SOUTH WEST AEGEAN
GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAY – EXAMPLE ITINERARY
BAFA LAKE – MENDERES DELTA IN SOUTH WEST TURKEY
Day 1: Transfer from Bodrum airport (the main group) to the small village of Kapikiri and the Agora Pension situated close to the beautiful Bafa lake.
Kapikiri is a typical Turkish rural village set amongst the ruins of ancient Heracleia at the base of Mount Latmos, close to the shore of Bafa lake. The lake was created when silt deposits from the Menderes river sealed off the Latmos gulf from the sea resulting in an expanse of inland salt water (around 100 sq. Kilometres). The mix of salt and fresh water is tolerated by a variety of fish such as grey mullet and sea bass and is an important stop-over point for migratory birds. The Agora is set in a garden with standard rooms and en suite wet rooms in the main building and wooden bungalows plus a few restored village houses. Overnight accommodation at the Agora Pansiyon – Dinner included.
Day 2 : Old Latmos City (4-4.5 miles/6-7 km) moderate hiking over volcanic terrain
Our walk starts today from Kapikiri village and follows the old Latmos City path. Photography enthusiasts will have numerous opportunities for panoramic views as we explore old footpaths through wonderful scenery. During the walk we will see the ruins of Old Latmos City, the Christos Cave (A.C 1200) and Pantokrator Cave (A.C 650) with Byzantine frescos, located in the Latmos Mountains. Picnic lunch. Our walk ends at the old port at the eastern part of the lake. Our day will take 6-7 hours including breaks and picnic. Overnight at Agora Pansiyon – Half Board.
Day 3 : Golyaka – Yediler Monastery (4.5 miles/7km) moderate hiking over volcanic terrain
After about 1.8 miles/3 km drive to Golyaka Village we start first with a little tour of Golyaka village before heading up hill along ancient trails until we reach the Kerdimelik prehistoric cave with paintings dating from B.C 6000-8000. Our path proceeds towards Yediler Monastery (Byzantine period – A.D 700-1000, estalished by monks in the 7th century AD). From the Monastery there is a wonderful view over Bafa lake. On the trail you can often find porcupine spines. This is a natural spot for our Picnic lunch. After lunch, we head back to Golyaka Village, partly on the same trail. Our day will take about 7 hours including breaks and picnic. Overnight at Agora Pansiyon – Half Board.
Day 4 : Dilek Peninsula National Park- Priene Distance flexible. Easy to moderate hiking
After breakfast, we will drive about 1 hour to Gulezcamli and the entrance into the Dilek Peninsula National Park. Located south of Kusadasi and opposite the Greek island of Samos, this huge rugged headland area was created as a wildlife reserve in the 1960’s. Dominated by Samsun Dagi at 1237 metres (ancient mount Mycale) there are wonderful views across to Samos from its northern shore. The entire area is now internationally protected due to its rich biodiversity, hosting critically endangered and endemic species. Sadly, we are unlikely to see any of the diverse fauna said to roam here although we might see evidence of their passing, they are very shy of humans (rare lynx, wild horses, cattle and cats, jackals, boar to name a few of the 28 species of mammals, 42 species of reptiles plus numerous birds) but we should see a wonderful variety of wild flowers. Trekking starts at the entrance of the Oluklu canyon trail (15km) heading inland and up hill along this wonderful nature trail for as far as we want to walk before individuals return the same way to the start point. The National Park is known for its Mediterranean primeval forests and wonderful views out to the sea. After our walk,we will drive to one of the beach areas facing Samos to swim in the sea and enjoy a picnic lunch, or at a beachfront cafe if open. (Cafe lunch not included.) If we have time and energy we could visit the wonderful site of ancient Priene before returning to Kapikiri. Located on the southern side of the mountain there are spectacular views over the Menderes delta. (entrance fee to the archaeological site is an extra cost). Transfer back to Kapikiri Village (this is a full-day program). Overnight at Agora Pansiyon – Half Board
Day 5 : Ionia Polis Tour (4/5 miles/7-8 km) Easy hiking
After breakfast we drive to Ionia Polis located at the south side of Bafa Lake (about 3 miles drive from Kapikiri Village). Ionia Polis was the marble quarry used in the construction of the Apollon Temple at Didyma. During Spring, there are around 18 different types of orchids which can be found here. Picnic lunch. Afternoon free to explore Bafa lake shore and Ancient Heracleia. This was a harbour city built in BC 350 at the command of King Mausolos of Caria. Overnight at Agora Pansiyon – Half Board.
Day 6 : Milas – Cultural Tour : Easy hiking – flexible distance
After breakfast we check out of the Agora and drive to old Milas, a picturesque western Anatolian town. Though the population has recently expanded, it has lost none of its traditional flavour. Typical of the old city are the beautiful ottoman style houses with courtyards and overhanging bay windows. Milas, known as Mylasa in ancient Carian times, has left many interesting things to see. The grave of King Hecatomnus, the father of Mausolos, was discovered in 2010. His sarcophagus is one of the archaeological highlights in Turkey. We will have a guide with us for this day so those interested can learn something of the history. Lunch will be eaten in Milas (not included). After lunch we drive to Bodrum. Rest of the day free to relax and explore Bodrum. See the additional history notes. Overnight at the Ena Hotel – Bodrum – Bed & Breakfast.
Day 7 : Bodrum (Halicarnassos) :Your last day and free time to shop, explore the Crusader castle and museum or just relax at one of the many cafes and watch the world go by.
According to legend Halicarnassos was built by the Dorians and Lelegians in the 11th century BC. Herodotus, who is known as the father of history, was born in Halicarnassos. * Overnight at the Ena Hotel – Bodrum – Bed & Breakfast.
Day 8 : Transfer to Bodrum Airport.
PRICE: |
SUBJECT TO QUOTATION AND NUMBER OF PEOPLE PARTICIPATING |
What the Price includes :
Transfer from Bodrum Airport to Agora Pension for the main group, Transfer from Marina Vista Hotel to Bodrum Airport for the main group, 5-night stay at Agora Pension (half board), 2-night stay at the Ena Hotel (bed & breakfast), 3 picnic lunches (days 2, 3, and 5), Transportation on days 3, 4, 5, and 6 in air conditioned minibus, Experienced guide/ leader during the walks (day1 to day 5 inclusive). He will carry a first aid kit, English speaking licensed guide (day 4 and 6)
Not included :
Entrance fees to ancient sites, museums, Lunches on day 1, 4, 6 and 7, Dinners on day 6 day 7, Gratuity for guide and driver, Flights are not included. Additional transfers on arrival and departure must be paid for separately.
* A guided tour of Bodrum can be arranged at extra cost for those interested.
WHAT TO BRING
Jacket suitable for April weather, Cagoule or waterproof jacket, Water bottle (2 litres), High factor sun protection cream, Light weight walking boots with ankle support, Day pack (lightweight rucksack), Swimming costume, Head torch, Walking poles are also highly recommended, First aid items
ADDITIONAL HISTORY NOTES
Ancient Heracleia is a harbour city that was built in BC 350 at the command of King Mausolos of Caria. The people of the gulf of Latmos (now Lake Bafa) were brought by force from Latmos to establish Heracleia. The people made a living from quarrying and selling marble, mainly to richer cities such as Miletus and Didyma. As time went by the gulf was cut off from the rest of the coastline by the silting up of the river Meander and so gradually the city lost its importance. Monuments still standing are the relatively well preserved Temple of Athene and the extensive city walls, which date from Hellenistic times. Besparmak Dag (Mount Latmos) and Lake Bafa are places of great scenic beauty and mystery. After all, it was here that the Moon Goddess, Selene, fell in love with the shepherd Endymion and granted him immortality. The unusually-shaped Sanctuary of Endymion can still be seen near the shore beside Heracleia. The Agora, Temple of Athene, Acropolis, Endymion Temple, City Walls and Theatre (B.C 335 – A.C 1330) can all still be seen. No need for a vehicle for this tour, it can be done by walking from the Agora Pension.
Priene
Priene lies on the southern flank of Mount Samsun 12.4 miles from Soke and looks out over the whole of the Menderes Plain. It is one of the most beautiful ancient sites of the Aegean and was one of the 12 cities of the ancient Ionic League. Around 450 BC the city was destroyed by the Persians. In 350 BC it was rebuilt in its present situation with the help of Athens. Priene never regained its old magnificence but it is the best example of an ancient city which escaped the effects of Romanisation and still reflects the architectural culture of Greece and Anatolia. Priene is the first city in the Western world to have been built on a grid structure and is one of the world’s first examples of rational city planning. You can still see the water network passing underneath the perpendicular streets. It also contains the first known system of purification reservoirs for drinking water. On the walls of the gymnasium at the bottom of the city you can see the incised names of various students, which proves that graffiti is not by any means a modern invention!
Bodrum (Halicarnassos)
According to legend Halicarnassos was built by the Dorians and Lelegians in the 11th century BC. In the 7th century BC it fell to the Lidians and in the next century to the Persians. Herodotus, who is known as the father of history, was born in Halicarnassos. The Mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was found in this city. The famous King Mausolos made Halicarnassos the capital of the kingdom of Caria and in his time it was one of the cities that successfully repelled the attacks of the Persians. This resistance was eventually useless and the city passed into the hands of other kingdoms and finally lost its importance. During the Middle Ages the Knights of St. John, based in Rhodes, built a Crusader castle which still stands in Bodrum. During this period the city recovered some of its old importance. It came under the dominance of the Ottomans in 1552. During the period of the Ottoman Empire and the early Republic it was used as a place of banishment for dissidents and intellectuals. Cevat Sakir was banished here for three years but when his time was up, he returned here to settle and stayed for the rest of his life. He wrote many books about the area under the pen-name ‘The Fisherman of Halicarnassos’. Bodrum castle, including the award winning museum of underwater archaeology housed within it, the Myndos Gate and the Mausoleum are easily accessible by walking from the Ena hotel.