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Turkey Walking & Trekking Holidays
Turkey has a rich history and culture but its dramatic turquoise blue coastline, surreal Cappadocian landscape and deeply forested hillsides also make it a fantastic destination for walking holidays.
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2 Holidays
- Walk some of the best sections of the Lycian Way
- Explore Greek, Lycian and Roman ruins scattered across the landscape
- Visit the remarkable archaeological site at Olympos
- Stay in two charming hotels on the coast
- Combine with our Cappodocia walking holiday
Flight inclusive from £1595, Land only from £1065
- Walk through valleys lined with fairytale chimneys and fantastical rock formations in Cappadocia
- Discover the hidden rock-hewn churches and cliff dwellings of the beautiful Ihlara Valley
- Explore the incredible underground city of Kaymakli
- Cross the Davraz Pass and enjoy rewarding walks along the St Paul’s Trail near scenic Lake Egirdir
- Follow in the footsteps of the Romans to the ancient city of Adada
Flight inclusive from £1685, Land only from £1285
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Introduction
Walking holidays in Turkey come with a wealth of historical and cultural interest alongside dramatic landscapes and a warm welcome everywhere you go.
The original long-distance path in Turkey is the famous Lycian Way. Tracing the glorious azure-blue coastline of part of ancient Lycia in southwest Turkey, it runs for 500 km and encompasses Greek and Roman ruins, rugged coastal paths and flower-strewn summer pastures. Go a little further inland and you are into the Taurus Mountains with their sleepy villages and archaeological wonders including Olympus. You can explore both of these contrasting, yet equally scenic and historically fascinating regions, on our Western Taurus & the Lycian Way walking holiday.
Turkey occupies a unique geographic position, lying partly in Asia and partly in Europe; the ultimate bridge between east and west. In Turkey’s central Anatolia lies Cappadocia, a landscape like no other. The terrain is filled with extraordinary volcanic shapes, hidden churches, cave dwellings and even an underground city, located near the beautiful Melendiz River. Heading west, near the shores of the Mediterranean, the St Paul long-distance walking trail begins. The Trail is a 500km 27-day way-marked footpath from Perge, to Yalvac, North East of Lake Egirdir, walk the very best parts on our Cappadocia and the St Paul Trail trip. Established in 2008, to bring tourism into rural Turkey. The route is wild and wonderful and endeavours to follow in the very footsteps of St Paul, along Roman roads, ancient footpaths and forest tracks.
Ultimately Turkey is a vast and wonderful destination, ideal to discover on foot, whether it’s walking across the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, exploring the turquoise coastline or hiking the rugged mountain scenery of the the Taurus Mountains.
Key Facts
- Capital city: Ankara
- Population: 77,695,904 (est. 2015)
- Size of country: 783,562 sq km (302,535 sq miles).
- Currency: Turkish Lira
- Power supply: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Standard two round pin European-style plugs are used.
- Language: Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek
- Time difference: GMT +2 hours
- Visas: British Nationals require a visa
- Religion: Muslim
- Popular dishes: Shish kebab (pieces of meat threaded on a skewer and grilled), Dolma (vine leaves or vegetables stuffed with pine nuts and currants).
- Popular drinks: Raki, an anise flavoured alcohol, served as an aperitif. It turns cloudy if mixed with water, giving it the name 'lions milk'.
- Did you know: Van has its own breed of cat with white fur and two different coloured eyes, commonly one blue, one amber-green.
- FCDO advice: FCDO travel advice
Climate
When is the best time to travel to Turkey?
Our climate charts will give you an idea of the weather conditions in Turkey.
The best time to visit Turkey weather wise is between late May to early June the early October to September where you'll experience comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Our Taurus and Lycian way trip goes up into the Taurus mountains so temperatures may be only a slightly bit cooler. If you'd like to extend your time in Turkey before of after your trek, then May to October is also the best time to visit the coast and Istanbul, though this is the peak season for tourists, so accommodation can be busy.
If you can't make the dates of our group departures, then take a private departure on dates to suit you, or we can create a Tailor Made holiday to Turkey, especially for you and your family or friends.