Day 1 : Ankara
Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 : Ankara – Ihlara valley
Leaving the capital city behind, we head southeast towards Cappadocia. We pass the massive ‘ Tuz Golu’- one of the salt lakes in Turkey and also
stop at the 13th century Agzikarahan caravanserai. It is constructed to develop the trade about at every 40km. The gate is a fine example of Seljuk
architecture and is a reminder that we are travelling one of the ancient caravan routes linking Asia to Europe. Arriving to Selime village where we
begin our first walk, at the northern end of the Ihlara valley and overnight in the valley itself. Trekking in Cappadocia. Overnight pension with breakfast.

Day 3 : Belisırma – Goreme
The narrow, steep-sided Ihlara valley, dotted with rock cut churches, was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. This valley was formed by
primeval earthquakes and the was once rushing river is now a quiet stream. As we walk along the winding valley, with cliffs reaching up to
170m in some places , we see small garden cultures that originally would have provided for the colonies and made them self supporting. There
are many rock-cut churches is this valley with valley with well-preserved frescos dating from the 9th century. In the afternoon we drive to
Goreme via the Underground City at Derinkuyu. 8 subterranean levels stretch 57 meters below ground. After visit continue to Goreme a town
particularly renamed for its pottery and much of it is still moulded. Overnight at pension.

Day 4 : Akvadi – Pigeon valley
We trek through the Akvadi (white valley) eroded so perfectly by time, rain and wind during centuries. On our way following a seasonal river, many
strange curious rock formations and fairy chimneys round us. If we are lucky we can also see some wild birds.(like hoopoe) and some wild animals
(like fox). In 3h walk our way gets us up to Uchisar village where we have lunch break in a restaurant. Uchisar village is settled around a high
promoter, which is called citadel. We visit it walking to the top where we have rewarding panoramic view on all the surrealist Cappadoccia area.
In the afternoon we follow a path to the Pigeon valley, and we will see some pigionaries that is holy for Moslem people. at the end of the walking we
arrive to Göreme where we will overnight.

Day 5 : Bozdag – Zelve Hill – Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
In the morning we will visit Cavusin village houses from Christianity 9th and 13th century, one of the most important religious centre of
Cappadocia , Then optional walk up to Bozdağ mountain 350 m up to Zelve hill a great panoramic view is available on this surrealist area and
walk to Dervent valley about 4 hours.. After Lunch break we will visit Goreme Open air Museum , a monastic complex of rock churches and chapels
covered with frescoes, is one of the best-known site in the region. Most of the chapels date from the 10th to 13th centuries and many of them are
built on an inscribed cross-plan with a central cupola supported by four columns.. Afternoon we will have opportunity to visit Avanos Famous
for its handicrafts, pottery and carpets . Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 : Cycle Tour – Walking on Kızılcukur Valley
In the morning we will see our bikes and we will ride to our bikes around Goreme town. Our route follows an old farm track between the apricot
orchards and vineyards and past the now familiar fairy chimneys. Viticulture has been here since the Hittites, but it was the exiled Christians
who really developed the vineyards and, for a while, wine was exported under the label of mineral water! Things have changed little and today
most wine is still bottled for export. .. . Kızılcukur valley. Sometimes known as the ‘’red hole’’ Kızılcukur is probably the hottest valley in region.
Hidden in its array of fairy chimneys is The church with grapes where there are frescos depicting viniculture and fruit growing.(The vine
produced here now is very sweet and heavy ) Visiting Cavuşin which lies on top of a collapsed section of early Christian cave city.
This was caused by a huge rockslide, which
together wit earthquakes and natural erosion has caused a split in the plateau. The atrium of the church at cavuşın hac cascaded down,
exposing some of the frescoes. The richness and variety of these frescoes has caused to be reportedly among the best works of early Christian
icon painting. Overnight hotel.

Day 7 : Cappadocia – Ankara
Our final day in this region will be spent by walking in Paşabagları, known as the valley of the Priests. Many of the chimneys here are only
partially divided, showing us the continuous erosion process. This valley is also noted for the many caves in the fairy used by hermits for
their retreats . The afternoon is pent driving back to Ankara. Overnight hotel.

Day 8 : Ankara – Home
Transfer to the airport and fly home.

Grade : II
Limit : 6 / 16 persons
Season : April – December

Day 1 :Join tour Gocek
Arrive Gocek and board gulet. 7 nights share of 2-berth or double cabin. (included meals: Bx7, Lx6, Dx6).

Day 2 : Riverboat to Caunus; Gullet to Aga Limani
After a short transfer to the sleepy village of Dalyan we board our riverboat. We first head upriver to the therapeutic mudbaths of Ilica – a chance to unwind fully in preparation for the week ahead! – and then meander downstream, weaving through reed beds rich in bird life. We pass cliffs carved with the dramatic Necropolis tombs of Caunus before coming to the ruins of the ancient seaport of Caunus. Much of the site is overgrown, but the fine Hellenistic theatre is well preserved and the views from the fortified acropolis are breathtaking. Looking south to the Aegean 5 kms away it is hard to imagine that Caunus was once a thriving port, but fell into decline when the harbour silted up. Continuing by riverboat we reach Iztuzu Beach, a wide spit of white sand lapped on one side by the Aegean and on the other side by the fresh waters of the Koycegiz River. This is one of the few remaining nesting places of Caretta caretta, the loggerhead turtle. Development at Iztuzu has been banned and an overnight curfew is placed on the beach, as this is when the female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Having paused to swim we transfer back to Gocek and board our gulet. We enjoy lunch aboard whilst sailing south to our first overnight mooring at the tranquil cove of Aga Limani.

Day 3 : Batik Hammam – Tersane and Yassica Island – Gemiler Island
In the cooler morning temperatures we make a short hike across an isthmus from our overnight mooring to Batik Hamam (‘Sunken Baths’). Here we find a Roman bathhouse partly submerged in a bay fringed by pinecovered hills. We rejoin the gulet here (any non-walkers can of course opt to stay on board and sail round the headland to Batik Hamam) and then make the short crossing to Tersane Island. Formerly the site of a prosperous Greek village, Tersane is now deserted. Among the remains are a watchtower and some tombs, all of which are now ruined but well preserved. We continue to Yassica Island where there is the opportunity to take an optional walk to the summit; the perfect spot for a 360 degree view. From here we continue to our night sop at Gemiler Island. Time permitting we will be able to see some minor Byzantine ruins overlooking spectacular coastal scenery. Exploring the ruins we find churches with frescoes and mosaic floors which are mostly unexcavated. A unique covered passage from the interior to the sea is said by locals to have been built for a queen who had delicate skin and wanted to avoid the sun, but who enjoyed swimming.

Day 4 : Kalkan – Optional Visit to Xanthos and Saklikent Gorge
We make an early start to sail to Kalkan, an attractive village built into the steep seacliff. Kalkan is an ideal base from which to visit the ancient cities of Xanthos and Saklikent gorge, a short drive away. Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia, captured by Brutus in 43BC, but only after the menfolk had killed all their women and children to save them from falling into Roman hands. Saklikent gorge, situated high in the mountains above Fethiye was created by icy cold water cutting through the mountains over thousands of years. A natural wonder, the resulting canyon is 300 metres deep and 18 km long. Saklikent in Turkish means “Hidden City”. The walls are so high they cut out most of the sunlight and the fresh spring waters that flow through are freezing cold! A great refuge on a hot summer day.

Day 5 : Sail to Kekova
After sailing one of the loveliest stretches of coastline from Kalkan eastwards to the sheltered bay of Kekova, we drop anchor and once again have the chance to venture onshore to discover the ancient heritage of the Lycian Coast. There are various optional walks in the area, including the attractive route from Beyinder Bay to Kas, which reveals lovely coastal views around every corner.

Day 6 : Optional Sea-Kayaking – Sail to Kas
This morning there is the chance to try out sea-kayaking in the calm, protected waters of the bay of Kekova. Here we find the so-called ‘Sunken City’ of Kekova: partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal clear waters. Later we paddle to the picturesque whitewashed village of Simena, whose harbour is dotted with ancient sarcophagi (tombs) and whose houses cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle. Hiking up to the castle we find within its walls a tiny ancient theatre, carved from the solid rock, a wonderful place to sit and soak up the beautiful surroundings and layers of history all about. In the afternoon we make our final gulet journey, sailing west to the pleasant little harbour town of Kas. This attractive port is one of the most beautiful of the Turkish Riviera, backed by steep cliffs covered with dense green forest. You’ll have time to enjoy the atmosphere at one of the many lively cafes near the harbour.

Day 7 : Westward Sail Towards Fethiye
Today we take a leisurely pace, returning westwards towards Fethiye. Stopping en route for swimming opportunities, we eventually moor up around 1 hour from Fethiye in a quiet bay.

Day 8 : Home
This morning we sail back to Fethiye where the tourends. Those with group flights transfer to Dalaman airport.

Day 1: Ankara
Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight. Overnight hotel.

Day 2 : Ankara – Ihlara Area
Early in the morning we will depart by road to Cappadocia, 3 h driving, via Tuz Gol, the great Salt Lake with a superficies of 1700 m2. Arrive selime village in ıhlara area. We start our first walk at Selime at the northern end of the peaceful Ihlara Valley and overnight in the valley itself. About 2 hours walk a long the melendiz river. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 : Ihlara – Cappadoccia – Pigeon Valley
The narrow, steep-sided Ihlara valley, dotted with rock cut churches, was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes and the once rushing river is now a quiet stream. As we walk along the winding valley, with cliffs reaching up to 170m in some places, we seesmall garden cultures that originally would have provided for the colonies making them self-sufficient. There are many rock-cut churches in this valley with well preserved frescoes dating from the 9th century.Later we drive Goreme ,1h After lunch we hike up pigeon valley to Goreme. Cappadocian dovecotes mainly date fromthe 19th century with a few from the 18th and 20th centuries.Pigeons are very holy for Moslem people because of the Koran (holy book of Islam). They are decorated with folk painting as in some examples in the Pigeon valley. Overnight at hotel in Goreme. 4 hours walk.

Day 4 : Kızılcukur (Red valley )
The little visited Pancarlik Valley is close by and we spend the morning walking through it admiring the unusual formations. We continue onto Kizilcukur Valley. Sometimes known as the ‘red hole’, Kizilcukur is probably the hottest valley in the region. Hidden in its array of fairy chimneys is The Church with Grapes where there are frescoes depicting viticulture and fruit growing. (The wine produced here now is very sweet and heavy.) We reach the small village of Cavusin which lies on top of a collapsed section of an early Christian cave city. This was caused by a huge rockslide which, together with earthquakes and natural erosion, caused a split in the plateau. The atrium of the church at Cavusin has cascaded down, exposing some of the frescoes. 4-5 hours walk

Day 5 : Cappadoccia – Taurus Mountain
Our final walking day in this region is spent walking in Pasabağları, known as the valley of the Priests. Many of the chimneys here are only partially divided, showing us the continuous erosion process. Interestingly too there is a small minaret transformed from a church belfry indicating that this place was inhabited by Moslems after the Christians. This valley is also noted for the many caves in the fairy used by hermits for their retreats. After walking we will be transferred to Cukurbağ villge. On our route we will visit the fascinating underground city of Kaymaklı. (8 floors on 57m under the ground ). On arrival in Demirkazık village , the trailhead village, we will have our lunch here. We begin our t Trans-Taurus Trek with a 2 hours hike to Sokullupınar valley 2000 m. Overnight camp with all meals. (Ascent = 350m / Descent = 0m)

Day 6 : Taurus Mountains Impressive Cimbar Canyon (Mules for children )
We take this day to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the northern face of Mt Demirkazık and the impressive Cimbar Canyon. We stop for lunch at a local house in Demirkazık village and have a chance to absorb the scenery and culture of this area. The lifestyle of the inhabitants of this village has not chance for centuries and if we are lucky, we may see local women spnning wool or working on their looms. We return to Sokullupınar campsite this evening. (Ascent = 350m / Descent = 350m)

Day 7 : Taurus Mountain – Konya
We will walk dow to Yalak valley Through valley and hills we follow the paths sloping down to Taurus river , a small village Haninonu, rather rustic settlement at 1450 m high. After a pause-tea in a local tea house, in order to meet the population. We drive (3)h via Pozantı forest secenarry road to Konya city the officaltomb of their founder. Afternoon we visit the Mevlana Dervish museum with its dome turquoise tiles. The museum was originally a monastery and is still a very holy place – home to the Whirling Dervishes and containing the tomb of their founder. Overnight hotel in Konya. Ascent 0m: Descent: 550 m. 3 hours trekking time.

Day 8 : Konya – Köprülü Kanyon Nationel Park – Afternoon Rafting
Early In the morning 4 h driving to Kopullu Canyon National Park which is a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon strechesfor 14 km along the Köprü River and is 400 meters deep in some places. Fish restaurants where you can eat delicious fish, dot the rest areas.The Roman Oluk Bridge, which spans the canyon, and the Büğrüm Bridge over the Kocadere stream, are engineering feats of antiquity. Our Road cross from Taurus range to mediternean sea. Lunch will be in Koprullu canyon restaurant. Afternoon we will meet our Rafting team at the river side to enjoy 2-3 hours rafting in Rich secenarry covered with cedar forest ,cristal water of Taurus Canyon river Koprusu 14 km from Beskonak Village to Oluk brucek. Overnight hotel in Antalya.

Day 9 : Olympos – Cirali Region
Drive to Antalya 1.30 hours – En-Route we will visit Aspendos theather. The best preserved theather of antiquity, with seating for 15.000. the teathers galeries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the arcitect’succes. Nearby stand the remains of basilica and agora and one of the largest acueducts in Anatolia . After drive Antalya for a short stop at Antalya city of ancient harbour . Drive to Olympus where we will walk 2 hours to chimera (Yanartas –Olympus region . Afternoon swimming on beach . lovely spot surrounded on three sides by forested mountains. . Overnight at bungalow.

Day 10 : Kekova (Sunken city) – Half Day Boat Trip – Kas
In the morning transfer to Kekova village (2h). This place is declared forbidden protected zone to the construction and remain a town fishers and agricultural by the sea. Here taking a small boat, we have opportunity to discover the region of Kekova through crystalline waters a swallowed up city, and then visit citadel of Simena, been founded to the IV th. century ,with a superb view on the islands and to bathe in waters . end of the day our bus will transfer us to Kas (1h.). A city charming town with seeing of Greek island Meis. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Kas – Kayakoy – Oludeniz
A transfer (2h) by bus for Fethiye. We walk to Kayakoy, the Greeks lived in till 1923, and abandoned the area because of the population agreement between the Greek and Turkey. According to agreement the on, our path will take us to Oludeniz, an idyllic sea bay and a quiet lagoon set against a wild mountain backdrop of dense forest. Afternoon Swimming relax obn Oludeniz beach. Overnight hotel.

Day 12 : Oludeniz – Ekincik – Dalyan (Half day boat trip)
In the morning transfer Ekincik . We begin to walk from Ekincik village and winding through the mountainous backcountry. We see the old Lycian city of Caunus (400 BC) with magnificent rock tombs carved into the rock, on our way through a pine forest to Dalyan. Caunus was an ancient harbour city. From here we embark on a local river ferry to explore the Dalyan river area and Arrive to the hot spring by waterway, opportunity to swim in the natural swimming pools (hot spring) .. 4 hours walking. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 : Gocek Islands Boat Trip
Full day boat trip by public local boat. Morning we start from Gocek marina the sail during the day small islands where scenarry is realy beautifull. Lunch wil be served on boat . Chance to swim.Sailing along some small wild virgin bays until the Gocek Golf, one of the Mediterrenean best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. Overnight hotel.

Day 14 : Dalaman – Istanbul
Transfer to Dalaman airport and fly to Istanbul. You have a half day to discover this town which was known as Constantinople until the First World War, capital of Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Nearly all the city’s main sites are in the old Stamboul: Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica cistern…The vibrant,cosmopolitan city of Istanbul is a dazzlingmix of ancient and modern and truly a city where East meets West.Our walking tour this morning takes in the great sites of historic Sultanahmet,including the fine Blue Mosque with it’s Iznik tiling and the grand Topkapı Palace,once the home of the Sultans and their Harems and now a treasure trove of imperial artefacts.This afternoon is left free for personal exploration. Overnight hotel.

Day 15: Istanbul – Home
Transfer to airport and fly home.

Day 1 : Ankara
Meet at the airport and transfer to the Hotel for overnight. Overnight at hotel in Ankara.

Day 2 : Ankara – Cappadoccia – Kızılcukur (Red valley)
Early in the morning we’ll depart by road to Cappadocia, 4 h driving, via Tuz Gol, the great Salt Lake with a superficies of 1700 mÔ¨en we’ll get into the surrealistic moonscape of Cappadocia with its rock churches monasteries, another features which few visitors are aware of. We begin our 2 h trekking in the red valley, a fairy land where wind and rain have made appeared the different red coloured layers of volcanic tuff….We visit the church with grapes where there are frescos depicting viniculture and fruit growing. overnight at pension in Goreme.

Day 3 : Akvadi – Guvercinlik
We trek to Uchisar village via an area of spectacular fairy chimneys, and visit the extraordinary Uchisar Castle, a honeycomb of caves and passages. After Lunch we hike up pigeon valley to Goreme. Cappadocian dovecotes mainly date from the 19th century with a few from the 18th and 20th centuries. Pigeons are very holy for Moslem people because of the Koran (holy book of Islam). They are decorated with folk painting as in some examples in the Pigeon valley. overnight at hotel in Goreme.

Day 4 : Cappadoccia – Taurus Mountain
Our final walking day in this region is spent walking in Pasabagları, known as the valley of the Priests. Many of the chimneys here are only partially divided, showing us the continuous erosion process. Interestingly too there is a small minaret transformed from a church belfry indicating that this place was inhabited by Moslems after the Christians. This valley is also noted for the many caves in the fairy used by hermits for their retreats . After walking we will be transferred to Cukurbag village. On our route we’ll visit the fascinating underground city of Kaymaklı. (8 floors on 57 m under the ground ). On arrival in Cukurbag village, the trailhead village, we will have our lunch here . We begin our Trans-Taurus Trek with a 2 hours hike to Emli valley 1900 m. Overnight camp with all meals. (Ascent = 350m / Descent = 0)

Day 5 : Optional walk to Alaca Plateau
Today there is the opportunity to walk up to the Alaca Plateau (2400m). Starting off on the southern slopes of the Taurus mountains we head slowly upwards to Mangırcı valley and onto the plateau itself. We stop for lunch near a naturel spring before a slow descent back to Emli Valley and our camp.

Day 6 : Emli – Sokulupınar (2000 m)
Departing our campsite we ascend the Emli Valley, before climbing up again to the high pastures of the Eznevit yaylası (2538 m). Depending on the time of year, we may encounter the semi nomads of this area grazing their flocks. After lunch we gradually descend to our campsite at Sokulupınar (2000 m). Overnight camp. (Ascent = 688m / Descent = 538m)

Day 7 : Sokulupınar – Cimbar Canyon
The day is to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the northern face of Mount Demirkazık (3756 m). More impressive scenery as we trek through the impressive Cimbar Canyon. We pause in the Demirkazık village (1550m) for a while to absorb the scenery and have lunch-break in a village house. We’ll contact with the habitants of the village whose lifestyle hasn’t change for centuries. It may be possible to observe some women spinning wool and working on their looms. After lunch return to camp site . Overnight camp with all meals.

Day 8 : Cukurbag – Konya
Through valley and hills we follow the paths sloping down to Cukurbag village 2 h , a rather rustic settlement at 1450 m high. After a pause-tea in a local tea-house, in order to meet the population. We drive (2.30h) to Konya city the official capital of Seljuk empire 12/13th century We visit Mevlana Dervish museum with its dome turquoise tiles. The museum was originally a monastery and is still a very holy place, home to the Whirling Dervishes and containing the tomb of their founder. Overnight at hotel in Konya.

Day 9 : Konya – Demre – Cayagzi
In the morning 5 h driving to Demre where we will board to out boat a lovely spot surrounded on three sides by forested mountains. We get into our boat. Overnight on board.

Day 10 : Cayagzi – Kekova Sailing
We sail today to Kekova island. Along the Northern shore of Kekova, earthquakes have disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. Visit of the Simena citadel, offering a bird’s eye view of the bay. We swim and snorkel in crystal blue waters, feast on fabulous local cuisine, cruise over an ancient sunken city and explore Lycian tombs.. Dinner and overnight on board. 3 h sailing.

Day 11 : Kekova – Kalkan Sailing
About 3 hours sail to Kalkan, Sailin Kas to kalkan is crossing between Greek small island and Kas , Kalkan a lovely small hilltop town overlooking a tiny bay. Its quaint traditional, white washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies garlanded with brilliant flowers cascading to the streets below make it the ultimate in a peaceful holiday town. Overnight on board.

Day 12 : Kalkan – Oludeniz – Gocek Sailing
Sail to Oludeniz, the stereotypical Turquoise coast paradise. After lunch-break on board, We make an excursion walking up to Kayakoy, the largest Greek ghost town in Asia Minor. Kayakoy was initially a ghost village, its ancient stone houses left uninhabited after their Greek inhabitants left Turkey during the great population exchange of the 1920s. Now Kayakoy provides you with the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, traditional Turkish village. Then return back down to Oludeniz, an idyllic sea bay and a quiet lagoon set against a wild mountain backdrop of dense forest. Its beach takes its eerie name from the secluded lagoon at the beach’s western end. Protected by hills and entered by a narrow channel, the lagoon is calm during even the worst storms. Chance to swim. Sailing along some small wild virgin bays until the Gocek Golf, one of the Mediterranean best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. Dinner and overnight on board nearby the Gocek village. Opportunity to spend evening in the village. Overnight on boat.

Day 13 : Gocek – Istanbul
Transfer to Dalaman airport and fly to Istanbul. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at hotel in old city.

Day 14 : Istanbul
Free day in Istanbul. Istanbul was known until the First World War as Constantinople, the old capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Nearly all the city’s main sites of historic interest are in old Stamboul. You can visit the remarkable Blue Mosque, believed by many to represent the zenith of Ottoman architecture and the Topkapi Palace, built by Mehmet II and the cultural centre of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. Overnight hotel.

Day 15 : Istanbul – Home
Transfer to airport and fly home.

Grade : II
Limit : 7 – 16 persons.
Dates : May – October