“A Turkish Odyssey” Cappadocia, Anti-Taurus & Tarsus

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 Cappadocia, Hike & Dine**

Early in the morning, we transfer to the airport for a flight to Kayseri. The day includes a guided walk through Pigeon Valley and lunch in Goreme

**Day 4: Ihlara Valley and Underground Cities **

A scenic hike through Ihlara Valley, a breathtaking canyon filled with lush greenery, rock-hewn churches, and Melendiz River flowing through its heart. Once home to early Christian monks who carved hidden chapels into the cliffs. After the hike, visit to Selime Cathedral and drive to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s largest and deepest subterranean settlements. This ancient multi-level city, carved into volcanic rock, provided shelter for thousands during times of invasion. Experiencing Cappadocia’s rich history and natural wonders in one unforgettable day, combining adventure, culture, and archaeology in a truly unique setting, ending our day with local tastes and cuisine

**Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Ortahisar – Gomeda Valley Hike**

Begin the day very early as we offer an unforgettable hot air balloon ride, floating above Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes as the sun rises over its fairy chimneys and valleys.

After breakfast we’ll check out and go for a scenic hike beginning from Ortahisar to Gomeda Valley, an off-the-beaten-path trail filled with ancient rock dwellings, tunnels, and lush surroundings. Along the way, we’ll stop for an authentic local dining experience, enjoying traditional flavors at a welcoming village table.

Our journey continues as we walk back to our hotel—a beautifully restored Greek mansion, offering a charming and historical atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a regional dinner, savoring Cappadocia’s unique and traditional cuisine.

**Day 6: Hike, Homecooking Experience, Open Air Museum & Fine Dining**

After breakfast and a coffee break at our mansion, we’ll begin our day with a walk along the Üzengi Stream, passing through picturesque landscapes and hidden rock formations. Our journey leads us to Ayvalı, where we will enjoy a special homecooking experience, tasting authentic regional dishes prepared with local ingredients.

After lunch, we’ll be transferred to Göreme Open Air Museum, exploring its ancient rock-cut churches adorned with stunning frescoes. Following a stroll through Göreme’s lively streets, where you can pick up unique souvenirs, we will conclude our Cappadocia adventure with a memorable fine dining experience, celebrating our final evening with exquisite local flavors.

**Day 7: Journey to Anti-Taurus (Aladağlar) & Sunset Experience**

Our two-hour journey to Aladağlar (Anti-Taurus Mountains) begins, taking us through stunning landscapes. Along the way, we’ll have a stop to explore Derinkuyu Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s most fascinating subterranean settlements.

Reaching the foothills of Aladağlar, day will be ended by a breathtaking sunset, perfectly complemented by a glass of local wine. Depending on our arrival time, we may also take a short hike, immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the mountains before settling in for the evening.

**Day 8-9: Hikes in Aladağlar: Day Hikes & Local Encounters**

These two days, scenic day hikes in Aladağlar, experiencing its breathtaking landscapes without camping overnight. As we traverse its rugged trails, we’ll have the chance to connect with locals, learning about their traditions and way of life in this remote mountain region. Your fitness level will make us specify the daily routes. 

Each hike offers a unique perspective of this majestic mountain range, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and diverse wildlife. This journey is not just about hiking—it’s about immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of one of Turkey’s most impressive alpine landscapes, while enjoying genuine encounters with the people who call this place home.

**Day 10: Journey from Aladaglar to Tarsus, In the Footsteps of St. Paul**

In the morning, we’ll depart from our hotel and begin our journey toward Tarsus, a historic city with deep cultural and religious significance. Known as the birthplace of St. Paul, Tarsus has been an important center for ancient civilisations, including the Romans and Byzantines. It also played a key role as a major trade hub along historic routes.

3 hours of driving in total, having some stops along the way, we’ll be checking in Tarsus and beginning our half-day program. Tarsus Museum, Church of St. Paul, and Cleopatra Gate are the spots we’re going to visit. During our dinner, we will enjoy a traditional Tarsus meal, featuring the famous Tarsus kebab, hummus, and şalgam (fermented turnip juice)—local delicacies that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. Tarsus kebab is one of the less known by tourists but well known by Turkish citizens. 

**Day 11: Departure: Adana & Istanbul Airport Transfer**

Transfer to Adana Airport, where you will catch your flight to Istanbul. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a break or an Adana Kebab before departure. We’re going to arrange this transfer depending on you flight times to your home or we can offer you an extra day stay in Istanbul.

The number of days and contents can be adjusted, and this program can be combined with Lycian Way or Eastern Anatolia.

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)