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Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak 2020 From R26 490
Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak 2020, 12 Days From R26 490
Explore Turkey’s Mediterranean delights and surreal Cappadocia on an active tour
Experience Turkey from a different perspective. Abandon well-worn routes to forge a path through unexplored terrain, deep into the historical heart of Turkey. Travel from the minarets of Istanbul city, visiting Turkey’s holiest sites, hiking through valleys for fairy chimneys, tackling the Lycian Way, cycling the streets of Kas and kayaking over sunken cities on the Turquoise Coast. Take up the challenge and be amazed by the diversity that's revealed on this active adventure.
Why you'll love this trip
Get a taste of incredible Istanbul and its bustling backstreets with your local leader.
Hike the valleys of Cappadocia and picnic among surreal fairy chimneys that dot the landscape.
Visit Ephesus’s astounding Roman ruins, where the Greco-Roman world still feels very much alive.
A kayak trip over a sunken city is the perfect way to experience the lush blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Hike the famous Lycian Way with breathtaking views of the Turquoise Coast.
Is this trip right for you?
Though you don’t need to be an athlete to take part in this trip, you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy it fully. Most activities are moderate and slow paced. Hiking activities range from 3km to 14km in a day, and they can be uphill and in full sun. The cycling activity is 30km and basic mountain biking skills are required. The kayaking is approximately 2.5 hours of paddling (12km), with no previous experience required.
Most travel is on public buses. The aim behind this is two-fold: to give you a taste of local life and to minimise the carbon footprint. In fact, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find most Turkish buses have Wi-Fi and serve coffee and cake!
You will need to carry your own bags to and from hotels, bus stops and train stations. So it's a good idea to travel light if you can.
There is a homestay on Day 8 in a local village. This cabin accommodation is comfortable and clean but basic with share bathroom facilities. There is a pool to cool off and the view of butterfly valley is breathtaking. This is an authentic local experience and a way to experience Turkish hospitality at its best.
Where possible, we have tried to plan the hiking and cycling to mornings and afternoons, but please be aware it can get hot in the summer months.
You will need to pack good walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack. Don’t forget a jacket and swimming gear.
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Check-in time at our joining-point hotel is after 2 pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, but if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival. Today you'll become acquainted with eclectic character of the city on an orientation walk.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Istanbul - Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities
Istanbul - Aya Sofia Museum - TRY72
Istanbul - Basilica Cistern - TRY20
Istanbul - Chora Church - TRY54
Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY120
Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - TRY30
Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - TRY42
Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (incl. massage) - TRY310
Urban Adventures - Picnic On Two Continents - EUR43
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Excluding Harem) - TRY72
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 2: Cappadocia
Enjoy a free morning in Istanbul. Your leader will take you on another orientation walk so you can make the most of it. It’s a good idea to grab a snack during your free time as you won’t arrive in Cappadocia until the afternoon – roasted chestnuts are a delicious and easy street food option! In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Cappadocia. Your leader will confirm the exact time of the flight during the welcome meeting on Day 1. On arrival in Cappadocia, transfer to Goreme, where your leader will help you get your bearings on an orientation walk. The rest of your day is free.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Cappadocia - Valley Walk
Optional Activities
Goreme - Wine & Sunset Tour Cappadocia - USD75
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3: Cappadocia
With its towering chimneys and beehive-esque mountain caves, Cappadocia really does feel like a dreamscape. After breakfast, begin exploring with a short walk, through either the phallic pillars of Love Valley or the pink-hued rocks of Red Valley. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in the town of Goreme. If you’re looking to relax and limber up in advance of your hike tomorrow, consider heading to a local hamam (Turkish public bath) for a steam and a scrub.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Goreme- Bike Riding
Optional Activities
Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR195
Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250
Goreme -Hamam Turkish Bath - EUR25
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 4: Cappadocia - Konya (Hiking)
One of the most iconic images associated with Cappadocia is that of colourful hot air balloons drifting high above the semi-arid rock formations and valleys below. If you can handle the early start, you have the option of rising high with the sun on one of these balloons, experiencing this truly stunning wonderland from above. If you would prefer to stay grounded, your leader will organise a short walk in the morning so you can stretch out your tired legs before a free afternoon. Maybe you’d like to see some of the earliest Christian churches in history at the Goreme Open Air Museum? Depart for Konya in the afternoon, a Central Anatolian Plains city that is as dense and urbane as Cappadocia is ancient and expansive. Konya has its own unique religious history as the home of the Mevlevi Order, a spiritual sect better known as the whirling dervishes. You can ponder the influence of this Islamic mysticism on the city around you at the Mevlana Museum, before grabbing a bite and jumping on the overnight train to Izmir.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
Cappadocia - Valley Walk
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
The train has first-class cabins with twin beds, a fridge and a wash basin. All bedding is provided.
A single supplement is not available on the train.
Day 5: Selcuk
Good morning and welcome to Izmir! From here you’ll take a one hour transfer to Selcuk. This town is steeped in Turkish traditions and packed with remnants of the past. First up are the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill, where you will find a castle fortress and 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque amoung other gems. The famed Temple of Artemis is also worth a look, though all that remains of this ancient wonder is a single pylon. In the afternoon it's time for what may well be the highlight of your trip – the ruins of Ephesus. There will be plenty of time to marvel at the beautifully preserved remains of this ancient metropolis, including the staggering stadium and delicately carved facades. Learn about its 1,500-year history in a guided tour. Then, return to Selcuk on foot and enjoy a balmy evening in the local square, and enjoy a very Turkish evening watching locals play cards and backgammon.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Ephesus - archaeological site
Seluck - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY18
Selcuk - Archaeological Museum - TRY18
Ephesus - Terrace Houses Entry - TRY36
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Day 6: Fethiye (Hiking)
A port city with a stunning coast, an archaeological hotspot and the site of precipitous green cliffs – Fethiye has an abundance of natural and manmade beauty. You’ll arrive here after a three-and-a-half-hour bus ride and begin exploring with a hike along part of the historical Lycian Way trail. This two-hour, six-kilometre trek along the rugged coast will take you up a steep rocky path and through forest before you emerge with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Descend into Oludeniz and witness the stunning vista of the Blue Lagoon hemmed by an arching peninsula. This evening you may want to rest up and sort out your pack for tomorrow, as you prepare to tackle another section of the Lycian Way.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz
Optional Activities
Fethiye - Oludeniz Blue Lagoon - TRY8
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7: Faralya (Hiking)
Take a short bus ride to Ovacik which marks the official start of the Lycian Way. Begin a 14-kilometre walk toward Faralya. As you pass through areas of pine forests, rocky terrain, and Mediterranean shrub on this day-long hike, you'll catch stunning vistas of clear blue water and Mount Babadağ looming above. Your route takes you through the villages of Kozağaç and Kirme, where you'll meet a few local farmers and maybe even stop for a cup of tea. Lunch is simple picnic en route. Arrive in Faralya late in the afternoon, and retire for the night at George and his son Hassan's house where you'll enjoy some fine Turkish hospitality.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
Lycian Way - Faralya to Kabak Guided Hike
Optional Activities
Fethiye - Fethiye Museum - TRY5
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
A single supplement may not be available this evening.
Day 8: Faralya - Kabak - Kas (Hiking)
Rise and shine for the three-hour hike from Faralya to Kabak, a rather strenuous uphill journey. You’ll be rewarded with the incredible views of lush forest against glittering blue waters. Descend and enjoy lunch at the bay below, and if you’d like, a dip in the clear water. Return to Fethiye and jump on a local bus to Kas. It’s a three-hour ride, so make sure you’ve got a book, a podcast or the desire to strike up a conversation with a local. Kas is a charming city, with cobblestone streets and whitewashed walls galore. You might want to rest your aching limbs at one of the waterfront restaurants, where the price of a drink will get you a deck chair, and umbrella and gorgeous views of the sea. Another early night in order. The local handicraft markets make for a great evening activity, and the small ancient theatre offers the best sunset, but don’t forget you’ll be up early tomorrow.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
Kas - Leader led orientation walk
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 9: Kas
Today you will kayak over the sunken city near Kekova, where ruins jut from the crystal clear water. Off the coast of Ucagiz, lies the island of Kekova. On the northern side of the island, you’ll find the stone archways, worn down steps and crumbling walls of a an ancient Lycian settlement, rebuilt during the Byzantine era but has long been abandoned. It will be a 12 kilometre paddle, taking about two hours to complete. The sunken city isn’t the only sight in the area – explore myriad of coves and tiny islands. Then you will return to beautiful Kas, where you may wish to catch the local handicraft market.
Accommodation
Pension (1 night)
Optional Activities
Kas - Handicraft market - Free
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 10: Kas
Settle into the saddle this morning for a leisurely cycle around the streets of Kas. While the exact time spent biking will depend on the group, you can expect to be finished by around midday. The rest of the day is clear so you can relax and recharge in whatever way suits you. You may want to head out on the water again, this time on a gulet (a traditional sailing vessel) and enjoy cruising around the calm waters. Or maybe hit one of the local beaches with a good book. If you’ve still got energy, the nightlife of Kaz is the perfect place to burn it. There are bars and restaurants aplenty for you to while away the evening.
Accommodation
Pension (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 11: Istanbul
Istanbul awaits after a morning of travel. Take a four-hour public bus ride to Antalya, then transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Istanbul. Settle into your hotel, then head out on a scenic walk across the Galata Bridge in the early evening. A dinner of local indulgent delights caps off your trip. Munch on a local fish sandwich, tuck into some famous baklava and sip some cay (Turkish tea) while reminiscing and saying goodbye to your fellow travellers.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 12: Istanbul
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport
Private Bus, Public bus, Overnight Train, Plane
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Guesthouse (1 nights), overnight train (1 night)
Included activities
Istanbul - Leader-led walking tour
Cappadocia - Valley Walk
Goreme- Bike Riding
Ephesus - archaeological site
Seluck - Orientation Walk
Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz
Lycian Way - Faralya to Kabak Guided Hike
Kas - Leader led orientation walk
Important notes
GROUP MEETING
Welcome Meeting starts at 1.00pm on Day One.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
There are internal flights on this trip and most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15kg checked and 8kg cabin.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. The Single Supplement is not available:
Day 4 overnight train
Day 7 Faralya
TURKEY:
We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel
Our Standard Terms and Conditions Apply
Ref: IN11005
PLease contact us for more information
luzelle@atravelagent.co.za