Bafa Lake trek

Here is a tour that we wanted unusual: in this area where winter climate is temperate, we combined the pedestrian hiking and cruising in a comfortably arranged gullet with a sympathetic crew.

Here is a peaceful place, in the heart of a powerful and well-preserved nature, at the foot of the mount Latmos (1367m).
At the extremity of the Bafa Lake that was a gulf connected to the sea in antic times, the pretty harbour of Kapkiri is the starting point to discover the area. The ruins of the antic Heracleia are romantic traces disseminated among the houses of the modern town.

Our trekking ways will get us to rock-cut caves where Christian hermits formerly lived… We will discover the islands of the lake populated by thousands birds by a boat excursion…

Through this tour, you will have an excellent approach of an area rich in archaeological sites and still non-affected by new civilisation. In the daytime we follow the trails traced by shepherds on the mountain flanks with fascinating sea-sights On the way we take opportunity to discover archaeological sites dispersed in a luxurious vegetation, with the privilege of visiting those which are accessible only on foot.

Day 1: Istanbul

Meet at the airport with our Anatolia Cultura Travel team and drive to your hotel.
Night in hotel.

Day 2: Istanbul > fly to Izmir

Set between two continents, link between Europe and Asia, Istanbul was known as Constantinople until the beginning of the 19th century. Successively Capital of many empires, each civilisation marked it with its own monuments.
Free day for visit by walking in this city rich with monument.
In the evening fly to Izmir and drive to Selçuk.

Day 3: Ephesus

Drive to Ephesus; once the commercial centre of the ancient world, it is today ones of the most spectacular ruins of antiquity. The tradition has it that, after the death of Christ, John brought Mary to Ephesus where she is said to have spent her last days in a small house built for her; we visit it.
Then visit of Priene ruins, one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation.
Overnight hotel In Selçuk.

Day 4: Bafa Lake : Selçuk > Golyaka - Monastery of Yediler (the 7 brothers) – Herakleia

Transfer to the village of Golyaka; Visit of a cave from the Neolithic with wall paints; then we walk up to the monastery of Yediler (310 m). Visit of hermits’ caves of containing frescos considered as ones of the most beautiful ones of Byzantine period. These frescos are showing different scenes as the Crucifixion and the Resurrection of the Christ.
The lovers of botany will find in this area their interest while discovering between the rocks, in springtime, 18 kinds of orchids, and, in autumn, rugs of narcissus and of wild cyclamens.
Return to the village of Golyaka using a different trail and drive to Herakleia, Where the monuments are dispersed around the actual village (Agora, Temple of Athena, Bouleterion, Theater…).
4 / 5 hours walk. Diner and overnight at pension.

Day 5: Bafa Lake : The Walls of the old city - Old Latmos

Starting from Heracleia, we go hiking alongside the surrounding walls till the highest post guard (500 m of height). From there, we descend towards the old Latmos (old city of Heracleia). On the way we visit the necropolis, acropolis and the hermits’ caves knows as « Christ Soter » and of « Pantocrator ». Return on foot to the village. Picnic at noon.
5 / 6 hours walk. Dinner and night in pension.

Day 6: Bafa Lake : Town Pinarcik- Small Ionapolis.

15 min. drive to Pinarcik village. Hike to Ionapolis where marble career of Hellenistic period was located.
Our walk gets us to the antic harbor before going on through fields cultivated by the peasants of the nearest villages.
We join our vehicle at the end of the walk. Return to the village.
4 hours walk.

Day 7: Bafa Lake > Dalyan > Fethiye

Drive to Dalyan where we visit the ruins of the Caunos, the old carian city: we sea the theatre, temple, church, roman bath… The acropolis offers a spectacular view and is well worth to ascend. Then we do a boat trip through the reed labyrinth river to the Iztuzu beach where Careta-Careta turtles lay eggs.
Drive to Fethiye for the night.

Day 8: Return

Drive to Dalaman airport for your return flight.

Group size: Possibility to organize according to your needs. Anyway, the most enjoyable groupe size for a such trekking tour is 4-12 persons.
Please note that this is a sample trekking tour. Possibility to modify the itinerary add/remove days and/or combine with cultural visits.