Cappadocia & the Mediterranean

Day 3: Cappadocia (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/9 miles. 10 km/6 miles of this is off- road. Overnight at the same hotel. (B,L,D)

*Optional hot air ballooning takes place during our stay in Cappadocia. Scheduling is dependent on weather.

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 then transfer to a ranch in Avanos. We'll mount our horses and set off on a 3 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 Goreme Village where we have the remainder of the afternoon free. You can either try a Turkish bath, have a massage or just simply relax. (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 and 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 camping. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Taurus Mountains – Antalya

Today we depart from our campsite by foot, for a 30-minute hike before reaching our vehicle. We are headed to Antalya today, located on the beautiful Mediterranean coast of Southern Turkey. It's a long journey, 500 km/325 miles but we'll break it up with some interesting stops along the way, including a visit to the Whirling Dervishes museum and lunch in Konya. We'll arrive into the beautiful coastal town of Antalya in the early evening. Antalya is 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,L,D)

Day 8: Antalya – Kekova – Kas (Sea Kayaking)

Early this morning we transfer to Kekova where we will explore the ancient ruins of Simena and the sunken city by sea 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 then head to Tersane Bay, which was used as a shipyard in ancient times. After a short swimming break, we carry on paddling to the Sunken City and then to Simena Village for another short break before paddling back to Ucagiz Village. From here we’ll drive to Kaş, where we transfer to our hotel 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 launch from Big Pebble Beach or Kaş 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 favor, we'll kayak on open seas from Inceburun back to Kaş. 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 white sand 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 Kaş harbour to relax and rejuvenate with a swim in the clear waters of Kaş. (B,L)

Day 10: Kas (Biking)

Today we take to our bikes again. We have a brilliant full day’s descent starting on the mountain plateau and finishing near sea-level. The terrain in the hills above Kaş is superb mountain-bike territory. We’ll follow little-used roads and paths, often with breathtaking vistas over the coast. After an initial climb of a couple of kilometres, the morning is mostly spent on a long easy descent into Kaş. There are excellent views over the Greek Island of Castellorizo and the Kaş peninsula. We’ll finish the day with a group dinner. Overnight at same hotel in Kaş. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Kas – Dalaman – Istanbul

In the morning we will transfer to the 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 and sightseeing. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Istanbul. (B)

Day 12: Istanbul - Departure

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

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