Compare Southern Turkey Trails by World Expeditions vs Best of Turkey (Summer) by Trafalgar

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: Welcome to Istanbul

Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable Light Meal to kick off your epic adventure.

Arts Hotel Taksim

Dinner

Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. See the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Dive Into Culture this afternoon, with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Spend your afternoon haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes.

Arts Hotel Taksim

Breakfast

Day 3: Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale

Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli – the national pride of two nations, the Turkish and Australians, were awakened at the site of the bloody WWI battlefields and are commemorated to this day. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting place of many Allied soldiers. We continue to Çanakkale where we dine at our hotel tonight.

Iris

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Off to Troy, Pergamon and Izmir

Explore the legends of Troy and see the symbolic replica of the famous Wooden Horse the Greeks used to break their siege of this ancient city. Visit the ancient Asclepion Medical Center in the city of Pergamon before retiring in Izmir this evening where we'll dine at our hotel.

Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Explore the Ruins of Ephesus

Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact façade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry of carpet weaving. See the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki.

Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention

Breakfast

Day 6: Onwards to Pamukkale

Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.

Colossae Thermal

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Venture to Hierapolis and Antalya Connect with Locals

Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we’ll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Oz Hotels Antalya

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Enjoy Ancient Perge

Enjoy a morning on your terms to soak up the enchanting seaside atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera, embarking on an optional yacht cruise or relaxing at the hotel pool. This afternoon, we travel to the Roman city of Perge to visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and see treasures spanning the centuries.

Oz Hotels Antalya

Breakfast

Day 9: On the Road to Aspendos and Konya

Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.

Dedeman

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Continue to Cappadocia Stays With Stories

See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an effort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.

Exedra Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture

The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Exedra Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Onwards to Ankara

Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.

Grand Mercure Ankara

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Return to Istanbul

Returning to Istanbul, we enjoy the rest of the day on our own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savor the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus before meeting your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Arts Hotel Taksim

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Farewell Istanbul

Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.

Breakfast