Carian Trail and Turkey's Aegean Coast

Carian Trail and Turkey's Aegean Coast

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tourhub | The Natural Adventure | Carian Trail and Turkey's Aegean Coast | 77
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Carian Trail and Turkey's Aegean Coast

8 Days Starting in Bozburun, 48700 Marmaris/Mugla, Türkiye and ending in Akyaka

Visiting: Dalaman, Bozburun, Taşlıca, Selimiye, PHOENIX, Bahçeli Sokak, Akyaka, Turnalı Boncuk Koyu, Yenice, Mount Sakar

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

77

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

In the south-west of Turkey, along the Aegean coast, the Carian Trail leads through a fascinating coastal landscape, divided into countless smaller and larger peninsulas, bays and islands. Walk in dense, green forests and admire the glowing white rocks rising above the sea. On the Carian Trail, you will experience a constant interplay of land and sea, thousand-metre-high cliffs and secluded bays inviting you for a swim. The trail is named after the Carian civilisation and the region is rich in ancient ruins and history.

Highlights

  • Historical paths of the Carian people

  • The beautiful bays of the Bozburun Peninsula

  • Unspoilt nature and traditional villages

  • Ruins and remains of the Carian civilisation

  • A mix of Greek and Turkish lifestyle

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Bozburun

Location: Dalaman, Bozburun

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Aphrodite Hotel Bozburun or similar

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive at Dalaman Airport and enjoy our complimentary transfer to your hotel in Bozburun (2.5 hours). Meet our representative, who will brief you on the walks and give you the maps and the documentation needed for your trip.
Alternative arrival airport: Antalya; private transfer can be booked at an extra cost.

Walking for the day: none / walk around Bozburun

Day 2 : Taslica To Bozburun | 12.1Km

Location: Taşlıca, Bozburun

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Aphrodite Hotel Bozburun or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s coastal walk begins with breathtaking views over Sögüt and Bozburun. The route continues on through small fishing villages, before heading past Bozburun Shipyard and on to Bozburun.

Walking for the day: 12.1km, 4-5h, ↑400m ↓550m

Day 3 : Selimiye To Bozburun | 12.5Km

Location: Selimiye, Bozburun

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Aphrodite Hotel Bozburun or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The walk begins in Selimiye with a view of the sea. The route passes through farmland until reaching a plateau, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding bays, the sea and the mountains. The route then continues on a forest path until Bozburun. Like Bozburun and the surrounding villages, Selimiye was cut off from civilisation for a long time. Very little changed in this area from ancient times up until the 1970s.

Walking for the day: 12.5km, 4-5h, ↑300m ↓300m

Day 4 : Via Phönix To Taşlıca | 9.8Km

Location: PHOENIX, Taşlıca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Aphrodite Hotel Bozburun or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The walk today features a peninsula near the village of Taşlıca. The route starts close to the ancient city of Phönix, before heading across pastures and farmed terraces, then leading on to cliffs that offer views of the islands of Symi and Rhodes. The walk ends in the rustic village of Taşlıca.

Walking for the day: 9.8km, 5-6h, ↑450m ↓400m

Day 5 : Bahceli And Selimiye | 11 Km

Location: Bahçeli Sokak, Selimiye, Akyaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Akyaka Gümüş Konak boutique hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the farmhouse Bahceli. Through a high terraced valley, the path goes up to a saddle from which there is a spectacular view of the sea. A panoramic path leads you high above the coast. After reaching the coastal town of Selimiye, transfer to Akyaka.

Walking for the day: 11.3km, 3.5-4h, ↑355m ↓540m

Day 6 : Akyaka To Turnali | 13.7Km

Location: Akyaka, Turnalı Boncuk Koyu, Akyaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Akyaka Gümüş Konak boutique hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

From Akyaka, the trail leads mainly through the extensive old forests along the coastal slopes, offering spectacular views of the bay of Gökova. From a restaurant by the sea, where you can have a refreshment, transfer back to Akyaka.

Walking for the day: 13.7km, 4h, ↑530m ↓530m

Day 7 : Yenice - Mount Sakar - Akyaka | 16.6Km

Location: Yenice, Mount Sakar, Akyaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Akyaka Gümüş Konak boutique hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s walk is very varied. The route begins on forest roads from the village of Yenice towards the pine forest, continuing on further into the dense forest. The route leads through the small village of Kuyucak, where the terrain of the trail changes briefly to asphalt, before then heading back into the forest. Once the trail reaches the pass just before the descent, the reward is great; the Gulf of Gökova is at your feet. A long descent through the forest follows, leading down to Akyaka, where the walk ends.

Walking for the day: 16.6km, 6h, ↑450m ↓1100m

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Akyaka, Dalaman

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home (complimentary airport transfer to Dalaman Airport included, 1h) or individual stay extension. Optional transfer to Antalya Airport is also available at an extra cost (4 hours).

What's Included

  • Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack

    Including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked (all departures in 2024 will receive digital versions of these tour materials only)

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation for 7 nights in hand-picked boutique hotels as listed in itinerary

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts 4 dinners

  • Luggage transport to next hotel and private transfers on all walking days

  • Transfers to/from Dalaman airport

  • 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Flights

  • Airport transfers from/to airports other than Dalaman

  • Lunches on all days, dinners on Days 5-7

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)

  • Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

  • When to go

    We can organise this walking tour between March and June and September till October. July and August are too hot for making this trip. The weather is best in the autumn. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your holiday on any date in the season. Winter temperatures are quite mild, with average highs around 15C, while in summer the maximum temperatures are hot, ranging between 30 and 35C. Rainfall is concentrated from mid-October to mid-April, when it can be abundant and sometimes torrential, particularly on the slopes facing west and southwest.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on all documentation

  • Difficulty and terrain

    This holiday is suitable for walkers of average fitness with some hiking experience. The total walking distance is approx. 76km, while total elevation gain is approx. 450m per walking day. The terrain is varying from steep rocky footpaths to cobbled paths and mule trails. Routes are well signposted in most parts. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, international flights are not included

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes we can, please contact us for details

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, Airport transfers from/to airports other than Dalaman

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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