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Southern Turkey is famous for its nomadic culture and traditions which are upheld by proud local people. During this tour you will have the opportunity to spend time with the Yörük people as they migrate their herds each autumn.

  • Follow well-worn nomadic trails
  • Walk as nomadic families move live-stock from highlands to coast
  • Get to know the locals as you learn traditional nomadic skills

The Yörük people settled along the Lycian coast some years ago, and still keep large flocks of sheep and goats, grazing lands near the coast during winter and in the high pastures during the summer. You will be based in Patara, which is a great base from which to explore Yörük and ancient history and culture of the region. There will be time to visit some of the stunning local historical sites such as ‘The Castle on the Hill’ in Patara itself, the World Heritage Site of Xanthos, the former capital of Lycia as well as taking a boat trip over the sunken city at Kekova.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrive Dalaman, transfer to Patara

    You will be met on arrival at Dalaman airport and transferred to Patara.

  2. Day 2: Working in the relaxed atmosphere of Islamar Village

    Starting at the local water mill, you will watch flour and sesame being ground and learn about the importance of these products in nomadic life. Later, you will see some of the flour and sesame being made in to bread and noodles and enjoy an evening with a local family, taking part in classic village life.

  3. Day 3: On the Yayla in the High Mountains

    You will start a walk from Yesil Gol, a mountain lake which sits at approximately 2000 metres above sea level. You will meet Ramazan, learn how the Yoruk people tend to their sheep as well as how to make cheese and butter.

  4. Day 4: Walk to Bezirgan

    Today you will walk on an old mountain path to the neighbouring village of Bezirgan. Later, you will meet Akif and Duriye who will introduce you to the new methods of cultivating Mediterrnean vegetables.

  5. Day 5: Village life, the Ancient City and sand dunes

    You will start the day by visiting the ancient city of Patara. Stopping at a small local mosque you will talk with Yahya Hoca and learn about his religion before walking over the huge sand dunes towards the beach.

  6. Day 6: Boat trip and making Pekmez

    Today you will get to enjoy a boat trip through the Bay of Kekova as you pass over and beside the famous Sunken City. A short walk this afternoon takes you from Castle of Simena to Ucagiz.

  7. Day 7: Olive picking and processing

    Walking up to ‘The Castle on the Hill’ you will witness spectacular views before joining Ali Amca to help with the olive harvest.

  8. Day 8: Oil mill, weekly market and Xanthos

    Continuing your education on the importance of olive cultivation, you will take some of the olives that you picked and will watch them being processed into oil. Later, you will visit the famous site of Xanthos, the former capital of Lycia and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting the market, you will pick local vegetables which will be combined with white beans to make the national dish of the Yoruks.

  9. Day 9: Explore the upper Xanthos Valley

    Today you will walk to Tlos, where you will meet Nihat and her family. You will help make syrup from pomegranates before having the chance to taste it along with fresh trout. Stopping at Saklikent Gorge on the way back to Patara you will have a farewell dinner and final evening with the Yoruk.

  10. Day 10: Depart Turkey

    You will be transferred to Dalaman airport in time for your return flight to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 10 days from £1,555 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 days from £1,855 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £195
  • Walking grade: Easy
  • Guiding: Guided Group
  • Max alt: 2,000m
  • Group size: 4-15
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
    • O
  • Route map:
    Route map for Walking with Nomads in Lycia
  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 9 nights
    • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 6 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

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Guided Group

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