Turkey Active Adventure: Cappadocia, Antalya, Kas & Adrasan - 13 Days

Highlights

• Float over Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape in a hot-air balloon
• Explore Antalya and the Turquoise Coast by hiking and boating
• Hike different parts of the Lycian Way along the Mediterranean Sea
• Visit ancient ruins in Olympos and Kekova from the fourth century BCE

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uçhisar, Cooking Class, Visit the Valleys of Avcılar & Paşabağ

Day 2: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Visit an Open Air Museum, Hike Across Love Valley

Get ready for an early wake-up call this morning to float above Cappadocia's lunar-like landscape in a hot-air balloon at sunrise. Enjoy a small breakfast and transfer to the launch point to watch the crew begin the inflation process. When they're ready, hop into the basket and hold on tight as you rise into the air. Take in the breathtaking views below as the valleys transform the soft morning light.

The adventure doesn't stop here, as you'll next head to the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum. Walk among the rock-cut churches adorned with intricate Byzantine frescoes before continuing to the pottery hub of Avanos. Here, you can learn about the traditional methods of creating pottery, as the nearby Kızılırmak River offers an abundance of red clay. Following this demonstration, return to Göreme for a short, 2.4-mile (4 km) hike across Aşıklar Vadisi (Love Valley). Walk among the towering fairy chimneys and take in the serene atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Visit Kaymaklı Underground City, Hike Through the Ihlara Valley

Start your day below the surface at Kaymaklı Underground City, one of 36 underground cities in Cappadocia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has eight floors, which were populated by over 3,500 people fleeing religious persecution in the seventh and eighth centuries BCE. Visitors can only explore the first four floors, descending 65 feet (20 m) below ground. Enter at the first level, which used to be a stable, then walk along narrow corridors, peek into old living quarters, and see where residents cooked at night so enemies wouldn't see the smoke. 

Head back up to the surface to visit Ihlara Valley, one of the largest canyons in the world at 8 miles (14 km) long and 65 feet (120 m) deep. Despite the size, hiking through this canyon is relatively easy as the terrain is flat. Walk along the Melendiz River, exploring beautiful rock-hewn caves and churches. Stop at Selime Monastery, a rock-cut construction hosting a cathedral-sized church carved directly into the volcanic tuff dating back to the eighth or ninth century BCE. Transfer back to your hotel to rest for the night.

Day 4: Transfer to Antalya via Konya & Aspendos Theater

Say goodbye to the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia as you transfer to Antalya this morning, the largest city on the Turquoise Coast. You won't be bored on this six to seven-hour drive, as there are plenty of stops along the way. The first is Sultanhani Caravanserai, a 13th-century shelter that tradespeople used when traversing the Silk Road. Enter through the massive stone doorway and imagine the countless merchants, travelers, and their camels who sought refuge here. Continue on your drive to the city of Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.

Read the original writings from this 13th-century icon and admire the captivating display of artifacts to learn more about Rumi's life before enjoying a quick lunch and jumping back in the car. The last stop before Antalya is the Aspendos Theater, one of the most well-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Stand within the imposing stone walls of this second-century landmark and take in its sheer size, towering tiers of seats, and the stage where gladiators, musicians, and actors used to perform. Head to your hotel in Antalya to unwind after your action-packed road trip.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Antalya's Old Town, Boat Trip from the Old Harbor

Discover this colorful port city on a guided tour through Antalya's historic Old Town, Kaleiçi. Walk along the cobblestone streets surrounded by the city walls, mosques, Turkish baths, and charming shops. Along the way, your guide will point out landmarks, like Yivli Minaret Mosque and Hadrian's Gate, built in 130 CE as a memorial to the Roman emperor Hadrian. End the tour at the Antalya Archaeological Museum, discovering its collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras.

Return to your hotel to rest before embarking on a 3.5-hour boat cruise from the old harbor in the afternoon. Sail across the Mediterranean Sea with the magnificent Taurus mountains in the background. Glide along the shoreline, revealing secluded beaches, hidden coves, and ancient ruins along the way. Stop at Düden Waterfall and watch as it pours into the sea. Head back to shore and find somewhere to eat in the picturesque harbor. 

Day 6: Transfer to Kaş via Chimaera & Myra

After a quick two nights in Antalya, it's time to trade one coastal town for another as you transfer to Kaş, a small fishing village turned tourist hotspot. On the way, stop at Yanartaş (Burning Rock), where gases like methane emerge from the rocks, creating a permanent fire. Admire the fifth-century BCE church at the entrance, then head up the hill to see the legendary volcanic field. When you reach the top, look out at the flames that have been burning for over 2,500 years, inspiring the creation of Homer's mythical fiery creature, the Chimera.

Head back down the hill to continue the drive, stopping at the ancient city of Myra, built in the second century BCE. Wander through this archaeological wonder, admiring the well-preserved rock-cut tombs adorning the cliff faces. Explore the Roman theater, agora, and St. Nicholas Church—believed to be the final resting place of the saint who inspired the story of Santa Claus. After walking through the remains of this once-prosperous city, finish the transfer to Kaş and settle in at your hotel. 

Day 7: Hike from the Ancient City of Phellos to Kaş

Today is your first introduction to the Lycian Way, a 310-mile (500 km) long-distance hiking route along the Mediterranean coast that traces the ancient trade route of the Lycians. Take a bus to the ancient city of Phellos on top of Mount Felen, your starting point for the hike back to Kaş. After exploring the rock-cut tombs, intricate Lycian sarcophagi, and remnants of the amphitheater within the ruins, start your trek partway up the mountain.

Enjoy views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea as you walk, stopping at the picturesque village of Cukurbag, where you can enjoy a refreshing tea break. After refueling, continue the hike across a plateau to get to a viewpoint that overlooks the Bay of Kaş. Take in the stunning sight, then be careful as the trail down the mountain is steep. After five hours of hiking, you'll make it to the trail's end, where a bus will be waiting to take you back to town.

Day 8: Hike to Üçağız, Stopping at Apollonia & Aperlai

After a good night's rest, you'll hike another part of the Lycian Way, starting at the archaeological site of Apollonia, a once-thriving city that flourished in the sixth century BCE. Walk among the well-preserved temples, intricate mosaics, and numerous sarcophagi to reach the acropolis at the hill's highest point. Continue down the path to Aperlai, once the head of the Lycian Federation. The massive walls of this ancient city are still intact, so you can appreciate the architectural achievements of the Lycians.

Enjoy a lunch of fresh-grilled fish on the coast before hopping in a boat to the quaint village of Üçağız, known for its waterfront full of colorful fishing boats. Visit the Necropolis of Teimiussa, an extensive cemetery with tombs carved into the rocky cliffs, dating back to the fourth century BCE. Seeing the rows of tombs from the boat gives you insight into the Lycian people's burial rituals and their reverence for the afterlife. After taking in the quiet charm of the fishing village, return to Kaş for the night.

Day 9: Boat Tour to Kaleköy & the Sunken Ruins of Kekova, Bus to Adrasan

Explore the Turquoise Coast by water today as you jump on a cruise to the fishing village of Kaleköy, also known as Simena. Disembark and head up the hill overlooking the village to visit Kaleköy Castle, a Byzantine-era fortress built to fight pirates. Enter the well-preserved ruins, walk among the stone walls and towers, and admire the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Head down the hill and hop on the boat to the Sunken Ruins of Kekova, a partially submerged city destroyed by earthquakes in the second century. View the remains of walls, stairs, and even sarcophagi from the boat before sailing back to Kaş to grab your bags and catch a bus down the coast to the tranquil village of Adrasan. Settle into your hotel, then head back out for dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants. 

Day 10: Hike to Gelidonya Lighthouse

Today, you get to hike another part of the Lycian Way, this time to Cape Gelidonya in the Taurus mountains. Start your hike at the small village of Karaöz, embarking on a 4.3-mile (7 km) rugged trail among jagged cliffs, so wear your best hiking shoes. As you ascend to the cape's summit and break away from the thick trees, the Mediterranean Sea will stretch out before you.

When you arrive at the top, admire the tallest lighthouse in Turkey, the Gelidonya Lighthouse, overlooking the sea, and stop for a scenic lunch. If you visit on a clear day, you can enjoy 10 miles (16 km) of visibility, looking out over the marvelous islands and bays. Thankfully, you won't need to hike the entire way back, as a bus will be waiting to transfer you to Adrasan.

Day 11: Hike to the Olympos Ruins via Musa Dağı 

Lace your hiking shoes up again, as today you head out on a six to seven-hour trek to Olympos, the ruins of a city built around the end of the fourth century BCE. Start your journey on a winding path bordered by orange and pomegranate trees before you enter a crisp pine forest. As the forest thins, trek up Musa Dağı (Mount Musa). Take a break at the top to enjoy a panoramic view over Adrasan and the Mediterranean. Be careful on the rocky descent to the ancient ruins.

Olympos Beach welcomes you at the bottom as the ruins sit on the rim of the beachfront. Enter the ruins through the old temple gate, view the impressive sarcophagus of Captain Eudemos, and stand in the ruined theater to appreciate the infrastructure of what was once one of the most important Lycian civilizations. The ruins extend into the forest, where you can see the remnants of the city's defensive walls and chamber tombs. Once your feet have had enough, hop on a bus back to Adrasan.

Day 12: Hike to the Olympos Valley, Bus to Antalya

Hopefully, your feet aren't too tired as you embark on a four to five-hour hike to the Olympos Valley this morning. Start at Çıralı Beach, trekking to a sight you've already visited, Yanartaş, home of the eternal flame. Admire the ever-burning flames again before continuing your hike. As you move higher up the mountain, you'll come across smaller groups of flames, so keep an eye out. End your trek in the village of Ulupınar, where you'll be rewarded with a delicious lunch of fresh trout. Transfer back to Adrasan to get your bags and catch a bus to Antalya, the first city you visited on the Turquoise Coast. 

Day 13: Trek to the Summit of Mount Tahtalı, Depart Antalya

End your last day in Turkey with a trek up Mount Tahtalı, which you may know by its ancient name, Mount Olympos, home of the gods. Ascend the winding trails surrounded by colorful fruit trees. As you reach the top of the tree line, don't celebrate just yet. From here, the path changes to rocky terrain, but you'll reach a cable car station shortly.

Take the cable car to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of the Taurus mountains and the beautiful bay of Antalya. Once you're rested, descend the mountain on the cable car, enjoying a scenic view of the coastline, before heading back to your hotel to grab your bags. Meet your driver back outside and head to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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