[2004 Winner]
Callisthenes, an ancient Greek propagandist, once wrote that when Alexander the Great's army approached the Lycian Peninsula, in what is now southern Turkey, the Mediterranean Sea receded so his troops could pass along the coast with ease. Even today, the intoxicatingly beautiful Turquoise Coast seems charmed. Follow in Alexander's footsteps for 15 days, trekking the Lycian Way, a 310-mile trail waymarked in 1999 that hugs the Mediterranean from Fethiye, in the west, to Antalya, in the east. You'll walk the most scenic parts of the Way-ambling along clifftop paths descending to fishing villages, and visiting ancient ruins-then head inland to top out on 8,343-foot Uludag before returning to coastal beaches. You'll camp nine nights; the other five you'll stay in lodges, like the very Zen Sazlik China House, at Adrasan Bay.

High Point: Hiking to the lost city of Patara, site of one of the oldest-known temples dedicated to Apollo, thought to have been built more than 3,000 years ago.

Low Point: Learning to cast aside all notions of mealtimes-most Turkish café owners open when they're good and ready.

Travel Advisory: The U.S. State Department has warned Americans to defer nonessential travel to Turkey, largely due to terrorist bombings in Istanbul late last fall. This trip takes place on a remote coast 300 miles to the south.

Outfitter: KE Adventure Travel (800-497-9675, www.keadventure.com)
When to Go: April, May, and September
Price: $1,395
Difficulty: Moderate

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