Turkey

Turkish Delight

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

(12 Days)

Slide Show

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, hike, horseback ride and hot air balloon, through deep canyons and lush fertile valleys. Then we head for the coast, and spend the last 4-days paddling amongst sugary beaches, rocky cliffs and steamy thermal baths. This self-propelled passage emits high-octane thrills for the adventure junkie.

Trip Highlights

• Exploring the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia by mountain bike and foot
• Walking tour of Istanbul visiting mosques, markets and ancient palaces
• Sea Kayaking on the Mediterranean Sea past ancient ruins

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Istanbul

This morning you will be met upon arrival and transferred into 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. (D)

Day 2: Istanbul (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. (B)

Day 3: Cappadocia – Mustafapasha (Walking)

We take a morning flight to Cappadocia, then drive to the village of Mustafapasha, which is under state preservation. We overnight in a Cappadocian house that is over two centuries old, still intact with original decorations and frescoes. In the afternoon, we'll explore the village, guided by some of the locals. Cappadocia is renowned for the unique rock formations, which are the result of continuous erosion of volcanic ash and lava rock. But it's not just the rock formations that make this area special, it's also one of the few places that the long lasting traditions still shape the lives of the people. (B,L,D)

Days 4-5: Cappadocia – Mustafapasha (Mountain Biking, Hot Air Ballooning)

The next two days we’ll pedal fat tire mountain bikes through Cappadocia’s fairytale landscape. We’ll see the Goreme Valley & Museum, once a monastic complex with hundreds of churches. It is now a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For one lunch, we’ll meet with a local family to learn more about the life in Cappadocia. We’ll venture off the beaten path and see valleys with fairy chimneys, natural formations that served as forts, and hidden valleys that sheltered mankind in natural and manmade caves for centuries. We’ll visit a carpet workshop to see how they are crafted. For one night, we will listen to locals play folk music during dinner at the pension (and dance with them!) On one of our days in Cappadocia we'll launch off of terra firma, soaring high above this unique landscape of tufa in a hot air balloon. The day we fly depends on the winds, but will be on one of our 3 days in Cappadocia. Biking: moderate, about 5 hours, uneven terrain. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Cappadocia - Guzelyurt (Horseback Riding)

Today we’ll transfer to the village of Guzelyurt, to visit the underground city of Kaymakli. Historically, this city was a temporary shelter for the locals in times of danger and siege. Once upon a time, Guzelyurt was a major theological center with countless rock cut churches and monastic living. On horseback, we’ll explore the High Church, The Valley of the Monasteries and ride through a local village to gain a better understanding of Turkish rural life. Horseback Riding: Easy about 5 hours, uneven terrain. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Antalya (Hiking)

This morning we drive to Antalya via Konya and Seydisehir. En route, we visit the Museum of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya. As we arrive in Antalya we stroll through the old town, known as the Inner Citadel. We’ll overnight in a comfortable hotel in the old town. Light Walking - long bus ride. (B)

Day 8: Kas (Sea Kayaking)

After a hearty Turkish breakfast, we head west to Kas, a quaint fishing village on the Mediterranean. If we feel like stretching our legs en-route, there are some places of interest to stop along the way, either at Mt. Olympos to see the burning stone of Chimera or at the Church of St. Nicholas. Upon arrival to Kas we’ll check into our cozy hotel and then try out the kayaks. After dinner, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Kas (Sea Kayaking)

Today we paddle to the coast of Sebeda, past the Lycian rock cut tombs carved into steep rock cliffs. We’ll then paddle to Iztuzu Beach, where if we’re lucky we’ll see the endangered loggerhead turtles – Caretta Caretta- laying their eggs. We'll make several stops on small islands to swim and snorkel. We’ll take out in the afternoon and head back to our hotel. The evening is at leisure.  Paddling: easy about 4 hours. (B,L)

Day 10: Kas (Sea Kayaking)

Early morning we launch our sleek kayaks into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. We’ll paddle over to Simena, where we’ll have the chance to stroll the narrow streets filled with traditional houses. We’ll then continue paddling to Kisneli and Asirli Islands, where we’ll see a large sea cave, once a shelter to pirates. There will be chances to sunbathe, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear blue waters of the isolated beaches.  After returning to land and exploring the ancient ruins in Istlada, we’ll paddle to Ucagiz and end the day.  Overnight at hotel.  Paddling is easy, approx. 7 miles in calm seas (B,L)

Day 11: Kas - Istanbul (Sea Kayaking and Hiking)

Early morning we launch our sleek kayaks into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. We’ll paddle over the sunken city of Kekova, where we’ll be able to see mysterious chambers, steps and walls carved directly into the rocks below us. If we feel like a break from our kayaks, there is also the option to hike 4km to the ancient city of Aperlai. After the kayaking we’ll transfer to the local airport to connect with our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we’ll transfer back to the same comfortable hote we stayed at upon arrivall. We have the remainder of the day at leisure to do any last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping.  Paddling is easy, approx. 4 hours.   (B,L)

Day 12: Departure

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

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