Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Turkey: Hike, Bike & Kayak
12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Hiking in Cappadocia, Cappadocia and Konya, Selcuk and Ephesus, Fethiye - Lycian Way Hiking, Lycian Way Hiking, Lycian Way Hiking and Kas, Kas Sea Kayaking & Hiking , Kas Cycling
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ERXT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Experience Turkey from a different perspective. Abandon well-worn routes to forge a path through unexplored terrain, deep in the historical heart of Turkey. Travel from the minarets of Istanbul city, visiting Turkey’s holiest sites, hiking through valleys for fairy chimneys, tackling the Lycian Way, cycling the streets of Kas and kayaking over sunken cities on the Turquoise Coast. Take up the challenge and be amazed by the diversity that's revealed on this active adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Merhaba! Welcome to Istanbul. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm. Check-in time at our joining-point hotel is after 2 pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, but if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival. Today you'll become acquainted with the eclectic character of the city on an orientation walk around the Historical Peninsula.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Istanbul. It’s a good idea to grab a snack as you won’t arrive in Cappadocia until the afternoon – roasted chestnuts are a delicious and easy street food option!
In the morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight to Cappadocia. Your leader will confirm the exact time of the flight during the welcome meeting on Day 1. On arrival in Cappadocia, transfer to Goreme, where your leader will help you get your bearings on an orientation walk. Afterwards enjoy a guided Zemi Valley walk.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Hiking In Cappadocia
Location: Hiking in Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
With its towering chimneys and beehive-esque mountain caves, Cappadocia really does feel like a dreamscape. After breakfast, begin exploring with a short walk, through either the phallic pillars of Love Valley or the pink-hued rocks of Red Valley. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in the town of Goreme. If you’re looking to relax and limber up, consider heading to a local hamam (Turkish public bath) for a steam and a scrub. If the opportunity arises visit a local carpet shop and see how carpets are weaved.
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Day 4: Cappadocia And Konya
Location: Cappadocia and Konya
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals Included: breaksfast
One of the most iconic images associated with Cappadocia is that of colourful hot air balloons drifting high above the semi-arid rock formations and valleys below. If you can handle the early start, you have the option of rising high with the sun on one of these balloons, experiencing this truly stunning wonderland from above. If you would prefer to stay grounded, your leader can organise a short walk in the morning so you can stretch out your tired legs. In the afternoon, depart for Konya, a Central Anatolian Plains city that is as dense and urban as Cappadocia is ancient and expansive. Konya has its own unique religious history as the home of the Mevlevi Order, a spiritual sect better known as the whirling dervishes. You can ponder the influence of this Islamic mysticism on the city around you at the Mevlana Museum, before grabbing a bite and jumping on the overnight train to Izmir.
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Day 5: Selcuk And Ephesus
Location: Selcuk and Ephesus
Accommodation: Hotel
Good morning and welcome to Izmir! From here you’ll take a one hour transfer to Selcuk. This town is steeped in Turkish traditions and packed with remnants of the past. First up are the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill, where you will find a castle fortress and 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque among other gems. The famed Temple of Artemis is also worth a look, though all that remains of this ancient wonder is a single pylon. In the afternoon it's time for what may well be the highlight of your trip – the ruins of Ephesus. There will be plenty of time to marvel at the beautifully preserved remains of this ancient metropolis, including the staggering stadium and delicately carved facades. Learn about its 1500-year history in a guided tour. Then, return to Selcuk on foot and enjoy a balmy evening in the local square, and enjoy a very Turkish evening watching locals play cards and backgammon.
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Day 6: Fethiye - Lycian Way Hiking
Location: Fethiye - Lycian Way Hiking
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
A port city with a stunning coast, an archaeological hotspot and the site of precipitous green cliffs – Fethiye has an abundance of natural and manmade beauty. You’ll arrive here after a 3.5-hour bus ride, check into your hotel and then travel by public bus to Kayakoy to begin exploring with a hike along part of the historical Lycian Way trail. This 2-hour, 6-kilometre trek along the rugged coast will take you up a steep rocky path and through forest before you emerge with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Descend into Oludeniz and witness the stunning vista of the Blue Lagoon hemmed by an arching peninsula. Travel back to Fethiye by public bus, this evening you may want to rest up and sort out your pack for tomorrow, as you prepare to tackle another section of the Lycian Way.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Lycian Way Hiking
Location: Lycian Way Hiking
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Take a short bus ride to Ovacik which marks the official start of the Lycian Way. Begin a 14-kilometre walk toward Faralya. As you pass through areas of pine forests, rocky terrain, and Mediterranean shrub on this day-long hike, you'll catch stunning vistas of clear blue water and Mount Babadag looming above. Your route takes you through the villages of Kozagac and Kirme, where you'll meet a few local farmers and maybe even stop for a cup of tea. Lunch is simple picnic en route. Arrive in Faralya late in the afternoon then transfer by public bus to the nearby tiny coastal hamlet of Kabak and perhaps cool off in the clear water of the Mediterranean.
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Day 8: Lycian Way Hiking And Kas
Location: Lycian Way Hiking and Kas
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Rise and shine for the inspiring hike from Kabak inland to Alinca, a journey with incredible views of lush forest against glittering blue waters of the Mediterranean. On arrival jump on a private vehicle to the picturesque Esen Valley then board a public bus to Kas. It’s a 2-hour ride, so make sure you’ve got a book, a podcast or the desire to strike up a conversation with a local. Kas is a charming city, with cobblestoned streets and whitewashed walls galore. You might want to rest your aching limbs at one of the waterfront restaurants, where the price of a drink will get you a deck chair, and umbrella and gorgeous views of the sea. Another early night in order. The local handicraft markets make for a great evening activity, and the small ancient theatre offers the best sunset, but don’t forget you’ll be up early tomorrow.
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Day 9: Kas Sea Kayaking & Hiking
Location: Kas Sea Kayaking & Hiking
Accommodation: Pension
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
This morning is a real highlight as you kayak over the sunken city near Kekova, where ruins jut from the crystal clear water. Off the coast of Ucagiz, lies the island of Kekova. On the northern side of the island, you’ll find the stone archways, worn down steps and crumbling walls of a an ancient Lycian settlement, rebuilt during the Byzantine era but has long been abandoned. It will be a 12-kilometre paddle, taking about two hours to complete. The sunken city isn’t the only sight in the area – explore myriad of coves and tiny islands. Then you will return to beautiful Kas, where you may wish to catch the local handicraft market.
This afternoon opt to take an enjoyable hike along the coast to a small beach and cool off in the crystal clear water, before then returning to Kas.
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Day 10: Kas Cycling
Location: Kas Cycling
Accommodation: Pension
Meals Included: breaksfast
Settle into the saddle this morning for an exciting cycle around Kas and its surrounds. Transfer to the start point – Ambararasifor for amazing views back over the blue waters of the Mediterranean then descend back to town and enjoy a flatter ride along the peninsula. The rest of the day is clear so you can relax and recharge in whatever way suits you. You may want to head out on the water again, this time on a gulet (a traditional sailing vessel) and enjoy cruising around the calm waters. Or maybe hit one of the local beaches with a good book. If you’ve still got energy, the nightlife of Kas is the perfect place to burn it. There are bars and restaurants aplenty for you to while away the evening in.
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Day 11: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start the morning with an early transfer to the two millenia old Delikkemer Aqueduct then begin your hike to the stunning Patara beach and nearby ancient Roman city of Patara. Take some time to explore these well preserved ruins before driving (approximately 2-3 hours) to the nearby Dalaman airport for the flight back to Istanbul.
After arriving in the late evening, check into your hotel then perhaps head out on a scenic walk across the Galata Bridge to cap off your trip. Perhaps sip some cay (Turkish tea) while reminiscing and saying goodbye to your fellow travellers.
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Day 12: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Guesthouse (1 nights), Overnight Train (1 night) -
Istanbul - Orientation Walk
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Cappadocia - Valley walk
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Cappadocia Red Valley Hike
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Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
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Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
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Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz Beach
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Lycian Way - Ovacik to Faralya Guided Hike
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Kas - Leader led orientation walk
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Lycian Way - Kabak to Alinca Guided Hike
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Ancient Theatre of Antiphellos
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Transport
- Turkey - Public Transport
- When and where possible we will use public buses to travel between cities on this trip.
- However due to weather and seasonal bus schedules we may find it necessary to substitute public buses with private transport on some days.
- Public buses in Turkey don't have toilets on board. Breaks are normally scheduled at rest stops every 2-3 hours.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Included Activities
- Istanbul - Leader-led walking tour
- Cappadocia - Valley Walk
- Goreme- Bike Riding
- Cappadocia - Valley Walk
- Ephesus - Guided Archaeological site visit
- Selcuk - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz Beach
- Lycian Way - Faralya to Kabak Guided Hike
- Kas - Leader led orientation walk
Important Information
- 1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 1 pm on Day 1 in Istanbul.
- 2. There are internal flights on this trip and most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15kg checked and 8kg cabin.
- 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (overnight train), Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 4. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page: www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts
- 5. Due to climate change and hotter summers in Turkey, bushfires have become a challenge on the Lycian Way. Your safety is our priority, your itinerary will be amended if any of the areas visited are affected.
Mode of Transport
- Turkey - Public Transport
- When and where possible we will use public buses to travel between cities on this trip.
- However due to weather and seasonal bus schedules we may find it necessary to substitute public buses with private transport on some days.
- Public buses in Turkey don't have toilets on board. Breaks are normally scheduled at rest stops every 2-3 hours.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Due to heightened fire risks on the Lycian Way, with entry to forests on the route now closed. Your safety is our priority, and remaining 2024 departures will now operate with an alternative itinerary that avoids affected areas. Please contact your booking agent for more information.
Though you don’t need to be an athlete to take part in this trip, you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy it fully. Most activities are moderate and slow paced. Hiking activities range from 3 km to 14 km in a day, and they can be uphill and in full sun. The cycling activity is 30 km and basic mountain biking skills are required. The kayaking is approximately 2.5 hours of paddling (12 km), with no previous experience required.
Most travel is on public buses. The aim behind this is two-fold: to give you a taste of local life and to minimise the carbon footprint. In fact, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find most Turkish buses have wi-fi and serve coffee and cake!
You will need to carry your own bags to and from hotels, bus stops and train stations. So it's a good idea to travel light if you can.
There is a homestay on Day 8 in a local village. This cabin accommodation is comfortable and clean but basic with share bathroom facilities. There is a pool to cool off and the view of butterfly valley is breathtaking. This is an authentic local experience and a way to experience Turkish hospitality at its best.
Where possible, we have tried to plan the hiking and cycling to mornings and afternoons, but please be aware it can get hot in the summer months.
You will need to pack good hiking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen, and a daypack. Don’t forget a jacket and swimming gear. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Monday - Friday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions