Travel to Turkey: Authentic Turkiye Overland

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Authentic Turkiye Overland

			DAYS: 15 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $5795 per person * Custom designed itinerary * HIGHLIGHTS: Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus Dalyan Kas Kekova Antalya Myra Village Homestay ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges Homestay MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Traveling the back roads of western Turkey, we visit villages rarely seen by tourists as we go from the Aegean along the southern Lycian coastal mountains to the Mediterranean. We walk, hike and even kayak to countless ruins and tombs of ancient civilizations in spectacular natural settings. After an insider's view of Istanbul, one of the world's most historically pivotal cities, we continue on to the canyon lands and fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, ideal for walks and hikes among traditional villages where Anatolian culture has survived intact for ages. We visit the extraordinary ruins of Ephesus, and experience Turkish hospitality as it really is; as guests of a village family.

DAYS 1-2 :  ISTANBUL
Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel in the Old City. Meet your guide and take an afternoon stroll before your welcome dinner. Spend Day 2 visiting splendid relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, including the Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. We'll cruise up the Bosphorus, viewing sites on both the European and Asian sides. Overnight at the Sultanahan Hotel (or similar). [D Day 1; BD Day 2]

DAYS 3-5 :  CAPPADOCIA
We board our flight to Kayseri followed by a short drive into Cappadocia with its fairy tale geological formations and more than a thousand stunning early Christian rock-carved and beautifully frescoed churches. We have two and half days for walks and hikes including Uchisar Castle, a natural rock formation that has served Cappadocians as a residence and defensive point for centuries. We'll walk in remote valleys amongst fairy chimneys, visit the old Cavusin Village where we try regional specialties and learn about local crafts, hike the impressive Ihlara Gorge with its hidden rock churches, and explore the vast tunnels and caves of Derinkuyu Underground City. Overnight at a well-appointed boutique cave hotel such as Hotel Elkep Evi or Urgup Evi (or similar). [BLD]

DAYS 6-7 :  SIRENCE - EPHESUS
Early morning transfer to Cappadocia's Kayseri airport (40m) for our flight to Izmir and then drive to Sirince Village. Over the next two days, we explore Ephesus, one of the most impressive Roman ruins and an important coastal city in its time. We visit the Basilica of St. John, the charming Selcuk Museum, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Overnight in a small, beautifully restored and decorated home at Nisanyan Houses. [BLD]
Izmir to Sirence: 45 miles

DAY 8 :  VILLAGE HOMESTAY
Today we drive from Sirence to Tire, a sleepy Aegean village, non-touristy, and full of character. After strolling the streets, we go on to one of the villages around Tire to a locally popular restaurant serving edible plants and the legendary olive oil of the Aegean. After lunch, we continue to the village of Yesil Yurt where we stay with a local, rural family - a real opportunity to experience true Turkish hospitality! Overnight in a Village Homestay. [BLD]
Sirence to Tire: 30 miles Tire to Yesil Yurt: 85 miles

DAY 9 :  DALYAN
We head south to Dalyan, a unique place of significant ecological and archeological importance. We take a riverboat down the Dalyan River through a maze of bamboo and cattails to visit the magnificent 4th Century rock-cut tombs and the Carian Ruins at Caunos. We wander around the extensive ruins after which there is an opportunity to swim where big Carretta caretta Sea Turtles nest before their remarkable ocean journey from Turkey to Ecuador. Overnight at the Happy Carretta Hotel (or similar). [BLD]
Yesil Yurt to Dalyan: 60 miles

DAYS 10-11 :  LYCIA - KAS - KEKOVA
We continue our journey along the Lycian coast to Kas.  Enroute there are many possible sites to visit, including Pinaras temples and rock-cut tombs; Xanthos, once the capital and grandest city of Lycia; and Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas. On Day 11, explore the region on a day trip (by boat) to Kekova Island. Sites include sunken ruins and small fishing villages where colorfully dressed local women sell handmade scarves and lace. We return to our vehicle and return to Kas for overnight. Overnight Maki Hotel Kas overlooking the harbor. [BLD]
Dalyan to Kas: 130 miles

DAY 12 :  MYRA AND OLYMPOS
It's a leisurely drive along the coast to the historic port city of Antalya, stopping en route to visit the ancient sites of Myra, the Church of St. Nicholas, and to hike to the beautiful, pine-forested Lycian site of Olympos. Overnight at the Ottoman-style Dogan Hotel in the old city (or similar). [BLD]
Kas to Antalya: 180 miles

DAY 13 :  TERMESSOS NATIONAL PARK OR RAFTING BRIDGE CANYON
We have one of two options (or add an extra day).

Option 1: Termessos
Drive to Termessos National Park (40m), which protects a bio-diversity hot-spot and the archaeological site of Termessos. This ambitious uphill hike takes us to the prominent acropolis of Termessos. We pass through dense and diverse coastal range vegetation and are rewarded by spectacular views and an impressive intact site with Theater, the Odeon, Agora, the Necropolis, and other temples of this ancient settlement. We can extend our hike to several hilltops and explore the unusual burial customs of the Pisidian people who lived here.

Option 2: Rafting Bridge Canyon
Drive to this famous deep canyon with its original Roman bridge (60m), where we raft refreshing Class II and III waters from the Taurus Mountains. There is a choice of paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks for extra fun! We also visit the authentic and remote village of Zerk, which co-exists in these rocky foothills with pink and white blooming oleanders in the ancient Pisidian settlement of Selge. On the way back to Antalya, we stop at the Aspendos Theater, the best preserved Roman theater in the world and, if time permits, we will visit the unspoiled ruins of Perge.

Overnight at Dogan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]

DAY 14 :  ISTANBUL
We transfer to Antalya airport for our flight to Istanbul. The remainder of the day is free to relax or to explore Istanbul. Farewell dinner and overnight at Sultanahan Hotel (or similar). [B]

DAY 15 :  DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport or begin trip extension. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kurt Kutay 1(800)345-4453