Cappadocia Discoverer 10 days
Tour start/end in Gocek
Often described as the eighth wonder of the world Cappadocia is home to one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Hundreds of Thousands of years ago geologic events formed the astonishing face of the land that draws visitors from all over the world.
The formation of the ‘fairy chimneys’ attracted ancient civilisations to carve houses, dove cotes and churches within the rock, decorating them with frescos, inscriptions and symbolic art. Today the region of Cappadocia is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. The route to and from Cappadocia is both varied and interesting, taking in a mixture of fabulous archaeological sites, coastal towns, beautiful mountain and coastal roads.
Tour Highlights:
Stunning fairy chimney landscape of Cappadocia
Staying in cave hotel
Hot-air balloon ride (Option at additional cost)
Derinkuyu underground city
Remote canyon of Ihlara
Stunning twisties of Turquoise Coast
Ancient coastal port of Olympos
Optional Turkish Bath
others dates:
26th Jun to 5th Jul 2012
20th Sep to 29th Sep 2012
INFO:
This tour is mainly on traffic free, paved B roads, with occasional short distances on main A roads. We sometimes ride on minor roads through villages and dirt surfaces that can occasionally contain some cobbles and loose gravel. In Cappadocia itself there is the chance to do some off-roading but it is optional. Distances on 4 of the days are quite long with up to 7/8 hours of actual riding.
THE RIDE
Week one
The start of the tour sees us riding east to visit the ancient city of Patara, birthplace of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). We then travel along the stunning Turquoise twisty Mediterranean coastal route to the yachting port of Ka?. After overnighting, we continue up the coast and then head inland via Nev?ehir to the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Days 4-6 are based in a beautiful cave hotel and give us ample time to explore this vast region, with rides to the fairy chimneys at Pa?aba?; the underground city of Derinküyü – which was home to 5000 dwellers, and the ancient city of Güzelyürt. For walkers and nature lovers there is the chance to ride to the beautiful remote canyon of the Ihlara valley and hike for miles. Riders also have the chance to take a magnificent hot air balloon ride over the region and for a different perspective, there is the opportunity to do some challenging off-roading amongst the troglodyte chimneys.
Week two
We depart for Konya, the historic cultural centre of Anatolia, famous for the whirling dervishes with a chance to visit the famous Mevlana museum. Heading south, overnighting in the ancient walled city of Antalya, we visit a typical Turkish mehane (music restaurant). There is a chance to shop before departing for the beautiful beach and ancient coastal port of Mount Olympos. Here there is an optional day ride or a day off on the beach with the chance to visit the ancient port and climb to see the eternal burning flames of the Chimera. Heading west the final leg sees us ride the beautiful coastal route with a chance to swim in the clearest Turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and then up into the mountains before reaching our home destination of Göcek.
WHATS INCLUDED
Airport transfers from Dalaman Intl.
Rental of late model fully equipped BMW motorcycle
Panniers and top case
Fuel
Meals as per itinerary
Accomodation in 3 – 4 star hotels
Bi-lingual motorcycle guide
Motorcycle insurance (damage excess applies)
Office support for travel, connections, luggage etc
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
Flights and airport taxes
Entrance to historical sites
Alternative activities eg.boat trips
Personal travel insurance
ACCOMMODATION
10 nights 3 to 4 star hotels & 1 bonus night
INCLUDED MEALS
11 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please note that you will need to be in Göcek one day prior to start of tour (accommodation included). Please be aware that Göcek is a 20 minute drive from Dalaman International Airport (Airport tranfers included)
All international flights stop over in Istanbul, Dalaman International is a one hour flight from Istanbul
It is a requirement that all clients have appropriate insurance for this type of expedition.Compass Expeditions has negotiated a 10% discount with various insurance providers, see our Book Here page on our website for insurance options.
Upgrade to BMW F 800 GS: € 350
Upgrade to BMW R 1200 GS: € 450
