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Hierapolis Ruins

Turkey: Stone, Sea, and Sacred Landscapes

Itinerary
Trip Dates: 
October 3-9, 2026

Cappadocia Baloons

Day 1– Travel to Cappadocia: October 3, 2026

We depart Sofia on a morning flight to Kayseri via Istanbul. Upon arrival, we transfer to Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia and our base for the next two nights.

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After settling into our  accommodation, we head out for an introductory walk through the nearby valleys. This first hike offers a grounding introduction to Cappadocia’s extraordinary terrain—volcanic ridges, carved rock dwellings, and sweeping views across the plateau shaped by both geology and centuries of human settlement.

Meals: Breakfast at Kapri Hotel in Sofia

Hike: Walk in the town of Goreme

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Image by Pavlo Osipov

Day 4: Mount Tahtalı Descent and Ancient Myra
October 6, 2026

After breakfast, we explore Antalya’s Old Town on foot, walking through its narrow streets and along the harbor-front before transferring to the Olympos Teleferik cable car. From here, a scenic ride carries us to the summit of Mount Tahtalı (2,366 m / 7,762 ft), where we begin our long descent on foot.

The trail winds through cedar forests and mountain terrain toward the village of Beycik, offering a striking transition from high alpine landscapes down toward the Mediterranean coast.

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From Beycik, we continue by vehicle to Demre to visit the ancient city of Myra. Here, we explore the famous Lycian rock tombs carved into steep cliffs and a remarkably preserved Roman theater, connecting the day’s dramatic landscapes with deep layers of history.

We end the day in the small seaside village of Kaleüçağız, where the peaceful coastal setting provides a perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

Hike: Approx 9-10km

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Cappadocia

Day 2 – Cappadocia Valleys and Fortresses: October 4, 2026

Today we spend the day hiking through some of Cappadocia’s most iconic landscapes. Our route follows historic footpaths through Pigeon Valley toward Uçhisar, where weexplore the fortress ruins and take in sweeping views over the surrounding valleys.


Along the way, we encounter rock formations and cave dwellings that reveal how people have adapted to and shaped this environment over thousands of years.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Hike:  Approximately 12-15 km

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Image by Seval Torun

​Day 5 – Kekova: Sunken City and Coastal Paths: October 7, 2026

Today we take to the water to explore the Kekova region by boat. We glide over the submerged ruins of the sunken city,
gaining perspective on how coastlines and settlements have shifted over time. There is time for swimming in clear turquoise waters before landing near Simena Castle.


From Simena and after lunch, we hike
back to Kaleüçağız along a scenic coastal path, passing olive groves, stone houses, and small inlets. The afternoon and evening are spent back at our guesthouse, sharing another meal overlooking the sea.

Meals: Breakfast | Dinner

Hike: Roughly 2-3 hours

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Coastal Rock Formation

Day 3:–Göreme Open-Air Museum → Antalya: October 5, 2026

This morning, we hike to the Göreme Open-Air Museum for a guided visit of its rock-cut churches and frescoes, gaining insight into the region’s monastic history and spiritual life.  After returning to the hotel and checking out, the afternoon offers time for a short local walk or a visit to Avanos, a town known for its long-standing pottery traditions. In the evening, we transfer to Kayseri Airport for a late flight to Antalya.

Meals: Breakfast 

Hike: Approx. 6-8km

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Image by Murat ÖNER

Day 6: The Lycian Way to Kaş: October 8, 2026

A short transfer brings us to the
village of Boğazcık, where we begin
hiking a beautiful stretch of the
Lycian Way. The trail follows the
coastline toward Limanağzı Beach,
offering expansive views of the
Mediterranean and a sense of
walking along an ancient route once
used by traders and travelers
moving between coastal ancient
settlements.


From the beach, we take a small
boat into Kaş, entering the harbor
from the sea. The afternoon is free to explore Kaş on foot, with time to wander the harbor, cafés, and narrow streets of this lively coastal town.

Meals: Breakfast

Hike: 10-12

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Day 7– Kaş to Antalya and Departure: October 9, 2026

We depart Kaş in the morning and transfer to Antalya (approximately 3.5 hours). After some free time, we transfer to the airport for afternoon or evening flights to Istanbul, concluding the journey. Please book your travel out of Antalya after 3pm.

Meals: Breakfast 

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Price for a Trip of a Lifetime

Image by Mar Cerdeira
7 days/6 nights 

October 3- 9, 2026

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$2,700 per person(double occupancy) * 

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The trip price automatically includes a $150 donation to Mazingira Conservation Works. 

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What's Included? 

  • ​Accommodations (6 nights, double occupancy)

  • All ground transportation and transfers in Turkey as outlined in the itinerary

  • Professional local guiding throughout the journey

  • All guided hikes and cultural visits listed in the itinerary

  • All breakfasts (Typical Turkish breakfasts will have a selection of cheese,olives, tomatoes, cucumber, salad, eggs, fruit, jam, honey, pastries and bread with tea and coffee.

  • Small donation to Mazingira Conservation Works ($150 per person)

  • Olympos Teleferik (cable car to Mount Tahtalı)

  • Dinners on days in Kaleüçağız at the small guesthouse (2 dinners)

  • Mazingira Adventures trip leadership and organization

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What's Not Included? 

  • International airfare

  • Flights between Bulgaria and Turkey and domestic flights within Turkey

  • Travel insurance (required)

  • Lunches

  • Travel insurance (required)

  • Dinners not listed as included

  • Entrance fees to museums and sites in Cappadocia (around 60 euros)

  • Personal expenses

  • Single room supplement (if applicable)

  • Hot air balloon ride

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Accommodations

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Design Cave Hotel

​Design Cave Hotel is a boutique cave hotel located in Göreme, at the heart of Cappadocia, within the Göreme National Park. The hotel offers an authentic cave hotel experience

Cappadocia

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Alp Paşa Hotel

Luxurious rooms in Ottoman style. The smallest detail in our rooms has been carefully designed to provide you with maximum comfort and to meet all your desires.

Antalya

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Cennet Pansiyon

This is a small guest-house owned a friend of your guide, Vasko

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Hotel Sonne

Hotel Sonne promises our valued guests an unforgettable vacation with its comfort and service quality since the first day. We are waiting for you in Kaş, the natural wonder of Antalya

Kas, Antalya

Image by Dylan Shaw

Meet the Guides

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Vasil Todev - Guide

My name is Vasil Todev, from Velingrad, Western Rhodopes, Bulgaria.
 

I have been working as a mountain guide since 2001, when I completed a mountain guide course at the "Mountains and People" Association, Sofia.
In my practice, I have led groups for hiking and mountain biking in the mountains of Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Italy, North Macedonia, Spain, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands, Morocco, Jordan, Georgia, Socotra Island, India, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan.


I have worked with Bulgarian tour operators such as Odyssey IN, as well as with partner tour operators from the UK (Ramblers Association, Explore, Exodus), the Netherlands (SNP), the USA (Wilderness Travel), and in 2004 I participated in the creation of the "Bikearea.org" association, which develops as a non-governmental organization in the field of tourism and nature conservation, and since 2010 as a tour operator under the name R&B Adventure.


In my practice, I have participated in the organization and conduct of about 300 hiking and cycling tours in Bulgaria and abroad, and since 2010 I have also been developing adventure programs for children and youth.
My interests are related to cartography, GIS, orienteering, photography, as well as numerous civic initiatives related to the development of tourism in Bulgaria and environmental protection.

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Tara Hetz- Guide 

​I started Mazingira Adventures to link my two passions: adventure travel and community conservation. As founder of Mazingira Conservation Works, I know that when travelers experience a place deeply, they become its advocates. These adventures are designed to create that bond — and to ensure your journey leaves the world better than you found it.
Learn more about me, here. 

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