How to Prepare for Costa Rica Vacations: Eight Essential Travel Tips

On November 11, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Uncategorized, By Sylvia Arad

It’s that time of year when you need to decide where your next family vacation is going to be. Rather than choosing an overcrowded beach or tourism destination, why not choose an  experience that will leave your entire family with  an out-of the ordinary memorable vacation?   Costa Rica offers just such a destination and some excellent family  package holidays are available. Here are some essential tips to consider when planning a Costa Rica Vacation:

 

Pack lightly when traveling to Costa Rica.  Travel to Costa Rica is mostly to rainforests, mountains and beaches.  Chances are that your local plane or boat will limit your luggage.  Plan on bringing a typical plane carry-on bag.

What to pack?  Bring shorts and T-shirts, a raincoat or poncho, a hat and swimsuit and a lightweight jacket.  Leave your elegant clothes at home – the animals don’t care what you wear!  Bring along a camera and extra batteries as there is  lots to photograph in Costa Rica!  Also take insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen.

Costa Rica Driving: Driving in Costa Rica can be difficult – the roads are often inaccessible due to the tropical climate.  Instead, short plane trips between locations a good alternative as they are inexpensive, safe and save time.

Take along some good plant and wildlife books: To fully appreciate the beauty and rarity of the flora and fauna species Costa Rica features, take along some good books to identify plants and wildlife you will undoubtedly spot.

Handling Money: Costa Rica’s banking system can be strange.  In smaller towns and tourist areas, there is often only one ATM.  Costa Rican ATM’s are known to decline cards for no reason, so if you’re heading for smaller places, take out money before leaving.  If traveling to smaller towns, it is worthwhile to consider taking along travelers checks

Costa Rican Coasts: Spend time at least at one of Costa Rica’s two diversified coasts, and if possible on both – the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east.  Both coasts host several national parks, such as Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific and Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean.  Both are well worth the effort.

Spend enough time at each location: To get a feel for the places you are visiting, spend at least 2 – 3 nights in each location.  It makes for less stress, giving families the opportunity to relax and enjoy the experience.

Use the services of a guide: To really see wildlife in the wild, on its own terms, utilize the services of a naturalist guide.  They will not only provide astounding knowledge but will also point out wildlife sights you would never see on your own (they have the eyes of hawks).  Freelance guides are readily available for hire at the entrance of Manuel Antonio, Carara and Tortuguero national parks.  If you plan on visiting a series of wildlife reserves, consider utilizing a guide for the duration of your trip.

Wildlife spotting: For wildlife spotting, timing is everything.  Early morning is the best time to spot the animals, followed by late afternoon.  Walk quietly, stopping of ten to listen and watch.  Look at all levels, from the ground up to the canopy overhead.  Choose an inconspicuous spot near a clearing or stream and if possible, sit absolutely still for a half hour – you will almost surely see amazing wildlife.

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Thrill to the Excitement of Costa Rica’s Canopy Tours

On October 21, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, By Sylvia Arad

A must-do when in Costa Rica is a canopy tour.  There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as soaring 150 ft. above a rainforest floor, zooming from tree to tree to select observation platforms.  Zip-line treks, as they are commonly known, consist of a network of trails, suspension bridges and zip lines.  Visitors hook up on a line and literally glide through the forest.  Zip-line adventures are uniquely Costa Rican and are offered in most regions of the country.

Suspenison Bridge above the Forest's Canopy

View Above the Canopy

Near Arenal Volcano, the zip-line trek is set above the La Fortuna Waterfall, where eleven cables and observation platforms offer views of the splendid waterfalls from above and the impressive Arenal Volcano.  The “Ultimate Canopy Tour” leaves no time for hanging about, as you zoom through the tree-tops on one of Costa Rica’s fastest zip adventures.  Located in Guanacaste, near Tamarindo, this adventure boasts one of the longest zip lines in the country, measuring 1640 ft. (500 m.), consisting of 10 platforms, 8 cables and a suspended bridge.  Awesome vistas of Tamarindo, Playa Langosta and Playa Grande come into view even as you step up to the first platform above the rainforest canopy.

Zip-Lining in Guanacaste

For those preferring to keep their feet on terra firma, canopy walks are a must!  The Skywalk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest is both thrilling and educative, as it provides both a close-up view of the forest from the ground floor as well as atop the canopy.  Hanging some 60 meters above the floor in the cloud forest canopy, suspension bridges provide a close-up view of the domain of colorful birds, the myriad wildlife, amazing insects, magnificent ferns and splendid wild orchids.  Here, there is time to stop and enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of the forest while making your way on foot across the bridges.  Other regions offer canopy walks among hanging bridges, hiking trails and gondolas.

The Skywalk in Monteverde

View from the Skywalk

Whether it’s gliding through the fascinating Costa Rican forest reserves on zip lines or on a canopy walk on foot, these high impact adventures offer fascinating insights into Costa Rica’s uniquely beautiful and captivating ecology.

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Irresistible Family Adventure Travel Holidays in Manuel Antonio National Park

On September 30, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Just south of the small coastal town of Quepos along the Pacific Ocean lies Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park.  The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, stretching over 1700 acres of land and nearly 136, 00 acres of marine reserve, it is nevertheless one of the most stunningly beautiful parks with a diversity of wildlife that is unmatched.

Manuel Antonio's Beautiful Coastline

Tiny it may be, but Manuel Antonio embodies the very best Costa Rica has to offer:  A breathtaking setting with offshore islands, pristine sand beaches, close up encounters with wildlife galore and a network of wide welcoming trails leading into a swathe of tropical rainforests where you may see marmosets, ocelots, river otters, sloths and rare monkeys.  Howler monkeys  languidly  clamber from tree to tree while iguanas scramble up trunks.  Wild parrots ablaze with red and yellow feathers and toucans and scarlet macaws screech loudly as they flap by. 

Picture of  Sloth  Manuel Antonio National Park
thanks to Rlendog from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Howler Monkeys

The lush forest cliffs rise sharply from the shoreline where capuchin monkeys abound and even rare squirrel monkeys can be seen.  Butterflies, as well as wild flowers and plants intensify the forest’s colorful setting, offering spectacular scenery unique to Costa Rica.

Picture of   Squireel Monkey Manuel Antonio National Park
thanks to Rlendog from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

To the backdrop of the lush mountainous tropical forest reaching to the water’s edge, the park features idyllic white beaches.  Gazing down from the quickly rising hillsides, you’ll gasp in awe at the breathtaking vistas expanding beneath you.   Connected by trails meandering through the rainforest, the near perfect beaches of Espadilla Sur, Playita, Escondido and Playa Manuel Antonio pave the setting for snorkeling, water board surfing and great swimming.   A small coral reef and 12 offshore islets add to the beauty, where dolphins and whales can sometimes be spotted.

Idyllic White Sand Beaches

Whitewater rafting, kayaking and fishing are also core water activities in the park.  Hiking and nature walks through the jungle abound and horseback riding and mountain biking trips provide unparalleled excitement.  The latter take travelers on day-long expeditions to the mangroves, and shorter explorations through the forests and along the coastline.

Awe-Inspiring Vistas

Bringing together the charming combination of a rainforest crawling with exotic wildlife, pristine beaches, coral reefs and awe-inspiring vistas, Manuel Antonio National Park is a fabulous adventure destination with a wealth of activities and attractions for all types and all ages.

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Discover the Riveting Beauty of Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders and Wildlife

On September 2, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Rainforests & Jungles, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

A premiere eco-tourism destination, Costa Rica is a treasure trove for wildlife adventure.  Its numerous national parks are nature’s live theater, inhabited by rare and magnificent species, while its wonderful hiking trails meander through the country’s natural wonders.

Hiking in Costa Rica

Beautiful trails abound in the humid rain and cloud forests, on the clay paths skirting the numerous volcanoes and through the tracks of wildlife refuges and biological reserves.  Nature hikes range from well-marked easy paths to challenging trails that traverse through a variety of ecosystems in the country’s rich forests, volcanoes and coasts.

Costa Rica's Beautiful Hiking Trails

The numerous trails around Arenal Volcano will awaken your spirit of adventure while the easily accessible hiking paths in Cahuita National Park follow the coastline.  Corcovado National Park is an excellent venue for enthusiastic hikers and offers outstanding wildlife viewing.   Other great hiking areas include the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Rincon de la Vieja National Park, where a range of easy hikes lead to boiling mud pots, bird-filled forests with   waterfalls and water holes where hikers can soak in cool waters. 

A Myriad of Birds on Hiking Trails

Hiking in Costa Rica is the way to experience what nature and the pristine diverse environs have to offer.  The scenery is truly splendid and wildlife viewing and adventures are best realized on foot.

 

Wildlife Adventures

  The rainbow colors of scarlet macaws, toucans and flashes of blue and green hummingbirds envelop the forests with vibrant sights and sounds.  Monkeys galore, including white capuchins, howlers and others are easily spotted cavorting through the dense forest branches, with iguanas and coatimundis hot on their heels. Shaggy fur sloths, camouflaged by green-tinted algae, barely move to make themselves indistinguishable from their surroundings.  Red-eyed tree frogs, electric-blue morphos, the neon spectacle of the butterfly world, make for an awe-gaping show.

Red Eyed Tree Frog

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Throughout Costa Rica, wildlife refuge centers, natural wildlife museums and nature reserves abound.  Monte Verde Cloud forest alone boasts a reptile museum, a butterfly house and several other natural museums.  Tortuguero National park is home and refuge to the world’s most diverse range of turtles, including Hawksbill, Green Sea, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, which nest along its pristine beaches throughout much of the year.  A sloth sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured sloths, and the Barra Del Colorado Wildlife Refuge offers a protected wildlife environment to a wide range of animals.

White Capuchin Monkey

Colorful Humming Birds

Costa Rica boasts a tempting wildlife environment featuring both guided wildlife exploration with expert naturalists as well as a myriad of self-guided opportunities.

Rich, lush and teeming with biodiversity, Costa Rica is one of the world’s best all-encompassing adventure destinations for every age and every type of traveler. Its coastline boasts superb beaches, and inland, its volcanoes and numerous great rainforests flourish.  Coupled with excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a countless range of additional adventure activities, Costa Rica is an ideal family adventure vacation destination.

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Village Tourism Unveiled: Get a Glimpse into Nepal’s Local Culture

On July 1, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Nepal is generally synonymous with trekking, mountaineering, jungle safaris and river rafting.  Yet one of Nepal’s richest adventure travel holidays lies in its Village Tourism programs. This program of unique vacations offers travelers the opportunity to experience the people and local culture in-depth and up-close by staying and living with locals in a typical Nepali village.   Village tours are conducted in several Nepali villages including Bandipur, Kakani, Gorkha and Sirubari.

Sirubari Village

Sirubari, a small attractive Gurung   settlement about 20 km south of Pokhara, is perched on the southern slopes of a ridge about 1700m above sea level.  To get there from Pokhara, it takes about 5 hours – an experience in itself.  Homes here are constructed from local materials, and are well-built and comfortable.  This neat, clean and very colorful village exudes an aura of warmth and friendliness.  Nestled on the hillside, Sirubari features attractive valley views and from its summit, the Himalayan panorama is awe-inspiring. 

Views from Sirubari

Typical home

Beyond its charm, however, Sirubari provides guests the unique opportunity of being welcomed into the local community to live in the home of a village family as a family member.  Accommodations are simple yet comfortable and meals are shared with the hosting family.  In the evenings, local entertainment such as Nepali and Gurung singing and dancing is enjoyed by all. Sirubari is a compact farming community, and to really experience local life to the fullest, you may join in local farming activities as well.

Local Performance

Women at Work

The cultural and ethnic benefits of Village Tourism for visitors are clear; in addition, Village Tourism of the kind offered in Nepal reinforces sustainable tourism by giving back to the people. Money spent here goes directly to the local population, contributing to the welfare of the community. 

Local children

The first-hand encounter with the culture, tradition and daily life of the friendly and highly hospitable  Gurung people in Sirubari  make a stay here not only an unforgettable family adventure vacation experience  but benefit the local community as well.

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Thrill to the Wonders of Nepal’s Exhilarating Rafting Vacations

On June 28, 2011, In Outdoor Adventure Travel, Water Adventures, By Sylvia Arad

Originating from the high Himalaya glaciers and plunging through gorges and forested foothills, Nepal’s rivers, considered sacred goddesses, provide some of the best rafting vacations and kayaking adventures available.    The most popular of the rafting rivers, The Trisuli River, offers a fascinating experience for both first –time and veteran rafters.  Easily accessible from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, it makes for a perfect Nepal rafting trip geared to the entire family.

Following the course of the national Prithivi Highway, which links Kathmandu to India, the Trisuli River embodies a blend of divine vistas – impressive gorges, scenic valleys, and varied wildlife with a combination of exhilarating and easy white water rapids including big, bouncy waves, hefty holes and tricky chutes.   Carving its way through some very impressive gorges down the 2000m high Mahabharat Range, the wild, uninhabited scenery gives way to a profusion of wildlife and colorful birds, including eagles and vultures.  Continuing down towards Chitwan National Park,   crocodiles and rhinos line the riverside. 

Trisuli River View

The river’s rapids are easily negotiated and straightforward for most of the year, and provide an excellent short river rafting experience with beautiful scenery, a tranquil and peaceful environment and overnight camping on offer to boot. The river spans a distance of some 140 km. and is also popular with skilled kayakers.  Trip lengths range form relaxed one-week excursions, starting at Trisuli Bazaar and ending in Chitwan, to local one-day rafting adventures along the river’s course.

Rafting on the Tirsuli River

Wildlife Along the Way

For experienced white water rafters, the Bhote Kosi River provides non-stop, heart pounding action.  The steepest river in Nepal, the Bhote Kosi is spectacular in its overwhelming drop of several thousand meters as it cuts its course from Tibet to Nepal through tremendous gorges with cascading waterfalls and thundering rapids.  This certainly isn’t a rafting adventure for the faint of heart!

Bhote Kosi River Rafting

Be it the Trisuli or the Bhote Kosi, Nepal’s rivers offer whitewater fun in  unforgettable rafting vacations  to be shard by the entire family.

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Tiger Tops: Pioneering Nepal’s Conservation Tourism

On June 10, 2011, In Family Vacation Adventures in Asia, Outdoor Adventure Travel, Wildlife, By Sylvia Arad

Royal Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located some 75 mi. southwest of Kathmandu, is home to Tiger Tops, a treetop jungle lodge.  Situated in the heart of the park, in a lush sub-tropical jungle setting, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge is THE pioneer and the prime model for sustainable ecotourism in Nepal, offering a host of adventures into Chitwan’s diverse and fascinating natural world.

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge

Tiger Tops’ programs of wildlife exploration include jungle safaris in environmentally friendly vehicles, river boats and kayaks, as well as fascinating jungle walks.    By far, the most popular adventure activity here is a tiger spotting elephant safari – nothing can quite capture the magic of traveling through the primeval grasslands of Chitwan atop an elephant in a custom-made “cab”.  From this height, Chitwan’s animals come alive, as you spot some of the park’s 43 mammal species and 450 bird types up-close.

Sunrise Elephant Trek

Catch a glimpse of the majestic and rare Bengal tiger or the endangered mammoth one-horned rhino, as you tread softly along on an elephant’s back.  Unique breeds of bear, wild Asian elephants and chital are only some of the animals to come into view.  Gaur or Indina Bison, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, leopard and golden-backed jackals are among the more common creatures to be seen.  Among the 45 species of reptiles and amphibians who make the park their home, you’ll delight to scenes of gharial crocodiles loping on the banks of the Rapti and Narayan Rivers, which form the park’s natural boundaries.

Tiger Spotting from An Elephant's Back

Morning View on Elephant Trek

Spotting the One-Horned Rhino

 

Gol Ghar

In common with the entire Tiger Tops Mountain Group of lodges and camps, Tiger Tops Lodge practices environmentally responsible conservation tourism.  The tree houses and bungalows are built in local style with sustainable natural materials such as reeds.  The lodge’s photovoltaic power plant is the largest in Nepal, providing the camp’s solar-powered heating and energy.  The Gol Ghar, the circular dining hall, with its huge domed roof and central open hearth, serves local cuisine, utilizing fresh organic products from Tiger Mountain’s Organic Farms.  Here, travelers can relax with friends and family after a long day of adventuring and wildlife viewing.

Inside the Gol Ghar

In addition to the elephants that take you through the towering grasslands, the lodge focuses on other wildlife safaris such as river trips in traditional canoes and kayaks, which offer the unique opportunity to spot the park’s array of water life.  Other highlights include rare bird watching and jungle walks with expert naturalists to explore the diverse plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Short jaunts to nearby villages offer a personal introduction into the unique culture and traditions of the villagers and include local cultural and musical entertainment.

Crocodiles in the River

Beyond Tiger Tops Lodge, Tiger Tops Tented Camp affords the ultimate in-depth jungle experience.  Poised above a broad plain, the idyllic, tranquil tented camp is sited in perfect wilderness, with safari tents set to maximize the sweeping panoramas of the river, the hills and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks beyond.  Outside the Gol Ghar, raised viewing platforms maximize arm-chair wildlife viewing as you relax with a cold drink in hand.  With over 40 year’s experience, Tiger Tops Tented Camp is undoubtedly Nepal’s ultimate luxury adventure travel experience.

Tiger Tops Tented Camp

View from the Camp

Tiger Tops, set in the dense tropical rainforests of Chitwan’s nearly 1000 sq. km. of natural park, offers a range of wildlife, adventures and panoramas to quench every nature lovers’ thirst for wildlife exploration.

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Short City Breaks – Sydney, Australia

On May 24, 2011, In Active Australia & New Zealand Kid-Friendly Vacations, City Breaks, By Sylvia Arad

Sydney is the largest & most populous city in Australia & is located on the South East Coast. With approx 4.5 million people in the metropolitan area, it comprises a cosmopolitan & international population. It is the perfect place for a short city break during your family adventure travel destination to Australia.

Sydney Harbor with Opera House

Soak up Sydney’s spectacular harbor & wonderful, outdoor lifestyle & its natural beauty. Catch a ferry to Manly, sail under the Harbor Bridge, surf at Bondi or stroll through the historic Rocks area. Sydney offers over 70 pristine beaches as well as great food from all over the world.

1. The Rocks 

Discover this historic convict area where the First Settlement began in 1788. You can just wander the weekend markets or take a ‘ghost tour’ where you will hear stories of hangings & hauntings. Check out the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), opposite the Opera House or take the ultimate challenge & do the Bridge Climb. Amongst the lanes & courtyards, you’ll find elegant terrace houses as well as workman’s cottages, art galleries, hotels with harbor views & some of Sydney’s oldest pubs.

The Rocks

The Bridge Climb

 2. Sydney Harbor 

Charter a yacht or take one of the many Harbor Cruises offering lunch, dinner or morning/afternoon tea. You’ll see the famous Opera House, historic Fort Dennison, Luna Park, The Royal Botanical Gardens as well as waterfront mansions. There are also Aboriginal Cultural Cruises that will inform you of the original inhabitants, the Cadigal People. If you’re in search of more adventure in this short city break how about a ride in a jet boat! There are 16 spectacular walks hugging the harbor foreshore from Rose Bay to Vaucluse or Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay, just to mention a couple.

royal Botanical Gardens

3. Walk from Bondi to Coogee

Bondi to Coogee

You’ll be amazed at the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean as you walk the winding sandstone cliffs between Bondi & Coogee. Watch the swimmers at the famous Bondi Icebergs rock pool whilst enjoying a summer cocktail from the restaurant above or better still take a dive into the clear blue water. From mid October to November the stretch between Bondi & Tamarama is transformed into an outdoor gallery for the  “Sculptures by the Sea” ‘   exhibition. Moving on from Tamarama you can swim, surf or picnic on the grass at family friendly Bronte which also has many excellent cafes. For the more adventuresome, why not snorkel or scuba dive at Clovelly  & tranquil Gordon’s Bay. As you walk through historic  Waverly Cemetery you can see the graves of poets Henry Lawson & Dorothea MacKellar & aviator Lawrence Hargrave, on the edge of the cliffs. Your walk ends in the scenic backpacker haven of Coogee.

Dramatic Tamaram Beach

Tranquil Gordon's Bay

Sydney is a year-round destination, with warm-hot summers & cool-mild winters. These are just a few of many fun activities that families can enjoy together on short city breaks during their adventure travel holidays in Australia.

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Short City Breaks: Marrakech

On April 8, 2011, In Archeology & Culture, City Breaks, By Sylvia Arad

Enveloped in an aura of mysteriousness and drama, exotic Marrakech provides travelers with a true taste of Moroccan life.  Set to the backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains rising majestically out of the Sahara, it is the gateway to Morocco’s red desert and the base for the High Atlas region.  Here, African, Berber and Arab Morocco come together in the clanging and banging of everyday life.

Marrakech Souk

 

Founded in 1062 and one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Marrakech is rife with magnificent landscapes, historical landmarks and beautiful ancient buildings – evidence to the city’s fascinating history.

Djemaa el Fna at NIght

Start out in the maze of narrow streets and alleys leading to the city’s souks, located near Djemaa el Fna, the city’s central square.  Here, local vendors tout every imaginable ware – from spices and local produce to pottery, metalworks, jewelry and rugs.  Friendly merchants will gladly offer you a glass of mint tea, a traditional custom while you’re expected to haggle for their goods.  When the cacophony becomes too much, take refuge in a rooftop café, from where you can observe the unfolding drama below.

Typical Building Style

The heart of traditional Marrakech, the Dejmaa el Fna, comes to life at sunset when story tellers, musicians, snake charmers, witch doctors, fire-eaters and acrobats ply their trades as locals clamor around.

In sharp contrast to the Dejmaa el Fan, to the south lies a tranquil district of the Medina, with its many splendid monuments depicting the city’s fascinating history.

Marrakech is also famous for its lush and beautiful gardens.  The Agdal and Menara gardens are set amidst a fantasy landscape of orchids and olive groves.  The Jardins Majorelle, originally created by a French painter and now owned by Yves Saint Laurent, are smaller in size but spectacular with their lily and cactus ponds and the stunning pavilion housing the Islamic Art Museum.

Majorelle Gardens

Menara Gardens

Marrakech is also a great base for adventure travel throughout southern Morocco.  On the west, mystical Essaouira sits on the Atlantic coast and offers a lovely seaside resort.  To the east, Ourzazate with its dramatic desert scenery opens the gateway to the Sahara.

While maintaining a strong bond to its history, Marrakech, with its spectacular location and bustling ambiance is rooted in the present.  It is a city imbued with the sights, sounds and flavors of Morocco; it is quite simply, a feast for the senses.

Travel Morocco, Travel to Morocco, Morocco Culture, Marrakech architecture,  Marrakech Morocco, imperial cities Morocco, Djemaa el Fna square in Morocco, adventure travel holidays, short city breaks

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Turkey Adventure Travel Itinerary: Walking the Ancient Lycian Way

On December 28, 2010, In Archeology & Culture, Biking & Hiking, Eastern Mediterranean Adventures, Outdoor Adventure Travel, By Sylvia Arad

Perfect for travelers who love hiking and adventure combined with a cultural experience, this 8-day sample itinerary is designed to give you a better idea for what you could expect on a Turkey adventure trip  walking the Lycian Way.

8 – Day Sample Itinerary for Walking the Lycian Way:

Day 1:   Oludeniz to Kayakoy: This morning a short drive takes you to Oludeniz, a glittering lagoon from where you begin to climb along a trail with magnificent views of seascapes below.  Then walk downhill and stop at the astonishing Ghost town of Kayakoy, whose inhabitants were part of the mass population exchanges of the 1920’s. In the afternoon, walk a pine-shaded path to Affouli Monastery, a dramatic cliff side monument with magnificent sightings of the Mediterranean.  End the day at your hotel in Fethiye. (Walking 4 hrs.)

ancient Kayakoy Village

Day 2:  Walk from Ovacik to Faralya: Today drive to the Ovacik.    Your walk today on the Lycian Way starts and rises on to the mountain range, where stunning vistas of the lagoon and turquoise sea below can be viewed.  After the climb the route descends to Kirme Village and on to the pristine town of Faralya, where Turkish hospitality and a traditional Turkish dinner await you.  (Walking 4 hrs.)  

Butterfly Valley between Ovacik and Faralya

Day 3.  Faralya to Alinca:  This morning a drive on the scenic route from Faralya takes

 you to a secluded cove at Kabak beach,  where  there’s time for a quick dip before starting the steep climb to the village of  Alinca.  This is one of the most scenic trails along the Lycian Way, with sweeping sea views on the way. (Walking 4 hrs.) 

Faralya to Alinca

Day 4.  Bogazici to Kalkan. Today a walk on trails lined with olive groves as you   ascend to Sidyma, an unspoilt historical site of Lycian tombs and Roman columns, where a picnic lunch awaits.  A short drive to Bel and  follow a track that takes you through pine forests and finally descends towards the coast.  The views open up and Patara appears in the distance to the backdrop of the blue sea.   Arrive in Kalkan for the evening.  (Walking 6 hrs.)

Kekova

Day 5.   Patara /Islands of Kekova.  This morning explore the ancient ruins at Patara.  Patara was founded by one of Apollo’s sons, Patarus, and was one of the most important Lycian seaports.  It is particularly known for its Temple and the oracle of Apollo.  This afternoon take a gullet (boat) trip to the sunken city, castle and islands at Kekova.   Return to Kalkan this evening. 

Day 6.  Kalkan to Olympos:  A drive to Myra, known for its amazing rock-cut cliff tombs and well-preserved Roman theatre.  Then on to the Church of St. Nicholas, who presided as the bishop of Myra and evolved as Santa Claus.  A short drive via Kas, once a quaint fishing village and now a lovely hillside resort by the sea, takes you  to Aperlea, a Lycian city dating to the 4th C. B.C. The city was famous for its Tyrian dyes, prized by the Romans for use in ceremonial robes.  From here  walk the coast following a discreet trail to Olympos.  On the way, there are  ancient tombs and remnants of Lycian, Roman and Byzantine buildings hidden among wild vegetation. (Walking 4 hrs.)

Olympos Beach

Day 7:  Alacasu Bay to Phaselis:  A morning walk starts at the secluded bay of Alacasu within Olympos National Park.  A lovely path leads through three coves to the beachfront ruins of ancient Phaselis, found in in 700 B.C.  The city was a major trade center and features Roman baths, agoras, theaters and numerous tombs.  After lunch, start out along a stream for an uphill walk to an open viewpoint.  Descend a rocky trail ending at the sacred site of Chimera, to see the flaming rocks here. Return to Cirali, at the base of Mt. Olympus. (Walking 51/2 hrs.)

Day 8; Cirali to Antalya:  A morning drive along a stretch of the beautiful Mediterranean coast for the starting point of the last walk.  Then climb a discreet path to Termassos, a wild mountain top settlement with spectacular views of the mountains and the Antalyan coast.  The path climbs steadily to the platform where the ancient city was built and leads to the well-preserved theater perched on the mountain cliffs.  From here, a 45 minute ride takes you  to the lovely port city of Antalya, where the  trip ends..  (Walking 4 hrs.)

Antalya

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