At the Heart of Turkish Soul
From the troglodytic valleys of Cappadocia to the eternal flames of Chimera, an authentic journey at the pace of Anatolian villages.
Duration
15 days
From
€2,050/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Turquie is discovered here through a journey combining hiking, local immersion and exploration of varied landscapes, between Anatolia and Mediterranean coast.
This itinerary invites you to experience authenticity, sharing the daily life of local inhabitants and exploring regions marked by history.
In Cappadoce, you trek through sculpted valleys and troglodytic villages, before heading to the Taurus mountains, where ancient remains and preserved nature meet.
The journey continues along the coast, between coves, coastal trails and peaceful villages, with moments of swimming and walking along the Lycian Way.
Finally, you conclude with an urban immersion in Istanbul, between Ottoman heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
An itinerary that combines nature, culture and encounters, to discover Turquie differently, close to its inhabitants and its landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Cappadocia
Kayseri → Cappadoce
Arrival at Kaisery airport, the former capital of Cappadocia, located in the heart of Anatolia, at the foot of the Erciyes volcano.
You are welcomed by your local guide, then transferred to your village, your first immersion in the emblematic landscapes of the region.
Upon arrival, you settle with a local family, then enjoy dinner before spending the night there.
Discovery of the Troglodytic City
You set off on foot for a first discovery of the landscapes of Cappadocia, then reach in approximately 1h30 the village of cavusin, considered one of the cradles of Christianity in the region, active since the 3rd century.
You discover a setting marked by troglodytic dwellings, organized around the Church of St. John the Baptist.
You continue your walk among the fairy chimneys of Pasabaglari, then reach the Zelve Open Air Museum where your vehicle awaits you.
You return to the village for dinner, then spend the night there.
Visit to the Monasteries
A short journey of a few minutes takes you to a rock-cut monastic complex surrounded by apricot trees.
You then continue with approximately two hours of hiking in the Keslik valley, then overlooking the Village of Cemil, before reaching the Damsa Baraji lake at 1,100 meters altitude.
The day continues to the Golgoli site, located at 1,200 meters altitude, where you enjoy a picnic in the heart of nature.
You return to the village for dinner, then spend the night there.
Free day
You enjoy a full day in the village to share the daily life of the inhabitants and discover the activities of the farmers.
Meals are taken in the company of the inhabitants, for an immersion into local life.
Possible activities:
visit to a silk farm (silkworm breeding, weaving…)
participation in harvesting and picking
discovery of cattle milking
preparation of jams and cheeses
From Cappadocia to the Taurus
Cappadoce → Selge
You leave Cappadocia this morning heading towards the Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları) and the ancient Greco-Roman city of Selge (ancient city), located at nearly 1,000 meters altitude in the Bosborum massif.
In the afternoon, you stop at the bridge canyon, below Selge, with the possibility of swimming in the river.
Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Visit of the Roman city of Selge and hiking
Selge → Çaltepe
At the ancient city of Selge, in the heart of the world's largest cypress forest, you embark on a journey through history that takes you back to the beginning of our era. Once a powerful city of Pisidia, Selge experienced a prosperous period, particularly under the Roman Empire, before declining from the 4th century onwards and being largely damaged by several earthquakes.
You discover in particular the remains of a theatre with 7,700 seats, built in the 2nd century. The visit continues with the ruins of the stadium, the ancient agora, the Roman baths as well as the ancient temple of Zeus. Fragments of walls and ancient sarcophagi complete this exploration.
To enjoy the surrounding landscapes, you continue on foot by descending towards the river to the east, passing through the village of Bulhasan until that of Çaltepe. A refreshing swim punctuates this walk.
Walking time: approximately 3 hours
Negative elevation: 580 metres
Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Free day
You have a free day to discover the village activities and work in the fields. Meals are shared with the locals, in a spirit of exchange and conviviality.
You can notably participate in the carob harvesting, Mediterranean fruits whose fine seed skin is used as a thickener in the agri-food industry, and from which flour is also produced.
Dinner and night at a local home.
Hiking on the Lycian Way and swimming
Çaltepe → Çamyuva
In the morning, you head towards the coast and reach the shores of the Mediterranean.
Your first seaside stop is Çamuyva, a small coastal town where cafés, bars and restaurants line beautiful avenues with paved sidewalks, bordered by palm trees and pines.
Lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon, you head out for a pleasant hike towards the village of Tekirova. You take a path along the coast, dotted with beautiful coves where you can swim during breaks.
Walking time: 2h to 2h30
Elevation gain: +50 / -50 metres
Tekirova → Cirali
In the late afternoon, you take a short transfer to the village of Olympos and Çıralı.
Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Between Flaming Mountains and Ancient Ruins
From Cirali
From your accommodation, you begin discovering the region with an excursion to Chimaera mountain. Departing from the village of Olympos and Çıralı, you take a wild trail that leads you to the site.
You observe a singular natural phenomenon: gas emissions ignite continuously upon contact with air. Known for at least 4,000 years, this phenomenon is at the origin of the myth of the Chimeras.
Walking time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Elevation gain: + 200 meters
A river flowing into the sea, bordered by dense vegetation and fragrant laurels, compose the setting in which the remains (necropolises, theatre, baths, temples, warehouses) of the ancient port of Olympos and Çıralı unfold.
Founded approximately 2,300 years ago during the Greek period, the port city of Olympos was subsequently occupied by pirates, before experiencing a phase of development during the Roman era, from which most of the observed remains date.
Chimaera → Cirali
Picnic on Çirali beach.
Dinner and night at the guesthouse.
Coastal Hiking
Çıralı → Kapakli
You leave Çirali this morning and travel along the coast westward towards the village of Kapakli.
Kapakli → Kale
You then set off on a hike towards Kale (Simena) – village and medieval castle (or Semina). Following the Lycian Way, you reach this small port accessible only by boat or on foot.
The village stands out for its flowering cottages and its Lycian sarcophagi, installed along the waterfront. Picnic at Kale.
Hiking time: approximately 2 hours
Elevation gain: negligible
Kale → Uçagiz
After this break, a half-hour walk allows you to reach your final destination, the village of Uçagiz, located opposite the bay of Kekova Island.
Dinner and overnight in this small port.
Life in the mountains
Uçagiz → Arsakoy
After breakfast, you leave the coast to reach the mountains and the village of Arsakoy, located at 800 meters altitude.
You experience a final immersive stay with a local family, within the vineyard of Turan and Leyla, a couple of farmers.
Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Free day
You spend a full day in the village in the company of your hosts and their family.
You can share everyday moments by cooking together, by assisting or participating in work in the vineyards, as well as in milking the goats.
Arrival in the Istanbul capital
Then, board your flight to Istanbul (not included in the price).
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel.
The afternoon is dedicated to discovering Istanbul for the first time with your guide. You begin with a walking tour to the Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans.
You discover its gardens, its buildings, its halls as well as the treasures and works of art accumulated over the centuries. Overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, this complex testifies to the role of the Ottoman Empire in the history of the region.
The visit continues with Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), former basilica of Constantinople which became a mosque in the 15th century after the city was taken by the Ottomans, then transformed into a museum in 1934.
Istanbul's free-wheeling tour, the cosmopolitan
You have a free day to discover Istanbul at your own pace and deepen your exploration of the city.
Among the sites to discover, you can notably visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), explore the emblematic markets of the capital such as the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul or the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), or choose to take a boat trip of a few hours on the Bosphorus.
Goodbye and see you soon in Turquie
Breakfast at the hotel, then last moments in Istanbul before your private vehicle transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel Multi-Risk Insurance
- Entrance fees to museums, monuments and sites
- Personal extras and beverages
- Domestic and international flights
- Meals in major cities: Antalya and İstanbul at lunch and dinner time
Included
- All transfers and all transportation
- Nights at the hotel, guesthouse and homestay
- An English-speaking specialist guide
- Meals at the restaurant, at a local's home and picnic lunch (except Antalya and Istanbul)
- The transport of luggage by vehicle
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Turquie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Turquie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Certains ressortissants européens (notamment français, allemands et belges) peuvent entrer en Turquie avec une carte nationale d'identité en cours de validité. Il est toutefois conseillé de voyager avec un passeport valide afin d'éviter tout désagrément.
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen et de la Suisse bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours sur le territoire turc.
Les ressortissants canadiens sont quant à eux soumis à l'obtention d'un e-visa avant leur départ, disponible sur le portail officiel des autorités turques. Ce visa électronique autorise généralement un séjour touristique de 30 jours.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement pour la durée du séjour.
E-visa et formalités en ligne
Bien que les ressortissants de l'EEE et de la Suisse soient exemptés de visa, les voyageurs canadiens doivent obligatoirement obtenir un e-visa turc avant leur arrivée via le portail officiel evisa.gov.tr.
La demande s'effectue entièrement en ligne et nécessite :
les informations du passeport
une adresse e-mail valide
un moyen de paiement en ligne
Il est recommandé d'effectuer cette démarche au moins 48 heures avant le départ. La confirmation de l'e-visa devra être présentée sous format numérique ou imprimé lors du passage à l'immigration.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Turquie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Turkey, a valid passport with at least 150 days validity beyond your entry date is required. A visa exemption allows visa-free stays within a defined period of 180 days. Check the conditions applicable to your nationality with Turkish consular authorities before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, and activities. International flights (250-500 euros round trip) are additional. Turkey offers excellent value for money, from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Cappadocia
Mountain guide of Anatolian trails, based in Cappadoce
To understand Turkey, you sometimes need to leave the main roads and walk. The trails tell the country's story differently, through its mountains, its villages and the people who live there.
— Cevdet
