Stuvac Seminars Southern Turkey Trails

Europe stuvac seminars southern turkey trails

trip highlights Unique landscapes of Cappadocia including Red Valley and White Valley Spectacular Lycian Coast Dramatic coastal waters of Oludeniz Lagoon Half day cruise to Kekova Islands along the Mediterranean coast Istanbul

Trip Duration 15 days Trip Code: SOG2283 Grade Introductory Activities Adventure Touring, Day Walking and Cruising Accommodation 15 day trip, 9 day walks and 14 nights hotels welcome to why travel with World Expeditions? We combine the historical and natural highlights of two of Turkey’s World Expeditions special regions in the company of a guide whose knowledge and Thank you for your interest in our Turkey on Foot trip. At World passion for Turkey will add a unique dimension to your trip. Their Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experience and enthusiasm ensures that we maintain the leading edge experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming in adventure travel and therefore providing excellent value for money. face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics, our vehicles and of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our equipment are the best available on the market. Most importantly, unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. Given our local holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our this tour will be a trip of a lifetime and a fantastic adventure. vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!!

1 – © 2014 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Rachel Imber 1/6/2014 4:24:39 PM stuvac seminars Bulgaria southern turkey trails Istanbul A guided walking trip combining Cappadocia with the coastal Lycian Way Turkey Kayseri Cappadocia

Antalya Fethiye Kaş Syria

trip dates the trip For walkers interested in exploring two of Turkeys’ most special natural and historic regions important notes this itinerary will not fail to inspire. Taking in the wonders of Istanbul, we head into the country’s interior to the fascinating Cappodocia region where a series of day walks will For competitive airfares and stopover ideas uncover a treasure trove of sights. These include ancient churches & monasteries from the to join this adventure, contact our expert staff Byzantine era and elaborate underground cities. Amongst these relics is a living culture today to receive a detailed quote. of traditional villages and river valleys but the region is best known for the unique rock formations and chimneys manicured by old civilizations to carve out houses and churches. The next stage of our journey centres around the beautiful township of Fethiye with day walks along various sections of the Lycian Way. This rugged mountain region offers splendid views, archaeological sites dating back to the 8th century BC and interesting villages with their unique Lycian flavour. In the company of our expert local guide these very different regions of Turkey promise a fascinating window into the country’s rich and varied history. DAY 1 ARRIVE ISTANBUL DAY 2 ISTANBUL, THEN FLY TO KAYSERI DAY 3 IN CAPPADOCIA – CAVUSIN, PASABAGLARI VALLEY, ZELVE MONASTERY, AKVADI (WHITE VALLEY) & UCHISAR CITADEL (10KMS TOTAL, 4 - 5 HRS WALKING) DAY 4 GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM, MESKENDIR VALLEY, RED & ROSE VALLEY, CAVUSIN AND AVANOS (9KM, 4 HOURS) DAY 5 DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY, IHLARA VALLEY & SELIME MONASTERY (14KM, 4-5 HOURS) DAY 6 UZENGI & PANCARLIK VALLEYS, ORTAHISAR AND AFTERNOON AT LEISURE IN URGUP & GOREME (6KM, 3 HOURS) DAY 7 DRIVE TO ANTALYA VIA KONYA DAY 8 FLAMES OF CHIMAIRA, OPTIONAL WALK TO OLYMPOS (9KMS, 2HRS; + OPTIONAL 2KMS) DAY 9 DAY WALK LYCIAN WAY (18KMS, 5 HRS) DAY 10 HALF DAY BOAT TOUR KEKOVA ISLAND DAY 11 PINARA, SAKLIKENT CANYON, FETHIYE (12KMS, 4 - 5 HRS) DAY 12 DAY WALK LYCIAN WAY (10KMS, 4 HRS) DAY 13 BUTTERFLY VALLEY, KABAK (8KMS, 4 HRS) DAY 14 OLUDENIZ DAY 15 TRIP CONCLUDES what’s included 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners Good 3 star hotels on a twin share basis Flight Istanbul/Cappadocia valued at €120 Private air conditioned vehicle English speaking guide Half‑day boat tour Ucagiz/Kekova Simena Sunken City Arrival transfer (Ataturk International Airport only) on Day 1 only Departure transfer (Dalaman Airport only) on Day 15 only Site entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary DAY 1 Arrive 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. You will meet your guide in teh late afternoon and have a trip briefing before heading out to dinner. Remainder of day at leisure. meals: NIL

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 In Cappadocia – Cavusin, Pasabaglari Valley, Zelve Monastery, Akvadi (White Valley) & Uchisar Citadel (10kms total, 4 - 5 hrs walking) 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. Optional Activity: Turkish bath (Hamam) In the early evening it is optional possible to try a traditional Turkish bath, better known as Hamam. The Hamam combines the functionality and the structural elements of its predecessors in Anatolia, the Roman thermal and Eastern Roman baths, with the central Asian Turkish tradition of steam bathing, ritual cleansing and respect of water. It is also known that Arabs built versions of the Greek- Roman baths that they encountered following their conquest of Alexandria in Egypt. However, the Turkish bath has improved style and functionality that emerged as annex buildings of mosques or as re-use of the Eastern Roman baths. meals: B,L,D DAY 4 Goreme open air Museum, Meskendir Valley, Red & Rose Valley, Cavusin and Avanos (9km, 4 hours) In the morning we start today’s first activity and walk out to explore one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Goreme Open Air Museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. After visiting the Goreme open air Museum we start our walking in the Meskendir Valley. We follow the path which is full with old Cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. From the Meskendir Valley we cross over to the Red Valley, the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia with its spectacular formations and colours. In Red Valley it is possible, depending on walking pace and time, to visit some hidden churches like the Uzumlu church (Grape church / Red Valley), the hidden Cross Church and the Church of the Three Crosses (Rose Valley). These churches have been carved out of the cliff face, although it is not definite, the common believe is that these churches date back to the 8/9th century. The decorative reliefs and frescoes are added in the 10/11th Century. After walking through the Red and Rose valleys we will arrive in Cavusin, where our vehicle is waiting for us. Afterwards we take time to visit Avanos. meals: B,L,D DAY 5 Derinkuyu underground city, Ihlara Valley & Selime Monastery (14km, 4-5 hours) Today we drive to Ihlara, on the way it is possible to visit incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Derinkuyu Underground city was opened to visitors in 1965, but only 10 % of the city can be visited. The city is approximately 85m deep and contains all of the usual rooms found in an underground

fast facts city, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries. Apart from these, a large room with a barrel vaulted ceiling on the second floor served as a missionary school, the rooms to Countries Visited: the left used as study rooms. Ihlara Valley, a 14 km long canyon with hundreds of rock cut rooms Turkey and churches. This valley proved to be an ideal place for Monks to worship in seclusion, as well as provide a safe hideaway and place of defense for people during times of invasion. There are Visas: numerous dwellings, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors. The decorations in the Please check visa requirements with churches date from the 6th to the 13th centuries. The most known churches are Agacalti Church your reservations consultant* with cross plan, Sümbüllü Church, Pürenliseki Church, Kokar Church, Yilanli Church, Karagedik Vaccinations: Church, Kirkdamatli Church, Direkli Church, Ala Church, Kemerli Church and Egritas Church. After Please consult a travel vaccination having Lunch in Belisirma village we continue our walk to Selime village where we take time to visit the Selime Monastery. A visit to this complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope is a must in the specialist for up to date information region. In the late afternoon we drive back to Cappadocia. Private Groups: meals: B,L,D Private group options are available for this trip* DAY 6 Uzengi & Pancarlik Valleys, Ortahisar and afternoon at leisure in Urgup & Goreme (6km, 3 Singles: hours) A single supplement is available for this trip* Today we go out to explore the Uzengi & Pancarlik Valleys. We go for a ramble on a plateau offering a magnificent view on the Uzengi valley. Then we enter in the Pancarlik valley in order to see the Leader: numerous cones and fairy chimneys decorating our path and also to visit the Kepez and Sarica Expert local leader churches for their architectural interest. Following our pathway we arrive in Ortahisar village. Brochure Reference: Ortahisar is famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely Africa, Middle East churches as well as the castle like rock formation after which the town is named. In the afternoon *Ask our staff for more information. we visit Urgup, one of the most important centres in Cappadocia. Urgup was a bishopric of the rock cut churches and monasteries found in the villages, valleys and towns around Urgup. Today Urgup is known for its small shops, famous wines and pleasant cafes. Goreme is one of the main tourist hubs and in the heart of Cappadocia. The village of Goreme combines some of the most impressive naturally eroded rocks with carved out buildings. It has become a “must see” in Cappadocia, with its plenty of little Tea houses and quiet cafes serving home cooking. In the afternoon there will be time at Leisure to explore Urgup and Goreme on your own way. 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 Flames of Chimaira, optional walk to Olympos (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

responsible travel 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 The environments we travel through are our hotel. Climbing steadily to a pass at 470m, we then drop down closer to the water’s edge, the fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to route twisting and turning along the cliff edge amongst limestone crags and pine trees. We will minimise the impact of our presence. World be rewarded with stunning views of hidden coves and deserted islands. This is a beautiful walk Expeditions were the proud recipients of contouring the hills of the Gelidonia peninsula, eventually climbing to a rocky crest overlooking the the inaugural Australian National Travel Cape Gelidonia and its two lighthouses. We will then descend through the pine forest to our waiting Industry’s Environmental Achievement award vehicle and transfer back to our hotel in Adrasan. for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This meals: B,L,D detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions DAY 10 Half day boat tour Kekova Island clients before they travel. Please ask your After breakfast we will drive to Kekova, with a visit to the ancient city of Myra enroute. Very little consultant if you have not received your copy has been recorded about the origins of this site and the ruins of the Lycian and Roman town are of our award winning book. Alternatively, mostly covered by alluvial silts. The Acropolis on the Demre-plateau, the Roman theatre and the you may like to download a copy from our 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 website www.worldexpeditions.com 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 trip grading 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 Introductory adventures are designed and to find numerous rock tombs before taking a stroll on Tersane Island. After the cruise we drive to with the first time trekker in mind. They our hotel in Kas for overnight. are challenging enough to make it a real meals: B,L,D adventure holiday, however the daily physical exercise is limited to around six hours (see DAY 11 Pinara, Saklikent Canyon, Fethiye (12kms, 4 - 5 hrs) itinerary). Introductory adventures are not This morning we will drive to the western section of the Lycian Way. We commence walking in Esen necessarily easy. There will be some long village and follow a pathway up to the hills, where local farming families inhabit isolated houses. steep ascents and some rough ground to Their main sources of income are tending goats or working the arable fields. We visit the remains cover. Remember trekking rarely involves of the ancient city of Pinara, with its extraordinary array of rupestral tombs and structures. In the flat terrain. Two to three months prior to afternoon we visit the Saklikent Canyon (Hidden City), which is the second largest canyon in Europe departure you should spend thirty minutes at 300 m deep and 18 km long; the result of thousands of years of erosion by flowing waters. As the to one hour exercising, three or four times level of the water rises during the winter months, the canyon is only accessible in summer. We will per week eg. Hard walking, jogging or transfer to our overnight hotel in Fethiye. cycling. To prepare for a walking holiday meals: B,L,D we recommend you take every opportunity to walk up and down stairs and/or hills, DAY 12 Day walk Lycian Way (10kms, 4 hrs) for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. A short transfer will take us to the trailhead near Ovacik village. We will commence our walk Please remember the fitter you are the from the southern foot of Babadag Mountain (1969m) then follow the coast, enjoying sweeping more you will enjoy your holiday. 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

adventure travel DAY 14 Oludeniz Oludeniz is one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It is famous for its shades By its very nature adventure travel involves of turquoise and aquamarine and is rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by travellers and an element of the unexpected. In remote travel publications. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of the lagoon, which is a national nature and developing countries do not expect reserve. Today is for relaxing after our days of walking and we will spend the day at leisure swimming standards you are used to at home. Remote or taking time out to read and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. In the late afternoon we transfer back to areas are sometimes unpredictable and our hotel in Fethiye. itineraries may be altered. To get the most meals: B,L,D out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to DAY 15 Trip concludes take on all the challenges that arise. If you Transfer to Dalaman airport where trip concludes. are uncertain about your suitability for meals: B this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. country information Turkey is a natural bridge between the two worlds of the West and the Orient. It displays an important note amazing diversity in its geography, geology and climate, varying from extremes such as the subtropical forest of the Black Sea coast to the evergreen pine forests of the Mediterranean, These trip notes represent the most snow capped mountains, rolling steppe and rich agricultural valleys. current information for this itinerary, and Cappadocia is a surreal landscape of conical shaped, limestone formations. Its contrasting may supersede any information in the moonscapes and valleys filled with rock‑hewn churches and dwellings and fairy chimneys are current brochure, including but not limited nestled under the snow‑capped mountains of Mount Aergius. It is primarily an agricultural region to the itinerary and price. The itinerary due to its rich, mineral laden soil; however, much wealth is generated from its famous carpet should be seen as a guide only. This weaving and tourism. Turkey’s population is nearing 70 million. More than 95% of the population itinerary may change at any time due to is Islamic. The original nomadic people, the Yoruk, or Black Tent Dwellers, still keep their original inclement weather, forces of nature and culture and way of life, alternating between the summer and winter pastures of the Taurus other circumstances beyond our control. Mountains. Their Mongolian faces can distinguish them and they commonly wear loose baggy trousers, as they do in other regions of Central Asia. climate The Central Anatolian region of Cappadocia has hot and dry daytime temperatures of between 20‑30 degrees Celsius and cool nights between 10‑20 degrees Celsius. The Aegean experiences a hot and humid climate during summer (May – September) with temperatures rising to over 40 degrees Celsius at times. Average temperatures for this period are between 15 and 32 degrees Celsius. Rainfall at this time is at its lowest. The Mediterranean experiences similar weather patterns to the Aegean, although temperatures are slightly hotter ranging from 16 – 33 degrees Celsius between May and September. Again, May to September is the dry season. a typical day We aim to fit as much into each day as possible, without rushing. Generally we will start walking or touring after breakfast, break for lunch and continue walking, sightseeing or traveling in the afternoon. There is usually time in the evenings to relax or explore the village / town at leisure if you wish. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc.

equipment required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking). what’s not included International airfares and taxes Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic beverages Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. Tips Arrival and departure transfers if arriving/ departing on days other than Days 1 & 15 Additional sightseeing and meals other than that stated in itinerary Travel Insurance Visa info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! private groups The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today. subscribe to our e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. social networking Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your

booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.