turkey - BikeHike Adventures

TURKEY
Cappadocia & the Mediterranean
by bike, horseback, kayak, hot air balloon & foot
12-days
Looking for ways to satisfy your adventure cravings? Here’s the ultimate buffet of multisport activities with an itinerary that highlights many of Turkey’s truest gems, from ancient
Istanbul to the turquoise seas of the Mediterranean. We begin in Istanbul, the great city
that links Europe to Asia across the Bosphorus. We wander through active bazaars and
colourful medinas. We visit Topkapi Palace, the stunning Blue Mosque and the 1,500-year
old Hagia Sophia. We fly to Cappadocia, where wind and water have carved the volcanic
bedrock into sculptures that resemble fairy chimneys. Here we’ll bike and horseback ride
with an option to hot air balloon. We spend two days trekking through the Taurus Mountains with overnights in tents below starry skies. Then we head for the coast, and spend a
couple of days paddling amongst sugary beaches, rocky cliffs and steamy thermal baths.
This self-propelled passage generates high-octane thrills for the adventure junkie.
B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s | w w w. b i ke h i ke . c o m
A d d r e s s : 2 0 0 -18 0 7 M a r i t i m e M e w s , Va n c o u v e r, B C , C a n a d a , V 6 H 3 W 7
P h o n e : (6 0 4 ) 7 31-2 4 4 2 | F a x : (6 0 4 ) 6 7 7- 5 514 | To l l - f r e e : ( 8 8 8 ) 8 0 5 - 0 0 61 | E m a i l : i n f o @ b i ke h i ke . c o m
1
house that is over two centuries old, still intact with
original decorations and frescoes. This is our home for the
night. (B,D)
Day 3
C A P PA D O C I A
biking
Cappadocia is world renowned for the unique rock formations, sculpted from the continuous erosion of volcanic
ash and lava rock. It is also one of the few places where
ancient traditions still shape the lives of the people. Today
we start our fat tire biking adventure through Cappadocia’s
fairytale landscape, scouting a scenic loop from Goreme
and descending through the Kiliclar Valley. We’ll stop in
Day 1
I S TA N BU L
arrival
Cavusin for lunch. This small village is made up of rock
cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses. We’ll
also visit some 5th century Christian churches here. In the
This Turkey adventure holiday begins with a BikeHike
afternoon we will be pedalling in the backyards of Akvadi
Adventures representative greeting you at the international
(white valley), where white fairy chimneys sprawl through
airport and transferring you to a comfortable hotel in
the village. We end with a descent from Uchisar to Goreme
Istanbul. We’ll meet in the afternoon for a brief introduc-
along a rolling paved road. Total ride about 15 km/9 miles.
tion to the tour, then take a stroll to the Blue Mosque, a 17th
10 km/6 miles of this is off- road. Overnight at the same
Century Ottoman Imperial Mosque dominating the skyline
hotel. (B,L,D)
of the Old Town.
Cappadocia. Scheduling is dependent on weather.
Day 2
I S T A N B U L - K AY S E R I - C A P PA D O C I A
city tour & walking
Today we explore The Old Town of Istanbul, wandering
through the colorful streets crowded with locals going
about their daily routine. We’ll get behind the scenes into
the workshops and markets that are centuries old. We’ll
visit Topkapi, the administrative palace for the Ottoman
dynasty for over 400 years and Hagia Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture. Then we’ll meander through the narrow streets of The Grand Bazaar and
Spice Market, bargaining for goodies. Moderate walking in
the city about 5 hours. Late afternoon we’ll transfer to the
airport and fly to Kayseri. A driver and vehicle will be awaiting us at the airport and will transfer us to a Cappadocian
2
*Optional hot air ballooning takes place during our stay in
Day 4
C A P PA D O C I A
horseback riding
We start the day with a traditional breakfast of robust Turkish coffee, black olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber
and fresh breads. We then transfer to a ranch in Avanos.
We’ll mount our horses and set off on a 3 hour journey to
Sarihidir Village, located alongside The Kizilirmak River,
the longest river in Turkey. We’ll canter to Saruhan, a Seljuk
Caravanserai dated back from 13th Century and also along
an ancient Silk Road towards the Devrent Valley. Later in
the afternoon we’ll drive to Goreme Village where we have
the remainder of the afternoon free. You can either try a
Turkish bath, have a massage or just simply relax. (B,L,D)
B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s F o r m o r e d e t a i l s c a l l B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s a t 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 0 5 - 0 0 61 o r 1 - 6 0 4 -7 3 1 - 2 4 4 2
e m a i l i n f o @ b i k e h i k e . c o m o r s u r f u s a t w w w. b i k e h i k e . c o m
Day 5
miles but we’ll break it up with some interesting stops
C A P PA D O C I A - S O K U L U P I N A R - T A U R U S
M OU N TA I N S
along the way, including a visit to the Whirling Dervishes
hiking
museum and lunch in Konya. We’ll arrive into the beautiful
coastal town of Antalya in the early evening. Antalya is set
This morning we set off by vehicle into the Taurus Moun-
atop a limestone plateau, with the Beydaglari Mountain
tains. On the way we’ll visit Derinkuyu, a huge under-
peak looming to the west. Our accommodation here is in
ground city buried under the plains of Central Anatolia.
an authentic Ottoman guesthouse in the old city centre,
It’s eight floors deep and was used by the early Christians,
near the old harbour. It’s a great location to wander at
hiding from Roman persecution. We’ll drive to Demirkazik
night through the narrow streets for an evening stroll on
for a delicious trout lunch at an open-air restaurant on the
the promenade. Overnight at a comfortable hotel. (B,L,D)
riverbank. We will then carry on to the Cimbar gorge, the
starting point of our trek. We’ll hoof up to Arpalik Yayla
and have spectacular views of narrow passages and towering rock walls surrounding us. After four hours of trekking,
Day 8
A N T A LYA - K E K O VA - K A S
sea kayaking
we reach Sokulupinar, our campsite located at 2,000m
Early this morning we transfer to Kekova where we will
(6,500 ft). The views here are gorgeous, especially as the
explore the ancient ruins of Simena and the sunken city by
sun is setting on the horizon. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)
sea kayaks. We’ll get geared up and have an introductory
discussion teaching us paddling techniques and about all
Day 6
TAU RU S M OU N TA I N S - S OK U LU P I NA R E M L I VA L L E Y
of the equipment before launching our sleek kayaks into
the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. We’ll then head
to Tersane Bay, which was used as a shipyard in ancient
hiking
We rise early in our tents and head to the dining tent for
a homemade breakfast. Then we set off on foot, ascending to Sakartas at 2.300m. We traverse along the path to
Eznevit, a semi-nomad campsite at 2.538m, where we may
meet some local families herding their flocks of animals.
After having lunch we gradually descend to the Siyirma-
times. After a short swimming break, we carry on paddling
to the Sunken City and then to Simena Village for another
short break before paddling back to Ucagiz Village. From
here we’ll drive to Kaş, where we transfer to our hotel and
have the remainder of the night at leisure. Overnight at a
comfortable hotel. (B,L)
lik valley, with wonderful panoramic views of the high
Day 9
rocky pinnacles of the Aladaglar region and forested with
KAS
fragrant Cedar and Juniper trees. We eventually end at
sea kayaking
our campsite in the Emli Valley, located at 1800 metres. 6
Early morning we have a short drive to the put in on the
hours trekking. Overnight camping. (B, L,D)
ocean with our kayaks. We launch from Big Pebble Beach
or Kaş harbour. We’ll paddle to the isolated Sebeda coasts,
Day 7
T A U R U S M O U N T A I N S - A N T A LYA
only accessible by boat, where we’ll view ancient tombs
carved into sheer rock on the steep hills. We’ll break for
Today we depart from our campsite by foot, for a 30-min-
lunch on Limanagzi Beach with time to swim in the warm
ute hike before reaching our vehicle. We are headed to
turquoise waters. In the afternoon, if the winds are in our
Antalya today, located on the beautiful Mediterranean
favor, we’ll kayak on open seas from Inceburun back to
coast of Southern Turkey. It’s a long journey, 500 km/325
3
B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s F o r m o r e d e t a i l s c a l l B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s a t 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 0 5 - 0 0 61 o r 1 - 6 0 4 -7 3 1 - 2 4 4 2
e m a i l i n f o @ b i k e h i k e . c o m o r s u r f u s a t w w w. b i k e h i k e . c o m
Kaş. If we’re lucky, we may encounter curious Mediter-
In the morning we will transfer to the airport in Dalaman
ranean monk seals and sea turtles popping up beside our
to connect with our flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival
kayaks. If the sea conditions are favourable and the group
into Istanbul a driver will meet us and will transfer us back
is feeling ambitious, we can paddle further to the islands
to our hotel. There is free time for the rest of the day to do
of Antiphellos Archipelago. The small stretches of white
any last minute shopping and sightseeing. Overnight at a
sand beaches of these tiny islets and the unique coastline
comfortable hotel in Istanbul. (B)
make superb sites for exploring. The opportunities to swim
and snorkel are endless. After the adventurous open water
crossing, we reach Big Pebble Beach or Kaş harbour to
relax and rejuvenate with a swim in the clear waters of Kaş.
Day 12
I S TA N BU L
departure
We’ll transfer you to the international airport for your flight
(B,L)
back home. (B)
Day 10
KAS
biking
Today we take to our bikes again. We have a brilliant
full day’s descent starting on the mountain plateau and
finishing near sea-level. The terrain in the hills above Kaş
is superb mountain-bike territory. We’ll follow little-used
roads and paths, often with breathtaking vistas over the
coast. After an initial climb of a couple of kilometres, the
morning is mostly spent on a long easy descent into Kaş.
There are excellent views over the Greek Island of Castellorizo and the Kaş peninsula. We’ll finish the day with a
group dinner. Overnight at same hotel in Kaş. (B,L,D)
Day 11
K A S - DA L A M A N - I S TA N BU L
T R I P I NC LU DE S
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), internal transportation excluding domestic flights, all equipment
(bikes, horses, kayaks), and English-speaking guides.
NO T I NC LU DE D
Internal flights, hot air balloon trip, gratuities, departure taxes and items of a personal nature.
4
B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s F o r m o r e d e t a i l s c a l l B i ke H i ke A d v e n t u r e s a t 1 - 8 8 8 - 8 0 5 - 0 0 61 o r 1 - 6 0 4 -7 3 1 - 2 4 4 2
e m a i l i n f o @ b i k e h i k e . c o m o r s u r f u s a t w w w. b i k e h i k e . c o m