Turkey On Foot

Introducing Turkey (Continued...)

best sandy beaches. The inland sea of Marmara joins the Aegean and the Black seas, these have always been important strategically for trading. The Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmaran and Black Sea coastal areas make up four of the geographical areas of Turkey. They surround the inland Central Plateau of Anatolia with the east of the country being split into East and South Eastern Anatolia. These areas are made up of several mountain ranges including the Sultan, Kackur and Taurus ranges and the highest peak is at Mount Ararat at 5,165m.

The same seven regions can be used to describe the different climates of Turkey. Although it is simpler to explain that for most of the country hot, dry summers are experienced with mild, wet winters. The interior of the country has harsher weather conditions where snow can fall in the winter and last well into the summer months.

The capital of Turkey is Ankara, but Istanbul is still a major influence economically and culturally. Izmir, in the east is important commercially while Antalya in the south east is an ideal tourist base. All of these cities have international airports.

Whitewater Rafting

An exhilarating ride awaits those who travel to the Kackar mountain range in north eastern Turkey. Travelling between steep sided valleys on the Coruh River you will experience a variety of grades, including a grade 6 and several lengthy rapids. To recover your breath time is taken off of the river to trek up to see Byzantine castles, villages and stunning mountain views. Whitewater rafting trips are a fantastic to way to escape into the wilds of Turkey. You are able to leave the tourist towns behind and camp in the great outdoors.

Multi-Activity

This type of trip is ideal for groups, families and individuals wanting to try a little of everything. Most multi-activity tours are based in the east and south east of Turkey where it is easy to get around as a tourist. Areas such as Dalaman, Bodrum and Kas are popular as they are able to offer a variety of activities such as; dinghy sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, mountain biking, and scuba diving in short distances from a single base. For something more remote several tours run out of the Goreme National Park. Activities include travelling through an underground city, exploring the Taurus mountains and historical architectural remains while enjoying rafting and walking.

Wakeboarding

From beginner to expert the tuition and guidance available ensures an enjoyable experience. As a beginner instructors will take you step by step through how to ride waves on knees, skis and finally to progress to boards. This process allows your confidence to build along with your skills. For experts, video coaching is great to improve technique. Antalya has a wake park which means whatever the time of year the conditions are always going to be perfect.

Trekking

This largely mountainous country provides walkers of all abilities the opportunity to explore. For a cultural trail try the Mediterranean coast where the Lycian Way and St Paul’s Trail take you past spectacular ocean views and archaeological remains. The Cappadocia region in eastern Turkey has a variety of trekking opportunities through Goreme National Park as well as visiting the sites of fairy chimneys and several underground cities. For a much more challenging trek take an excursion to the Kackar Mountains in the north and Mount Ararat, Tukeys highest point.

Kitesurfing

On the Aegean Sea, Alacati provides consistent year-round winds and a large flat, shallow coastal area; perfect for learning to kite or wind surf. Here you are able to bring your own equipment or hire anything you need. Qualified instructors are able to teach beginners the basics which gives them confidence in skill and control on the water. For intermediate and advanced enthusiasts one to one tuition is available if required or you can just ride until you are too tired to get back on the board. After a rest the evenings can be spent in traditional tavernas, high end cocktail bars or nightclubs.

Cycling

There is so much to see in Turkey that cycling is a great way to cover more ground while still enjoying being out in the fresh air. If you are new to cycling or are feeling low on confidence there are plenty of off road trails that are great for you to enjoy, for example the coastal scenery in Ortakent near Bodrum in the south west of Turkey. More challenging rides are available towards the interior of the country in the Anatolian mountain ranges. Time can be taken out of the rides to explore the local scenery, meet villagers and enjoy the views.

Classic Itineraries

Travel to Istanbul to see historical Ottoman architecture including the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace. Or enjoy the sights and smells of the world’s oldest and largest covered market; the Grand Bazaar.
In the south east the remains of Ephesus, an old harbour city can be found. You can walk along ancient roads, past towering pillars and learn about secret passageways and Turkish bath houses.
In central Anatolia you will find the Goreme National Park and the valley of the fairy chimneys. These rock formations are still used as homes and make a spectacular sight.

Turkey has great weather all year round making it an ideal place to come and explore whether you are on the coast or up in the mountains.

Other Activities

For other water sports try sailing or scuba diving. If you love the mountains rock climbing is a summer challenge while skiing can be a winter adventure.