Ride Arabs and cross breeds on an equestrian adventure covering up to 200km of the Lycian Way. Experience the thrill of crossing the Tahtali mountain at 2000m on horseback and experiencing 3 climate zones within one day!
The Lycian Way is a renowned long-distance hiking trail in southwestern Turkey, celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and cultural significance. Spanning approximately 540 kilometres (335 miles), the trail follows ancient paths, mule tracks, and forest routes through the coast of ancient Lycia. Starting near the city of Fethiye and ending near Geyikbayırı, west of Antalya, it takes you through mountainous terrain, pine forests, and offers stunning coastal views of the Mediterranean Sea.
There are two horseback trails that can be ridden - the Olympos trail with a 7 day itinerary, covering 150km, and The Chimera trail that stretches 200km and takes 8 days to complete.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from LB of on 04/12/2024
There are two trails along the Lycian Way:
Chimera Trail - 200km
Olympos Trail - 150km (Omit DAY 4 of the Chimera Trail for this shorter option which has no camp night)
Chimera Trail:
Day 1
Transfer from Antalya airport to Kemer, for a welcome dinner at the oldest ranch of the area, conquered by the city and renovated into a hotel. There is no riding on the arrival day.
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to the stable to meet the horses. After a safety briefing and saddling up, ride for 2 hours through the forest around Kuzdere to check the mounts and pick up more horses for the trail. Ride past orange and pomegranate gardens, ruins of an ancient village, springs and small palm forests. Return to the hotel for a briefing to discuss the route ahead and what to pack for the trail. After lunch, relax by the pool or at the beach. In the afternoon, a tour to Chimera mountain and Olympos antique city. Overnight in the hotel. Riding hours: 2
Day 3
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and meet at the stables. Luggage will be secured in the safety car, and the horses saddled up. After approx 2 hours riding, arrive at Kesme Bogazi canyon. Here there is the opportunity to swim in the mountain river and have lunch. After lunch, embark on a 3 hours climb of the highest mountain of the region (Tahtali stands at 2365m above sea level), and the perfect opportunity for trots and canters. Gedelme is the location of the overnight stay for day3 - see a byzantine castle, platan trees over 2000 years old, and authentic 150 year old local village houses that will be the shelter for the night. Riding hours: 5
Day 4 (NOT INCLUDED IN THE SHORTER OLYMPOS TRAIL)
After breakfast head to the hidden valley, close to Ovacik village. Experience how the highlanders live, indulge in freshly cooked lamb for lunch, and gallop through the meadows. After lunch, head up to the platan forest to secure camp for the night. Riding hours: 5
Day 5
After breakfast, saddle the horses and climb the Tahtali mountain (2,000m) where the ride stops for lunch. Following lunch, saddle up and descend until reaching Beycik - a village with both mountain and sea views, where the riders will stay for the night, sleeping in a bungalow in the village. Riding hours: 6
Day 6
Today's ride will be mainly in walk, and will take around 6 hours to complete. The road is surrounded with bays and nature, underground rivers surfacing and rocks sparkling with metals. After crossing the biggest bay, the ride arrives at turtle bay for the night. This the bay where baby turtles hatch. This is a national park. Swimming with the horses is possible at this location, as is cantering along the beach. Riding hours: 6
Day 7
Today riders will cross five bays with fantastic views, and past the ancient city of Phaselis. This is a narrow rocky path, and the horses are left outside the city while the riders explore. After lunch in the city, re-mount and ride back towards the ranch, with the chance to trot and canter through the village of Tekirova. Spend the night in a hotel. Riding hours: 6
Day 8
Depending on flight times, riders have the opportunity to go to the beach, or shopping in Kemer.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The Horses are Arabs and Arab/Anatolian cross breeds (14.7 - 15.2hh). Tack is English multipurpose or jumping saddles (wintec mostly).
Minimum of 12 years and must be accompanied by a riding adult; maximum weight of 80kgs; able to control a horse at all paces, tack and groom and some experience of camping preferred.
The weight limit for this ride is 176 lb/80 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation:
Local hotels on the 1st, 2nd and last day, all with private bathrooms and a swimming pool.
Guest house/camping whilst on the trail.
Camping - There are no toilet facilities, and showering is using mountain running water (there is no hot water)
Meals:
All inclusive breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, dinner with water/tea/coffee/1 glass of local wine. Meals are prepared using home-made products from the surrounding villages.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the hotel on the 1st, 2nd and last day
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures When visiting Turkey, your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive and there should be a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. You can find more detail about the requirements for entry into Turkey on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The climate here is mild, and generally warm and temperate. The winters are rainier than the summers in Hisarönü. The mean temperature prevailing in the city of Hisarönü is recorded as 18.3 °C | 64.9 °F, according to statistical data. Annually, approximately 1106 mm | 43.5 inch of precipitation descends.
The given location is in the northern hemisphere. Summer begins here at the end of June and ends in September. The months of summer are: June, July, August, September. The most popular months to visit are June, September.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
British-issued prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey, although some medicines may be available over the counter. You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.
As a precaution against Avian Influenza it is recommended that you avoid being in close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds, and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Turkey and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
In Turkey the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Some places have limited coverage or slow internet. If using a go pro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.
Cabin sized luggage only to be taken on the trail: Larger luggage can be left at the ranch and picked up on the last night if necessary.
- Riding trousers
- Riding hat
- Boots suitable for riding and walking (it is recommended to bring boots and chaps, not high boots),
- socks
- Comfortable long sleeves (good for protection from the sun)
- Short warm jacket (for late evening / night)
- Safety vest (if you use one),
- Riding gloves (recommended),
- Sunglasses (it’s a must to protect your eyes from stones flying from the hooves on canter)
- Comfortable clothes for non-riding program (no high heels and cocktail dresses)
- Sun screen
- Small bag for ID, phone, pocket money (no backpacks for riding days)
- Personal items and any medication
- No cameras, lenses, selfie-stick etc as they can get damaged whilst riding and are difficult to carry
- Power bank for camping
- Swimming suit
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding OR 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days riding on set departure dates.
2025: 8 days: 20 Apr (FULL); 18 May; 8 Jun; 7 Sept; 5 Oct; 2 Nov
2025: 7 days: 27 Apr; 11 May (Escorted Date); 16 Jun; 15 Sep; 13 Oct; 10 Nov
Low Season: Nov - April
High Season: May - October
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,349 |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 209 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 1,449 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 309 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | non rider | 1,189 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,555 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 309 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 1,245 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 209 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,625 |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 249 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 1,749 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 375 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | non rider | 1,435 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,875 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 375 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 1,499 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 249 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,779 |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 275 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 1,915 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 409 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | non rider | 1,569 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 2,055 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 409 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 1,645 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 275 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 19,405 |
2025 Chimera 8 days Low Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 2,985 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 20,895 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 4,479 |
2025 Olympos 7 days High Season | 7d/6n | 5 | non rider | 17,135 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 22,389 |
2025 Chimera 8 days High Season | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 4,479 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | double pp | 17,909 |
2025 Olympos 7 days Low Season | 7d/6n | 5 | single supplement | 2,985 |
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com
A fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Spa available at the hotel on 1st, 2nd and last night.
The region is home to Eurasian wildlife such as the Eurasian sparrowhawk, golden eagle, eastern imperial eagle, lesser spotted eagle, Caucasian black grouse, red-fronted serin, and wallcreeper.
This south eastern European country is in south western Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria. It has a total area of 780,580 sq km. It has borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq and Syria. And has a 8,333 km coastline. The temperature is hot and dry in the summer with mild, wet winters. The terrain is mostly mountainous with narrow coastal plains and high central plateaus. The elevation varies from sea level to the highest point at Mount Ararat 5,166m. Norther Turkey can be prone to earthquakes.
Cappadocia occupies the centre of Turkey, the region between the Black Sea in the north and the Taurus Mountains, between the capital Ankara and the city of Malatya to the east. Famous for its spectacular natural rock formations and valleys, Goreme National Park, as it is known today, is strewn with underground cities, stone chapels, monasteries and dwellings that were hewn out of the weirdly eroded volcanic rock from as long ago as 400 BC.
Thousands of years of wind and rain erosion on a landscape of soft volcanic stone topped with hardened larva caps has created a fascinating landscape of rock cones and pinnacles that are known as ‘fairy chimneys’. The greatest concentration of fairy chimneys can be found within the triangle formed by the three main towns of the region, Avanos, Urgup and the main transport hub of Nevsehir.
Outside the triangle to the south are the remarkable underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, where layers of tunnels and an intricate system of caves hid generations of settlers and sheltered early Christians fleeing persecution. The Ilhara Canyon is another religious hideaway with more than 100 painted churches and about 4,000 dwellings carved into the rock walls or concealed within the cliffs; its river bed and lush vegetation stand in stark contrast to the dusty, seemingly barren land above.
Cave dwellings, ancient monasteries and painted chapels are well camouflaged, with entranceways that are barely noticeable among a landscape of perforated cliff walls and rock fissures. Houses of volcanic stone blend unobtrusively into the natural surroundings, pigmented in natural shades of ochre and yellow, to pinks, greys and greens, and many people still inhabit the cones and chimney formations. In tourist towns such as Goreme, delightful little hotels and pensions are built partially into the rock or are housed within a rock cone and offer cave-style rooms.