Trip Notes - World Expeditions
Transcription
Trip Notes - World Expeditions
Europe turkey panorama trip highlights The stunning city of Istanbul Trekking in the Taurus Mountains Walking in Cappadocia Trip Duration14 days GradeModerate ActivitiesTrekking and Day walks Summary14 day trip, 5 day trek, 7 nights hotel and 6 nights camping welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Turkey Panorama trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our 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 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 12/17/2015 11:17:32 AM Trip Code: TKP why travel with World Expeditions? Our well planned itinerary offers you the opportunity to stay in a range of good quality hotels and also enjoy camping in the mountains. We combine the historical highlights of Turkey in the company of a guide whose knowledge and passion for Turkey will add a unique dimension to your trip. Their experience and enthusiasm ensures that we maintain the leading edge in adventure travel and in providing excellent value for money. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics; our vehicles and equipment are the best available on the market. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples with whom we interact, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. Our group size is small, never exceeding a maximum number of sixteen. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this tour will be a trip of a lifetime and a fantastic adventure. Bulgaria turkey panorama Istanbul An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey Turkey Cappadocia Taurus Mts Syria trip dates 2017 04Jun - 17Jun 18Jun - 01Jul 09Jul - 22Jul 30Jul - 12Aug 13Aug - 26Aug 27Aug - 09Sep important notes Note: - Similar dates in 2018. Note: - prices valid up to 31/12/2017. For trips departing after this date, the price will likely increase subject to local inflationary pressures on operational costs. trip cost Joining Istanbul:$2079 All prices are per person options & supplements Single Supplement: $210 World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares and stopover ideas to join this adventure, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. Inclusions Valued at USD$: Internal Flights:USD$160 the trip Capture the incredible history and geographical diversity of Turkey, combining ancient wonders with a trek in the Taurus Mountains. Our journey commences in the wondrous city of Istanbul with the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace amid other splendours. Trek in the picturesque Taurus Mountains where an ascent of Emler Peak (3723m) is possible. Finally, we travel into the heart of Turkey to the fascinating region of Cappadocia with its rock hewn landscapes where chimneys, churches and scenic valleys characterise the area. We undertake some day walks that will immerse us in the natural landscapes, allow us to explore the unique remains of underground cities, and to observe quaint villages. at a glance DAY 1JOIN ISTANBUL DAY 2ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING DAY 3ISTANBUL, FLY TO KAYSERI DAY 4HIKE IHLARA VALLEY, TRANSFER TO THE TAURUS MOUNTAINS DAY 5COMMENCE TAURUS MOUNTAINS TREK TO ALACA PLATEAU AND EMLI VALLEY DAY 6TREK SIYIRMALIK VALLEY, EZNEVIT PLATEAU AND SAKARTAS PASS (2300M) TO SOKULUPINAR CAMP DAY 7CELIKBUYDURAN PASS (3450M) AND YEDIGOLLER PLATEAU (3100M) DAY 8OPTIONAL ASCENT OF EMLER PEAK (3723M) DAY 9TEKE KALESI (3517M) AND SEVEN LAKES PLATEAU DAY 10COMPLETE TREK, TRANSFER TO CAPPADOCIA, EN ROUTE VISIT DERINKUYU DAY 11CAPPADOCIA: UCHISAR, WHITE VALLEY, CAVUSIN ZELVE MONASTERY, PASABAGLARI DAY 12CAPPADOCIA: GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM, MESKENDIR VALLEY, RED & ROSE VALLEY DAY 13CAPPADOCIA: EXPLORE URGUP AND GOREME, WHIRLING DERVISH SHOW DAY 14IN CAPPADOCIA, TRIP CONCLUDES what’s included 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners arrival transfer Day 1 only tourist class twin share hotel accommodation all internal ground transport by private bus group camping equipment for trek including 2 person tents, sleeping mat, sleeping bag porterage whilst trekking English speaking guide and camp crew/kitchen staff internal flight Istanbul to Kayseri valued at USD$160 Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. 2 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 12/17/2015 11:17:32 AM turkey panorama An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey detailed itinerary DAY 1Join Istanbul If you are arriving in Istanbul today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel. A meeting will be held this evening with your guide to introduce the trip and meet with your fellow travellers. meals: NIL DAY 2Istanbul sightseeing Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul was the hub of the Ottoman Empire and many of the grand buildings of this period are still present. Today we will explore the old Sultanahmet Area. It would be easy to spend a week in this city and still not have seen all the sights. We will visit the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome square (obelisks), both located within walking distance of our hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. meals: B DAY 3Istanbul, fly to Kayseri An exciting day of discovery as your guide introduces you to more of Istanbul’s famous sights; all are close to the old part of town - Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. The markets are little changed from early times, with a chaotic mix of goods and wares brought by people near and far to trade. Foods, clothing, jewellery, leather goods can be found at reasonable prices if you bargain. In the late afternoon or early evening we will drive to Ataturk Airport (Istanbul) for our flight to Kayseri (or Nevsehir) and continue from there to Ihlara where we spend the night at the hotel. (Please note: flight is subject to availability and schedule changes. On some occasions it may be necessary to fly to the smaller airport of Nevsehir, also in the Cappadocia region). meals: B,D DAY 4Hike Ihlara Valley, transfer to the Taurus Mountains Today we start walking in the Ihlara Valley, a 14km long canyon with hundreds of rock hewn houses and churches. We will explore some of these and gain an insight into what it must have been like for the early civilisations living here. After having lunch in Belisirma village we drive to Selime to visit the Selime Monastery. A visit to this complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope is a must in the region. In the afternoon, we drive to the Aladaglar National Park. We pack our trek luggage into the kit bags that will be loaded onto our mules. Any excess luggage not required on the trek will be stored securely for collection again on Day 10. Walking time/distance: 3-4 hrs, 8 kms. Driving time/ distance: 2 hrs, 145 kms. meals: B,L,D DAY 5Commence Taurus Mountains trek to Alaca Plateau and Emli Valley This morning we hike up to Mangirci Gorge via Emli Valley, and climb up to Alaca Yayla (Plateau) with spectacular views of the southern Aladaglar region. After lunch, we descend down to our campsite in the Emli Valley passing the old semi-nomadic camp of Oluksekisi. During summer, semi-nomadic families can be seen here with their livestock. Walking time: 5-6 hrs. Ascent/Descent: 650m. meals: B,L,D DAY 6Trek Siyirmalik Valley, Eznevit Plateau and Sakartas Pass (2300m) to Sokulupinar camp This morning you will walk up to the Siyirmalik Valley through its elegant forest of fir trees, and climb up via the pastures of the Eznevit Plateau until we reach the highest point on this pass (2538m). It is a truly picturesque region and we will take a break for lunch here with time to absorb 3 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 12/17/2015 11:17:32 AM turkey panorama An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey fast facts Countries Visited: Turkey Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Africa, Middle East *Ask our staff for more information. the scenery and magnitude of the mountain landscape. From here, we continue walking towards the Sakartas Pass (2300m), and then descend to Sokulupinar where we overnight at the campsite. Walking time: 6-7 hrs; Ascent: 788m / Descent: 538m. meals: B,L,D DAY 7Celikbuyduran Pass (3450m) and Yedigoller Plateau (3100m) After breakfast we head up to Karayalak Valley and climb up to Celikbuyduran Pass (3450m). Today is our toughest day of walking as we will ascend for about 5 hours. Just before the Pass there is a small spring. With clear, sparkling mountain water this makes an ideal place for a short break. After the pass we will descend down to our camp on the Seven Lakes (Yedigoller) Plateau (3100m). Over a cup of tea at the camp we can reminisce on a stunning day of activity. Walking time: 7-8 hrs, Ascent: 1450m / Descent: 350m. meals: B,L,D DAY 8Optional ascent of Emler Peak (3723m) Today’s climb to the summit of Mt Emler is optional, starting and finishing at our base camp on the Seven Lakes Plateau. It is, however, well worth the effort with 360o vistas over the surrounding ranges. To commence we climb to the Celikbuyduran Pass (3450m) and ascend from there for about an hour to the Mt Emler summit (3723m). From the peak it is possible to see Mt Erciyes (3917m) to the north, Mt Hasan (3268m) to the west, the Bolkar Range to the south and all the main peaks of the Aladaglar Range. Weather permitting we will enjoy a picnic lunch on the summit before descending via the same route to our camp. Walking time: 5-6 hrs, Ascent/Descent: 623m. meals: B,L,D DAY 9Teke Kalesi (3517m) and Seven Lakes Plateau We leave our camp in the early morning and walk towards the second biggest lake of the area, and then climb up to the Teke Kalesi Pass (3517m). We take a short break to take in the incredible panoramic views over the Seven Lakes area below. We descend down green pastures via a narrow path via Yildiz (Star) Lake to our campsite at Karagol. Walking time: 7-8 hrs, Ascent: 417m / Descent: 717m. meals: B,L,D DAY 10Complete trek, transfer to Cappadocia, en route visit Derinkuyu This morning, we will walk down small roads that service local mines and little creeks via Maden gorge to Pinarbasi village, where we will meet our vehicle which will transfer us to the village of Demirkazik for lunch. On the way to Cappadocia, we visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu (8 levels connected by a series of tunnels, extending to a depth of 64m under the ground). Carved in ancient times as a shelter during periods of siege and continuous raids, this huge hidden city under the plains of Central Anatolia can best be described as “Swiss Cheese”! Walking time: 3 hrs, Descent: 400m. Driving time/distance: 2 hrs, 125 kms. meals: B,L,D DAY 11Cappadocia: Uchisar, White Valley, Cavusin Zelve Monastery, Pasabaglari Cappadocia is an extraordinary geological area in central Turkey - reminiscent of a lunar landscape pitted with small volcanic craters, vast barren plateaus and steep jagged cliffs. Only an occasional oasis laying low in semi fertile valleys fed by mineral laden volcanic soil breaks its moonlike landscape. Several centuries ago the Christians hid from encroaching Arab, Persian and Roman forces by building underground cave-like cities linked by secret tunnels. Only when it was safe to surface did the people tend to their fields above. Some of the cities descend some 21 stories. Today we climb Uchisar Fortress, which is the highest point of Goreme and has panoramic views of the surrounding area. Next we walk in the White Valley or ‘Love Valley’ as it is sometimes known. We continue to Cavusin, from where we start our walk amongst fascinating rock formations and with magnificent views to the fairy chimneys at Monk’s Valley (Pasabaglari) down below. Our walk 4 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 12/17/2015 11:17:32 AM turkey panorama An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible and sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com trip grading Moderate This expedition involves trekking steep mountain paths for up to seven hours a day at a steady pace. To undertake this level of activity you will need a good level of trekking fitness and be sure‑footed. Some days involve walking over rugged terrain including boulders and scree with a tiny bit of scrambling. As a minimum, we recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for three months leading up to your trek. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant or travel agent. concludes with a visit to the Zelve Monastery Valley and open air museum. Next we drive to the interesting triple capped fairy chimneys in Pasabaglari. Afterwards there is the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish bath or discover local handicrafts. Walking time/distance: 2-3 hrs, 6 kms; Descent: 280m (White Valley). Walking time/distance: 2-3 hrs, 4 kms; Ascent: 60m / Descent: 70m (Cavusin – Zelve - Pasabaglari). meals: B,L,D DAY 12Cappadocia: Goreme Open Air Museum, Meskendir Valley, Red & Rose Valley After breakfast, we continue our exploration of this fascinating region. First we explore the Museum of Goreme, one of the area’s most interesting sights with some of the best preserved frescoes in Cappadocia. Afterwards, we start walking in the Meskendir Valley, which is full with old cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilisation. Next we cross over to the beautiful Red and Rose Valleys with its spectacular formations and colours where, time permitting, there is an opportunity to visit some hidden churches. Afterwards, optional visits can be made to a pottery centre to learn the 5000 yr old traditions of this craft; and to a carpet workshop, where the knotted or flat woven (kilim) carpets are among the best known art forms produced by the Turks. There are environmental, sociological, economic, and religious reasons for the art of carpet weaving among the Turkish people. Some of these are incorporated into the colourful carpet designs. Walking time/distance: 4-5 hrs, 9 kms; Ascent: 85m / Descent: 135m (Meskendir Valley; Red & Rose Valley). meals: B,L,D DAY 13Cappadocia: Explore Urgup and Goreme, whirling Dervish Show This morning we take a leisurely exploration of the towns of Urgup and Goreme, with their small handicraft shops, pleasant cafes and tea houses. In the afternoon, we will be treated to a performance of the Vuslat Sema Whirling Dervishes of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi. The Sema ceremony symbolises the mystical journey of a man’s spiritual growth through mind and love to perfection. Afterwards we return to our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner in Cappadocia. meals: B,L,D DAY 14In Cappadocia, trip concludes Trip arrangements conclude this morning after breakfast. meals: B This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. suggested extensions Gulf of Fethiye cruise Lycian Guided Walk country information Turkey is a natural bridge between the two worlds of the West and the Orient. It displays an 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, snow capped mountains, rolling steppe and rich agricultural valleys. The Taurus Mountains are part of the “Alp ‑ Himalaya zone’ along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The landscape of the region varies from rolling green hills, forests, high snow‑capped peaks, impressive canyons and unbelievable rock formations. During the trekking season the vegetation can splash the hills with colour ‑ masses of purple vetch, blue cornflowers and brilliant red poppies. Cappadocia is a surreal landscape of conical shaped, limestone formations. Its contrasting moonscapes and valleys filled with rock‑hewn churches and dwellings and fairy chimneys are 5 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 12/17/2015 11:17:32 AM turkey panorama An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control. nestled under the snow‑capped mountains of Mount Aergius. It is primarily an agricultural region due to its rich, mineral laden soil; however, much wealth is generated from its famous carpet weaving and tourism. Turkey’s population has reached nearly 60 million. More than 95% of the population is Islamic. The original nomadic people, the Yoruk, or Black Tent Dwellers, still keep their original culture and way of life, alternating between the summer and winter pastures of the Taurus Mountains. Their Mongolian faces can distinguish them and they commonly wear loose baggy trousers, as they do in other regions of Central Asia. climate Our trips run from May to August which is to coincide with the trekking season. Any earlier or later could have us trekking in snow‑laden conditions which could prevent us from achieving the trek itinerary. The ocean sides of the Taurus Range experiences warm to mild conditions and the interior climate tends to be hot and dry during this time along with cool nights. In the summer months the Taurus Mountains experience high daytime temperatures with low nighttime temperatures depending on the altitude. Rain in the summer months is rare. 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 Kackar mountain ranges experience the same warmer days and cooler nights, once again altitude dependant. 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. a typical day Trekking Routine We pack our main luggage into our kit bags before breakfast so that it can be loaded onto the mules. We only carry a daypack on the trail. After a wholesome breakfast we are usually on the trail by around 7.30 ‑ 7.45 am and walk for around 3‑4 hours. Lunch is usually a one hour break. The afternoon walk is generally a little shorter and camp is usually reached by around 3.30 ‑ 4.30 pm. Dinner is usually served between 6.00‑7.00 pm. This period of your trekking day is a nice time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, the wilderness, mountains, group members, crew and people you have met along the way. Much of the enjoyment of an expedition is in the journey itself. Touring Routine Depending on the schedule for the day, we generally begin sightseeing, driving or walking reasonably early to make the most of every day. Breakfast will be taken at your hotel, with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant or for a picnic. Dinners will include a variety of local and western cuisine. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications. 6 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Michelle Worthley 12/17/2015 11:17:32 AM turkey panorama An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey 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. Mules carry all your gear on trek. equipment required Specialist gear required includes walking boots, day pack and sleeping bag (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking). acute mountain sickness When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms. • Headache • Tiredness • Disturbed sleep • Loss of appetite/nausea • Shortness of breath • Cough • Palpitation • Swelling of the hands and face Individuals acclimatise at different rates. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist. vehicles & safety During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‑tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times. what’s not included additional sightseeing and meals other than stated entrance fees for historical and natural sites bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc tips international airfares and taxes arrival transfers (on any day other than Day 1) and departure transfers visa 7 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/3/2016 9:39:37 AM turkey panorama An inspiring adventure through the historical and geographical heart of Turkey travel insurance 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. 8 – © 2016 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 11/3/2016 9:39:37 AM