventure offers both the grandeur of antiquity and the peace of nature.

Highlights

  • Discover Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Mediterranean.

  • Explore Lake Bafa and the Byzantine monasteries on Mount Latmos.

  • Visit ancient Greek cities: Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Herakleia.

  • Cruise the Lycian Coast aboard a comfortable caique with daily hikes to hidden ruins.

  • Swim in secluded bays and sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests.

  • Experience authentic village life far from tourist crowds.

  • Enjoy a donkey ride through the countryside of Lake Bafa.

Best Season Program

Upon arrival at İzmir Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the charming town of Selçuk, located near the legendary ruins of Ephesus. The evening is at leisure to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere of this historical town.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour

  • Distance: 60 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Selçuk

  • Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, we visit Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures in the Mediterranean. Walk along marble streets, explore the Library of Celsus, the grand theatre, and the ancient agora. Learn about the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the afternoon, we drive south to Lake Bafa, formed when the Meander River silted up the ancient gulf. The lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and rich birdlife, including pelicans and flamingos. We end the day in the tranquil lakeside village of Kapıkırı.

  • Transfer time: 1.5 hours

  • Distance: 90 km

  • Overnight: Guesthouse in Kapıkırı

  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We begin the day with a 4-hour hike through a countryside of citrus groves, pomegranate orchards, and flower gardens. The trail leads to Gokkaya, where Byzantine monastery ruins are scattered across the landscape. We continue towards the Ikizce Peninsula for a picnic lunch and a refreshing swim in the lake. In the afternoon, we return to our guesthouse by donkey, passing through timeless rural scenery.

  • Hiking: 4 hours

  • Overnight: Guesthouse in Kapıkırı

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

This morning we explore Kapıkırı, which stands on the site of ancient Herakleia. Massive city walls stretch for nearly 7 km, dotted with ancient towers. We visit the Temple of Athena and the vast necropolis of the Latmos region, with over 2,500 rock-cut tombs. A scenic hike on Mount Latmos offers spectacular views and a chance to discover more hidden ruins. In the afternoon, we transfer to Gocek and board our caique at Ekincik, settling into comfortable double cabins.

  • Transfer time: 3.5 hours

  • Hiking: 4 hours

  • Overnight: Caique at Ekincik

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on board, we disembark for a coastal hike shaded by pine forests and overlooking the turquoise sea. Our path leads to the ancient Lycian port city of Caunos, once a thriving hub for trade in salt and slaves. We explore its theatre, baths, and acropolis before rejoining the caique and sailing to Aga Limanı Cove for the night.

  • Hiking: 4 hours

  • Overnight: Caique in Aga Limanı

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

The morning begins with a swim, followed by a hike along the coast to the mysterious ruins of Ikaros, an ancient city whose history remains largely unknown. We continue to Cleopatra’s Baths, steeped in legend, before reaching Binlik Bay where the caique awaits. The day offers a mix of archaeology, pine forests, and swimming stops.

  • Hiking: 4 hours

  • Overnight: Caique in Binlik Bay

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

After a refreshing swim, we sail to Sarsali Beach, recognizable by a large seagull motif on the rocks. We hike inland through Mediterranean landscapes dotted with Lycian tombs and sarcophagi. The trail eventually leads us back to the coast where the caique meets us for the sail to Fethiye. In the evening, we explore the ancient city of Telmessos and its harbour.

  • Hiking: 5 hours

  • Sailing: 2.5 hours

  • Overnight: Caique in Fethiye

  • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Our final coastal hike takes us along one of the most scenic stretches of the trip, offering panoramic views of the sea before descending to Ölüdeniz. After lunch, we transfer by bus back to Selçuk for our final night.

  • Hiking: 2.5 hours

  • Transfer time: 4.5 hours

  • Overnight: Hotel in Selçuk

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail from Fethiye harbour to Kizilada (Red Island), a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. Continue past Tavsanli and Katrancik Islands before trekking from Gunluklu Bay to Inlice Beach. The route climbs to high plateaus with panoramic views of the gulf and follows pine-scented trails to a pristine beach for a swim. Return onboard and cruise to Gocek Bay, enjoying dinner aboard your gulet.

  • Walking time: 2–3 hours

  • Distance: 8 km

  • Ascent/Descent: 275 m

  • Overnight: Onboard Gulet, private double cabins

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to İzmir Airport for your return flight, carrying memories of both ancient wonders and unspoiled nature.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour

  • Meals: Breakfast

Included / Excluded

Inculeded

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