Walking The World

September 27 - October 11, 2006

Land Cost: $3,595 U.S.
Trip Begins: Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Ends: Istanbul, Turkey
Lodging: Hotels & Cruise

Detailed Itinerary
What we Provide

Day hiking, sailing and cultural explorations. Turkey, the gateway to Asia, focus of the great Ottoman Empire and home to some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the western world, is one of civilization's highlights. Our unique 15 day tour, combining day hikes with yacht cruises and hot springs with ancient ruins will introduce you to the best the country has to offer. For centuries, Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, was the center of the civilized world. This remarkable city is home to the famous Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome, where chariots once raced, and the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman Sultans.

After a visit to the thermal springs of Pamukkale, we travel to view the splendid ruins of Aphrodisias. At Ephesus we will explore perhaps the finest ruins in Turkey and also visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John. For many, the highlight of the trip will be our yacht cruise along the offshore islands of the Turquoise Coast, visiting Byzantine monasteries, paying respects at a Lycian temple and snorkeling in cobalt lagoons. We will explore virgin bays, a picturesque coastline lined with pine-trees and some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.

Our trip continues with a visit to the " wild lunar landscapes " of Cappadocia. In Cappadocia we will marvel at the elements that have, through oxidation, transformed volcanic ash and lava into a palette of yellows, reds and grays "painted" on the fascinating rock formations. At Kaymakli, we will explore the elaborate underground cities that housed Christian Cappadocian when they fled persecutions in the 7th and 10th centuries.

This itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.
( B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included )

Adventure Trips: Turkey

Day 1 - Istanbul... On arrival in Istanbul, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. After a short rest to relieve a bit of the jet lag, we’ll stroll along the boulevards of this ancient city and walk to some of the splendid relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Tonight, as a special treat, we’ll enjoy a unique welcome dinner at a 500 year-old Ottoman soup kitchen. Don’t worry, the food will be gourmet and will include more than soup! (All beverages and wine is included with all meals during your trip). D

Day 2 - Istanbul... Today’s walks will take us to the 1500 year old Hagia Sophia Church, the 400 year old Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace and the 2000 year old Roman Hippodrome. In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a boat trip along the shores of the Bosphorous, switching back and forth between the continents of Europe and Asia. B, L, D

Adventure Trips: Turkey

Day 3 - Cappadocia... From Istanbul we’ll catch an early morning flight to Kayseri and then board our van for the drive to Cappadocia. We have two full days to explore this wonderland of geological formations including more than 1000 early Christian churches carved from the local rock formations. During our time here we’ll visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex of 10th century churches and chapels, cut out of soft rock and covered with beautiful interior frescoes, and the Valley of Zelve, a site famous for its troglodyte residences. Our day also includes a visit to a local carpet-weaving co-op for a talk and demonstration of this ancient art of the Turks. The Turks claim to have invented the knotted carpets on the Central Asian steppes in orfer to have comfortable mattresses in their nomadic tents. B, L, D

Day 4 - Cappadocia... Our day starts with a wonderful climb to the Uchisar Fortress for outstanding views of the surrounding area. After a brief visit to Cavusin and the monastery of St. John the Baptist, we will continue on to Avanos Village, famous for its pottery and handicrafts. We’ll also visit the Underground City of Kaymakli, that together with Mazi, Derinkuyu and Ozkonak, were established during the 7th century as a way for Christians to flee from persecution. Daily hiking time will average 3-4 hours. B, L, D

Day 5 - Special Day with a Turkish Family... Today we’ll travel to the remote mountain village of Urunlu via Beysehir Lake where we’ll see the black goat-hair yurts of Yoruk nomads. On our way we’ll also visit Konya and the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes. A very special experience for all of us will be our overnight stay in a small village with a Turkish family. We’ll eat, sleep and enjoy the local customs in a village rarely visited by western travelers. Driving time today is about six hours. B, L, D

Adventure Trips: Turkey

Day 6 - Antalya... In the morning we enjoy a scenic drive over the Taurus Mountains to the coastal city of Antalya. Stop to see Aspendos Theatre, the best preserved Roman Theatre in the world. Antalya is situated south of the Mid-Taurus mountain range and is the Turkish citrus and cotton capital. The ancient heart of the city, clustered around the old harbour, is where Attalus II, the king of Pergamon, founded a port in 2C BC. This district, known as Kaleiçi (meaning ‘within the fortress’) now is a pretty cove, encircled by low cliffs, which serves as a haven for gullets and fishing boats. Overnight in Antalya. B, L, D

Day 7 - Olympos-Chimaera... We begin our day with a drive to spectacular Termessos National Park for a hike up to the magnificent Pisidian site at the foot of Mt. Gulluk. The mountaintop Roman Theater and necropolis are stunning. Our next stop is Cirali village, home of the fire-breathing monster perched at the foot of Mount Olympos. At dusk we hike up to see the eternal flames and drink a toast in honor of Hephaistos. Overnight is at a simple home pension surrounded by beautiful gardens. B, L, D

Day 8 - Simena... An early morning 3 hour hike will take us to the gorge of Olympos to see the ruins of this Lycian site. After a fabulous picnic lunch, we’ll take a short 45 minute drive to Finike to board our yacht for a late afternoon excursion to the remote site of Arycanda. From this point on, our beautiful gullet, or floating hotel, will be our home. In the afternoon we’ll cruise to a preserved cove and then hike to the remote and impressive citadel of Crusaders located on the acropolis of Lycian. B, L, D

Day 9 - Kalkan... Today begins with a gentle cruise to the sunken ruins of Aperlai where we can enjoy a relaxing time swimming and snorkeling. Later in the day, we’ll head to Kas, a sleepy Mediterranean village with white washed houses and bougainvillas. In the afternoon, a relaxing 1-hour walk will take us back to our boat anchored near Kalkan. B, L, D

Day 10 - Gemiler Island... In the morning we’ll take a minibus to the deserted Greek town of Kaya which was abandoned in the 1930’s as a result of the population exchange treaty between Turkey and Greece. Here we take some time to explore this ghost town before embarking on a very picturesque hike to meet with out boat in Soguksu Cove. On Gemiler island we’ll take a short hike to see the Byzantine ruins and watch the sunset. B, L, D

Day 11 - Binlik Cove... In the morning we cruise to Agalimani. From here we walk through pine forests enjoying spectacular views of the Mediterranean, to visit the Lycian site of Lydae which is accessible only on foot, and continue onto Batik Hamam (Sunken Bath) cove which has a Roman bath about 5 feet under water. This is where Mark Anthony is said to have wooed Cleopatra. We anchor for the night near Gocek Marina. B, L, D

Adventure Trips: Turkey

Day 12 - Caunus-Ekincik... Morning sail to Iztuzu Beach, well-known as the place where the rare sea-turtle species Caretta Carettas lay their eggs. We board a fishing boat and cruise up the Dalyan River to Dalyan through a maze of bamboo and cattails. Visit the magnificent 4th C. rock cut tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos. Late afternoon hike to Ekincik Cove to meet the boat and enjoy our last night on the boat with our crew. B, L, D

Day 13 - Ephesus... We leave our floating hotel in Gocek and drive to Ephesus where we will enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing down the marble streets of this ancient city. B, L, D

Day 14 - Ephesus/Istanbul... A trip to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without an exploration of Ephesus and the area’s renowned archaeological museum. Our explorations also include visits to the Basilica and Tomb of St. John and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We’ll take our time exploring this ancient wonder before heading to the airport for our late afternoon flight back to Istanbul. This evening we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together at one of Istanbul’s lively traditional establishments. B, L, D

Day 15... Istanbul and flights home. After breakfast, transfer to airport for our flights home. B

Difficulty: "Easy hiking" 4 to 5 miles daily

Walking The World Guides
Local Guides
Quality accommodation in small characteristic hotels with private facilities in each room/double occupancy
Luxurious six cabin boats with private facilities
All Meals from dinner on day one through breakfast on day 15
All transfers and park entrance fees
Pre-departure information
Excursions as listed in the itinerary with experienced English-speaking local guide
All ground transportation by private air-conditioned vans/buses
15 % VAT, & Service Charge
Unique and original Journal of your trip
Walking The World T-shirt
Good fun, humour and companionship

Return airfare from your home to Turkey
Flights within Turkey approximately $115 U.S.
Airport departure taxes
Gratuities
Any optional activities
Alcoholic beverages and bar expenses
Phone calls and items of a personal nature
Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
Tour is limited to 12 participants

Read about Turkey

MAKE IT SIMPLE...
Simply make your travel arrangements through our agency - New Horizons Travel.
Working with Sarah-Miles Clark at New Horizons Travel, 1-800-864-4364,
will assist both you and us in negotiating the best rates and in the overall coordination of your trip plans. If you choose to use another agency, we must receive a copy of your detailed travel itinerary with your final full payment 60 days in advance of the trip. This information enables us to meet you at the airport whenever possible and to see that you are returned conveniently for your departure.

Please note: The internal flights in Turkey are not included in the land cost.

Airline reservations: We suggest you make airline reservations as soon as possible. Please call Sarah Miles-Clark at 1-800-864-4364 for reservations.

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