Ancient Trails & Coastal Treasures: Trekking the St. Paul Trail & Eastern Lycian Way

Ancient Trails & Coastal Treasures: Trekking the St. Paul Trail & Eastern Lycian Way

Ancient Trails & Coastal Treasures: Trekking the St. Paul Trail & Eastern Lycian Way

From : Ask a Price

Total Time

14 days / 13 nights

Tour Calender

From Mar. to May.
From Sep. to Nov.

Max Person

15 Person

Min Person

5 Min

Qverwiew

Embark on a captivating 14-day trekking adventure that combines the sacred paths of the St. Paul Trail with the dramatic coastal routes of the eastern Lycian Way. This journey takes you from the dramatic canyons of Koprulu National Park to the sunken cities of Kekova, winding through ancient Roman roads, forgotten mountain villages, majestic archaeological sites like Sagalassos and Aspendos, and ends with coastal marvels such as the Gelidonya lighthouse and the eternal flames of Chimaira. A journey into Turkey’s natural and cultural heart.

Highlights

  • Hike through Koprulu Canyon National Park and eastern Lycian Way

  • Explore Roman heritage: Aspendos, Selge, Adada, Myra, and Sagalassos

  • Stay in authentic villages and guesthouses along the St. Paul Trail

  • Boat tour around Kekova’s sunken city and Tersane Island

  • Discover Gelidonya lighthouse and the flames of Chimaira

  • Visit the coastal towns of Kas and Adrasan with turquoise waters

Best Season Program

Upon arrival at Antalya airport, you will be welcomed by a representative from Nature and Sea Travel. A short transfer brings you to your hotel located in Kaleici, Antalya’s historic old town. Kaleici is a living museum showcasing layers of history from the Lycian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with Ottoman houses and discover landmarks such as Hadrian’s Gate and Yivli Minaret. This first day offers a gentle immersion into the rich cultural fabric of Antalya.

  • Transfer time: 20 min 

  • Distance: 15 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Antalya city center

  • Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, depart Antalya heading east towards Beskonak village, the gateway to Koprulu Canyon National Park. En route, stop at Aspendos, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre, which still hosts performances today. Explore the nearby basilica remains, the agora, and an impressive Roman aqueduct stretching 15 kilometers. Also visit the historic Eurymedon Bridge, originally Roman but rebuilt in the 13th century. Late afternoon arrival at Beskonak gives time to relax in a comfortable pension nestled in the natural beauty of the canyon area.

  • Transfer time: 1 hour 

  • Distance: 90 km

  • Overnight: Pension in Beskonak

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s hike takes you deep into Koprulu Canyon National Park, an area of dramatic cliffs and lush forests rich in biodiversity. Follow rugged walking paths and forest tracks ascending to the ancient city of Selge, perched on the southern slopes of Mount Taurus. Explore the extensive ruins including a large theatre, stadium, basilica, and remnants of temples. The ancient city walls encircle a site steeped in Pisidian history. After a rewarding day of hiking and exploration, return by vehicle to your pension in Beskonak.

  • Walking: 5–6 hours | 10 km

  • Ascent : 742m

  • Descent :  66m

  • Overnight: Pension in Beskonak

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will drive back to Selge and begin your trek from there. The route follows a combination of old Roman roads, dirt tracks, and shepherd paths weaving through mature pine forests. Pass through small villages such as Ören, Delisarnic, and Kestanelik, known for chestnut groves. The path is serene, and during summer shepherds may be seen tending flocks. The trek finishes in the charming village of Caltepe, where a warm welcome awaits at a family-run guesthouse.

  • Walking: 7–8 hours | 13 km

  • Ascent:  215m 

  • Descent: 675m

  • Overnight: Guesthouse in Caltepe

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short transfer brings you to Kesme village, where the day’s hike begins. The trail meanders along mountain roads with panoramic views over the Koprulu River valley, popular for rafting in summer. Walk across fields and pastures, following tractor tracks to a mountain pass at Belsarnic. From there, descend to Kasimlar village. Spend the night in a village pension, enjoying the peaceful rural atmosphere.

  • Walking: 6 hours | 11 km

  • Ascent: 253m

  • Descent: 582m

  • Transfer: 1 hour 

  • Distance: 40 km

  • Overnight: Pension in Kasimlar

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a short transfer to the start of your hike through the Tota Yaylasi forest park, passing a large mountain spring. Follow well-maintained old village roads and trails leading to Yenikoy village. From there, visit the nearby ruins of Adada, believed to be named by St. Paul. Highlights include the acropolis remains, Hellenistic towers, basilica, and a theatre. After the hike, drive to the lakeside town of Egirdir where you’ll spend the night.

  • Walking: 8 hours | 15 km

  • Ascent: 104m

  • Descent: 374m

  • Transfer: 1.5 hours total 

  • Distance: 55 km

  • Overnight: Pension in Egirdir

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive towards Kas with a stop at Sagalassos, one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological sites. Excavations reveal a city rich in Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine history, including a vast bath complex, an ancient library, a large theatre, and an urban mansion. After exploring Sagalassos, continue your journey to Kas, a picturesque seaside town known for its charming streets, cafes, and blue waters.

  • Transfer time: 4 hours 

  • Distance: 310 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kas

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Saribelen village to start your hike along the Lycian Way’s eastern section. The trail begins on a stabilized road, soon opening to a scenic gravel path with distinctive white stones. Cross green valleys and rocky landscapes, including caves and bird nests. Reach viewpoints overlooking islands such as Meis, Fener, and Kilise. Continue through a valley to another stunning viewpoint before descending on rocky paths to the village of Gokceoren. Transfer back to Kas for the night.

  • Walking: 4 hours | 9 km

  • Ascent: 300m

  • Descent: 200m

  • Transfer: 40 min 

  • Distance: 25 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kas

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day’s walk in Kapakli village, with panoramic views of the bay and sea. Descend gently on gravel roads, passing a small primary school and green pastures. Follow sandy and rocky paths through olive groves towards the bay of Gokkaya, where you will enjoy lunch and a swim if weather permits. Continue on a rocky trail to reach Simena Castle, built in the Byzantine era to protect against pirates. Explore the castle’s small theatre, rock tombs, and submerged ruins visible underwater. Return to Kas in the evening.

  • Walking: 4 hours | 8 km

  • Ascent: 10m 

  • Descent: 50m

  • Transfer: 40 min

  • Distance: 35 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kas

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Bayindir village for today’s trek, starting on a broad gravel path with views of the bay, surrounding hills, and the island of Meis. Walk through pine forests, thyme bushes, and olive groves towards the bay of Gemiler, perfect for lunch and a swim. Finish by visiting the ancient ruins of Apollonia, which features Lycian pillar tombs and a Byzantine church. Transfer back to Kas for the night.

  • Walking: 5 hours | 10 km

  • Ascent: 275m 

  • Descent: 160m

  • Transfers: 40 min total

  • Distance: 35 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Kas

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a scenic 3-hour boat tour around Kekova’s sunken city, admiring ruins beneath clear turquoise waters and exploring Tersane Island. On the drive to Adrasan, stop at Myra, famous for its Lycian rock tombs and a large Roman amphitheatre. End the day relaxing in the beach town of Adrasan.

  • Boat tour: 3 hours

  • Transfer: 2 hours 

  • Distance: 115 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Adrasan

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a challenging coastal walk from Adrasan, climbing steadily to a mountain pass with stunning views. The route follows limestone cliffs and pine forests, reaching the Gelidonya Peninsula and its historic lighthouse. After enjoying the vistas, descend through forested trails back to Adrasan.

  • Walking: 5–6 hours | 18 km 

  • Ascent: 400m

  • Descent: 400m

  • Transfer: 20 min 

  • Distance: 14 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Adrasan

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start with a short transfer to Cirali, walking through pine forests and streams to reach the famous Chimaira flames, natural eternal fires burning from the rocky hillside. Continue on foot to Ulupinar village, then transfer back to Antalya. Spend your final evening strolling through Kaleici, the atmospheric old town.

  • Walking: 3–4 hours 9 km

  • Ascent: 330m

  • Descent: 190m

  • Transfer: 1.5 hours | Distance: 80 km

  • Overnight: Hotel in Antalya city center

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Antalya airport to conclude your journey.

  • Transfer: 20 min 

  • Distance: 15 km

  • Meals: Breakfast

Included / Excluded

Included

Trekking 360° and Tour Maps

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