We typically ask everyone to meet on this evening. The guide can meet everyone and make introductions. Whilst no evening meal is included we generally dine together in a local restaurant.

Today’s hilltop walk will give us unparalleled views over Eğirdir town and the tiny Green Island which is joined to it by a causeway. Post-summit we walk over meadows on easy trails with fabulous clean-air views to finish in the village of Akpinar (Pure Spring). We can fill our water bottles at the village spring before returning to town by vehicle.

We begin with a short drive around the edge of the lake to our hike start point. We ascend during the morning at a gentle rate on a good footpath across fertile green hillsides passing ancient oaks and shepherds with their flocks. From the head of the valley our views of Mount Gelencek are incredible; flocks of choughs fly and chatter around us. We cross the pass and descend past a shepherd camp on easy wide trail to the village where we can enjoy a cup of tea (and fill our water bottles with fresh spring water) before returning by vehicle to Eğirdir.

Striding out over soft grassy meadows we head uphill to a rocky gorge from which we emerge to enjoy stunning views of Mount Davraz. Our favourite picnic spot here is in the shade of pine trees with Davraz dominating the view. Our descent passes shepherds in their summer tented camps and we end our hike on Kulova, the largest grazing meadow in the region.

A free day to relax or for optional excursions. Yalvaç is a modern Turkish town with an ancient heart. At its core lie a 13th century mosque complex, a 700-year old tree (an oriental plane) which provides shade for the myriad of teashops which nestle underneath and a rich history. On the outskirts of the town lie the ruins of Antioch in Psidia where St Paul preached. The city still boasts marble streets, an ornamental nyphaeum and exquisite carvings.

The cave system at Zindan has been the site of an ancient oracle since time immemorial; many sought to learn their future here. In medieval times it was used as a prison. We can explore and enjoy it before wandering on to begin our ascent through shaded forest on good trails to the saddle before Mount Aksu. The ascent is optional – those who prefer to relax in the shade with impressive views of the local giant Mount Dedegol for company can do so.

We enjoy a hike that interlinks some of the villages that lie in and around the Kovada National Park. Our morning views are dominated by apple orchards and the attractive terracotta roofs of village houses, our afternoon by the gentle blue-green waters of Lake Kovada. A walkway has been constructed part-way around the margin of the lake allowing us the opportunity to enjoy at closer quarters the bird and wildlife.

Should you need onward transport connection we will be pleased to assist.