Trip program –

D1: Meet in Istambul, hotel.

D2: Istambul is a magnificent city full of History. We do a hiking visit of some of its most interesting monuments: Saint Sophia basilica, Suleiman Blue mosque, Topkapi palace, the Hippodrome, Dolmabahçe palace, the Naval Museum and the famous covered market. Overnight train to Ankara in the evening.

D3: Ankara-Guzelyurt. Arrival to Ankara early in the morning and visit the Citadel, Hitite museum and the Aratük mausoleum. Bus drive to Cappadocia, passing by the Great Salted Lake, Töz Golu, and visiting Agzikarahan, a 13th century caravansarai. We arrive at Selime (4h) in the Ihlara valley and walk 2h to the village Bellisirma, where we camp.

D4: Ihlara valley. Morning hike to visit several troglodyte houses surrounded by tilled fields and forests along the Mehendiz river. We pass by three churches conserving still very beautiful and colourful frescoes on their domes, and arrive at Ihlara (4h). Bus to Zelve. Lodging in a troglodyte house covered with kilim tapestry.

D5: Trek through Pasabag valley in a surprising volcanic landscape. We pass by Çavusin and continue along Akvadi valley, always involved by this impressive geology. Lunch at Uçhisar followed by a visit to the fortress carved in a huge rock cliff. Then down Pigeon Valley and camp at Göreme (5h). Göreme was once one of Cappadocia's most important religious centres.

D6: Bus drive to Çukurbag, with a stop to visit Kaymakli, an undergroung city with 16 levels and a capacity for 20,000 people! At Çukurbag (1550m) we meet our mules caravan and head towards Emil Valley (1750m) (3h).

D7: Hike along Siyirmalik valley surrounded by high mountains, then along a sheperd trail to climb to the high meadows of Eznevit Yayla; pic-nic. Camp at Sokullupinar (2000m) (5h30).

D8: Sokullupinar-Yedigöl (3000m).

Trek through rocky landscape, crossing the imponent Karayalak gorge to Celikbuyduran col (3250m) (5h). Optional ascent to Mount Embler (3723m) (2h30), and then down to Yedigöl, the Seven Lakes plateau. We camp near one of the lakes and will meet yüruck nomads camped nearby.

D9: Free day at Yedigöl. You may rest and swim or go for an easy hike in the plateau to Yaylasi lakes meeting the nomads camped in the surroundings.

D10: Yedigöl-Sogukpinar (1800m) (5h).

We descend towards Hacer Bogazi valley, crossing tilled fields and woods. Camping at Sogukpinar (1850m), that means fresh water spring.

D11: Sogukpinar-Selale (1000m) (5h).

Hiking through pine woods and fields we reach Barazama where we stop for lunch and a swim in the river. We continue along the river banks to Selale with its several waterfalls.

D12: Transport to Kaisery and flight to Istambul, hotel

D13: Free in Istanbul, hotel.

D14: End of program after breakfast.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Price: Eur 930. per person.

Single room supplement: Eur 54.

Dates: Jul 24-Aug 6, Jul 31-Aug 13, Aug 14-27, Sep 11-24, Oct 2-15.

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Booking Conditions -

Price - Valid in 2005.

Includes: hotel in double room with breakfast in Istambul, double tent during the trek, all domestic transport, guide, cook, helpers, mules to carry the luggage, entries at national parks and in Cappadocia valley.

Does not include: personal equipment, museum and archaeologic sites entries, visits on free time, main meals in Istambul, Ankara, Kaisery and on the train from Istambul to Ankara, tips, travel insurance.

Equipment provided: Double tents, mattresses.

Guiding: Turkish guide speaking French or English.

Group: min 6 persons, max 15.

Luggage: Transported by mules, max 15 kg per person.

Program: Depending on weather conditions, the groups’ condition or other justifiable, the guide may alter the program.

Vaccines: None recommended or mandatory.

Equipment: Trekking boots, sleeping bag (3-4 seasons), waterproof gear, etc.

After your booking you will receive a Trip Information sheet which includes a detailed recommended equipment list.

Documentation: valid passport, visa, please check with your local Turkish consulate or embassy for entry requirements.
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