Carian Trail - Bozburun
The 850 km Carian trail is the longest of Turkey's long-distance trekking routes. Located in the south western part of Turkey it runs through the provinces of Muğla and Aydın, passing by numerous monuments from the Carian civilization that thrived in this region during Antiquity. The region has its own unique architecture and many ancient villages, untouched coves, hills full of olive and almond trees, and ancient cities, some of which are only accessible on foot. This guided tour takes in the Bozburun Peninsula, one of the 5 sections of the Carian trail. Leaving busy tourist centres such as Marmaris behind, we hike from the blues of the sea to the greens of the hills, starting on forested slopes above Kumlübük and slowly making our way to the more barren hillsides of the southern part of the peninsula. We pass sleepy coastal towns and traditional mountain villages, on the way enjoying the ever changing, amazing views.
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For tours without fixed departure dates you can email us at: info@middleearthtravel.com or you can contact us using the "Contact Us" page. We will provide you with a tailormade itinerary and quotation.
Prices
Please contact us for details on the itinerary and costs.
Dates
2024 dates on request.
Included
all transfers (also from/to airport Dalaman) and luggage transfers with private vehicle including driver and fuel
all accommodation
all meals: breakfast / lunch (picnic) / dinner
qualified English speaking guide
Excluded
flights
soft and alcoholic drinks during meals
entrance fees to historical sites and museums
tips and gratuities
Equipment
Trekkers should have good quality hard soled trekking boots, (rain gear), swim wear, sunhat, sunglasses and sun cream and a 30-40 litre day sack. Walking sticks are recommended.
Transfer
The transfers from and to airport Dalaman are included. You pack, we take care of the rest! We transfer your luggage between the accommodations while you enjoy your walk. Our aim is to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you carry your daysack only.
Meals
During the tour, you will enjoy natural, regional and rich Turkish food. Evening meals consist of a soup or salads, a main course and fruit or sweet for dessert. Lunches will be picnics or meals in local restaurants. Our packed lunches are wonderful and we include plentiful trail snacks such as dried fruits and nuts. Breakfasts in the accommodations. Dinners in accommodations or local restaurants. Lunches will be picnics (trekkers are expected to carry part of the food for lunch).
Day 1: Arrival & optional walk
Upon arrival at Dalaman airport you will be met by your driver and tour guide. We will transfer and check in at the hotel at Kumlubük Bay, located on a lovely sandy beach that is perfect for a swim. In the afternoon we make an explorational walk to the ruins of ancient Amos, perched on a high cliff overlooking the bay. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Kumlubük.
Day 2: Kumlubük - Kızılcaöğretmen - Bayır (13 km)
We will start the hike directly from our hotel. After admiring the last views towards Amos bay, we follow a path through the forest. It passes by a ruined monastery standing amidst the olive trees. With a gradual ascent, the route carries on with wonderful views towards the coast. Reaching the small hamlet of Kızılcaöğretmen, we have the option to call it a day or hike another 4 km’s into Bayır village, known for its two monumental plane trees shading the village square. Transfer to Söğüt (30mins). Dinner in local restaurant and overnight at comfortable guesthouse with pool in Söğüt.
Day 3: Bahçeli - Taşlıca - Söğüt (10 km)
We have a short transfer to the settlement of Bahçeli. Along a stony path we ascend towards the coast with fantastic views to the greek island of Rhodes. We continue paralell to the dramatic coastline before heading inland to the village of Taşlıca, where donkeys and cows roam around freely. After lunch in a friendly village house we take a panoramic path down to Cumhuriyet, enjoying stunning views across the wide bay dotted with tiny islands. Dinner at local restaurant & overnight at same guesthouse in Söğüt.
Day 4: Cumhuriyet - Bozburun (12 km)
We start our walk directly from our accommodation and descend to the beach. Along the coastline the Carian trail takes us past secluded coves, ancient ruins and ship yards where the famous wooden gullets of Bozburun are built. Our walk ends in Bozburun, a bustling harbour town where sailing yachts anchor. We will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and stay at a family-run pension with seaviews right on the boulevard where freshly baked bread is served for breakfast.
Day 5: Optional yacht tour & Bozburun - Selimiye (9 km)
In the morning we can enjoy an optional cruise on one of the local boats around the lovely bay. To start our walk we transfer to a small cove called Germe. Through a small hamlet we start ascending a saddle where we will find nice views back to Bozburun bay. Passing the saddle, the route continues onto a mixture of dirt roads and paths to descend to Selimiye with views of the lake-like bay and the surrounding mountains. Selimiye is a small coastal town that harbours an Ottoman Period Castle that we can visit in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at comfortable seaside hotel with first-class restaurant in Selimiye.
Day 6: Turgut - Hydas - Turgut (6 km) & departure
A short transfer takes us close to Turgut where we climb the forested slopes to visit a well-preserved ancient tomb. It was built in an unusual piramid shape and considered to be a holy place for many centuries after its actual use. We start the hike following a path ascending to ancient Hydas. Wonderful views extending far out from the ruined city walls are our reward. We finish the day by walking back to where we left our transfer vehicle on a forest road. A short transfer to the seaside of Turgut allows us to enjoy a last swim, take a shower, change and eat lunch before heading to Dalaman airport (2hrs). An evening flight from Dalaman is necessary to complete the program.