International Multi-day Tour

Turkey: Lycian Way Trek & Cappadocia

Challenge yourself on Turkey’s spectacular Lycian Way, where ancient history, vibrant culture and unforgettable landscapes meet. Combined with time in Istanbul and Cappadocia, this rewarding two-week adventure blends iconic sights, unforgettable hikes and the camaraderie of travelling with like-minded women.

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Destination Turkey

Duration 14 Days

Price From $6,590

Departs 02 May 2027

Group Size 14 Max

Overview

Explore Turkey with AW

Discover one of Turkey’s most rewarding hiking journeys on this two week women’s adventure combining the legendary Lycian Way with the cultural treasures of Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Beginning in Istanbul, explore the fascinating crossroads of empires. Wander through bustling bazaars and atmospheric ancient sites before travelling south to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Here, the adventure truly begins!

Hike some of the most scenic sections of the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail renowned for its rugged beauty, rich history and coastal scenery. Walk through pine forests, mountain passes and remote shepherd trails while discovering ancient cities, hidden temples and timeless seaside villages. Along the way, swim in crystal-clear waters, cruise by boat, share memorable meals and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from travelling with a supportive group of like-minded women.

The journey finishes in magical Cappadocia, where surreal valleys, caves and underground cities provide a striking contrast to the coast.

Challenging at times but immensely rewarding, this is an unforgettable exploration of Turkey’s landscapes, history and culture.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This trip includes consecutive days of hiking, with distances of up to 17km per day, often on uneven terrain and with some hills. To help you fully enjoy every moment of the trip, we recommend a good base level of fitness and comfort with walking for full days across multiple consecutive days. You should allow a few months to prepare and build your stamina beforehand.

Focus on being able to comfortably walk for a full day, and then repeat that effort on back-to-back days with a weighted pack. This is often where the challenge lies, as the cumulative effect of several days of walking can feel more demanding if your body isn’t used to it.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Hiking the spectacular coastal trail with like-minded women — Hike spectacular coastal sections of the Lycian Way

Day 1 Sun 02 May Istanbul arrival

Welcome to Turkey!

This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a tour briefing followed by a welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Istanbul

Day 2 Mon 03 May Istanbul - Explore the old city

Today we explore Istanbul’s fascinating Old Town district with a local guide. This area was once the political and cultural centre of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

We start in Sultanahmet Square where the city’s imperial history comes to life. Visit the ancient Hippodrome and descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, where towering columns emerge from beneath the city streets.

Continue to the magnificent Hagia Sophia Mosque, one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces. Originally built in the 6th century as the grand cathedral of Byzantium, Hagia Sophia has stood for centuries as a symbol of faith, empire, and political power.

The rest of today is free to explore on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Istanbul

Day 3 Tue 04 May Istanbul: Markets - Fly to Antalaya

We continue our exploration of Istanbul today. Along with our local guide, wander through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar before visiting the vibrant Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, where stalls overflow with spices, sweets, teas, and exotic fragrances.

Above the Spice Bazaar sits the elegant Rüstem Paşa Mosque, designed in the 16th century by the legendary imperial architect Mimar Sinan during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. Admire the mosque’s exquisite İznik tilework, considered among the finest in Turkey.

This afternoon we transfer to the airport for an evening flight south to Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Antalaya

Day 4 Wed 05 May Antalya - Kas; Hike along Lycian Way (7km)

Today marks the beginning of the Lycian Way hiking adventure. We drive around one hour from Antalaya to Alacasu, also known as Paradise Bay, to start our first introductory hike.

Walk through fragrant pine forests and along the Mediterranean shoreline, enjoying your first taste of the spectacular coastal scenery that will accompany the coming days.

Continue to Tekirova where the vehicle awaits before driving onward to the charming harbour town of Kaş.

Hiking Distance: appx 7 km

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Kaş

Day 5 Thu 06 May Kas: Ufakdere & Bayındır Hike (10 km)

After breakfast, we transfer to the outskirts of Kaş to begin our hike. The route climbs steadily through rocky Mediterranean terrain lined with ancient stone walls, olive groves, and dense scrub vegetation.

As the trail traverses the hillsides, enjoy magnificent views over Limanağzı Bay and the nearby Greek island of Kastellorizo. The descent toward the pebble beach at Beach Noris requires some sure-footedness and rewards hikers with hidden Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs.

The trail then continues through ancient olive groves and remote shepherd country to the turquoise waters of Ufakdere Bay where we can stop for a swim. A final climb leads to the tiny hamlet of Okçuöldüğü. We then continue to Bayındır for the return transfer to Kaş.

Hiking Distance: appx 10 km

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Kaş

Day 6 Fri 07 May Hike Aperlai, Boat to Üçağız (6km)

Today we hike along a scenic coastal section of the Lycian Way to the ancient city of Aperlai near Üçağız. Once renowned for producing royal purple dye from crushed mollusc shells, Aperlai now rests peacefully among the hills and sea.

Explore the impressive city walls, coastal ruins, and remains of ancient churches while surrounded by stunning Mediterranean scenery. From Aperlai, continue by boat across the crystal-clear waters of Kekova to your guesthouse in the village of Üçağız.

Hiking Distance: appx 6 km

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Üçağız

Day 7 Sat 08 May Üçağız: Kekova Boat trip

We take a day off the trails today, to explore the spectacular Kekova region by boat.

Cruise through crystal-clear turquoise waters, swim in secluded bays, and discover the fascinating Lycian history hidden along the shoreline. Off Kekova Island, view the submerged ruins of the ancient sunken city of Simena, visible beneath the remarkably clear water.

Above the sea, explore the remains of Lycian tombs, ancient staircases, and the hilltop castle at Simena village

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Guesthouse, Üçağız

Day 8 Sun 09 May Gelidonia Lighthouse Hike; Adrasan (14 km)

After breakfast, we take a short transfer to Karaöz and begin one of the Lycian Way’s most spectacular coastal hikes.

The trail follows dramatic cliffs and rugged shoreline scenery almost constantly within sight of the sea as it winds toward Cape Gelidonia and its iconic lighthouse. Crossing a mountain pass at 470 metres, the route offers endless panoramic views over hidden coves, sea caves, and the deep blue Mediterranean below.

The landscape here is wild and unforgettable, shaped by weathered sandstone formations and ancient wind-twisted pine trees clinging to the cliffs above the sea.

Hiking Distance: appx 14 km

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Adrasan

Day 9 Mon 10 May Adrasan - Hike to Olympus (15 km)

Today’s stage is considered one of the highlights of the Lycian Way: long, challenging and immensely rewarding.

Beginning among orange and pomegranate orchards near Adrasan, the trail climbs into the rugged Musa Dağları mountains through pine forests and dramatic rocky terrain. Along the way, pass isolated shepherd huts and remote mountain scenery far removed from the coast below.

At approximately 700 metres above sea level, stop on a peaceful plateau surrounded by magnificent views beneath Mount Olympus. In spring, the area becomes especially beautiful with wild orchids in bloom.

The route then descends steeply toward the ancient city of Olympos, once an important Lycian city and later a pirate stronghold hidden above the coast. After time to explore, continue to the seaside village of Çıralı before transferring back to Adrasan.

Hiking Distance: appx 15 km

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Adrasan

Day 10 Tue 11 May Adrasan - Hike to Chimera - drive to Antalaya (5.5 km)

Our last day on the Lycian Way takes us to Yanartaş, the legendary ‘Burning Rock’ and mythical home of the Chimera.

Following sections of the original ancient stone pathway, ascend past scattered temple ruins where eternal flames emerge naturally from the mountainside. Caused by underground natural gas escaping through the rock, these mysterious fires have burned continuously for thousands of years and inspired the ancient myth of the fire-breathing Chimera defeated by Bellerophon riding Pegasus.

From the flames, continue climbing to a panoramic saddle overlooking the Gulf of Çıralı before descending to Ulupınar, famous for its crystal-clear spring waters and riverside trout restaurants.

Later this afternoon, we drive onwards to Antalya.

Hiking Distance: appx 5.5 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Antalaya

Day 11 Wed 12 May Antalya - Konya - Cappadocia

Today is a long travel day, as we make our way inland toward the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia.

Drive north to Konya, spiritual home of the Mevlevi Order and resting place of the great Sufi mystic and poet Rumi. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing to the magnificent Seljuk caravanserai of Sultanhanı, an important Silk Road stop dating from the 13th century.

Arrive in Cappadocia this evening and check into our hotel for the next three nights.

Driving time: Approximately 7-9 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Cappadocia

Day 12 Thu 13 May Cappadocia: Goreme and Cappadocia Valley (5.5km)

This morning visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, home to remarkable rock-hewn churches and monasteries carved into Cappadocia’s volcanic landscape during the Byzantine period.

Later, enjoy a scenic hike through Kılıçlar Valley, one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful valleys, known for its surreal rock formations and lunar-like scenery. The walk concludes in the village of Çavuşin where there is time to relax before returning to the hotel.

Hiking Distance: appx 5.5 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Cappadocia

Day 13 Fri 14 may Cappadocia: Underground Cities & Pigeon Valley (5km)

Today explore the fascinating Kaymaklı Underground City, an extraordinary multi-level settlement carved deep beneath the earth.

Continue to Uçhisar and begin an easy walk through Pigeon Valley toward Göreme, enjoying magnificent views over Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and cave dwellings.

This afternoon visit Avanos, a centre of ceramic production since 2000 BC, where traditional pottery techniques are still practised today.

We gather this evening for our last group dinner.

Hiking Distance: appx 5 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Cappadocia

Day 14 Sat Cappadocia - Departure day

There are no included activities or services today. You are free to depart at any time.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travellers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
English speaking local guide(s) for cultural visits and hiking
Accommodation on a twin/share basis with optional single rooms at a surcharge
Domestic flight Istanbul-Antalaya
Private Air-Conditioned vehicles for included transfers and sightseeing
Included activities (with entrance fees) as per daily itinerary
Meals as listed in the itinerary

"Loved every minute of the trip! Organisation was great, tour leader (Jazzy) was fabulous, and the other women on the walk were just lovely"

Celia Nepal

"So well organised by the team nothing was a problem so helpful lots of fun with the other Adventurous Women"

Lorrie Ningaloo Reef

"I loved the great group of women and the variety of activities. We hiked, cooked, kayaked, met elephants, laughed, swam and ate. Marie’s knowledge of her homeland made this a memorable experience"

Michelle Cambodia

"Loved the week hiking with Anna & an inspiring group of women. Really well organised, fun, delicious food, amazing scenery. Highly recommend"

Sue Bibbulmun Track

"A stunning part of the world to hike with a special group of awesome women, led by our wonderful leader Lyn"

Tammy Japan

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

International Flights
Arrival and Departure transfers
Any visas required
Services not mentioned in the itinerary
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for local guides and drivers
Expenditure of personal nature
Personal Travel Insurance (mandatory)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

When on the tour , we have you sharing with different women from the group at different times - great for group bonding and also for alleviating any potential annoyances that may occur as a result of travelling with the same person throughout a tour. Or, if you’d prefer your own room on the trip, this is available for an additional supplement. You can select this option at the time of booking.

Arrival & Departure Details

The tour starts in Istanbul on 2 May, with a meeting at 5.30pm. Istanbul has two main airports : Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Both are located about 45-60 minutes from the city centre.

The tour ends on 15 May in Cappadocia. The nearest airport is Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) which has several daily flights to Istanbul and other regional destinations.

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

You’ll also be joined by English-speaking Turkish guides for sightseeing visits and excursions.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour. There may be times when options are limited but we’ll be sure to inform you in advance.

Accommodation

We will be staying in a mix of comfortable hotels and guesthouses.

How will we be travelling?

We will travel by private bus or van for most of the journey, as well as one domestic flight. While some travel days are longer as we cover significant distances, the scenery is ever-changing and offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life across the country.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is mandatory for AW's international trips. We recommend taking out a policy early. Most good travel insurance policies offer an upgrade option to cover trip cancellation and interruption, which can come in handy.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through a partnership with this insurer AW guests receive a 10% discount off the cost of insurance using this link (discount will be applied at checkout).