Who knows! I always thought that Turkey was a fixed formula of hot air balloons and mosques. It wasn’t until I joined a media delegation and followed Turkish Airlines on a journey to Lycia, descending from the clouds into a hidden paradise, that our in-depth trip this time bypassed popular tourist destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukala, focusing only on specific areas.
It was only then that I discovered that Turkey has hidden even Wilder, more healing and more traveler’s ways of opening up: nature exploration, historical tracing, and food tasting… It directly sets a new ceiling for personal travel experiences!
Turkish Airlines: Turn flight into the first surprise of your journey
As the airline that flies to the most countries around the world, Turkish Airlines’ high-quality flight service has a VIP feel from the moment of departure!
Business class suites are simply a blessing for long-haul flights! The privacy partition can be pulled to the top to completely block the view of the person sitting next to you. The independent storage compartment by the window is just right for holding a mobile phone, passport and glasses. The 76-inch reclining bed, after being covered with a soft mattress and a down quilt, was even more comfortable than the single bed at home. It was so comfortable that I slept for a full four hours during the flight and didn’t feel tired at all after landing. The wireless charging pad beside the seat is super practical. You can charge your phone just by placing it on it, without having to look for a charging cable everywhere. The adjustable lighting is also very considerate. When you want to read, turn on the warm light; when you want to sleep, turn on the dim light. It doesn’t affect your neighbor at all.
The in-flight entertainment system makes long flights never boring! The 22-inch large screen hides over 660 movies, more than 1,500 TV programs, and over 2,000 music albums. I watched two Chinese movies that I had been saving up for a long time all the way. Time flies. The most surprising part was the free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the journey. The signal was so stable that you could share the in-flight food with your family and friends in real time. Before landing, you could also confirm the pick-up time with your team in advance, which greatly enhanced your sense of security.
The most anticipated part of a flight with Turkish Airlines is undoubtedly the in-flight cuisine. Turkish Airlines truly lives up to its reputation as the airline that has won the title of “World’s Best Business Class Catering”! The in-flight menu in collaboration with DO&CO features a pre-meal bread made from raw materials cultivated from ancient Anatolian wheat. After heating, it is placed in a specially designed cloth bag. When opened, the aroma of wheat fills the air. Paired with Turkish artisanal butter and extra virgin olive oil, one bite takes you back to the Mediterranean. For the main course, I chose slow-cooked mutton, which was tender and not tough at all. It was paired with fresh local vegetables, and even the sauce was prepared to perfection. The wine list also includes the native Turkish Naringje white wine, which has a moderate acidity. It pairs well with the main course, refreshing and relieving the greasiness. To finish off, a cup of hot black tea with Turkish gummy candies has just the right amount of sweetness without being overly sweet.
When transferring at Istanbul International Airport, if you have the chance, be sure to experience the 5,600-square-meter business class lounge. It’s simply a transit wonder! There are not only private suites for a short rest inside, but also shower rooms to wash away the fatigue of the journey! The golf simulator and VR flight simulator in the lounge were extremely popular. My companions played a few rounds of golf. To put it this way, the two-hour layover was never boring at all. There is also a wide variety of delicious foods. Freshly made traditional Turkish pita bread, sesame rings, special meat dishes, and vegetarian barbecues are all available for endless enjoyment.
If the transfer time is too long (more than 6 hours), you might as well sign up for the free city tour to Touristanbul. You can visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque… All these landmarks can be visited. Unfortunately, we have to catch the 19:15 TK2428 flight to Antalya, so we’ll have to arrange it next time. Here, I’d like to give a thumbs-up to Turkey’s electronic visa system. Turkey offers us tourists the most convenient way to enter the country. With just a few taps of your finger, you can get a visa. It’s super convenient!
At 20:40 in the evening, we arrived smoothly at Antalya Airport, which was also the starting point of our journey. Stroll along the crowd to the luggage hall. Turkish Airlines’ luggage will be released first. There are also Chinese guidance signs beside the carousel, so you don’t have to worry about not finding it at all.
The 540-kilometer Lycia Road: Wandering through the ruins of a thousand-year-old civilization
While the vast majority of travelers flocked to the domes and minaret of Istanbul or welcomed the sunrise in hot air balloons in Cappadocia, our media delegation chose a more secluded route – the Lycian Way.
This is a classic hiking route about 540 kilometers long on the Turkish Riviera, starting from Fethiye in the west and ending in Antalya in the east. It winds through cliffs, canyons, ancient paths and bays. The journey is rough, hot, long and lonely. However, it is still regarded as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful hiking routes due to its magnificent scenery and profound history, and has become a sacred place in the hearts of hikers all over the world.
For me, this is not merely a trip, but a dialogue spanning three thousand years of time and space. Compared with ordinary tour groups, this itinerary will feature detailed stops between Antalya and Mura Province. Every day’s activities combine historical sites, nature exploration and local culture, with a well-paced pace and an experience depth far beyond the ordinary.
At the beginning of the journey, it was a perfect interpretation of the combination of movement and stillness. The motorcade jolted along the dusty off-road path, passing through peaceful Turkish villages until it reached the Koplulu Gorge. Looking down from the top of the canyon, the magnificent scenery comes into full view. The true essence lies in the 13-kilometer white-water rafting with 12 rapids and dangerous shoals. We went on a 13-kilometer thrilling rafting trip on the Coplu River, which has 12 rapids, and fully enjoyed the cool water. When the cool river water soaked through the clothes, everyone’s face was filled with a cheerful smile. The fatigue was washed away by the cool river water, leaving only the excitement after the adrenaline soared.
Take a short break at noon and enjoy some hot potato kebabs, handmade yogurt and other specialties at a local restaurant near the canyon. Then continue to visit the ancient city of Side and explore the Roman theatre, the Temple of Apollo and other relics along the way.
It has to be said that in this itinerary, the “Three Consecutive visits to Ancient Cities” and such are just too amazing. We visited three ancient cities with distinct styles in just two days. Without exception, these ancient cities combine the weight of history with the beauty of the seaside!
Sitting on the steps of the ancient theatre in the ancient city of Side, on one side is the ruins of the Roman colonnades, and on the other is the boundless blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The pine forests sway on both sides, and the sea breeze caresses the face. The memories of the Mediterranean Sea and the ancient Lycian civilization are all embedded in the stone path beneath the feet. History and reality converge at this moment.
Standing in front of the three ancient port ruins of the ancient city of Phaselis, one can imagine the prosperous scene of merchant ships lined up in the past through the broken walls and ruins. Sunlight filters through the Roman colonnades, casting dappled shadows. Under the fingers are the smooths of the column patterns worn down by time. It seems as if one can hear the shouts of ancient Greek merchants. This feeling of being able to touch history directly is truly addictive.
Just 30 kilometers away from the ancient city of Faselis lies the famous ancient city of Olympus. If you want to experience the serene atmosphere of the ancient city blending with nature, Olympus is definitely worth a visit. Both are core attractions on the Lycian Road, so they are often planned as a “one-day combined tour” route. The ancient city is surrounded by the Toros Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The ruins are hidden among the green trees, and the stone buildings are covered with vines, blending perfectly with the natural landscape. History once flourished here and also returned to tranquility here. Even the firestone wonders carry an ancient warmth! If you are not in a hurry, you can also stay for a while at the nearby Chialalati Beach to watch the sunset or experience the seaside scenery of the loggerhead turtle conservation area.
At the St. Nicholas Church Museum in Demre, we visited the footprints of Bishop St. Nicholas, the prototype of Santa Claus, during his lifetime. This Byzantine-style church houses exquisite murals and his sarcophagus inside.
Drive deep into the inland and explore the hidden town of El Marle in the valley. There are no crowds of tourists here; only the fragrance of orchards. The small town still retains its original rural flavor. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful houses that still retain the traditional style of the Ottoman period. The wide wooden balconies are brightly colored, and the eaves are hung with blooming flowers. The villagers will warmly invite people to enjoy their meals. When they get tired from walking around, they can just find a family restaurant to sit down. The Mediterranean seafood platter is so fresh that it makes their eyebrows drop. The handcrafted Antalya red bean salad has a unique taste. The rich sesame paste pairs well with the refreshing lemon juice. The roasted vegetables are wrapped in the aroma of olive oil. The white wine pairs perfectly with the view of the ancient city.
Next, we ventured into the heart of the Mediterranean Sea – Kash. Yes, how could you come to Turkey for a vacation and not go diving in Kash? ? As one of the “Top Ten Diving Destinations in the World”, Cash is rich in underwater biodiversity. Turtles, barudas and groupers can be seen everywhere. There is also a museum of sunken ships and underwater sculptures from World War II. Dive into the ocean with a professional coach. In the clear water, you can clearly see corals and fish. Occasionally, you may even encounter Mediterranean monk seals resting in caves. The feeling of being in close contact with the ocean is just too wonderful.
If you have enough time, you might as well visit the King’s Tomb in Kash. It is a tomb temple carved out of a huge cliff. The tall stone pillars and the cliff face are integrated into one, presenting a magnificent scene like that of an Athenian temple. You can still faintly sense the dedication of the Lysians to the site selection and construction of the tomb.
From Patara to the Cradle of Fethiye Civilization and the Dance of the Sky
The inspection team continued from Kash, traveling westward along the coastline, with the scenery and stories constantly changing.
Head along the most renowned D400 scenic coastal road to Fethiye, a coastal city hidden in southern Turkey. It is the core area for hikers, gliders and self-driving enthusiasts to explore the Lyesian civilization and also the highlight of our expedition.
In this city, the most recognizable thing must be paragliding. As a globally renowned paragliding mecca, it is hidden between the mountains and the sea of Babadag Mountain and Erudeniz Beach. This mountain range, which is over 2,000 meters above sea level, stands by the seaside like a guardian. The mountain extends directly into the sea, forming a natural take-off field for paragliding.
When you are sitting in the valley, enjoying the sea breeze and basking in the sun, suddenly with a few “swish” sounds, a paraglider glides overhead. Looking further into the distance, the colorful canopy of the paraglider gracefully dance between the blue sky and the blue sea. Under your feet, white waves are splashing against the golden sandy beach, a perfect combination of extreme romance and freedom. At the same time, the wish to visit again is planted in your heart: May I take in the entire coast of Lycia from the perspective of a bird.
The Mediterranean Sea spreads out before your eyes. Erudenez, famous for its emerald green lagoons, has water that presents a gentle emerald green color, like a huge piece of jade, to the extent that a casual shot could produce a cinematic masterpiece. On the other side lies the continuous Toros Mountains, with thick vegetation. Occasionally, ancient Turkish villages can be seen scattered among the mountains, with red tiles and white walls standing out conspicuously against the backdrop of green trees. When I happened to come across a local market, I would go in and have a look around, buying some fresh oranges, olive oil and handmade accessories. This unrestrained travel pace is just too addictive.
A warm reminder to all the friends who plan to go hiking: It’s best to go in groups of three or more. Always pay attention to the red and yellow paint marks on the stones at your feet. The red ones lead towards the beach, and the yellow ones are for the return journey.
If you drive by yourself, there are even more benefits. You don’t have to take a detour, can stop at any time, and can flexibly connect with the scattered secret spots that have been jointly carved by history and nature along the way. The entire route is a scenic avenue with smooth roads and clear signs. There are many gas stations and rest areas along the way, so you don’t have to worry about the range at all. At the same time, it can also connect the three experiences of mountain and sea self-driving, Butterfly Valley sightseeing, and high-altitude paragliding together!
When you pass by Captash Beach after watching paragliding, remember to stop for a moment. This secret spot, listed among the “40 Best Beaches in Europe”, is hidden between two cliffs. As you walk down the long steps, the sea water is so clear that it seems to have been filtered, reflecting different colors in the sunlight. Just a few meters deep down from the beach, One can observe the deep blue reefs being dyed in a gradient from dark green to light blue. It is often seen that young couples with children are swimming after schools of fish together.
Passing by the ancient council hall of Patara, I can’t help but imagine that as early as over two thousand years ago, the rudimentary form of democracy was conceived here. Strolling through the ancient capital of Xantos, witnessing the magnificent mausoleum ruins, it silently tells of the pride and indomitable spirit of the Lycian people. Along the way, the sea breeze, the fragrance of flowers, mountain ridges and ancient tombs coexist, connecting countless ancient city ruins and natural wonders. The ancient architectural remains are framed together with the Mediterranean Sea view. Every step feels like stepping into the folds of history.
Stepping back from Dalaman Airport, my heart remained between the mountains and the sea. The route of this Turkish Airlines media delegation to Lysia, with its profound historical background, diverse outdoor experiences and ingenious route design, presented us with a Turkey far beyond expectations.
What moved me the most among them was that almost all of our itineraries were connected with ancient cities and natural landscapes. The experience was rich and diverse. You could not only deeply experience the projects but also have sufficient rest time. You could enjoy a luxurious and comfortable flight in the business class of Turkish Airlines, or feel the weight of the thousand-year-old civilization on the paths of the Lycia Road. You can experience the thrill of rafting in the Koplulu Canyon and explore the mysteries of the ocean at the bottom of Kash. You can explore the ancient sites on foot alone or watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea with your companions.
Perhaps in the morning, you will still be visiting the council hall and the ruins of the ancient Roman aquariums in the ancient city of Patarat, and studying the Lysian-style tombs and reliefs in the ancient city of Xanssos. In the afternoon, I was taken to visit Gizlikan Falls, where I felt the moist and cool mist blowing towards me.
The cuisine here is unforgettable. Antalya’s red bean sala, Mura’s crackers, fresh seafood and rich wine – every bite is a genuine Mediterranean flavor. The people here are warm and hospitable. Whether it’s the hotel staff or the villagers by the roadside, they will greet you with the most sincere smiles.
If you are also tired of the same kind of travel and want an experience that combines history, nature, adventure and cuisine, then you might as well set off with Turkish Airlines and travel from the clouds to the mountains and seas.
The 540-kilometer Lycia Road awaits more travelers to come and make friends with Turkey and the world.