Stunning Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia, is also where Turkey's past meets its present. After exploring the city's highlights, we head to Cappadocia and embark on a walking adventure amidst some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. This area was formed in ancient times by volcanic activity and later by erosion before being harnessed by the human inhabitants of the area, who created have some of the most interesting dwellings to be found. Our hikes take us into the midst of this fairytale landscape where we walk amongst rock cones, capped pinnacles, fretted ravines and fairy chimneys and also discover historic Christian art. The Taurus Mountains are part of the great chain that stretches all the way across to the Himalaya. Hiking in this region and camping in the highlands enables us to access remote villages and share in the legendary hospitality of the nomadic people who have settled in this part of the world.
Highlights
Istanbul Blue Mosque Cappadocia Ihlara Valley Walk Goreme Valley Akvadi (White Valley) Kizilcukur (Red Valley) DerinkuyuItinerary:
1 (Sun) Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel.2 Tour of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, ancient Hippodrome, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Afternoon free to explore the Grand Bazaar. Overnight train to Ankara.3 Travel to Cappadocia through Anatolian landscape via a salt lake (tuz gala). Visit the 13th-Century Sultanhani Caravanserai. Hike along the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley. Explore Byzantine cave chapels (4 hours).4 Walk through the Askvadi (Love Valley) and explore
impressive rock formations of the area. Afternoon hike exploring the lunar-like landscape of the Pigeon Valley (3 hours). Return to Goreme.5 Drive to Pasabaglar Valley passing fairy chimneys. Walk to Kizilcukur (Red Valley) and explore red-tuff rock formations. Optional Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance this evening.6 Visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Travel to the Taurus Mountains and walk through gorges, canyons and mountain villages to campsite in the Emli Valley (3-4 hours).7 Walk through a pine forest to the Siyirmalik Valley. Hike up to Eznevit Plateau. Descending to Sokullupinar Plateau (6 hours).8 Meet the local nomads of the Arpalik Plateau. Descend into Cimbar Valley to Demirkazik village (4 hours). Drive to Ankara and overnight train to Istanbul.9 Tour ends after breakfast in Istanbul (Mon).
Included: Peregrine tour leader, arrival transfer, transport and sightseeing.
Not Included: International flights, departure transfer, departure taxes, visas, insurance (compulsory on all trips), meals not listed (lunches and dinners), any optional tours or activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, tips and items of a personal nature.
Notes: Sleeping BagsYou will be required to bring your own sleeping bag for this trip. A 3 season sleeping bag (temperature -5 to 0 degrees Celcius) is recommended for travel in May and a 4 season sleeping bag temperature -10 to -5 degrees Celcius) for travel in June and September. Mattresses will be provided.Luggage is transported by vehicle between campsites. However you will be required to carry your day pack with personal belongings, water, camera etc.Pre-departure document PDIPlease carefully read these trip notes in conjunction with the pre-departure document (PDI) which you will recieve upon confirmation of your holiday. This important document contains further information about your European trip that you will need to know before you travel.Shower facilitiesPlease be aware that the washing facilities when camping are very basic and are communal. Hot water is not usually available.
Meals: 6 breakfasts,3 lunches,2 dinners
Starts/Ends: Istanbul/Istanbul
Trip Reference: PECC
