Walking the Ancient Lycian Way in coastal Turkey
August 4th, 2009 | 
Author:
The Roman province of Lycia was believed to be the first federation in the world that openly embraced democratic principles. These principles would later become the setting stone of the American Constitution. Nowadays the ancient kingdom of light, as Lycia was once known, is a popular holiday destination for visitors that want to make the most of the breathtaking beaches and ancient attractions on a Turkey walking holiday.
The ancient Lycian way starts in the Mediterranean resort of Kas which is known for its rocky coastline and unpolluted waters. On your Turkey walking holiday you will find the beaches of this region perfect for relaxing before you begin your walk along the Lycian trail. However, historically the city offers much more than perfect sandy beaches for sunbathing. Here you can join a glass-bottomed boat tour to the ancient sunken cities around Kekova Island where the secrets of ancient civilisations lurk out of reach. Not so out of reach are the ancient archaeological sites of Myra, Demre and the Xanthe Valley which give you the opportunity to walk around Turkey’s ancient past. Myra was the capital of the Lycian Empire and whilst visiting here on your Turkey walking holiday you will spot many ancient tombs cut into the rock face above the old amphitheatre.
The old amphitheatre was the largest in the Empire and is notable for the theatrical masks that decorate the stonework. On your Turkey walking holiday you will also come across the church of St. Nicholas and although his body was taken to be buried in Italy, the site still contains his sarcophagus and is therefore a popular pilgrimage destination with many pilgrims taking the walk to Turkey’s third most important Byzantine Monument.
Leaving Kas your walking holiday in Turkey will take you through rocky coastlines and ancient forests to the town of Finike. Now a popular yachting destination, Finike is the perfect blend of old and new. A modern marina sits alongside the ancient city of Limyra and the wreck of a Phoenician Merchant Ship dated from 1200 BC. The town is best known for its oranges and sea turtles, with the former being the town’s emblem and the latter facing grave extinction.
Although Finike may be popular with the older tourists, the town of Kemer is popular with the young due largely to the tourist infrastructure of the region. The town has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Kemer was formerly the Lycian town of Idyrios, and whilst on your walking holiday in Turkey you can visit a number of notable historical sites. Of all these sites the most fascinating is the Ancient Greek phenomena of Chimaera, a mysterious site on the rocky outcrop of the Cragus Mountains where the rock mysteriously shoots flames with no apparent energy source.
The last stop on your Turkey walking holiday around the Lycian trail is the resort town of Antalya. Now the capital of the Antalya Province the site has a number of historic sites including Hadrian’s Gate and the Kesik Minare. However the numerous sandy beaches of the region provide the perfect place to relax and take in all the incredible sites that you have visited on your Turkey walking holiday.
Author: Tony Maniscalco
About the Author:
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. They are dedicated to providing the very finest Turkey walks at the best value prices.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
Posted in 
Tags:
Turkey is certainly one of the most stunning and affordable destination in the Mediterranean region, rich of history and traditions.
There are several sites characterized by ruins which are worth to visit, such as Didim, Ephesus, the temple of Apollo and Troy.
For those who enjoy cycling, the region has to offer miles of exciting CyclingRoutes which will allows tourists to explore the coast as well as enjoy the stunning sceneries.
Turkey has so much to offer: miles of sandy beaches, thermal water and Spas in Anatolia, more than 14 professional golf clubs as well as good food and wine.
Moreover, the favourable Exchange Rates make Turkey the cheapest Mediterranean destination. It has been voted the top of the 10 best holiday destinations by British holiday makers in 2009.
If you are looking for a cheap vacation, the tip is to buy in advance the foreign currency (Turkish Lira) in order to know how much you holiday is going to cost you.
The night life is very lively and there are several bars and clubs which are worth to visit. In addition, Budget airlines, hotels and resorts offer competitive rates and all-inclusive packages, as well as good service and all the comforts that you need, take a look at CheapAccommodationsinTurkey, and start planning your holiday today!
The reason why Turkey has been voted the top of ten holiday destinations by British holidaymakers for 2009 is simple. It allows you to save money thank to the exchange on foreign currency. Foreign exchange rates can variate widely, the tip is to buy in advance the foreign currency, so you know how much you holiday is going to cost you. Currently ExchangeRates are quite favourable and this make Turkey one of the cheapest destinations of the Mediterranean. It is certainly one of the most stunning destination in the Mediterranean region, rich of history and traditions. This is the right time to plan and book your holiday there. Planning in advance might give you access to good deals and discounts. There are breathtaking landscapes and miles of sandy beaches such as Butterfly Valley Beach (the only accessible by boat) or the impressive Kidrak Beach. Göcek, a small southern town in Muğla’s Fethiye area, is a residential area mainly concentrated along the coastal line called Göcek Bay inside the Fethiye Gulf that is being rediscovered by many tourists for its natural beauty and great boating options. Surrounded by high mountains on three sides, Göcek is a unique, obscure retreat. Göcek has to offer to its visitors a number of marvelous bays and small islands, the most famous ones being Gobun or Mağaralı Bay, Cleopatra Hamamı, and the Tersane and Yassı islands, located between Kapıdağ Peninsula and the Göcek Gulf.
In addition, there is a wide range of outdoor activities, there is plenty to do for all the family members!
Furthermore, if you want to relax and make the most of your time there are hotels and resorts that now offer very competitive rates and all inclusive packages, as well as excellent service and comforts. Take a look at CheapAccommodationsinTurkey, and start planning your holiday today