Compare Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak by Intrepid Travel vs Glories Of Turkey by Indus Travels

Day 1 Istanbul

Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Check-in time at our joining-point hotel is after 2 pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, but if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival. Today you'll become acquainted with the eclectic character of the city on an orientation walk around the Historical Peninsula.

Day 2 Cappadocia

Say goodbye to Istanbul. It’s a good idea to grab a snack as you won’t arrive in Cappadocia until the afternoon – roasted chestnuts are a delicious and easy street food option! In the morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Cappadocia. Your leader will confirm the exact time of the flight during the welcome meeting on Day 1. On arrival in Cappadocia, transfer to Goreme, where your leader will help you get your bearings on an orientation walk. Afterwards enjoy a guided Zemi Valley walk. 

Day 3 Hiking in Cappadocia

With its towering chimneys and beehive-esque mountain caves, Cappadocia really does feel like a dreamscape. After breakfast, begin exploring with a short walk, through either the phallic pillars of Love Valley or the pink-hued rocks of Red Valley. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in the town of Goreme. If you’re looking to relax and limber up, consider heading to a local hamam (Turkish public bath) for a steam and a scrub. If the opportunity arises visit a local carpet shop and see how carpets are weaved. 

Day 4 Cappadocia and Konya

One of the most iconic images associated with Cappadocia is that of colourful hot air balloons drifting high above the semi-arid rock formations and valleys below. If you can handle the early start, you have the option of rising high with the sun on one of these balloons, experiencing this truly stunning wonderland from above. If you would prefer to stay grounded, your leader can organise a short walk in the morning so you can stretch out your tired legs. In the afternoon, depart for Konya, a Central Anatolian Plains city that is as dense and urban as Cappadocia is ancient and expansive. Konya has its own unique religious history as the home of the Mevlevi Order, a spiritual sect better known as the whirling dervishes. You can ponder the influence of this Islamic mysticism on the city around you at the Mevlana Museum, before grabbing a bite and jumping on the overnight train to Izmir.

Day 5 Selcuk and Ephesus

Good morning and welcome to Izmir! From here you’ll take a one hour transfer to Selcuk. This town is steeped in Turkish traditions and packed with remnants of the past. First up are the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill, where you will find a castle fortress and 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque among other gems. The famed Temple of Artemis is also worth a look, though all that remains of this ancient wonder is a single pylon. In the afternoon it's time for what may well be the highlight of your trip – the ruins of Ephesus. There will be plenty of time to marvel at the beautifully preserved remains of this ancient metropolis, including the staggering stadium and delicately carved facades. Learn about its 1500-year history in a guided tour. Then, return to Selcuk on foot and enjoy a balmy evening in the local square, and enjoy a very Turkish evening watching locals play cards and backgammon.

Day 6 Fethiye - Lycian Way Hiking

A port city with a stunning coast, an archaeological hotspot and the site of precipitous green cliffs – Fethiye has an abundance of natural and manmade beauty. You’ll arrive here after a 3.5-hour bus ride, check into your hotel and then travel by public bus to Kayakoy to begin exploring with a hike along part of the historical Lycian Way trail. This 2-hour, 6-kilometre trek along the rugged coast will take you up a steep rocky path and through forest before you emerge with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Descend into Oludeniz and witness the stunning vista of the Blue Lagoon hemmed by an arching peninsula. Travel back to Fethiye by public bus, this evening you may want to rest up and sort out your pack for tomorrow, as you prepare to tackle another section of the Lycian Way.

Day 7 Lycian Way Hiking

Take a short bus ride to Ovacik which marks the official start of the Lycian Way. Begin a 14-kilometre walk toward Faralya. As you pass through areas of pine forests, rocky terrain, and Mediterranean shrub on this day-long hike, you'll catch stunning vistas of clear blue water and Mount Babadag looming above. Your route takes you through the villages of Kozagac and Kirme, where you'll meet a few local farmers and maybe even stop for a cup of tea. Lunch is simple picnic en route. Arrive in Faralya late in the afternoon then transfer by public bus to the nearby tiny coastal hamlet of Kabak and perhaps cool off in the clear water of the Mediterranean.

Day 8 Lycian Way Hiking and Kas

Rise and shine for the inspiring hike from Kabak inland to Alinca, a journey with incredible views of lush forest against glittering blue waters of the Mediterranean. On arrival jump on a private vehicle to the picturesque Esen Valley then board a public bus to Kas. It’s a 2-hour ride, so make sure you’ve got a book, a podcast or the desire to strike up a conversation with a local. Kas is a charming city, with cobblestoned streets and whitewashed walls galore. You might want to rest your aching limbs at one of the waterfront restaurants, where the price of a drink will get you a deck chair, and umbrella and gorgeous views of the sea. Another early night in order. The local handicraft markets make for a great evening activity, and the small ancient theatre offers the best sunset, but don’t forget you’ll be up early tomorrow.

Day 9 Kas Sea Kayaking & Hiking

This morning is a real highlight as you kayak over the sunken city near Kekova, where ruins jut from the crystal clear water. Off the coast of Ucagiz, lies the island of Kekova. On the northern side of the island, you’ll find the stone archways, worn down steps and crumbling walls of a an ancient Lycian settlement, rebuilt during the Byzantine era but has long been abandoned. It will be a 12-kilometre paddle, taking about two hours to complete. The sunken city isn’t the only sight in the area – explore myriad of coves and tiny islands. Then you will return to beautiful Kas, where you may wish to catch the local handicraft market. This afternoon opt to take an enjoyable hike along the coast to a small beach and cool off in the crystal clear water, before then returning to Kas.

Day 10 Kas Cycling

Settle into the saddle this morning for an exciting cycle around Kas and its surrounds. Transfer to the start point – Ambararasifor for amazing views back over the blue waters of the Mediterranean then descend back to town and enjoy a flatter ride along the peninsula. The rest of the day is clear so you can relax and recharge in whatever way suits you. You may want to head out on the water again, this time on a gulet (a traditional sailing vessel) and enjoy cruising around the calm waters. Or maybe hit one of the local beaches with a good book. If you’ve still got energy, the nightlife of Kas is the perfect place to burn it. There are bars and restaurants aplenty for you to while away the evening in.

Day 11 Istanbul

Start the morning with an early transfer to the two millenia old Delikkemer Aqueduct then begin your hike to the stunning Patara beach and nearby ancient Roman city of Patara. Take some time to explore these well preserved ruins before driving (approximately 2-3 hours) to the nearby Dalaman airport for the flight back to Istanbul. After arriving in the late evening, check into your hotel then perhaps head out on a scenic walk across the Galata Bridge to cap off your trip. Perhaps sip some cay (Turkish tea) while reminiscing and saying goodbye to your fellow travellers.

Day 12 Istanbul

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time.

On arrival at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome briefing. Overnight in Istanbul

Today we start our day with a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace (Harem not included), which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. Visit the magnificent Haghia Sophia (St Sophia’s Basilica) built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Visit the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), famous for its six minarets, its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Last but not the least visit Spice Market, the best place to pick up dried fruits and nuts, spices, olives, Turkish delight, and oils.  

Overnight in Istanbul 

This morning, depart for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, named after the acronym from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in World War I. Continue to the Lone Pine Cemetery before crossing into the Dardanelles to Canakkale.

Overnight in Canakkale

This morning, visit the legendary city of Troy to uncover ancient Greek mythology and the history of the Trojan war. Later, we cross the mountain Ida before arriving to Pergamum to visit the Acropolis.

Overnight in Kusadasi. 

After breakfast, a short drive to visit Ephesus where we will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets and leather goods. We continue to the marvelous village of Sirince where can experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. You will have time for shopping and to taste delicious wines of the village. Return to Kusadasi after.

Overnight in Kusadasi. 

Today after breakfast you will be driven through the meander plain and cotton farms at Pamukkale. Here, we can explore the combination of history and nature: Pamukkale, the “cotton castle” which is a natural site containing hot springs and terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. You will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis built on top of this white castle.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

This morning we drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz.  Here we take a boat cruise to turtle beach and smother ourselves in mud at the local mud bath. En route to Fethiye, Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast which is known for its natural harbor, blue waters and numerous rock tombs.

Overnight in Fethiye 

After breakfast, you will explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. In the afternoon, you will be taken to Oludeniz; where you will have the chance to relax at the turquoise and aquamarine waters of this scenic beach. Return to the hotel after.

Overnight in Fethiye 

After breakfast, we visit the stunningly beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey's longest and deepest canyon. After tracking along the canyon we will continue to Antalya crossing the Taurus Mountains, upon arrival visit Duden Waterfall. Dinner at your hotel.

Overnight in Antalya      

Early departure for Konya, stopping en route for a visit at Aspendos ancient Theater. Upon arrival to Konya, we visit Mevlana Mausoleum and Whirling Dervishes convernt. The Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes is a mystical Sufi Muslim group. We continue our Journey to biblical Cappadocia. Last but not the least visit to ancient caravanserai on the Silk Road.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast enjoy a full day excursion in Cappadocia including a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians hid from persecutors. The Open-Air Museum in Goreme One of Turkey's Unesco World Heritage Sites It contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness. We will also stop at the rock cut fortress of Uchisar in Pigeon Valley, offers a panoramic view over the surrounding landscape of valleys, mountains, and towns. 

Overnight in Cappadocia 

This morning departs for Safranbolu en-route visiting the capital of Turkey, Ankara, to take a tour of Ataturk’s Mausoleum to visit the tomb of the leader of the Turkish War of Independence. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. We then continue our drive on to Safranbolu, an UNESCO World Heritage site, which is considered an open-air museum. Tonight, we stay at an old ottoman mansion. 

After breakfast visit the old town of Safranbolu where you can test the fine sample of Turkish delights then continue to drive to Istanbul. In the afternoon visit Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Overnight in Istanbul 

Today you will be transferred back to Istanbul International Airport for your onward flight.