Multi-sport Adventure Travel in Turkey

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Turkey

Turkish Delight

Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking and Hot Air Ballooning

(12 Days)

Rated One of the Top 53 Adventures for 2007 by Outpost Managazine Looking for ways to satisfy your adventure cravings? Here's the ultimate buffet of multi-sport activities with an itinerary that highlights many of Turkey's truest gems, from ancient Istanbul to the turquoise seas of the Mediterranean. We begin in Istanbul, the great city that links Europe to Asia across the Bosphorus. We wander through active bazaars and colourful medinas. We visit Topkapi Palace, the stunning Blue Mosque and the 1,500-year old Hagia Sophia. We fly to Cappadocia, where wind and water have carved the volcanic bedrock into sculptures that resemble fairy chimneys. Here we'll bike and horseback ride with an option to hot air balloon. We spend two days trekking through the Taurus Mountains with overnights in tents below starry skies. Then we head for the coast, and spend a couple of days paddling amongst sugary beaches, rocky cliffs and steamy thermal baths. This self-propelled passage generates high-octane thrills for the adventure junkie.

Trip Highlights

Exploring the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia by mountain bike, foot and horseback
Strolling through Istanbul visiting the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, The Grand Bazaar & Palace
Sea Kayaking on the Mediterranean past ancient ruins

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Istanbul

Sitting with a Turkish Family This morning a BikeHike Adventures representative will greet you at the international airport and transfer you to a comfortable hotel in Istanbul. We’ll meet in the afternoon for a brief introduction to the tour, then take a stroll to the Blue Mosque, a 17th Century Ottoman Imperial Mosque dominating the skyline of the Old Town.

Day 2: Istanbul - Kayseri- Cappadocia (City Tour, Walking)

Today we explore The Old Town of Istanbul, wandering through the colorful streets crowded with locals going about their daily routine. We’ll get behind the scenes into the workshops and markets that are centuries old. We’ll visit Topkapi, the administrative palace for the Ottoman dynasty for over 400 years and Hagia Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture. Then we’ll meander through the narrow streets of The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, bargaining for goodies. Moderate walking in the city about 5 hours. Moderate walking in the city about 5 hours. Late afternoon we'll transfer to the airport and fly to Kayseri. A driver and vehicle will be awaiting us at the airport and will transfer us to a Cappadocian house that is over two centuries old, still intact with original decorations and frescoes. This is our home for the night. (B,D)

Day 3: Cappadocia (Mountain Biking)

Cappadocia is world renowned for the unique rock formations, sculpted from the continuous erosion of volcanic ash and lava rock. It is also one of the few places where ancient traditions still shape the lives of the people. Today we start our fat tire biking adventure through Cappadocia's fairytale landscape, scouting a scenic loop from Goreme and descending through the Kiliclar Valley. We'll stop in Cavusin for lunch. This small village is made up of rock cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses. We'll also visit some 5th century Christian churches here. In the afternoon we will be pedalling in the backyards of Akvadi (white valley), where white fairy chimneys sprawl through the village. We end with a descent from Uchisar to Goreme along a rolling paved road. Total ride about 15 km, 10 km off road. Overnight at the same hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Cappadocia (Horseback Riding)

We start the day with a traditional breakfast of robust Turkish coffee, black olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber and fresh breads we transfer to a ranc in Avanos. We'll mount our horses and set off on a 4 hour journey to Sarihidir Village, located alongside The Kizilirmak River, the longest river in Turkey. We'll canter to Saruhan, a Seljuk Caravanserai dated back from 13th Century and also along an ancient Silk Road towards the Devrent Valley. Later in the afternoon we'll drive to Bayramhacili where we have the remainder of the afternoon to soak in the steamy hot springs, swim in the pools or have an optional massage. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cappadocia - Sokuluplinar -Taurus Mountains (Hiking)

This morning we set off by vehicle into the Taurus Mountains. On the way we'll visit Derinkuyu, a huge underground city buried under the plains of Central Anatolia. It's 8 floors deep and was used by the early Christians, hiding from Roman persecution. We'll drive to Demirkazik for a delicious trout lunch at an open-air restaurant on the riverbank. Then carry on to the Cimbar gorge, the starting point of our trek. We'll hoof up to Arpalik Yayla and have spectacular views of narrow passages and towering rock walls surrounding us. After 4 hours of trekking, we reach Sokulupinar, our campsite located at 2.000m. The views here are gorgeous, especially as the sun is setting on the horizon. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Taurus Mountains - Sokulupinar – Emli Valley – (Hiking)

We rise early in our tents, head to the dining tent for a homemade breakfast. Then we set off on foot, ascending to Sakartas at 2.300m. We traverse along the path to Eznevit, a semi-nomad campsite at 2.538m, where we may meet some local families herding their flocks of animals. After having lunch we gradually descend to the Siyirmalik valley, with wonderful panoramic views of the high rocky pinnacles of the Aladaglar region and forested with fragrant Cedar and Juniper trees. We eventually end at our campsite in the Emli Valley, located at 1800 metres. 6 hours trekking. Overnight at camping. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Taurus Mountains – Antalya

Today we depart from our campsite by vehicle. We are headed to Antalya, located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Southern Turkey. After a three hour drive we break our journey in Konya where we stop to visit the Whirling Dervishes museum. We then drive for a further four hours through the Taurus Mountains to arrive in Antalya. Antalya is a beautiful coastal town, set atop a limestone plateau, with the Beydaglari Mountain peak looming to the west. Our accommodation here is in an authentic Ottoman guesthouse in the old city centre, near the old harbour. It's a great location to wander at night through the narrow streets for an evening stroll on the promenade. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B,D)

Day 8: Antalya – Kekova – Kas (Boat Trip)

Early this morning we transfer to Kekova where we'll board a boat for a daytrip exploring some of the well-preserved archaeological sites along the stony coastline. Some of the old houses along the northern coast of the Kekova Island were completely immersed by earthquakes during the Byzantine period, and now lies the half-submerged remains of a Lycian sunken city. By foot we'll walk up to the Simena Castle, with a small theater, cut into the rock, for just about 300 people. This is a sign that this was a minor settlement in Roman times. From the castle the views of the numerous necropolises are wonderful. We'll take a stroll on Tersane Island, the largest of the islands in this region, with many ruins of buildings dated to the early Roman era. We end our trip in Kas, where we transfer to our hotel for the night and have the remainder of the night at leisure. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B,L)

Day 9: Kas – Limanagzi – Kas (Sea Kayaking)

Early morning we have a short drive to the put in on the ocean with our kayaks. We'll get geared up and have an introductory discussion teaching us paddling techniques and about all of the equipment before launching our sleek kayaks into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. We'll practice basic skills in sheltered, calm and warm seas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience. We launch from Big Pebble Beach or Kas harbour. We'll paddle to the isolated Sebeda coasts, only accessible by boat, where we'll view ancient tombs carved into sheer rock on the steep hills. We'll break for lunch on Limanagzi Beach with time to swim in the warm turquoise waters. In the afternoon, if the winds are in our favour, we'll kayak on open seas from Inceburun back to Kas. If we're lucky, we may encounter curious Mediterranean Monk Seals and Sea Turtles popping up beside our kayaks. If the sea conditions are favourable and the group is feeling ambitious, we can paddle further to the islands of Antiphellos Archipelago. The small stretches of whitesand beaches of these tiny islets and the unique coastline make superb sites for exploring. The opportunities to swim and snorkel are endless. After the adventurous open water crossing, we reach Big Pebble Beach or Kas harbour to relax and rejuvenate in with a swim the clear waters of Kas. (B,L)

Day 10: Kas - Ucagiz – Aperlai – Kas (Sea Kayaking)

Today we'll paddle though the magical world of The Kekova Islands area, the Aperlai City, only accessible by boat. Just below sea level there are ruins, the mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks. We'll take some time on terra firma here to explore these ruins on foot. We end with a paddle to Ucagiz Village, discovering the ecological and geological diversity of the Lycian shore. Finally we cast ashore and drive back to our hotel in Kas for the night. (B,L)

Day 11: Kas – Dalaman – Istanbul

In the morning we will transfer to airport in Dalaman to connect with our flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival into Istanbul a driver will meet us and will transfer us back to our hotel. There is free time for the rest of the day to do any last minute shopping, sightseeing. This evening is a farewell dinner. Overnight at comfortable hotel in Istanbul. (B,D)

Day 12: Departure

We’ll transfer you to the international airport for your flight back home. (B)

Sept 8, 2010	-	Sept 18, 2010
Oct 13, 2010	-	Oct 24, 2010
May 11, 2011	-	May 22, 2011
Jun 8, 2011	-	Jun 19, 2011


Hotel	Camping
9 Nights	2 nights