Saklikent Gorge and Tlos Tour with Local Lunch

This full day tour shows off the Saklikent Gorge in all its glory. It's a monster – the second-largest gorge in Europe and the longest and deepest in Turkey. But first, you'll swing by the ruins of Tlos. You'll also visit Gizlikent waterfall and a local carpet centre. Leyla, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Tlos is home to some good examples of the rock-hewn tombs we see around this area of Turkey, always carved high up to bury people closer to the Gods.'Ancient Tlos boasts relics that stretch from the Lycian to Ottoman periods. Leyla says, ‘It is not known exactly how long ago Tlos was founded, but the discovery of a bronze hatchet dating from over 3,000 years ago gives you an idea.' Located on a sloping hillside, it's a compact site but contains a remarkable number of ruins in good enough state to give an indication of their original form. There are rock-cut Lycian tombs, a theatre, Roman baths and much more to admire.After a lunch of fresh local fare at a restaurant by the Gizlikent waterfall, we'll head to the Saklikent Gorge. Leyla says, ‘At Saklıkent, you can walk deep into the gorge for a chance to escape the summer heat and explore one of Turkey's most impressive natural features. At 18km long and 300m deep, it's a dramatic canyon.' Walk along waterside walkways, peer over bridges and paddle through the shallow river bubbling through the canyon. You'll also have some free time to breathe in the pure mountain air before visiting a renowned local carpet workshop.