Turkey Active Adventure: Cappadocia, Antalya, Adrasan & Istanbul - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Kayseri, Transfer to Cappadocia, Sunset Bike Tour

Welcome to Turkey! Your driver will be waiting outside the airport to take you to your hotel in Cappadocia, located in the country's Central Anatolia region. Look out the windows on the way 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 UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum, 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 

Set an early alarm and wake up before dawn to embark on a scenic hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's lunar-like landscape. 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 sweeping 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.

When you're back above ground, transfer to the 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. 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. Later in the afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel to rest for the night.

Day 3: Explore Uçhisar, Watch a Pottery Demonstration, Horseback Safari 

Explore the beautiful town of Uçhisar today, situated on the edge of Göreme National Park. Visit Uçhisar Castle, often called "the eye of Cappadocia" for its panoramic view of the whole region. Walk among the ancient hallways and residences of soldiers who defended the area in the fourth century CE. From the top, you can see the valleys of Avcılar, Çavuşin, and Paşabağ, your following stops on the tour. These valleys are known for the towering rock formations called fairy chimneys they host. Admire these geological wonders before you head to Avanos.

This town has been renowned as a pottery hub for centuries, thanks to the abundance of red clay from the Kızılırmak River. The tradition of creating pottery from this clay dates back to the Hittite period, around 2000 BCE. Witness a continuation of this tradition as you watch local artisans mold clay into intricate works of art using ancient techniques. Following this demonstration, head back toward Göreme for a short, 2.4-mile (4 km) hike across Aşıklar Vadisi (Love Valley). Walk among more remarkable fairy chimneys and take in the serene atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Once you're rested, continue this action-packed day at a Cappadocian ranch for a horseback safari. Follow your experienced guide through the mesmerizing landscapes of the region, transformed by the light of the setting sun. Trot among the unique rock formations, admire the houses carved into the mountains, and enjoy the peace as you're far from any crowds. Give your horse a little scratch in thanks and transfer back to your hotel for the night. 

Day 4: Fly to Antalya, E-Bike Tour

Say goodbye to Cappadocia as you fly to Antalya, the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast. Meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel and settle in, then set off on an e-bike tour of the city. 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 rejuvenated, continue on the tour, passing world-famous beaches, cultural centers, green parks, and the Antalya Aquarium. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel to rest your legs.

Day 5: Trek to the Summit of Mount Tahtalı

Lace up your hiking shoes to embark on 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 stunning view of the coastline, before heading back to your hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to Adrasan via Yanartaş, Free Afternoon

Hit the road and leave Antalya for Adrasan, a small village south along the Mediterranean coast. On the way, stop at Yanartaş, where gases like methane emerge from the rocks in this region, 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 castle ruins of Adrasan Kalesi instead. It's a strenuous, 30-minute hike to the top, so it's not for the faint of heart, but the panoramic 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 Cafe & Restaurant or Le Jardin Cafe.

Day 7: Hike to the Olympos Ruins via Musa Dağı

Get your hiking shoes back on, as today you embark 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, 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 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 8: Suluada Island Boat Tour

See the Turquoise Coast in the best way possible today: by boat. Head to Adrasan Beach for your 45-minute boat ride to the island of Suluada. Once you arrive, swim at three different bays around the island to enjoy the sparkling turquoise water the area is known for. If you're lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or Mediterranean monk seal swimming around. When the boat docks, stroll along the sandy shores, bask in the serenity of this secluded paradise, and enjoy lunch on the island before cruising back to Adrasan. 

Day 12: Free Time in İstanbul, Depart

If you have a later flight, you have time to explore the city on your own. Visit any landmarks you didn't see yesterday, like the iconic Blue Mosque. Enter to admire the intricate blue tiles that gave the structure its name. Head outside to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient Roman racing arena built in the third century. Today, it's a square with a beautiful fountain and the historic Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius. Keep an eye on the clock as a driver will pick you up at your hotel to transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!