Highlights
- Get into gear with a scenic cycle around Cappadocia's rock formations
- Take an early morning hot-air balloon flight over lunar valleys and "fairy chimneys"
- Explore Antalya, the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean Coast, by e-bike
- Hike a portion of the famed Lycian Way and explore the ruins of Olympos
- Embark on a relaxing boat trip to Suluada and swim in its turquoise waters
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kayseri, Transfer to Cappadocia, Sunset Bike Tour | Cappadocia |
| Day 2 | Hot-Air Balloon Tour, Kaymaklı Underground City, Ihlara Valley Hike | Cappadocia |
| Day 3 | Fly to Antalya & the Mediterranean Coast, Afternoon E-Bike Tour | Antalya |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Adrasan via the Fires of Yanartaş | Adrasan |
| Day 5 | Hike to the Olympos Ruins via Musa Dağı | Adrasan |
| Day 6 | Suluada Island Boat Tour, Transfer to Antalya, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kayseri, Transfer to Cappadocia, Sunset Bike Tour
Welcome to Turkey! Your driver will be waiting outside Kayseri Erkilet Airport to take you to your hotel in Cappadocia, located in central Turkey. On the way, don't forget to look out the windows to catch a glimpse of the ancient cave dwellings, surreal rock formations, and soaring hot-air balloons the region is known for. Relax at the hotel before kicking off your Turkish adventure with a sunset bike tour this afternoon. Start the three-hour tour at Pancarlık Valley, where you'll be surrounded by distinctive rock formations and churches intricately carved into the heart of these ancient rocks.
As you cycle across the volcanic terrain, you'll see the fortress town of Ortahisar sitting at the foot of the largest rock citadel in the region. Continue to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its collection of rock-cut churches adorned with intricate Byzantine frescoes. As the sun starts to set, cycle to the Red Valley, full of reddish-pink rocks, and finish in the Paşabağ Valley, known for its whimsical formations called "fairy chimneys." A driver will be waiting at the end to transfer you back to your hotel, where you can get an early night ahead of tomorrow's early start.
Day 2: Hot-Air Balloon Tour, Kaymaklı Underground City, Ihlara Valley Hike
Wake up before sunrise to embark on one what's sure to be one of the trip's highlights—a hot-air balloon flight. The early-morning start will be worth it as you watch the sunrise over Cappadocia's picturesque valleys. Enjoy a small breakfast and transfer to the launch point to watch the crew inflate the massive balloons. 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 undergo a transformation in the soft morning light. When you land, celebrate with a glass of champagne before transferring back to your hotel for a well-deserved nap.
Your action-packed day continues at Kaymaklı Underground City, one of 36 underground cities in Cappadocia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is comprised of 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 used to cook at night so enemies wouldn't see the smoke.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Fly to Antalya & the Mediterranean Coast, Afternoon E-Bike Tour
Start your day with a transfer to Kayseri Erkilet Airport to catch a flight to Antalya International Airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Settle in before you embark on an e-bike tour of Antalya, the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast. Once you grab your equipment and complete a safety briefing, start your tour at Düden Park, home to Düden Waterfall. Hop off your bike to get a view of the falls cascading into the Mediterranean Sea from the park's observation deck.
Leave the water behind to head to Kaleiçi, the historic old town. Cycle along the narrow streets surrounded by the city walls, mosques, Turkish baths, and charming shops. Take a break in a local restaurant to try a simit, a traditional Turkish bagel, with a cup of tea. Once you're rested and refreshed, continue on the tour, passing world-famous beaches, cultural centers, green parks, and the Antalya Aquarium. After a day of sea air and sunshine, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel to put your feet up.
Day 4: Transfer to Adrasan via the Fires of Yanartaş
Say goodbye to Antalya as you hit the road to Adrasan, a small village south along the Mediterranean coast. 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. Walk back down to continue your journey to Adrasan.
The afternoon is yours to explore this peaceful coastal town. Bask in the Mediterranean sun and swim through the turquoise waters at one of the many beaches, such as Adrasan Sahil or Adrasan Koyu. Those who can't sit still can trek to the ruins of Adrasan Kalesi (Castle) instead. It's a strenuous, 30-minute hike to the top, so it's not for the faint of heart, but the bird's-eye view of the coastline is worth it. End your night with a delicious dinner at one of the many local restaurants overlooking the water, like Saide Café & Restaurant or Le Jardin Café.Day 5: Hike to the Olympos Ruins via Musa Dağı
Lace up your comfortable hiking shoes today as you embark on a challenging 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, head up Musa Dağı (Mount Musa). Take a break at the top to enjoy a stunning view of Adrasan and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Be careful on the rocky descent to the ancient ruins.
Olympos Beach welcomes you at the bottom of the mountain, where 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 for the evening.
Day 6: Suluada Island Boat Tour, Transfer to Antalya, Depart
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