This day trip from Kas combines Xanthos, the ancient capital of Lycia, with Saklikent Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural sites on the Turkish south coast, in a single guided excursion. You are collected from your hotel, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, and have all entrance fees covered, leaving you free to enjoy both history and nature.
The first stop is Xanthos Ancient City, which lies only a short distance from the canyon. In antiquity it was the residence of King Iobates and grew into one of the most powerful cities of its day, serving as the capital of the Lycian Union. Greek mythology names Sarpedon of Crete as its founder. Today its main attraction is the remarkable collection of Lycian tombs, from tall pillar monuments to sarcophagi, which your guide explains as you walk through the ruins of this UNESCO-listed site.
From Xanthos the tour continues to Saklikent Canyon, a gorge about 14 kilometres long that is thought to have been formed by an earthquake and that marks the border between the provinces of Mugla and Antalya. Legend says it was first noticed by a shepherd, and today its cool, narrow walls and rushing water draw visitors from across the region, with small riverside businesses at the entrance. After time at the canyon, you are driven back to Kas at the end of a varied and rewarding daily excursion.
Your full day programme — click to see every stop.
Xanthos & Saklikent Programme Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Kas and the group drives inland towards the Esen valley. The first visit is Xanthos Ancient City, located close to Saklikent Canyon. Once the residence of King Iobates, Xanthos became one of the most powerful cities of its time and the capital of the Lycian Union, and according to Greek mythology it was founded by Sarpedon of Crete. Walk among the ruins and admire the ancient Lycian tombs that make the site so famous, while your guide brings the history of the Lycians to life. Next, the tour continues to Saklikent Canyon, a gorge of about 14 kilometres believed to have been created by an earthquake, forming the boundary between the provinces of Mugla and Antalya. Discovered, as the story goes, by a local shepherd, the canyon has since become a popular spot, with cafes and small businesses around its entrance; lunch here is at your own expense. Enjoy time to explore the canyon's cool, dramatic scenery before you are transferred back to your hotel in Kas.
Kas → Xanthos → Saklikent → Kas Lycian Ruins → Gorge
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles — the same fleet we use on your tour.
👥 54 Seats
👥 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
👥 55 Seats
👥 54 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 50 Seats
👥 46 Seats
👥 37+2 Seats
👥 37 Seats
👥 35 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 16+1 Seats
👥 12+1 Seats
👥 6+1 Seats
More day tours and excursions in Kas — swipe to explore.
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Turn your day trip into a longer journey — these tours also visit this destination.
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized — from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!