Lycian way, one of the most picturesque routes in the world, starts from Hisarönü and stretches to Antalya. Over 310 miles long, it takes its name from the ancient civilization Lycia, which once ruled the area. Being Turkey’s very first long-distance walking route, it was made in order to identify and protect some of the country’s old roads. The route is now used by trekkers, hikers, mountain bikers, as well as horseback riders and now it is your turn to discover its beauties and travel through history on horseback.
This unforgettable horseback riding adventure stretches across 7 to 8 days and covers roughly 95 mi of this iconic 335 mi trail. Begin in Kuzdere, journeying through the wild beauty surrounding Mount Olympos or “Tahtalı Dağı” (And yes, the debate still rages on — is this the true Mount Olympos, the divine home of Zeus? The name Tahtalı literally means “God’s Throne”, after all), and passing historic and scenic locations such as Ovacık, Gedelme, Beycik, Çıralı, Tekirova, and Çamyuva. Throughout the journey, you’ll witness ancient ruins, encounter age-old trees, explore caves hidden in the forest, and take in breathtaking views of remote bays and craggy cliffs.
Along the trail, you’ll encounter remnants of Lycian civilization — from 2,000-year-old rock tombs and sarcophagi, to the ruins of ancient cities and castles. The Lycian Way itself was once a vital mule path connecting city-states of the ancient Lycian League, and today it stands as one of the most scenic long-distance trails in the world. Developed and opened in 1999 by British expat Kate Clow, the trail follows the rugged coastline of the Teke Peninsula, nestled between the modern-day provinces of Muğla and Antalya. This area was once home to the Lycians — seafarers, traders, and pirates — and later fell under the rule of powerful empires, from Persia and Rome to Byzantium and the Ottomans. On horseback, you’ll not only ride through landscapes carved by time and myth, but also connect with local villagers and travelers along the way. Some paths are only accessible to hikers and riders, offering a peaceful communion with nature where few others tread. So saddle up — your epic journey begins where myth and mountain meet.
This tour is for experienced riders only, where we will be riding for 4-5 hours daily with well mannered, high-spirited Arab and Anatolian-Arab breed mares.
You will arrive at Dalaman Airport and private transfers will take you to your accommodation in the city of Kemer. Here, you will meet the team and have dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to enjoy your lodging and relax before your first day on horseback.
Transfer to the stable after breakfast and to meet the horses and receive safety instructions before brushing and tacking up. You will ride in the forest around Kuzdere for 2 hours to check group skills and and horse matches. See orange and pomegranate gardens, ruins of ancient village, springs and small palm forest.
Pace: walk, trot, canter.
After the ride guests can relax near the pool or at the beach and pack for trail. Have dinner together and tour Chimera mountain at sunset.
Today you start the progressive route following breakfast. After 1.5−2 hours of riding the group will arrive at a beautiful canyon with a mountain river. Drink clean fresh water, swim and take pictures. Then start climbing the highest mountain of the region — Tahtali (7760 ft above the sea level). The road is perfect for trots and canters. The next stop is in the village called Gedelma, where you’ll see a castle and a very old tree about 2500 years old.
Pace: walk, trot, canter.
Spend the night in 150 year old local village house living like Turkish family.
After breakfast head to the hidden valley of Ovacik with shepherds’ houses. See how highlanders live, trying freshly cooked lamb for lunch and gallop over the green meadow before letting the horses rest. In the afternoon you’ll arrive at the camping place at platan forest, feed and brush horses, and prepare the tents before dinner and camping overnight.
Start with breakfast and feeding horses. Then climb the Tahtali mountain again with the highest point at 2560 ft. The weather will change as you reach the territory without the trees, covered with clouds you can literally touch. After reaching the highest point start to move down until you reach Beycik — a village with beautiful mountain and sea view. Rest here to eat, take care of the horses, take showers and stay in the village in rooms overnight.
Pace: walk and trot mostly, short gallops.
Start down to sea level which will take 6−7 hours. The road is surrounded with beautiful bays and untouched nature. After crossing the biggest bay arrive at turtle bay for one night’s accommodation. This is a national park and only backpackers allowed. Sometimes you see no people at all today. Tents and food are already prepared for overnight. Riders can swim with or without horses.
Pace: walk and trot on the way, canter on the beach
Today we make our way home to the riding center. On the way you will cross five bays with marvelous view and an ancient city of Phaselis (2000 years old). This is the most dangerous climbing part as the path to Phaselis is narrow and rocky, and you’ll have to walk on foot leading your horse for some time.
After lunch after lunch end the ride with trots and canters through the village of Tekirova.
Riders check-out and are transferred to the airport. Opportunity to buy souvenirs on the way.
This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted at the guide's discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
High Season: May through October
Low Season: November through April
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This trip, when it comes to the variety and magic of the trails, the historical connotations, the quality of the horses, the tack and the professionalism and experience of Ercihan, is in a class of its own. The accommodations with its terrace overlooking the valley and the balloons rising up each morning was quite outstanding. At the horse centre the personnel was attentive and helpful, but the greatest surprise was the quality of the food served. Prepared by the chef, it was consistently the best that I had during my whole stay in Turkey.
Therese Tardif
Horseback riding in Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, allows you to experience the history and beauty of the area. It has been a meeting ground for European and Asian civilizations since long before the time of Alexander the Great. More than two thousand years ago the ancient Greeks wrote about the fine horses raised in Cappadocia. Those horses are the ancestors of the animals... Browse itinerary
