From the lofty snow-capped summits of the Olimpos Mountains it is just a few miles down to beautiful rocky bays by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. The many famous sites of antiquity scattered throughout these mountains does credit to Turkey’s claim to be the biggest open-air museum in the world.

A magical display of flowers garlands the still glorious late autumn landscape in the unspoilt Taurus. Three species of Cyclamen cloak woodland floors and tawny mountain slopes are decorated by white, pink and yellow bulbs. What could be better than the purple-centred ivory flowers of rare Crocus mathewi, unless it is even rarer Crocus wattiorum, a wonder with purple-blue flowers enriched with scarlet stigmas and yellow and black stamens. Crocus pallasii subspecies dispathaceus is another exceptionally beautiful species and we’ll see this gem blooming with Crocus cancellatus subspecies pamphyllicus and delicate Crocus asumaniae. Bright purple-pink Colchicum baytopiorum is found at impregnable Termessos where small groups of Ibex gaze at us from high rocky fastnesses where we might see the Wallcreeper that visits each winter. Magnificent Tahtali Mountain rises behind our second hotel and nearby under ancient gnarled plane trees we’ll encounter massed displays of the pretty snowdrop Galanthus peshmeni. Juniper dotted slopes host rare Colchicum sanguicolle and magnificent violet-blue Crocus speciosus. Set in crevices in almost white limestone are pockets of the fine pink stars of Colchicum stevenii, their narrow glossy green leaves help make a fine picture. The chequered blooms of Colchicum variegatum adorn slopes below the haunt of golden Sternbergia clusiana and the weird Biarum pyrami. Another ‘weirdy’, the even stranger Biarum davisii, is found in this area along with the tiny Sternbergias colchiciflora. Ancient Phaselis, its ruins secondary to the near perfect setting of little bays and pinewoods, is bedecked in a carpet of Cyclamen graecum. Spidery Colchicum decaisnei, mauve Autumn Squill and the neat white spirals of Autumn Ladies Tresses bloom along a river valley that is a haven to migrant birds and late season butterflies including Two-tailed Pashas.

One can never guarantee anything with autumn bulbs though in truth there are always at least some in flower. Whether you’ll get to see spectacular shows as there are given the right autumn conditions, or whether you’ll see the species but not the numbers, is something only time will tell, however there’s always the guarantee of great scenery, wonderful food, and (mostly!) very good weather!

INFORMATION

Focus

Autumn Bulbs, Landscapes and Cultural Sites.

Leaders

Yasemin Konuralp, Seda Soylu,

Walking

Relaxed and easy. Up to two or three miles a day and always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to flower photographers.

Included in the Price

All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Turkey. Tips. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips, and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included. No visa is now required for UK nationals.

Group Size

The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 8 or less.

Accommodation

We start with three nights at the exquisitely located Gül Mountain Hotel on the lower slopes of Tahtalı Mountain in Olimpos National Park. After a night at the 3-star Hotel Tuba in Elmali, in the centre of a valley famed as one the biggest and most productive orchards in Turkey, we descend for a two night stay in the lovely Olea Nova Hotel beautifully situated on the Peninsula just outside Kaş. The Hotel has comfortable rooms overlooking the bay and across to the island of Meis. There is a swimming pool and walks up and down the Peninsula’s lanes can be very productive for wildlife. Kaş’s narrow streets are lined with tempting little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants as the town rises up from its picturesque harbour. Our last night of the tour will be in the pleasant little Dalya Life Hotel quietly situated in the woods to the west of the yachting resort of Gocek. All rooms have en suite facilities.

Flights

UK direct flights to Antalya and returning from Dalaman are available from many UK regional airports*.

*These routes may incur a supplement but most don’t.

Climate

Generally quite warm and sunny though cool in the mornings and evenings. Cooler damper weather is quite possible during the day too and you should certainly expect some rain during the tour.

How to Book

Contact us to check there is availability for the number of places you require. Download a booking form or contact us and we will send one to you. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. This will contain up-to-date health information. Flower and bird checklists are available.