“A Turkish Odyssey” Explore the Western Anatolia

Description

This is a draft program can be easily tailored based on your preferences and your fitness level. For a tailored version please share your proposed number of days, proposed dates, number of participants, fitness level.

**Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul**

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After check-in, you will have some free time to rest. Depending on your arrival time, we may organise a short city walk. In the evening, enjoy an introductory dinner featuring delicious Turkish cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.

**Day 2: Istanbul Tour**

Today, we will explore Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, starting with iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Afterward, we’ll enjoy Turkish delicacies during a lunch break. In the afternoon, we will visit the Grand Bazaar and end our day in the vibrant Pera district. 

**Day 3: Flight to Denizli and Pamukkale**

Early in the morning, we transfer to the airport for a flight to Denizli. The day includes a guided walk through Hierapolis and Pamukkale’s stunning travertines. For lunch, savour the local Denizli Kebab, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Later, we’ll have a visit to Laodikeia, an ancient city, before resting at a cosy guesthouse in Geyre based at the heart of Aphrodisias.

**Day 4: Aphrodisias and Transfer to Ephesus/Selcuk**

After breakfast, we’ll begin exploring Aphrodisias, including its impressive stadium. A relaxing transfer to Selçuk follows, with optional stops along the way; having a local cuisine taste and coffee break at Nysa. In Selçuk, we will visit the Artemis Temple and a local museum before heading to Şirince for wine tasting and an overnight stay.

**Day 5: Visit to Ephesus and half-day walk around Ephesus**

A half day immersed in the wonders of Ephesus. Walk along the ancient streets, marvel at the grand theatre, and explore the city’s fascinating ruins. After Ephesus depending on daylight and lunch break a half-day walk will be organised, making this day an unforgettable end on the ancient city walls of Ephesus pairing the moment with a nice local wine.

**Day 6: Şirince to Virgin Mary Walk**

Today, we embark on a scenic walk from Şirince through Camlik, ending at the House of the Virgin Mary. This enjoyable day combines history, nature, and peaceful landscapes. 

**Day 7: Miletus, Didyma, and Priene**

Visit three of the most remarkable ancient cities: Miletus, Didyma, and Priene. Enjoying coffee breaks and insightful talks during our transfer. We may stop at Magnesia before returning to Selçuk where we are going to have our local dinner. 

**Day 8: Pergamon**

Heading north, we’ll visit Bergama to explore the Asklepion and Pergamon Acropolis. We propose to have a short hike inside the city, exploring its massive theatre. This day offers a perfect blend of culture and history. Bergama is another nice spot for local food, especially its aged cheese. 

**Day 9: Journey to Antandros and Assos**

From Bergama, we travel towards Troy, stopping at Antandros and Assos along the way. A short hike on the Troy Trail enhances our experience. Overnight stay will be in Assos. Antandros is the ancient city where Aeneas, the legendary founder of Rome, began his journey. After the Trojan War, he came and built his fleet here to set sail for Italy.

**Day 10: Troy and Gallipoli**

Start the day with a stunning Assos view, breakfast beside the Aegean Sea and heading to Troy and its museum. Later, we’re going to visit Gallipoli to see its significant history during World War I. After the tour, we’ll accommodate in Gallipoli/Gelibolu and having a remarkable finil night stay and dinner.

**Day 11: Departure from Istanbul**

On your final day, depending on your departure schedule, we’ll transfer you to the airport, bidding you farewell with unforgettable memories of Turkey.

The number of days and contents can be adjusted, and this program can be combined or tailored with hiking or biking on the Carian or Phrygian Trails.

Participation Limitations: To ensure a comfortable and efficient experience, the number of participants is limited. Please consider this when planning your trip.

Pre-Booking Options: Pre-booking is available for participants arriving before or after the program dates to help with accommodation and logistics.

Arrival and Departure Information: We recommend sharing your arrival and departure details (dates and times) with our team in advance. This information is necessary to arrange transfers to the city center or airport.

Optional Transfers: For participants who wish to stop the program at a certain point during the day, optional transfers can be arranged at a suitable location. Please note that this incurs an additional cost to be covered by the participant.

Clothing and Equipment: A detailed list of mandatory and optional clothing and equipment will be provided separately before the program.

Health Conditions: Participants with allergies or chronic conditions are required to inform our team during registration to ensure proper precautions are taken. This activity is not recommended for individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, rheumatism, or epilepsy, as it may be difficult to manage emergencies in nature. Please consult with our team in advance if you have concerns.

Route and Weather Conditions: Mandatory route changes may occur due to weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or storms. Final decisions will be made by the guide, and participants are expected to comply with these changes, including modifications to boat tours.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Due to the limited availability of accommodations in local and remote areas. Many of the lodgings we work with are small, family-run businesses with only a few rooms, making it difficult to cancel or rebook. To secure your spot, a deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable, except in cases of force majeure. However, if the program is cancelled by us, the full pre-payment will be refunded.

All programs are conducted by TUREB-licensed guides and arranged by TÜRSAB-certified agency Globe Outdoors Travel (TÜRSAB Document No. A-17542)