authentic turkiye overland

TURKEY FAMILY ADVENTURE
ISTANBUL–CAPPADOCIA–EPHESUS–LYCIAN COAST
13 Days/12 Nights
Itinerary as of June 24, 2013
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Itinerary Overview
Walk, hike and kayak to countless Roman, Greek and Byzantine ruins of western Turkey
including the white-washed towns and turquoise waters where the Aegean meets the
Mediterranean. Designed especially for active families and friends this flexible itinerary includes
four days by the sea exploring ancient Lycia concluding in Kas, one of Turkey's most lovely
white-washed, bougainvillea-clad towns. The journey begins in the historic district of Istanbul
exploring on foot and riding up the Bosphorus on a local commuter ferry before flying to
Cappadocia and then venturing down the beautiful beaches and pine-covered forests of the
Lycian coast including the extraordinary ruins of Ephesus. You experience Turkish hospitality in
local villages and many options for easy walks, active hikes, sea kayaking, snorkeling, scuba, hot
air ballooning, and cycling with time to relax and to enjoy Turkish cuisine.
DAY
OVERNIGHT
HOTEL
MEALS
HIGHLIGHTS
Guided stroll to welcome dinner overlooking
the Golden Horn.
Full day walking guided tour Sultanhamet
historic district
1
ISTANBUL
Azade Hotel
D
2
ISTANBUL
Azade Hotel
BLD
3
CAPPADOCIA
Elkep Evi
Cave Hotel
BLD
4
CAPPADOCIA
Elkep Evi
Cave Hotel
BL
Full day exploration of Cappadocia. Hike the
hidden churches and villages.
5
CAPPADOCIA
Elkep Evi
Cave Hotel
BL
Underground city and hike Ihlara Gorge.
Optional hot air balloon, cycling, horseback.
6
SIRINCE VILLAGE
Nisanyan
Houses
BLD
7
SIRINCE VILLAGE
Nisanyan
Houses
BL
Tour Ephesus. Visit Tire village.
8
DALYAN
Kilim Hotel
BL
Turtle Beach and explore the ruins of Caunos by
boat and on foot
9
KAS
Maki Hotel
BL
Travel to Kas, en route visit Myra, Xanthos,
Pinara and vicinity, hiking and exploring.
10
KAS
Maki Hotel
BL
Sea kayaking and snorkeling Kekova Sound.
11
KAS
Maki Hotel
B
Free at leisure to relax or take optional
guided local excursion on land or sea.
12
ISTANBUL
Georges Hotel
B
Fly to Istanbul, transfer in, free afternoon.
13
DEPART
B
Fly Kayseri, drive and explore Cappadocia.
Uchisar Castle and Avanos pottery village
Fly to Izmir, visit Selcuk Museum, and drive to
Sirence village
Transfer to airport for outbound flight.
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ITINERARY IN DETAIL
DAY 1: ISTANBUL
Upon arrival in Istanbul you are met and transferred to our hotel in the historic Sultanahmet District.
Meet your guide in the late afternoon and stroll through the streets of the Old City to an open-air terrace
restaurant for dinner. Your meal is an authentic introduction to Turkish cuisine and culture with an
unbeatable view from your restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Galata Tower, and the
Bosphorus Bridge. Stay overnight in a boutique accommodation in the heart of the historic
Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. [D]
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Today explore the grandeur of one of the world’s most important historical cities, Istanbul. Visit a
selection of splendid relics of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires including Topkapi Palace, Aya Sophia,
the Blue Mosque, the Roman Hippodrome, and the Underground Cistern. If time permits, visit the
Kapali Carsi (covered bazaar). Around sunset hop onto a commuter ferry joining local residents returning
home from work. The boat offers a grand view of the historic mosques and bridges and restored antique
homes. Enjoy dinner at one of the lovely seafood restaurants in an upscale neighborhood on the other
side of the Bosphorus. Return by ferry and car to your hotel. Overnight in Sultanahmet area of Istanbul.
[BLD
DAY 3: FLY TO CAPPADOCIA—GOREME OPEN—AIR MUSEUM
Transfer for morning flight to Kayseri (1 hr) followed by
a short drive (50 min) to Urgup in Cappadocia. After
check-in to your cave hotel, begin exploring
Cappadocia with your expert local guide by private
vehicle, on foot and possibly on bikes over hundreds
of trails that wind their way through villages, farms
and fantastic fairy tale geological formations. Visit the
Goreme Open-Air Museum, a complex of medieval
cave churches carved and elaborately painted by
Orthodox monks. Overnight Elkep Evi, an
atmospheric historic boutique cave hotel built into a
stone cliff facade overlooking the town of Urgup.
[BLD]
DAY 4: VILLAGES AND ARTISAN WORKSHOPS –HIKING
Spend two full days exploring Cappadocia with your expert local guide on foot and by private vehicle. The
itinerary is flexible based on individual interests and abilities. Explore Uchisar Castle, a natural rock
formation of former residences carved out of the soft tuft. Then hike through the Love Valley, famous for
its magical fairy chimneys. You can take a shorter hike or extend it depending on your preference. Visit a
textile coop and a potter’s workshop to learn about the origin of the potter's wheel invented in Anatolia.
Here you have a chance to throw your own pots. Optional activities include hot air balloon rides,
horseback riding, mountain biking, a visit to a Turkish bath and a Whirling Dervish ceremony (ages 10
and older) (not included). Overnight Elkep Evi [BL]
DAY 5: IHLARA GORGE WALKING EXPLORATIONS- UNDERGROUND CITIES
Today you will meander through rock dwellings and hidden churches of Cappadocia’s remote valleys.
Walk in the Ihlara Gorge on moderately undulating trails to explore the strange fairy-chimney landscape
up close. In these canyon lands the early Christians built many hidden rock churches amongst local
vineyards and villages. At the village of Avanos, you stop to enjoy local fruits and wines and may buy
ingredients for a picnic lunch. Later, descend 150 ft into the honeycombed Kaymakli or Derinkuyu
underground cities where the people of Cappadocia would escape from marauding invaders and survive
in these tunnels and caverns for 6 months. En route back to Urgup, stop to view a 13th century Selcuk
Turk Caravanserai, similar to those made famous by Marco Polo. Overnight Elkep Evi [BL]
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DAY 6: FLY IZMIR AND TO SIRINCE VILLAGE
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir (direct or
via Istanbul connection). Drive up into the hills to
Sirince village (1hr), for centuries a summer refuge from
the coastal lowlands. Depending on the flight schedule
we stop for an introductory visit to the Selcuk Museum
and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of
the seven wonders of the ancient world before check in
to our beautiful historic village accommodation. Our
accommodations at Nisanyan Houses are a series of
small, distinctively restored Ottoman style homes in the
quaint village of Sirince. A walk through the town reveals
exquisite architecture, tea gardens, vibrant cottage
industries and local handicraft shops. Enjoy the
afternoon to explore and absorb the ambiance of village
life. Overnight Nisanyan Evleri [BLD]
DAY 7: TOUR EPHESUS-VISIT TIRE VILLAGE
Walk through the splendid ancient city of Ephesus.
Romans of the 1st and 2nd centuries ACE brought the
greatest level of prosperity to Ephesus which became the
capital of the Roman world. The excavated city winds its way up a hillside with colonnaded avenues,
ancient temples, agora, stadium shops and houses, and the ornate two-story Library of Celsus. In the
afternoon travel back in time to the rural Aegean village of Tire where one can still observe the oldfashioned courtyards of traditional artisans. Here you can watch felt makers, saddle makers, and woodworkers, wander in antique stores, and observe village life in Turkey. Wandering the quiet streets it is
entirely natural for the proud artisans to invite us into their homes to share their genuine hospitality. Tire
craftsmen employ techniques that have been almost universally lost over the centuries; only here have
these skills been preserved for posterity passed down through generations. Overnight Nisanyan Evleri
[BL]
DAY 8: DALYAN AND CAUNOS RUINS
Drive to Dalyan (147 miles / 3 hrs). In the afternoon stretch your legs at Turtle Beach, well-known as the
place where the rare sea-turtle species Caretta Carettas lay their eggs. Board a fishing boat and cruise up
the Dalyan River through a maze of bamboo and cattails. Hike amongst the magnificent 4th C. rock cut
tombs and the Carian ruins at Caunos, and then cool off with an optional mud bath by the river!
Overnight at Kilim Hotel [BL]
DAY 9: HIKE AND EXPLORE ANCIENT LYCIA
Start early today on drive to Kas (100 mi / 2 hours) for a full day exploring ancient Lycia. Hike forested
trails and amble among the temples and rock-cut tombs of the most important cities of ancient Lycia
including Pinara and Xanthos. Xanthos was the capital city of the Lycian Federation and its greatest city
for most of Lycian history. It is very old and finds there date back to the 8th century BC, but it is possible
that the site may have existed during the Bronze Age or during the first centuries of the Iron Age. Today
Xanthos is in the Turkish village Kinik. The theater, Tomb of the Harpies, Nereid Monument, agora, and
Inscribed Pillar, among a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times, create the special
atmosphere of this site.
Pinara was one of the three major cities in the Xanthos valley, one of six major cities with the greatest
voting power in the Lycian Federation. There is no other Lycian site quite like Pinara with its beautiful
mountain setting of fragrant pines, ancient olive trees, wildflowers, thyme-scented breezes and its
stunning view over the Xanthos Valley, off the radar of most tourists it retains its tranquil and mystical
atmosphere. Depending on time and energy you may visit the ancient site and beautiful white sand
beaches of Patara. Overnight at Maki Hotel [BL]
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DAY 10: SEA KAYAK KEKOVA SOUND
Today a local expert kayak guide submerges you in history
kayaking and snorkeling in the calm clear waters of
Kekova Sound! Drive to the village of Ucagiz for a safety
talk and instructions before paddling through turquoise
waters around half-submerged rock tombs over
underwater foundations, walls and mosaics of the sunken
city and Tersane Creek dating back 2000 years. Make
your way to the isthmus of Aperlai where you amble over
the Byzantine ruins at Tersane Bay and snorkel from
shore over another sunken city. Return to the town at
your leisure. Overnight at Maki Hotel [BL]
DAY 11: FREE DAY IN KAS
The region of Kas provides countless opportunities for
relaxing and outdoor activities. Enjoy free day wandering
amongst the seaside cafes, stone streets and craft shops,
or you may elect to join in any number of excursions by
sea or by land including more kayaking or scuba diving
over sunken wrecks. We can set you up in advance or you
can make arrangements on site with local guides who can
take you on easy walks or all day hikes on innumerable
trails throughout ancient Lycia, or mountain biking on
little-used mountain roads. Whether walking or cycling
you’ll be surprised by the lush evergreen forests, hidden
canyons and mountain streams, green valleys and cool
springs where you come upon authentic local villages and
ancient cities off the tourist track. You can take a boat to the
Greek island of Kastellorizo (known as Meis in Turkey). This tiny Dodecanese island with a population of
a couple of hundred is one of those picturesque islands where you can hike in the hillsides, explore
alleyways and houses behind the waterfront, or simply eat, drink and chill around the harbor.
Kastellorizo has an interesting history once governed by Rhodes, Egypt, the Venetian Doge and the
Ottoman Turks. Overnight at Maki Hotel [B]
DAY 12: KAS - ISTANBUL GALATA DISTRICT
Transfer to Dalaman Airport (90 mi / 2 hrs) for flight to Istanbul. Transfer in to your hotel located in the
bustling Galata district just a short walk to the pedestrian promenade of Istiklal Caddesi where you can
walk through the lively neighborhood of Beyoglu up to Taksim Square past an abundance of restaurants,
bars, clubs and shops. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, explore on foot and reflect on your
experience in Turkey overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and Istanbul skyline of mosques and
minarets before your farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. Overnight in the Galata District of
Istanbul. [B]
DAY 13: DEPART
Extend your stay or transfer to airport for outbound departure. [B]
END OF SERVICES
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2013 Price per person, double occupancy
Group Size
Adults and teens
Child 11 and under
Internal Air
4
$4895
$4750
$375
5-8
$4495
$4350
9-10
$4095
$3950
Single Supplement: $650
Domestic flights in Turkey subject to change until purchased.
2013 Departure Dates
Jun 17 - June 29, 2013
Jul 12 - Jul 24, 2013
Aug 20 – Sept 1, 2013
(and on request)
INCLUDED SERVICES
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Airport transfers
Private air-conditioned vehicles with driver
Accommodations as noted, inclusive of taxes
Guided tours and excursions with entrance fees
Meals as specified [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]
Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services.
NOT INCLUDED
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International and local flights in Turkey (price separately)
Visa for Turkey payable upon arrival and airport departure taxes
Tips and gratuities
Optional or suggested services on your own
Personal expenses
Travel insurance, medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation
Extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control
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ACCOMMODATIONS
AZADE HOTEL, SULTANAHMET, ISTANBUL
This boutique hotel located in the heart of the Sultanahmet
District features 46 well-appointed rooms in an attractive 19thcentury Ottoman mansion. While furnished in the Ottoman
style, each room features modern comforts such as
individually-controlled air conditioning, central heating,
private bathroom, hair dryers, television (with access to
international channels), free high speed wireless internet
access, mini-bar and 24-hour room service. The hotel includes
a wellness center, roof-top terrace restaurant with views of the
sea and the Blue Mosque.
ELKEP EVI, CAPPADOCIA
Elkep Evi is a small boutique cave hotel built into a stone cliff
facade ideally situated overlooking the town of Urgup. The
elegant rooms feature en-suite bath including hair-dryers and
are designed with wood floors, central heating, and a rich décor
including carpets and accent lighting. Services include in-room
direct phone, bar, laundry, restaurant and al fresco dining by
the garden overlooking the picturesque valley and town. Many
rooms include a private terrace with panoramic views of
Cappadocia, and several spacious suites include Jacuzzis.
NISANYAN EVLERI, SIRINCE VILLAGE
Experience authentic village life of Turkey! Mujde and Sevan
Nisanyan have preserved several small homes in the historic
village of Sirince located in the coastal hills above the ancient
city of Ephesus. The inn has five guest rooms, with plenty of
common area, a lounge and sky lit restaurant. The 150-year old,
renovated homes, clustered along cobble-stoned lanes in the
village are converted into comfortable, self-contained guest
accommodations with modern conveniences and antique
charm. Each home sleeps two to five people featuring a
fireplace, private bathroom with hair dryer, kitchen, and a CD
player with classical and Turkish mood music. Fresh breakfast
is delivered to your porch.
KILIM HOTEL, DALYAN
This friendly hotel is operated by a Turkish and English couple
who receive guests as if in their own home. They offer riverside
and garden accommodations in a relaxed setting in a quaint
section of Dalyan. Enjoy complimentary breakfast on the roof
top terrace, relax and cool off by the pool, or walk 5 minutes to
the town center. Turkish meals are served on request and
delicious snacks and drinks are available day and night.
Services include laundry, safety deposit, and free Wi-Fi. Music
and Pilates classes The large and comfortable rooms are
equipped with air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Most
rooms also have a balcony.
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MAKI HOTEL, KAS
The Maki Hotel is a modest, small hotel built on a hillside with
spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean and small historical
town of Kas on the south coast of Turkey. It was one of the most
important marine cities and wine production sites of the Lycian
civilization and is now surrounded by rock tombs and ruins of the
ancient city. It is also among the best 50 diving resorts in the World.
The area is rocky all around and this helps to keep the bay crystal
clear. The 5-story property features buffet breakfast, swimming pool
with terrace views, private rocky beach with patios, bar and full
service restaurant. Room are appointed with a/c, telephone, private
bath and shower, and view balcony.
GEORGES HOTEL GALATA, ISTANBUL
Situated near to the historic Galata Tower, this boutique hotel
is housed in a heritage building in the heart of Istanbul’s chic
cultural center, a 5 minute walk to lively Istiklal Street. All of
the room feature high ceilings, sleek furniture, wood parquet
floors and a spacious feel. The rooms carry all modern
amenities including Led TV, iPad docking station, laptops sized
safes, Nespresso machine and free Wi-Fi.
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RECOMMENDED TRIP ADD-ONS
OPTIONAL DAYS IN ISTANBUL
We recommend an additional day (or more) in Istanbul. Itineraries and sightseeing can be designed to fit
your interests. Activities may include guided walks through the Asian and European neighborhoods on
both sides of the Bosphorus; riding the commuter ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian district of
Kadikoy to explore the outdoor markets famed for their antiques, nuts, dried fruits and patisseries, and
to lunch at the famous Ciya Restaurant featuring an exotic and extensive menu of Turkish regional
dishes. Return to the heart of the city to explore the Beyoglu Quarter by walking the pedestrian
promenade of Istiklal Caddesi through the grand 19th century Europeanized center. This walk is an
example of the contrasts of composition that define Istanbul; amongst the ancient and medieval history
are modern fashion shops, bookshops, cinemas, markets and restaurants, but the traditional hand-carts
still sell trinkets and the local delicacy ‘simit’ (sesame bread snacks). Among the winding, narrow streets
of Cukurcuma, we discover the city’s funky antiques barrio and the lively restored French Quarter.
Another option could be a guided walking tour of Fener and Balat, two historic neighborhoods midway
up the Golden Horn surrounded by the outer walls of the ancient city. The walls themselves still shelter
Byzantine elephant stables and dungeons, and there remain entire streets of old wooden houses,
churches, and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Also ask about our Jewish
Heritage Tour in this area.
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Booking your Wildland Adventure
HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP
You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is
confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and
submit a Release of Liability.
Deposit requirements are as follows:*
 $500 per person for all trips in Central America.
 $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the
Mediterranean and North America.
 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable.
*Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits
to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance.
CUSTOM TRAVEL
This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to
accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453, send
an email to [email protected], or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on
our website.
PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure,
money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable
cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators:
Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person
91 or more: $300
61-90 days: Initial deposit amount
31-60 days:
50% of land cost
30 or less:
100% of land cost
PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES
Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations,
visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip
extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact
information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS
Have any questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-345-4453 or email [email protected]. We’re here to
help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other
suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however
possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or
nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in
advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your
itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for
trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time
during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative
accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services
provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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