Meet at the Istanbul International Airport with your tour representative and drive to the historical peninsula, known as Sultanahmet, where you spend the night at the hotel. In the late afternoon, we continue our journey to Aladaglar National Park: Cukurbag village. Walking time: 2 h; walking distance: 5/6 km ( 3 - 4 mi) (from Gate 1, Ihlara to Belisirma) Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 95 km (59 mi) (Cappadocia to Ihlara via Derinkuyu / one way. Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 125 km (78 mi) (Ihlara to Aladaglar National Park: Cukurbag Village)

Meals:  L,D

After a brief itinerary and introducing the day’s program we head to discover some of the historical peninsulas most famous sites. We start the day with the Philoxenos (Binbirdirek) cistern, which dates back to the Byzantine period at the time of Constantine and is known as the second largest underground cistern in Istanbul. Afterwards our round walk through the historical peninsula takes us to nearby Hippodrome square, once a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. The surviving monuments of the Spina (the middle barrier of the racecourse), the two obelisks (Obelisk of Thutmose III & Walled Obelisk) and the Serpentine Column, now sit in holes in a landscaped garden. Here it is also possible to visit the museum of Turkish & Islamic arts, including notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays on various cultures from different time periods and regions in Turkey, particularly nomad groups. Our next visit takes us to blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), built between 1609 and 1616. The design is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman Mosque and Byzantine church development. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighbouring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period. From the blue mosque we head over to famous Hagia Sophia, considered to be one of the world’s most important monuments, a masterpiece and example of great architectural beauty. The marvel complex anchors the old city of Istanbul and has served for centuries as an Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later as a mosque and as museum. Our last stop takes us to famous covered bazaar (Kapali Carsi), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. The bazaar was founded by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after he had conquered Constantinople, aim was it to form a significant conclusion for the Silk Road. Today it is an important trading centre for jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. We conclude the day with a traditional cup of Turkish tee, known as cay and afterwards return to our hotel.

Meals:  B

After a brief itinerary and introducing the day’s program we head out for a fantastic tour through Istanbul, we start the day with discovery tour through modern Istanbul and its cosmopolitan districts across the Golden Horn, famous for their historical landmarks, hidden treasures and rich history, home to various populations, religions and cultures. After crossing over Galata Bridge, we start our exploration walk in Karakoy region, because its port was once a commercial centre of Constantinople, at that time with a Genoese population who built the area on the model of an Italian city. Via Karakoy we continue to neighbouring Beyoglu district, amid narrow streets and historical buildings, the centre of commerce, entertainment and culture. Here it is possible to visit Galata tower, one of Istanbul's main attractions, offering amazing views of the historical peninsula, Golden Horn and Bosphorus through Princes’ Islands and has an observatory deck with a 360-degree view of the entire city. The final part of our exploration takes us to one of the most famous trademarks of Beyoglu, as well entire Istanbul. We continue with a walk along Istiklal Street (once Grande Rue de Pera) towards Taksim Square. The Avenue is surrounded by late Ottoman era buildings designed in European architectural styles and is home to a variety of important churches and cathedrals. With its historic tram that still operates, lively atmosphere, famed restaurants, renowned antique shops, bookstores, art galleries and Turkish delight cafés, Istiklal and Taksim Squares are considered as the heart of modern Istanbul. We conclude the day with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, the presidential house of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The palace, excessive in size and filled with gold and crystal, is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. The design of the building is a mixture of Baroque, Rococo, Neo-Classic and traditional Ottoman art and culture. Fourteen tons of gold were used to gild the ceilings. It also has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk enacted some of his most important works here, e.g… the introduction of the new alphabet. He also spent his last years in the palace until he died at 09:05 on November 10, 1938. In his honour all the clocks in the palace are stopped at that exact time.

Meals:  B

After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport and fly to Kayseri. After arrival meet with our vehicle and then continue from there to Cappadocia where we spend the next two nights to explore the landscape of this wonder of nature. After arrival we visit Goreme Open Air Museum - Walk through Meskendir Valley to Red & Rose Valley In the morning we start today’s first activity and drive to Goreme Open Air Museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Goreme Open Air Museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. Afterwards we start our walk in the Meskendir valley where we follow a path which is full of old Cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. Via Meskendir we cross over to the Red Valley area, another beautiful valley in Cappadocia with its spectacular formations and colours. In Red Valley it is possible to visit the hidden Uzumlu (Grape) Church, Cross Church and the Church of the Three Crosses. These churches have been carved out of the cliff face, although it is not definite, the common believe is that these churches date back to the 8/9th century; the decorative reliefs and frescoes are added in the 10/11th Century. After walking through the Red and Rose valleys we will arrive in Cavusin. Students have the opportunity to join in a pottery workshop and make some pieces in the using traditional methods. Walking time: 4 h; walking distance: 9 km (5.6 mi); ascent: 82 m (246 ft); descent: 134 m (402 ft) Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 45 - 50 km (28 - 30 mi) (Hotel in Sultanahmet/Sirkeci to Istanbul new International Airport) Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 80 km (50 mi); (Kayseri airport to Cappadocia)

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to Zemi Valley, we start our walk in Zemi valley, a green valley with wind eroded volcanic rocks, beautiful rock formations, caves in cliffs and tall poplar trees. At the end of the valley there will be the opportunity to visit the El Nazar church. We continue our hike via Gorkundere known as one of the love valleys of Cappadocia because of the extraordinary shapes of the fairy chimneys. The trail takes us to the sunset point of Goreme. After having lunch in Goreme we continue our walk through Pigeon Valley with spectacular views of the natural cliffs and handmade caves and passes through a few tunnels carved into the rock. tudents have the opportunity to participate in a traditional carpet weaving workshop and learn the techniques that have made these rugs famous throughout the centuries. Our walk leads us directly to Uchisar village, where it is possible to visit the high viewpoint known as “The Fortress.” Many rooms hollowed out into the rock, are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the citadel provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. In the late afternoon we drive back to our accommodation. Walking time: 3/4 h; walking distance: 10/12 km (6 - 7.5 mi); (Zemi valley to Uchisar via Gorkundere & Pigeon Valley)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we drive to Ihlara, on route we visit the incredible underground city of Kaymakli, an underground city that is built under the hill known as the Citadel of Kaymakli and was opened to visitors in 1964. The people of Kaymakli (Enegup in Greek) village have constructed their houses around nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. The inhabitants of the region still use the most convenient places in the tunnels as cellars, storage areas and stables, which they access through their courtyards. The Kaymakli Underground City has low, narrow and sloping passages. While the underground city consists of 8 floors below ground, only 4 of them are open to the public today, in which the spaces are organized around ventilation shafts. Our hike starts in famous Ihlara valley, a 14 km (9 mi) long canyon with hundreds of rock cut rooms and churches. This valley proved to be an ideal place for monks to worship in seclusion, as well as provide a safe hideaway and place of defence for people during times of invasion. There are numerous dwellings, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors. The decorations in the churches date from the 6th to the 13th centuries. After having lunch in Belisirma it is possible to continue our hike to Selime village where we visit Selime monastery, undoubtedly one of the most astonishing rock-cut constructions and given its size, one of the largest religious buildings in Cappadocia. The monastery contains monks’ quarters, a large kitchen, stables, a missionary school and most important, an impressive cathedral-sized church cut directly into the volcanic tuff. A visit to this complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope is a must in the region. Today students have the opportunity to visit a cheese and butter factory where they can roll up their sleeves and try their hands at making cheese and butter using traditional methods.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast there is a short transfer to the Emli Valley. We leave our luggage at our base camp and then we hike up to Mangirci Gorge and further through juniper and cedar trees until we reach to the plateau of Alaca Yayla. Here, we enjoy the spectacular views of the southern Aladaglar Mountains. We'll enjoy our picnic/lunch by a small fountain. In the afternoon we descend back down to the Emli Valley via Oluksekisi. The last part of the hike we will again see juniper and cedar trees until we reach our camp. We have dinner and enjoy the evening at the camp with the sounds of nature and under a million bright stars. Walking time: 5/6 h; walking distance: approx. 7/8 km (4 - 5 mi); ascent/descent: 650m (1950 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

We wake up with sounds of partridges and other birds in the region, and after breakfast we carry our daily backpack with our lunch and we leave the Emli Valley. We walk in the Siyirmalik Valley and up to the Eznevit plateau. We enjoy the great views from this plateau and have many opportunities to make fantastic pictures. Also, we may have a chance to see Mountain goats (Ibex). We continue walking to the Sakartas Pass and from here we descend down to our second camp place at Sokulupinar (2000m) (6000 ft), where our cook welcomes us with a biscuit and Turkish tea and coffee. We have dinner and enjoy the evening at the camp with the sounds of nature and under a million bright stars. Walking time: 6/7 h; walking distance: approx. 14/15 km (9 - 10 mi); ascent: 788 m (2364 ft); descent: 538 m (1614 ft) Transfer time: 15 min.; transfer distance: 10 km (6 mi) (Cukurbag Village to Emli Valley)

Meals:  B,L,D

We follow a stabilized road, which takes us to the Arpalik Plateau. From the Arpalik Plateau, where it is sometimes possible to meet some Semi Nomadic shepherds, we climb up to the Tekepinari (Goats Spring) where we may see Alpine Ibexes grazing on the high plateaus. We walk on small walking paths following the River Bed which permits us to the Dipsiz Lake. On the way we will have beautiful views to the Dramatic East face of the Mt. Demirkazik (3756m) (11268 ft). Depending on the weather and water conditions you can swim in the lake. After having beautiful picnic/break near by the lake we return to our camp the same way we came up. Before dinner there is a chance to watch the sunset at the camp and have many opportunities to make beautiful/red landscape view pictures. We spend our last night at the Sokulupinar Camp. The camp fire will be ready for us. Walking time: 8/9 h; walking distance: approx. 22 km (two ways) (14 mi); ascent/descent: 900 m (2700 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we leave Sokulupinar camp and descend down to the Demirkazik village. On the way, stop at a natural ice cream factory where you can sample some of the delicious flavours and see how they make the ice cream from natural and fragrant ingredients. Here we meet with our vehicle and then drive to Antalya via Konya. On the way in Konya, we will have lunch and we take time to visit the Mevlana Museum. The Mevlana Museum, located in Konya is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Sufi mystic also known as Mevlana or Rumi. It was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the whirling dervishes. The members of the Mevlevi order had a prolific impact throughout the Ottoman Empire in classical poetry, calligraphy, visual arts and music. Afterwards we continue to Antalya. It is uncertain when the site of the current city was first inhabited. Attalos II, king of Pergamon, was believed to have founded the city around 150 BC, naming it Attalia and selecting it as a naval base for his powerful fleet. However, excavations in 2008 have uncovered remains dating to the 3rd century BC, suggesting that the city was founded earlier than previously supposed. Antalya became part of the Roman Republic in 133 BC when King Attalos III of Pergamum willed his kingdom to Rome at his death. The city grew and prospered during the Ancient Roman period. The city includes sites with traces of Lycian, Pamphylian, and Hellenistic -but mainly Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture and cultures. Walking time: 1 h; walking distance: 5 km (3 mi); descent: 400 m (1200 ft) Transfer time: 7/8 h; transfer distance: 575 km (360 mi); (Aladaglar National Park to Antalya via Konya)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we first take time for a walk through the old city centre (Kaleici); with its narrow-cobbled streets of historic Ottoman era houses; with streets and buildings still bear the marks of Antalya’s history. The old city centre has been restored to retain much of its historical character; most famous the Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, Yivli Minare and Hidirlik Tower. Later we leave Antalya and drive towards Kas, on the way we visit Myra; then to Strabo, one of the largest towns of the Lycian alliance; the ancient city consists an impressive necropolis including tombs of rulers and family members and a large Roman amphitheatre. We arrive in Ucagiz village. We start our boat trip today in the nearby village of Ucagiz for a superb day out in a beautiful part of Turkey. Going on a blue cruise in the turquoise waters is a great way to put a memorable ending to our holiday. We have our own private boat and we travel out to Kekova Archipelago. Our boat takes us to amazing coves to swim and snorkel off the boat, which is so idyllic. This region has been an important sea trading location since the ancient times. The most valuable product during the Byzantine period was a dye called Tyrian purple obtained from murex seashells. Well intermingled with people’s homes in rustic villages, there are ancient harbour settlement ruins in the area which used to export this expensive dye to the Mediterranean world. We have a BBQ lunch as we enjoy the weather and the sunshine. In the late afternoon we arrive in Kas where we spend the night at the hotel. Boat Tour in Kekova; Gokkaya or Kocakari: approximately 4 h; with BBQ lunch on board Transfer time: 3 h; transfer distance: 190 km (119 mi); (Antalya to Kas via Myra & Ucagiz)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we start our walk. This is a beautiful and easy walk through Mediterranean maquis with wildlife surrounded by mountain landscapes. The paths are well constructed and there is little ascent and descent. On several occasions we have splendid views across the sea to the islands. We may even bump into a Turkish tortoise as well! We arrive in Limanagzi Beach, famous for its pristine waters and great for swimming. Cliff lined Sebada coast along the beach boasts Lycian rock tombs seen several meters above the water. We have lunch at our peaceful beach cafe amid relaxed swimming opportunities before we take a public boat to head back to Kas, harbour. Walking time: 2/3 h; walking distance: 5,5 km (3 mi); Ascent & Descent: 180 m (540 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Having a short drive, we arrive in Kekova sound renowned for its sunken ruins. The landscape and sea here is truly magnificent. The waters are warm, clear and sparkling blue. The coastline is rugged and stunning. Our sea kayaking instructors take us through the easy steps on how to paddle and off we go, along the coast of Kekova Island with the submerged Byzantine city which we can see 2m down through the blue waters. There are no roads here so we find isolated beaches and truly splendid panoramas. We head to Simena Village where we stop for a swim, some lunch, and maybe the famous homemade ice cream. If we wish, we can walk up to Simena Castle with its panoramic views of atop of the hill. We continue our kayaking a little further, and then back to where have started, Ucagiz village. If we are lucky, we may see the graceful Loggerhead Turtle or a Mediterranean Monk Seal. We head back to Kas, where we have some free time this afternoon to relax by the pool or at the lovely harbour town or we can head to the beach. Sea Kayak in Kas: approximately 4 h; Transfer time: 1 h; Total transfer distance: 60 km (38 mi); (Kas to Ucagiz)

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to Dalaman airport where the trip concludes. Transfer time: 2/3 h; Transfer distance: 150 km (94 mi)

Meals:  B