Guided Walking Weeks at Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotels
5 - 12 April, 1 - 8 May and 28 September - 5 October 2026.
Mandarin & Mango's rural setting close to the ancient
Lycian Way makes this the perfect base for keen walkers. For those who
are happy to walk by themselves, we are always pleased to offer
suggestions and advice, but for those who prefer walking in
like-minded company
with expert local guidance, our dedicated
Walking Weeks in spring and autumn are ideal. Run in small groups of
no more than 8 people, these weeks will not only enable you to discover some of the
most beautiful local scenery, but also to
learn more about rural life in Turkey and to visit some of the
lesser known archaeological sites.
For just €120 per person on top of the cost of your
stay, the week includes five daily walks with our guide and transportation on
those days where we explore further afield. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy walking boots
are required but the routes are designed to allow you to
enjoy the countryside at a fairly leisurely pace and not to test
your endurance.
Please contact us for availability and to reserve your place.
Itinerary
- Day 1:
- Informal welcome dinner to get to know your hosts and fellow travellers.
- Day 2:
- We explore the fertile Kaya Valley,
walking from Oludeniz Lagoon up to the atmospheric ruined village of Kayakoy
(approx. 10 km walking) where we stop for
local specialities. There are few archaeological remains of the ancient Lycian city of Karmylassos that stood here, but it is the village's more recent history that makes a visit so interesting
and poignant; known as Levissi, it was a vibrant Greek community until the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1922, the events of which were brought to life in Louis de Bernieres' novel "Birds Without Wings".
- Day 3:
- A walk above the coast with stunning views down to the Butterfly Valley. We descend through
the forest and walk along Aktas Beach towards Kabak where we have a light lunch. Those who wish
can walk down to Kabak beach for a swim before the return walk (approx. 14 km).
- Day 4:
- We travel by minibus from the hotel to the start of the Lycian way in Ovacik. From here we walk to the mountain villages of Kozagac and Kirme and start our descent to Faralya. At the first section of the village of Faralya, we will see a Roman rock tomb with ancient Greek inscription, a sarcophagus dating back to the Lycian era and a Byzantine church gate dating back to the 4th Century. (Approx. 18 km walking).
- Day 5:
- A 50-minute minibus journey will take us to the village of Uzumlu, once famous for its grapes. From here, we walk up to the atmospheric archaeological site of Cadyanda, founded around 3000 BC and finally abandoned in the 7th century AD. With its impressive hillside theatre, extensive temple complex and fascinating necropolis, Cadyanda offers a glimpse into an ancient civilization’s artistry, architecture and legends. On our hike up to the main site, we will pass several rock tombs, including the "Tomb of Hector", an intriguing mix of myth and historical reality. Whilst the claim that the Trojan Prince Hector was buried here is unlikely, the site remains an integral part of Lycian heritage. (Approx. 9 km).
- Day 6:
- A free day to relax at base, go shopping in
Fethiye or visit the lagoon at Oludeniz. Adrenaline-seekers can take a tandem para-glide flight from the peak of Mount Babadag, and for qualified divers, we can arrange a diving excursion
with a local dive centre in Oludeniz (these optional activities are not included in the holiday cost and are payable locally).
- Day 7:
- Drive up to Alinca and walk down to Faralya
along part of the Lycian Way, with spectacular views over Kabak Bay
and Gemiler Bay before returning to Mandarin & Mango for your
farewell dinner.
The itinerary is subject to change according to local
conditions.
For those with a keen interest in botany, we particularly recommend our walking weeks in the spring, when the local countryside is awash with a wide variety of wild flowers.
Please click here for a list of some of the species identified by two of our more expert guests during their stay
from 27 April to 4 May 2015, with kind thanks to Anne and Ronald Richardson.
Furthermore, Turkey is very rich in different species of orchid, and our region (Mugla) is the province with the greatest proliferation. Many of the rarer species are inconspicuous
and only likely to be spotted by specialists. For those with an interest in orchids, please click here for a list of local species kindly
provided by Maria Jonker, a retired teacher based in Dalyan, who together with her husband runs the environmental and educational volunteer group Riverbums.
Private Walking Groups
If none of the above Walking Week dates should suit, or if you are planning to travel with your own group or walking club, we are also happy to arrange private walking tours for
groups of between 4 and 22 people. Itineraries can be tailored to suit your group's particular preferences, including shorter or longer stays. Please don't hesitate to contact us
to discuss your plans without any obligation.
In October 2015, we arranged a private walking week for a group of 19 walkers from Nottinghamshire, which was deemed a resounding success by all concerned. We were delighted
to receive the following note from the group's organiser, Dr Foster:
Dear Ghislain,
I just want to say personally that I cannot thank you enough for all you did for our group of walkers.
You made us feel very special and contributed so much to the enrichment of our walking experience with the local history,
culture, archeology, flora & fauna, and the sampling of local eateries. And, on top of all that, a magical hotel with a
superb team of staff to look after us. Many in the group have said this was the best walking holiday they have had to date.
And that is saying a lot as we have never been disappointed!
You dealt with us with such good humour and tolerance given our very varied personalties. On reflection, perhaps the only
thing which keeps us together as a group is our ability to laugh at each other's foibles. I think you quickly realised
that after the first 24 hours! Well done you!
David has sent a glowing report to trip advisor. Well deserved, Ghislain.
Best wishes to you and your team both at Mandarin/Mango and at your Cachet Travel London base,
Dinah
In addition to her kind words, Dr Foster also gave us permission to share her photographs of the group's holiday, so for an impression of the landscapes, views and archaeological sites
experienced on one of our walking weeks, please view our Walking Week image gallery.
All our tours in 2026 are covered under the Tursab-licence of our agent, Light Tours (Tursab Nr. 1739).
