About the excursion

Spend a day between ancient ruins and a cool mountain gorge. This day trip from Fethiye takes you to the lost city of Tlos and on to Saklıkent Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Turkey.

Highlights

Ancient Tlos
Saklıkent Gorge
Yakapark nature reserve

Full description

The ancient city of Tlos sits on a rocky acropolis above the Xanthos Valley. It was once one of the six largest cities of the Lycian League, and today you can still see a theatre that held thousands of spectators, the ruins of a stadium, Roman baths, temples and a Byzantine basilica. Up on the acropolis are Lycian tombs carved straight into the rock and the remains of a fortress with panoramic views over the valley.

Saklıkent Gorge runs for 18 kilometres and is counted among the longest and deepest canyons in Turkey, with walls rising several hundred metres in places. Near the entrance, wooden walkways are fixed right onto the cliffs above the Eşen River. Further in, the path drops down to the floor of the gorge, where it stays cool between the towering walls even on the hottest day. The mountain river is cold all year round.

Yakapark lies in the village of Yaka and is known for its trout farms and restaurants built over the water. The whole place is lush and green, small waterfalls spill down stepped terraces, and in the shade of the trees you get to enjoy a cooler side of the Turkish summer. Lunch of Turkish dishes is served at one of the little waterside restaurants here.

Tour program

Hotel pickup

We pick you up from hotels in Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and the surrounding area in a comfortable coach and take you to the first stop of the route. The exact departure time will be given by the local organizer in your e-voucher.
Ancient Tlos

Explore the ruins of an ancient Lycian city: the theatre, acropolis, Lycian tombs, and the remains of the stadium and Roman baths. A short guided overview tour is followed by free time to explore on your own. The entrance ticket to the ancient city is optional and paid separately on site. It costs 5 euros or the equivalent in Turkish lira at the Central Bank of Turkey exchange rate on the day of payment.
Saklıkent Canyon

After the ancient city, a 40-minute coach ride takes us to the canyon, where we walk along wooden boardwalks beside the Eşen River and then descend to the canyon floor, crossing the river. You can relax in hammocks or on daybeds at the café by the entrance. Entry to the canyon is paid on site. It costs 5 euros or the equivalent in Turkish lira at the Central Bank of Turkey exchange rate on the day of payment. Whether you visit the canyon and how far you walk is up to you.
Lunch at Yakapark

Turkish lunch at a restaurant set over the water among greenery and small waterfalls. After lunch, there's free time for photos and a swim in the cool mountain river. Lunch is served as a set meal and is included in the tour price: a choice of hot dishes, a seasonal salad and a side dish.
Return to the hotel

We drop you back at your hotel by 18:00

Pickup times

We pick up from hotels between 07:45 and 08:45. The exact time for your hotel will be in your e-voucher.

Area	Time
Liberty Likya	07:45
Ölüdeniz 1	08:00
Ölüdeniz 2	08:15
Club Letoonia	08:30
Hisarönü	08:30
Ovacık	08:30
Tuana	08:30
Fethiye	08:45
Çalış	08:45

What's included and not included

Hotel transfer both ways

from the main road in front of the hotel

Lunch

set meal at one of the Yakapark restaurants

Insurance

up to €30,000

Guide

professional English-speaking guide

Drinks

all drinks

Personal expenses

souvenirs, photographer, etc.

Entrance tickets

Saklıkent Canyon and the ancient city of Tlos. €5 each, optional, payable for ages 8 and over

Other on-site activities

river tubing

What to bring

Swimwear

Sun protection

Comfortable clothing

Proof of child's age

Spending money

Good to know

Cash payment

It's best to bring some cash for entrance tickets, as card payments don't always work.

Visiting Saklıkent Canyon

The floor of the gorge is rocky and slippery in places, and at some points you will need to wade across the river. Visiting the canyon is optional. For photos, it's enough to walk a short section of the route along the wooden boardwalks.

Footwear

We recommend bringing quick-drying shoes. Rubber water shoes can be rented at the canyon entrance.

Tour programme

The order of the sights may change depending on the number of guests, the weather and the restaurant's opening hours. This is at the guide's discretion.