Antalya and the Mediterranean Coastline

The Turkish Meditearranean coastline is characterized by its namesake climate, lush vegetation, fertile soil and abundance of rivers carrying fresh water from the majestic Taurus Mountain range. Its favorable living conditions have attracted many civilizations throughout history, which is why it is dotted with ancient cities, approximately one every 30 miles!

Also titled the “tourism capital” of Turkey, it boasts hotels and resorts of every category.

It is a major destination for travelers from all around the world, offering various activities - including water sports, diving, and hiking in the Taurus Mountains..., besides offering an enriching travel experience and the chance to wind down and relax.

Antalya is the regional capital of the Mediterranean coastline.

Tour Highlights

Antalya Museum
Old Town and Roman Harbor
Perge, Aspendos, and Side
Phaselis, Demre, and Simena
Xanthos
Hiking Saklıkent Gorge
Fethiye Rock Tombs
Cruising in the Dalyan Lagoon

Tour can be re-designed to your specifications, travel plans and expectations, or extended to include other regional tours.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: The Old Town and the Ancient Harbor

Antalya is an ideal place to enjoy a "vacation from your vacation." You will visit the impressive ancient Greek sculptures in the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey's finest archaeological museums; explore the narrow and cobbled streets of Antalya's old town and Roman harbor.
Sleep in Antalya.

Walking: easy to moderate

Day 2: Ancient cities: Perge, Aspendos and Side

The ruins of ancient Perge are among the most attractive on the Mediterranean, also the home of fine statues displayed in the Antalya Archaeological Museum. After touring the site, you will continue on to Aspendos to see one of the best preserved theater buildings of the ancient world.

The sightseeing will end with a visit to Side, with its dramatic location on a tiny peninsula where the ancient ruins are intertwined with the modern resort town.

Sleep in Antalya.

Walking: moderate

Day 3: Into the Lycian Coastline

Driving west on the coastline, you will enter the Lycian region. You will visit Phaselis ancient city, located along peaceful bays surrounded by forests and enjoy a leisurely exploration, relaxing beach visits, and gentle hikes amid scenic ruins. In Demre, you will stop to visit the Church of St. Nicholas, the real Santa Claus who was a native of this coastline. Then, you will take a glass-bottom boat to explore the sunken ruins of Simena, accessible only by sea. Alternatively, you can consider a sea kayak expedition over the sunken ruins.

Sleep in Kaş.

Walking: moderate

Day 4: Xanthos and the Rugged Saklıkent Gorge

The day starts with a drive to the ancient city of Xanthos, the leading city of Lycian civilization also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You will discover this distinctive local civilisation which had its own alphabet and predated the Greeks and Romans. Historically, this city was known for its brave citizens, and their resistance against Persian invaders. Circa 540 BC, Xanthians bravely fought the invading Persians until the battle was lost. Then, they chose death over living in slavery or under submission and set the city on fire, burning themselves within.
In the afternoon, you will hike the Saklıkent Gorge, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, and appreciate its rugged beauty.

Sleep in Fethiye.

Walking: moderate to strenuous

Day 5: Fethiye

Today we visit the impressive rock cut tombs of the Lycian kings that are on the cliffside of a sheer rock façade in Fethiye overlooking the town and the harbor.

In the afternoon, you will delve into nature in the Dalyan lagoon, take a boat trip through the marshes, natural habitat where the the Carretta Carretta (giant loggerhead turtles) lay their eggs.

Sleep in Fethiye.

Walking: moderate to strenuous