THE BEST of Fethiye: Saklikent Gorge and Ancient City Tlos

Fethiye boasts a wealth of natural and historical wonders, and this tour offers a chance to experience two of its crown jewels. Explore the dramatic Saklikent Gorge, where towering limestone walls create a dramatic and serene setting. Then, uncover the ancient ruins of Tlos, a Lycian city steeped in myth and legend. From the acropolis, gaze out over the stunning landscape. Whether you’re an avid hiker, history buff, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this full-day excursion promises to leave a lasting impression. Intrigued? Read on to discover the details that make this tour a must-do in Fethiye.

Good To Know

• A full-day adventure visiting the ancient city of Tlos and exploring the natural wonder of Saklikent National Park, located near Fethiye.

• The tour offers a mix of historical ruins, scenic landscapes, and optional outdoor activities like hiking and river crossing.

• Highlights include panoramic views from Tlos Acropolis, a scenic lunch at a trout farm, and walking along the river in Saklikent Gorge.

• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of physical fitness, with appropriate footwear and preparation recommended.

• Transportation options include private car, taxi, or guided tour with round-trip transportation, providing convenience and ease of access to these top attractions near Fethiye.

Tour Overview

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel near the security/main gate in Fethiye.

It’s a full-day adventure that lasts around 9 hours. You’ll visit the ancient city of Tlos, about 22 miles from Fethiye, and explore its Lycian ruins, including the acropolis, public baths, Roman stadium, and rock-cut tombs.

After lunch at a scenic trout farm, you’ll head to Saklikent National Park, where you’ll walk along the river in the dramatic Saklikent Canyon.

The tour includes lunch, hotel transfers, a professional guide, entrance fees, and drinks.

However, there’s a maximum of 40 travelers, and the activities require moderate physical fitness, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those in wheelchairs.

Itinerary Highlights

From the hotel pick-up near the security/main gate, the tour ventures to the ancient city of Tlos, about 22 miles from Fethiye.

At this Lycian ruin, visitors can:

• Explore the remains of public baths, a Roman stadium, and rock-cut tombs
• Climb to the acropolis for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
• Marvel at the well-preserved ruins and learn about the site’s history from the guide

After the Tlos visit, the group enjoys a scenic lunch at a trout farm before heading to Saklikent National Park, just a 20-minute drive away.

Here, they can walk along the river and optionally cross the current within the dramatic Saklikent Canyon.

Entrance Fees and Accessibility

Entrance fees to the ancient city of Tlos and Saklikent National Park aren’t included in the tour price, costing approximately EUR 4 per person.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with limited mobility may find it challenging. Pregnant women are also not recommended for this excursion.

While infants can join, they’ll need to sit on their guardian’s lap. To participate, a moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking through water on slippery rocks.

Appropriate footwear is essential to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.

Reviews and Feedback

The tour has garnered a rating of 3.5 out of 6 reviews.

Positive remarks have highlighted the organization and guide knowledge, such as the excellent work of Bahar. Scenic locations like Gizlikent waterfall and Tlos have been praised.

However, there have been mixed feedback on time management and organization at the sites. Suggestions for better preparation, such as wearing appropriate footwear, have also been made.

To enhance the experience, travelers should:

• Prepare for walking through water on slippery rocks
• Bring cash for rentals or purchases
• Expect potential additional stops (e.g., carpet factory)
• Be mindful that weather may impact the experience
• Consider optional activities at the gorge, like rafting, bungee jumping, or zip lining.

Preparation Tips

Proper preparation is key to maximizing one’s enjoyment of the Saklikent Gorge and Tlos tour.

Wear sturdy, water-resistant shoes as you’ll be walking through a river and on slippery rocks. Bring cash for any rentals or purchases, as credit cards may not be widely accepted.

Expect potential stops at additional sites, like a carpet factory, so be ready for a flexible itinerary. The weather can significantly impact the experience, so check forecasts and pack accordingly.

While the tour offers thrilling activities like rafting and bungee jumping, focus on the recommended moderate fitness level required to navigate the gorge comfortably.

Optional Activities

Visitors to Saklikent Gorge can partake in a variety of thrilling optional activities.

Adrenaline junkies can tackle the rushing rapids by going rafting or experience the canyon from new heights with bungee jumping and zip lining.

Those seeking a gentler adventure can cross the river on narrow suspension bridges or descend into the gorge on hiking trails.

For a unique perspective, visitors can board glass-bottom boats to observe the canyon’s natural wonders.

Whether seeking an exhilarating escapade or a peaceful exploration, Saklikent Gorge offers excitement for all.

• Rafting
• Bungee jumping
• Zip lining
• Suspension bridge crossing
• Glass-bottom boat tours

Getting There

Situated approximately 20 minutes from Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge is easily accessible by private or shared transportation. To reach the gorge, visitors have several options:

Transportation	Cost	Convenience
Private car	$$	High
Taxi	$$$	High
Shared minibus	$	Moderate

For those staying in Fethiye, booking a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation is a hassle-free choice. Alternatively, self-driving or taking a taxi provides more flexibility but requires additional planning. Regardless of the method, the journey to Saklikent Gorge is straightforward, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the stunning natural wonder.

The Sum Up

This guided tour offers an exciting and immersive experience in Fethiye’s natural wonders and historical sites. Visitors can explore the stunning Saklikent Gorge, discover the ancient Lycian ruins of Tlos, and enjoy a scenic lunch. With optional activities and accessibility details provided, this tour caters to adventurous travelers seeking a unique and memorable way to experience the best of Fethiye.