Compare Southern Turkey Trails by World Expeditions vs Turkey: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,810 | $ 1,875 |
| Price Per Day | $ 187 | $ 188 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
Dinner is included on Night 1. Lunch is included on Days 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9. We are very picky about food and refuse to accept anything short of quality. We do our best to ensure you are being offered healthy and tasty local cuisine. The very diverse cuisine alone is enough reason to visit Turkey and join our group tour. Turkey learned all the best recipes from the vast territories it occupied for hundreds of years and created its own incredibly diverse national cuisine. Personal favorites include: menemen (an egg dish), kofta (meatballs), kuzu tandir (a lamb dish), lahmacun (baked dough topped with minced meat and veggies), borek (a type of pastry), su boregi (another pastry), baklava (another pastry), pide (Turkish pizza), Gullac (a dessert), lokum (candy), kayisi tatlisi (apricot stuffed with cream and nuts), baklali enginar (artichokes), imam bayildı (stuffed eggplant), kunefe (dessert) and Turkish coffee. |
| Description | A guided walking trip combining Cappadocia with the coastal Lycian Way |
You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price and substance. |
Day 1 Join Istanbul
If you are arriving on Day 1 you will be met at the airport in Istanbul and transferred to the group hotel for overnight accommodation. Please check at hotel reception for details of when to meet your guide. Remainder of day at leisure.
meals : Array
Day 2 Istanbul, then fly to Kayseri
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, was the hub of the Ottoman Empire, and many of the grand buildings of this period are present today. You could easily spend a week in this city and still not have seen all the sites. Today we will explore the old Sultanahmet Area. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome square (obelisks), the Basilica Cistern, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. In the late afternoon or early evening we will drive to the airport and fly to Kayseri. From Kayseri, we will drive to our group hotel in Cappadocia.
meals : B
Day 3 Day walk in the Meskendir and Red Valleys (9kms, 5hrs)
We will start our walking today in the serene Meskendir Valley. We follow a path honeycombed with cave houses and complexes from ancient Christian civilisations before crossing to the Red Valley. This is the most beautiful and scenic valley in Cappadocia and is known for its fascinating formations and colours. There are many interesting structures including the Church of the Three Crosses which was carved out of the cliff face during the 7th century. Its decorative reliefs and frescoes were added later, in the 10th and 11th centuries. The existence of these ancient reliefs in the present day is remarkable. From the Red Valley we continue our walk to Cavusin, one of the earliest Christian villages in Cappadocia. After lunch we enjoy walking along the Pasabaglari terrace with its amazing rock-formed fairy chimneys.
meals : B,L,D
Day 4 Day walk in the Advadi Valley, Uchisar village and Goreme (approx. 10kms, 4 - 5 hrs)
We begin our day walk at the trail head of the scenic Akvadi (White Valley). Take in the beauty and serenity of the region, as we follow an ancient river bed winding through rustic vineyards. By noon we aim to arrive in the small village of Uchisar where a superb panoramic view of the region can be seen from "The Fortress". We spend the afternoon exploring the Pigeon Valley which leads to Goreme and is home to a myriad of fascinating stone carvings.
meals : B,L,D
Day 5 Goreme Open Air Museum, day walk Zemi Valley (6km, 2 - 3 hrs)
Today we visit the renowned Goreme Open Air Museum, where we discover how the early Christian people living in the heart of Cappadocia carved houses, churches and monasteries into the soft rocks. These ancient sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art. The frescoes on display in the museum represent a unique collection from this period. Our walk then leads us through the gentle Zemi Valley which features the El Nazar Church, containing more impressive frescoes from the 10th century.
meals : B,L,D
Day 6 Drive to Ihlara, underground city of Derinkuyu, day walk in Ihlara Valley and canyon (14kms, 4 hrs)
Enroute to Ihlara we will visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, which lies beneath the plains of Central Anatolia. "Swiss Cheese" is how many people describe the intricate structure of the underground city, honeycombed with holes and passages up to 8 stories deep and used as a refuge during times of siege. From here we continue to Ihlara Valley by car where we then walk into this enchanting valley and marvel at still more magnificent rock cut rooms and churches. An afternoon visit to the Selime Monastery set into a steep mountain face is a must. Tonight we will stay in Ihlara.
meals : B,L,D
Day 7 Drive to Antalya via Konya
On today's drive to Antalya (500km, approx 8 - 9 hrs) we will explore the city of Konya en route which is home to some of Turkey's most elegant mosques. In particular, we visit the Mevlana Museum which is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi who was a Sufi Mystic. This site also served as the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the 'whirling dervishes'. The members of the Mevlevi order had a prolific impact throughout the Ottoman Empire in classical poetry, calligraphy, visual arts and music. From Konya we continue to the picturesque city of Antalya bordered by the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The city of Antalya became part of the Roman Empire in 133 BC growing and prospering during that period. The city now reflects a colourful blend of architecture and artwork from a number of influences, both old and new. We stay near the beautiful harbour in the old part of the city.
meals : B,L,D
Day 8 Drive to trailhead of Lycian Way, day walk, to Adrasan (9kms, 2hrs; + optional 2kms)
After breakfast there is a short transfer to the village of Ulupinar, where we will start walking on a section of the Lycian Way. We follow the trail south to the Flames of Chimaira, or "yanartas" (flaming rock), a place with some two dozen in-ground vents located on the hillside. The vents emit methane, thought to be of metamorphic origin. In ancient times sailors could navigate by the flames. From here there is a gradual descent to the beach at Cirali. There is opportunity for those who wish to visit the ruins of Olympos, which extend right to the southern end of the beach. We transfer from Cirali to our hotel in Adrasan for overnight.
meals : B,L,D
Day 9 Day walk Lycian Way (18kms, 5 hrs)
A simply superb day of coastal walking, again on a section of the Lycian Way, we begin today from our hotel. Climbing steadily to a pass at 470m, we then drop down closer to the water’s edge, the route twisting and turning along the cliff edge amongst limestone crags and pine trees. We will be rewarded with stunning views of hidden coves and deserted islands. This is a beautiful walk contouring the hills of the Gelidonia peninsula, eventually climbing to a rocky crest overlooking the Cape Gelidonia and its two lighthouses. We will then descend through the pine forest to our waiting vehicle and transfer back to our hotel in Adrasan.
meals : B,L,D
Day 10 Drive to Kekova, half day boat tour, Simena Sunken City, Kas
After breakfast we will drive to Kekova, with a visit to the ancient city of Myra enroute. Very little has been recorded about the origins of this site and the ruins of the Lycian and Roman town are mostly covered by alluvial silts. The Acropolis on the Demre-plateau, the Roman theatre and the Roman baths have been partly excavated. The semi-circular theatre was destroyed in an earthquake but rebuilt afterwards. The Kekova area is renowned for its striking coastal scenery and well preserved archaeological sites. A pleasant excursion by boat is the best way to see the ruins on the northern coast of Kekova island, where some of the old houses were completely submerged due to earthquakes many hundreds of years ago. We will cruise around the island, where you can usually see ruins 2m below on the seabed. We will walk up to the Simena Castle for lovely panoramic views and to find numerous rock tombs before taking a stroll on Tersane Island. After the cruise we drive to our hotel in Kas for overnight.
meals : B,L,D
Day 11 Day walk on western section of Lycian Way, Fethiye (12kms, 4 - 5 hrs)
This morning we will drive to the western section of the Lycian Way. We commence walking in Esen village and follow a pathway up to the hills, where local farming families inhabit isolated houses. Their main sources of income are tending goats or working the arable fields. We visit the remains of the ancient city of Pinara, with its extraordinary array of rupestral tombs and structures. In the afternoon we visit the Saklikent Canyon (Hidden City), which is the second largest canyon in Europe at 300 m deep and 18 km long; the result of thousands of years of erosion by flowing waters. As the level of the water rises during the winter months, the canyon is only accessible in summer. We will transfer to our overnight hotel in Fethiye.
meals : B,L,D
Day 12 Day walk Lycian Way (10kms, 4 hrs)
A short transfer will take us to the trailhead near Ovacik village. We will commence our walk from the southern foot of Babadag Mountain (1969m) then follow the coast, enjoying sweeping views over the deep blue bay of the Oludeniz Lagoon. Our walk takes us through small traditional villages and local fields to finish in Kirme village, where we will be picked up by our transport and transferred back to Fethiye.
meals : B,L,D
Day 13 Butterfly Valley, Kabak (8kms, 4 hrs)
We will commence our walk today near the village of Faralya and again explore the meandering trails of the Lycian Way. After a small climb, we will be treated to a magnificent view over the Butterfly Valley. We follow the coastline to Yuva Beach enjoying spectacular vistas along the way. Here we will stop for lunch and a well deserved swim. Transfer back to Fethiye for overnight.
meals : B,L,D
Day 14 To Oludeniz
Oludeniz is one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It is famous for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine and is rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by travellers and travel publications. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of the lagoon, which is a national nature reserve. Today is for relaxing after our days of walking and we will spend the day at leisure swimming or taking time out to read and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. In the late afternoon we transfer back to our hotel in Fethiye.
meals : B,L,D
Day 15 Transfer to Dalaman airport where trip concludes
This morning you will be transferred to the Dalaman airport where the trip concludes.
meals : B
Day 1: Wine Tasting After Arriving at the Country's Second Most Popular Destination
Our tour starts in Goreme, best reached via the airport in Kayseri or Nevşehir. This village is used as a base from which to explore Cappadocia’s cave dwellings. In the evening, we are taken to a wine house. There we do wine tasting for about 45 minutes.
Note that you are most likely to go through Istanbul before reaching Goreme. If you are not famililar with this city, then we strongly recommend you spend some time there before beginning our 10-day tour. Istanbul is arguably one of the world's greatest cities. If you are interested in a guided tour, please ask us for details.
Day 2: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Cave Dwellings & Experiencing a Turkish Bath
We go on an excursion today. The day starts with an early-morning, hot-air balloon ride over the cave dwellings of Cappadocia. The tour takes about an hour. Following this is a tour of the area: the surreal-looking rock formations of Pasabagi (a.k.a. Monks’ Valley), Devrent (a.k.a. Camel Rock), a pottery workshop in the small town of Avanos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley and Uchisar Castle. Lunch is included on today’s tour. The day ends with a traditional Turkish bathhouse (a.k.a. hammam). There we are bathed and massaged and sip on tea.
Day 3: A Folkloric Night Show, a Rock-Cut Monastery & an Underground City
We go on another excursion today. The destinations for today are a viewpoint called Esentepe, the underground city of Derinkuyu, Selime Monastery, a viewpoint overlooking Ihlara Valley, a hike inside Ihlara Valley, Pigeon Valley and a gemstone (a.k.a. onyx) workshop. Lunch is included on today’s tour. In the evening, we go to a night show. There we listen to traditional music while watching locals wearing folkloric attire do a great deal of choreography.
Day 4: Having a Traditional Dinner Inside a Native’s Home & the Castle & Beaches of Kusadası
We relocate from Goreme to Kuşadası via a flight through Izmir. We are provided with a guided tour in Kuşadası, covering sites like the city walls and castle. We also have time to go swimming. In the evening, we are taken to a native Turk’s home. There we watch how traditional food is prepared as well as have dinner. The combination of tasty cuisine, rich culture and good company creates an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: An Ancient City, Bathing in Hot Springs & Travertine Limestone
Still based in Kusadası, it’s almost time to visit the world-renowned archaeological site that is Ephesus. First, however, we head to a Catholic shrine named the House of Virgin Mary. It is believed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there for the remainder of her earthly life. Moving onto Ephesus, it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean. The visible ruins still give some idea of the city’s original splendor and the names associated with the ruins are evocative of its former life. Following our tour there is lunch, which is included on today's tour.
Next is a Greek temple dedicated to an ancient and local form of the goddess Artemis. This temple was completely rebuilt twice, once after a devastating flood and three hundred years later after an act of arson. In Artemis Temple’s final form, it was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Next is a visit to the ruined Basilica of Saint John. It stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. Lastly is Isa Bey Mosque. It is one of the oldest and most impressive works of architectural art in the region.
Day 6: Bathing in Natural Pools & the Travertine Limestone Formations of Pamukkale
We make another daytrip today. We are taken to the village of Pamukkale. There we first have a guided tour of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis. Next is lunch, which is included on today’s tour. Next is a visit to nearby Pamukkale, a natural site which shares the same name as the village. Pamukkale consists of hot springs and travertine limestone. It is one of the country’s most photographed locations. Lastly is swimming in nearby natural pools called Cleopatra Pools. People have bathed in these pools for thousands of years.
Day 7: The Maze-Like Streets of Turkey's Best Known Beach Town
After relocating from Kusadasi to Bodrum, we have a guided tour around the harbor and through the maze-like streets. The traditional houses are characterized by their prismatic shapes, simplistic designs and locally sourced building materials like stone, wood, clay and cane. The highlights for today are the castle and going swimming.
Day 8: Postcard-Perfect Oludeniz Lagoon, a River Cruise, a Therapeutic Mud Bath & Tombs Carved into the Mountainside
Although we are relocating from Bodrum to the resort town of Fethiye, an important stop is made en route, specifically to the village of Dalyan. There we take a river cruise, passing by the mountain-carved Lycian tombs and heading to a therapeutic mud pool. After bathing in the mud clay, we visit the Tomb of Amyntas, near Fethiye. Like the Lycian tombs in Dalyan, Amyntas is carved into the mountainside. After checking it out, we are taken to a viewpoint overlooking the postcard-perfect Oludeniz Lagoon. We are then taken to the lagoon itself. Oludeniz has a sandy bay, on a blue lagoon. The seawater is famous for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine. We go swimming and then head back to Fethiye, where we are based for the remainder of our tour in Turkey.
Day 9: An All-Day Boat Cruise Around the Turkish Riviera
We go on a daytrip today. We are taken back to Oludeniz Lagoon. There we take an all-day boat tour. The destinations are the Blue Cave, a butterfly valley, Saint Nicholas Island, a cold-water spring, Camel Beach (home to a rock which resembles a camel) and an aquarium. Lunch is included on today’s tour, around 1:00pm.
Not included in the tour but highly popular nonetheless is paragliding over Oludeniz Lagoon. It is done from Mount Babadag, which is a 1-hour drive away from the lagoon. If you are interested in paragliding, please let us know. It would be done in the morning before taking the boat tour. You would be picked up from your hotel a bit earlier today, at 8:00am instead.
Day 10: Our Tour Ends This Morning
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Dalaman.
