Family Activity Holiday In Turkey

Our journey begins in the heart of the surreal, almost unearthly landscapes of Cappadocia. Here amongst the ‘Fairy Chimneys’ and white tufa cliffs we will spend our days exploring one of the most remarkable settings on earth. Our base for the first few days is the small town of Goreme, an ideal setting from which to venture out to explore the famous underground cities and monastic settlements of the area.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

A short drive this morning brings us to the beautiful and fertile landscapes of the Ihlara Valley, occupying the basalt plains of Central Anatolia to the south of Aksaray. The narrow, steep-sided canyon, engagingly dotted with rock cut churches, was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. Formed by primeval earthquakes the valley’s once rushing river is now just a quiet stream and, as we walk along the winding valley, with its towering cliffs reaching up to 170m in some places, we see small garden cultures that originally would have provided for the islolated colonies, making them virtually selfsufficient amongst the wild beauty of this idyllic valley. The numerous rock-cut churches that pepper the valley are home to some stunningly well preserved frescoes that date from the 9th century and Ihlara’s relative isolation from the more popular attractions of Cappadocia makes the region a delight to explore. Total walking: approx 6km/2hrs.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we explore the landscapes of the aptly named ‘Pigeon Valley’, so called because of the numerous 18th century dove cotes, or ‘pigeon houses’, that pepper the valley walls. These were once a vital source of fertilizer for the local farmers who used the abundant droppings to enrich the soil. We will also visit a pottery foundery and spend some time learning about the traditions and techniques of an industry that is renowned throughout this region, taking the opportunity to try our hand at producing some pottery ourselves before moving on to hike through the dramatic and magical setting of this picturesque valley, back towards Goreme. Total walking: approx 7km/3hrs.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

The little visited Pancarlik Valley lies close by and we will spend this morning walking through it, admiring the unusual tufa formations as we continue onto the Kizilcukur Valley. Sometimes known as the ‘red hole’, Kizilcukur is probably the hottest valley in the region and hidden amongst its array of fairy chimneys sits The Church with Grapes, whose fascinating frescoes depict the rich history of viticulture and fruit growing in the region. Wine has been produced in this area since the days of the Hittites and is renowned for its very sweet and heavy vintages. Later today we will reach the small village of Cavusin, nestling amongst the backdrop of a stragely eroded landscape on top of a now collapsed section of an early Christian cave city. The original cave dwellings have fallen prey to rockfalls, earthquakes and natural erosion, but the old city still presents a fascinating place to explore and its crumbling 5th century basilica, dedicted to St John the Baptist, is one of the oldest churches In the entire region and a particularly impressive repository of some pre-iconoclastic frescoes. Total walking: approx 13km/4hrs.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Departing Goreme this morning we head into a valley setting known locally as Pasabaglari,The Valley of the Hermits, a quite extraordinary landscape of fairy chimneys that over the years have been carved out by monks as solitary refuges. These naturally hollowed out hermitages include one particular three storey example that was fashioned by the renowned Byzantine holy man St Simeon, a remarkable character whose fame owes something to his incredibe feat of sitting on a pillar for 37 years! The area also presents us with evidence of Islamic occupation, in the shape of a small minaret converted from a church belfry. Transferring to the village of Cukurbag next we will visit the underground city of Kaymakli, just one of a number of underground settlements that have been unearthed that can date their origins back to the Hittites (1900-1200BC). Believed to have been constructed to protect the population against invading armies, these extensive ‘cities’ are riddled with caverns and chambers that in some cases could hold thousands of people, their unique design being constructed to allow everyday living to go on beneath ground whilst those above were oblivious to their existence. After taking lunch in the nearby town of Demirkazi we begin to hike along the Trans-Taurus Trek, spending the next two hours walking towards our campsite in the Sokullupinar Valley. (Children will be able to utilise the services of Mules for this journey). Total walking: approx 3km/1.5hrs. Ascent 350m. Please note: sleeping bags are not provided please bring your own. Sleeping mats are provided for camping.

Overnight Standard Camping (C+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a camp breakfast this morning we head off to explore the spectacular scenery along the northern face of Mount Demirkazik, which at 3,756m is the highest of the towering mountain peaks of the Aladaglar Mountains. We walk above the impressive Cimber Canyon and head down towards the village of Demirkazik. As with yesterday afternoon, the first part of the walk will afford an opportunity for the children to use mules, until we reach the beginning of the canyon. Taking lunch at a local house in the village affords us a great opportunity to meet with the locals and gain a little understanding of a lifestyle that remained relatively unchanged for generations. From here we begin the journey back to our camp for our second night amongst the limestone vistas of the central Taurus Mountains. Total walking: approx 6-7km/2.5hrs. Ascent 350m/descent 350m.

Overnight Standard Camping (C+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breaking camp this morning we walk down to the Yallak Valley, following the sloping path that leads down to the Taurus River and the village of Hanininu (1450m). After taking refreshments in a local tea house we then drive on to Konya, taking a scenic road that leads us through the Pozanti Forest towards the traditional heartland of the mystical Sufi sect and their famous Whirling Dervishes. Konya is a major place of pilgrimage for the followers of the Sufi religion, its historic Mevlana Museum housing the tomb of the movements founder, Celaleddin Rumi, better known as the Mevlana. Once a medieval Selcuk capital, the city can boast a history that stretches back to the 7th millenium BC, but it is its Sufi connections and the remarkable spinning dances of its adherents that has brought it fame throughout both the Christian and Muslim worlds. The whirling ceremony (or Sema as it is properly known) is meant to free the soul from its earthly bonds and bring its subject closer to God. We will visit the Museum this afternoon, taking in its turquoise tiled dome and the revered mausoleum of its founder and learning something of the traditions and beliefs of the Sufi teachings amidst its sumptuous 15th century architecture. Total walking: approx 4km/3hrs. Descent 550m.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Crossing the Taurus ranges and heading southwest towards the Mediterannean coast, our journey takes us next into the glorious forested highlands of the Koprulu Kanyon National Park. Rich in flora and fauna, this stunning canyon stretches for some 14km along the Kopru River, centred around two ancient Roman bridges that span a canyon that plunges some 400m in places. Staggering feats of ancient engineering, the Oluk Bridge spans the portion of the canyon carved out by the torrents of the Koprulu Cayi, whilst the Bogrum Bridge crosses the Kocadere Stream. After lunch we will meet up with our rafting team this afternoon, to enjoy an incredible 2-3 hour adventure along the canyon floor, rafting some 14km from Besonal Village to the Oluk Bridge. No previous experience is necessary for the rafting and all instruction and safety equipement will be provided. Once we have finished our rafting we heard towards the coast driving to the town of Antalya, nestling beneath the peaks of the Beyda lari Mountains, where we will spend the night.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning our journey takes us via the magnificent setting of ancient Aspendos, lying on the lush Pamphylian Plain. One of the finest and best-preserved Roman theatres to be found anywhere, the site at Aspendos is several storeys high, built in the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurellius during the 2nd century AD, for many the golden age of the city, when Aspendos was exporting gold and silver tapestries, salt and its famous horses to the outlying outposts of the empire. Built into the side of a hill the temple reflects the classic Greek tradition and its entrance opens out onto a horseshoe shaped auditorium capable of holding some 20,000 people. Its colonnaded arcades and richly worked marble pillars retain much of the theatre’s original magnificence and its acoustics are such that the theatre still plays host to numerous modern productions and events. Antalya’s turbulent past saw it develop and prosper under Roman and Byzantine rule, becoming a major staging post for the Crusader ships heading to the Holy Land, before being captured by the Selçuk Turks in the early 13th century. Our final stop will be Olympus, , whose picturesque ruins lie strewn amongst the verdant valley either side of the Göksu River. From here we will walk towards the natural phenomenon of Chimaera, the Burning Rocks (Yanartas). Once an important centre for the worship of Hephaistos, the god of fire, legend has it that this was also the lair of the fire-breathing Chimaera, the mythical monster killed by Bellerophon, whose only remains are its fiery breathe that continues to belch from the mountain to this day. Later this afternoon there will be a chance to enjoy some well earned rest and relaxation on the beach.

Overnight Basic Hotel (H) Included meals: Breakfast

Transferring out to the traditional fishing village of Kekova this morning we board a boat to explore the calm, protected waters of the bay of Kekova, one of the most scenic area in Lycia; a set of picturesque islands, bays and small ancient cities. Here we find the so-called ‘Sunken City’ of Kekova. The results of various earthquakes, the partly submerged streets and buildings are visible in the crystal clear waters, there are even steps leading down into the depths of the bay. Later we sail to the picturesque whitewashed village of Simena, whose harbour is dotted with ancient sarcophagi (tombs), Roman baths and houses that cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle. Hiking up to the castle we find within its walls a tiny ancient theatre (the smallest in Lycia, with a seating capacity for about 300 people). Carved from the solid rock it is a wonderful place to sit and soak up the beautiful surroundings and layers of history all about. Boarding our bus again we then complete our day by driving on to the port of Kas, one of the most beautiful on the Turkish Riviera, backed by steep cliffs covered with dense green blankets of verdant forest, the perfect place to end our day, soaking up the atmosphere at one of the many lively cafes near the picturesque harbour.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Transferring to Fethiye this morning, lying along the glittering waters of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, we begin a walk to the deserted settlement of Kaya Koyu. Set amidst a fertile community of farming settlements the town, which originally began life as an Ottoman Greek settlement, was finally abandoned by its Greek inhabitants in 1923, following the post First World War upheavals that saw Orthodox Greeks dispelled froom the lands of the newly declared Turkish Republic. Covering a fairly extensive area, this ghost town of some 2,000 houses presents an emotive setting and one that amply highlights the tragic recent history between the Greeks and the Turks. From here we continue to the inviting landscapes of Oludeniz, whose tranquil turquiose lagoon, beautifully set against the backdrop of wild mountains and dense forest, affords us the ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon’s swim on the beach. Total walking: approx 4km/2hrs.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Transferring to Dalyan this morning we take the river boat across the water to the ancient ruined Carian city of Caunos, a once important trading port that bordered the ancient kingdom of Lycia. The famous rock tombs that line the cliff faces are typically Lycian in design and a wander up to the higher points of the city’s ruined citadel presents us with some spectacular views across the reeds to the distant waters of the Aegean beyond. returning to the riverboat we then explore something of the landscapes along the Dalyan River, arriving later this afternoon at the hot spring and mud baths of Ilica, affording us an opportunity to swim in a natural pool and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a wallow in the mud. Total walking: approx 5km/3hrs.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Today has been set aside to enjoy the azure waters off the coast, spending the day exploring the isolated bays and islands off Dalyan’s coastline and sailing amongst some of the best waters in the Mediterannean. There will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing and we will take lunch on board the boat, allowing even more time to truly experience this most captivating of settings before returning to our pension for a final night on the beautiful Turkish coast. N.B This trip takes place on a public boat not exclusive to Explore.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we fly to Istanbul, swapping the sparkling waters of the Med for the vibrant clamour of one of the world’s most historic and culturally fascinating cities. Formerly known as Constantinople, the vibrant centre of the old Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul is a chaotic entrepot of cultures, history and architecture that sits resplendently overlooking the green waters of the Bosphorous. One of the most enigmatic cities in the world, Istanbul’s streets are filled to overflowing with markets and palaces, churches and mosques and our tour this afternoon will give us something of a feel for this dynamic and unique city. Much of the city’s main architectural sites lie within the area of Old Stamboul, where we can find Sultanhammet Square, the old heart of the Byzantine city. Taking in some of the magnificent architectural gems of its Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, testaments to the two great empires that once ruled this city, we’ll visit the remarkable Blue Mosque, believed by many to represent the zenith of Ottoman architecture and the Topkapi Palace, built by Mehmet II and the cultural centre of the Ottoman Empire for centuries. The rest of the afternoon is free to continue exploring this most engrossing of cities at your leisure. An obvious choice for further exploration would be the stunning Haghia Sophia, the magnificent 6th century church commissioned by the Emperor Justinian in 532AD, which took some 10,000 workers nearly 6 years to complete. The building evokes a breathtaking wealth of superlatives and at its time represented a grandeur and opulence previously unseen, with stone imported from North Africa and ancient marble from Athens and Ephesus. Another possibility might be a cruise along the Bosphorous, an ideal way to take a waterborne view of the city, where the majestic city skyline is presented in all its glory

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Included meals: Breakfast