We will meet at the airport of Antalya (see the “Place and time of the meeting” section), drop by the luggage storage at the bus station and head to the village of Göynük, the starting point of our adventure. 

We will set up tents at the campsite near the Göynük canyon in the National Park and take a walk around the park. In the evening we’ll have a festive dinner and a warm chat by the fire. You can also charge your electronic devices in the camp, if needed.

Overnight at an altitude of 100 m.

Today we’ll get up early, have breakfast and go back on the trail with our backpacks. We will cross the mountain pass leaving behind the explored part of the Göynük canyon, then walk through a beautiful forest and take a break for lunch in the middle of breathtaking landscapes.

After lunch we’ll continue our journey to another part of the Göynük canyon, which is less popular among the tourists. We will go down the canyon and set up a camp beside the small basins with clear and cool water, where we’ll be able to freshen up after a long day of walking.

Elevation change: 730 m.

Overnight at an altitude of 300 m.

We’ll start the day with a refreshing dip into the canyon water and a hearty breakfast. Then we’ll continue our way along the gorge jumping over multiple water basins and climbing the rocks.

Having got out of the river bed, we will begin to gain height through the picturesque forest. Our path will lead us to orange and pomegranate orchards and a small cafe, where we’ll stop to treat ourselves to fresh juice and chat with the locals.

Further on, the trail goes along a plateau with views of mountain peaks in the spring still covered in snow. After a while we will come by a small cafe to have some lunch and drink tea.

We will reach the village of Gedelme and spend the night in a campsite near the ancient fortress. You are free to use a hot shower, electricity and Internet. Those who wish can stay in the camping rooms (for an additional fee).

Elevation change: 1 200 m.

Overnight at an altitude of 700 m.

In the morning we will visit the Peynirdeligi Cave, which is about 50 metres long. Its name means “the cheese cave” in Turkish.

After that we’ll pack up the camp and set off along the route. With the gain of height we’ll notice that the air gets cooler and the landscape changes. Our path will go through cedar forest and alpine meadows with numerous streams. The Lebanese cedar makes a majestic impression, and its aroma has a calming effect.

Beautiful views, pristine nature and fresh air will help you cope with fatigue. In the evening we’ll set up tents on one of the glades.

Elevation change: 1 150 m.

Overnight at an altitude of 1 600 m.

Today we climb Tahtali Mountain! Tahtali is also called the Lycian Olympus; the ancient Greeks believed that the twelve Greek gods lived on the top of this mountain. When we approach the border of the forest, we’ll leave our backpacks and continue the journey without them. The way up usually takes from 2 to 3 hours. The trail is rocky, but quite easy. From the observation deck at the very top we’ll be able to see the Mediterranean coast with picturesque bays and forests, and sometimes even the Taurus Mountains. 

On the top of Tahtali there is a restaurant, where you can warm up with hot tea and have a snack. We’ll rest a bit, and then go down to our backpacks and further, to the village of Beycik. Trekking poles and comfortable shoes are a must on these rocky slopes! We will spend the night in an amazing campsite built right on the trees with a sea view. Delicious dinner from the local chef is included! Also, you can stay in camping rooms, if you wish (for an additional fee).

Elevation change: 1 000 m.

Overnight at an altitude of 900 m.

The second part of our journey begins here — we are moving towards the sea! In the morning we’ll leave Beycik and continue our way through pristine forest and small peaceful villages.  

Ulupinar village is famous for its trout farms, and we’ll stop by one of them to enjoy a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish and vegetables. But there’s still a long way ahead of us — today we need to reach Mount Chimaera. According to the legend, that’s where the ancient hero Bellerophon defeated the fire-breathing creature Chimaera. Since then, for thousands of years, the mythical monster has been buried under the rocks, and only fire flames come to the surface.

We’ll set up a camp near the fires of the Chimaera.

Elevation change: 700 m.

Overnight at an altitude of 200 m.

Today we will finally reach the coast. First, we’ll pass through Chimaera National Park and take some time to watch the famous constantly burning fire and take pictures. 

Next stop is Cirali Beach — a nature preservation area, where sea turtles lay their eggs. The places of egg-laying are usually marked with a metal fence and special signs.

We’ll set up tents at the campsite right in the orange garden (those who wish can stay in the camping rooms for an additional fee). After that — time to rest on the beach! We’ll swim and sunbathe for a few hours. In the evening, we’ll take a walk to the ancient city of Olympos, where the old walls of the fortress, the buildings of the bathhouse, the theater and others have been preserved to this day. We’ll return to the beach after sunset and have dinner. If you wish, you can try out seafood in a beach cafe. In case of good weather, we’ll be able to spend the night on the beach right on the sun loungers under the starry sky.

Elevation change: 350 m.

After all the long walks, lots of descents and ascents we definitely deserve a relaxing day on the beach. We’ll spend time swimming, sunbathing, and eating fresh fruits, but most importantly — we’ll go on a yacht trip with only our group on board! Just like real pirates, we will explore small hidden coves, white beaches with turquoise water and underwater caves.

In the morning we’ll go back to Antalya. First, we’ll stop by the luggage storage to pick our stuff, and then proceed to the airport. If you wish to continue your vacation, you can stay in Antalya.