Welcome to Turkey 2023!
Kirchoff Fitness Adventures provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience in global travel which will not only challenge your body but will open your mind and soul to other cultures. Our commitment to getting you physically prepared along with giving back to the local communities around the world guarantee that when you travel with Kirchoff Fitness Adventures you will have a truly unique experience whether you are trekking in Nepal, or Cycling in Vietnam, hiking in Peru, or Kayaking in Croatia.
Discover the fascinating world of Greek, Byzantine, and Roman treasures as your local guide brings the history to life while hiking through the land known as the crossroads of civilizations. We’ll experience an unforgettable combination of both the history and the natural beauty of Turkey.
Highlights include:
- Beginning in ancient Constantinople, modern Istanbul, the imperial city adorned with the monumental architecture and the Bosporus, we’ll explore the Roman Hippodrome, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, and the Ottoman Blue Mosque.
- Heading south to the sun-soaked Turquoise Coast, we board our hand-crafted boat-gulet (motor sailing yacht) for a blue voyage over crystalline waters. Mythology and history come alive here as we explore shoreline ruins and hike the Lycian Way along the Taurus Mountain range while viewing the magnificent Mediterranean. Our idyllic cruise takes place on our 100-feet private yacht operated with a crew of five catering to every whim, including our masterful chef.
- During interludes on shore, we hike into the mountain, investigate the royal tombs of Lycians and the crumbling ruins of once mighty empires, and bask in one glittering Mediterranean vista after another. As always, we’ll connect with the local people along the way. Our final destination is Antalya with its charming old city before our flight back home.
Don’t miss this adventure — it will be one of the most delicious, fascinating, and enjoyable adventures you’ll ever have.
| DAY | DATE | LOCATION / ACTIVITY |
|---|---|---|
| Day 01 | Wed, May 24, 2023 | USA ISTANBUL Departure |
| Day 02 | Thu, May 25, 2023 | Istanbul Welcome Dinner |
| Day 03 | Fri, May 26, 2023 | Istanbul Walking Tour of Istanbul |
| Day 04 | Sat, May 27, 2023 | Istanbul Dalaman Marmaris Walking Tour & Private Bosphorus Boat Tour |
| Day 05 | Sun, May 28, 2023 | Ekincik Kaunos Onboard Private Luxury Gulet, Hiking, Refreshing Swim |
| Day 06 | Mon, May 29, 2023 | Sunken Bath Bay Fethiye Onboard Private Luxury Gulet, Hiking |
| Day 07 | Tue, May 30, 2023 | Gemiler Island Yoga, Relaxing Morning, Hiking |
| Day 08 | We, May 31, 2023 | Kalkan Patara Kas Walk in Patara, Onboard Private Luxury Gulet |
| Day 09 | Thu, June 1, 2023 | Kekova Yoga, swim |
| Day 10 | Fri, June 2, 2023 | Ucagiz Kekova Onboard Private Luxury Gulet, Hiking, Water Sports |
| Day 11 | Sat, June 3, 2023 | Olympus Antalya Disembark, Hiking |
| Day 12 | Sun, June 4, 2023 | Termessos Hiking, Picnic Lunch, Shopping |
| Day 13 | Mon, June 5, 2023 | Departure Back to USA *Instead of departing on Day 13, there is an optional 3-day extension to Cappadocia. Continue below for more details. |
Tour Summary: Itinerary in Brief
DAY 01 | WED, MAY 24, 2023
DEPARTURE FROM USA
Flight from the USA to Istanbul.
DAY 02 | THU, MAY 25, 2023
Welcome Dinner
Levni Hotel
Grand Bazaar in Old City
WELCOME TO TURKEY!
Arrive in Istanbul and meet your transfer person after passport control and luggage claim. Transfer to the hotel in the old city. Orientation walk to experience the unique energy and spirit of Istanbul. Welcome dinner in a local restaurant.
DAY 03 | FRI, MAY 26, 2023
Breakfast, Dinner
Levni Hotel
Blue Mosque
ISTANBUL
After our breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive to the old city to explore the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritages of Istanbul in a walking tour. The Roman Hippodrome for chariot races attracted thousands during the festivals and riots. Once the largest church of early Christianity, Hagia Sophia was the spiritual and religious center of the long-lived Byzantine Empire. Ottomans adorned the city horizons with the sky-piercing minarets and domes of the mosque of Sultan Ahmet, renowned Blue Mosque. After lunch in a local restaurant, we descend into the underground cistern resembling a jungle of columns impressing visitors since opening. Tour the Topkapi Palace and harem, the royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans in the afternoon. Return to the hotel for some rest. Walk to nearby Nisantasi District for shopping before dinner in a local restaurant.
DAY 04 | SAT, MAY 27, 2023
Breakfast, Sandwich Lunch,
Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Grand Bazaar
INSTANBUL DALAMAN
After our breakfast in the hotel, we’ll head to Suleymaniye Mosque overlooking Golden Horn. We walk through the labyrinthine streets of Grand Bazaar and Spice market in the morning. It is time to bargain and shop in the bazaars. After our lunch by the Spice Market, we’ll embark on a private Bosporus boat tour. Transfer to the Istanbul Airport and fly to Dalaman at 05.25pm. A 30-minute transfer takes us to the boat for the embarkation in stylish Gocek town located at the head of the gorgeous Gulf of Fethiye. Dinner onboard and free time in Gocek town.
DAY 05 | SUN, MAY 28, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Private Luxury Gulet
EKINCIK KAUNOS
Enjoy your breakfast while cruising to Ekincik Bay, our first hike discovers the Dalyan River and the ancient site of Kaunos through pine forest and olive groves. We hike to Kaunos and enjoy the breathtaking vistas over the river delta with its canals opening into Mediterranean. At the end of the hike, we take a private river boat to Kaunos and explore the ruins of Kaunos, an ancient harbor city with temples, the most impressive rock-cut tombs on the sheer cliffs, Roman baths, Byzantine church, and Greek theater overlooking the delta and the sandy beach of Iztuzu. This unspoiled beach is one of the last breeding grounds for the endangered species of logger-head turtles. We return to Dalyan town by boat for our lunch by the river providing wonderful views of 2,400 years old Lycian rock-cut tombs. At the end of the day, we drive to Sarsala bay to meet our boat and crew. A refreshing swim would be followed by dinner onboard and under the stars.
Activity:Hike from Ekincik to Kaunos
Distance:4.5 mi | 680 ft elevation gain
DAY 06 | MON, MAY 29, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Cleopatra Island
SUNKEN BATH BAY FETHIYE/h3>
After a leisurely breakfast on board, our morning hike follows the contours of the bays, Sarsala, Sunken Bath, Seagull, and back to the Sunken Bath Bay with full circle around the peninsula covered with pine forests where the goat herders and nomads gaze their livelihoods. We will discover some of the forgotten sites with Roman tombs in their idyllic settings. We descend to our boat in the bay believed to be the partially submerged ruins of Cleopatra’s bath in her honeymoon with Mark Anthony. After a delicious lunch, we are free to enjoy swimming, reading, and reflecting in the afternoon. In the afternoon, we set sails to Fethiye if the winds are in our favor. Discover the charming town of Fethiye, its theater in the middle of the modern city, and finally enjoy dinner in the fish market with locals.
Activity: Hike from Sarsala to Lydae to Seagull & Sunken Bath bays
Distance:7.7 mi | 1,240 ft elevation gain
DAY 07 | TUE, MAY 30, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Kayakoy
GEMILER ISLAND
After morning stretching and yoga, enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Cruise across the Gulf of Fethiye towards the east and anchor along Gemiler Island. We will take pleasure of relaxation in the morning until our lunch onboard. In the afternoon, we hike from the secluded bay of Cold Water up to Kayakoy, once the home of Greek settlers during the Ottoman period. A population exchange in 1924 between Greek and Turkish governments reduced this prosperous commercial center to an eerie ghost town. From Kayakoy, our hike takes us to Oludeniz, a beautiful cobalt blue lagoon beneath the pine-forested mountain of Babadag rising from the sea up to 6,600’. We make a circle around the peninsula and descend to the bay to meet our boat. Our next visit is tiny Gemiler Island for catching the sunset over the gulf before our dinner onboard. Dinner will be served in the serene setting of the island.
Activity: Hike from Soguksu Bay to Kayakoy, to Oludeniuz, and to the Hidden Bay
Distance: 4.3 mi | 1,444 ft elevation gain
DAY 08 | WED, MAY 31, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Patara-Odeon
KALKAN PATARA KAS
Take anchor early morning before breakfast and cruise to Kalkan. After breakfast we drive to Patara, the capital city of the Lycian Federation and the birthplace of St. Nicholas. The site includes colonnaded Roman roads passing the best preserved odeon, theater, lighthouse, and ancient granaries built by Hadrian. We will enjoy our lunch in a local restaurant in Kalkan, scenically situated at the mouth of a sparkling bay. We explore the Kalkan community, the town’s quaint streets and white-washed shops perched on a hill. We drive to Kas along the most scenic drive in Turkey. Before returning to our boat we discover Kas, a lovely harbor and fishing village with small, charming shops with arts and crafts. Dinner onboard in Bayindir bay.
Activity: Walk in the ancient city of Patara
DAY 09 | THU, JUNE 1, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Kekova
KEKOVA
After breakfast we enjoy our morning yoga and swim in the morning. Cruise to the ancient Aperlae and hike from Aperlae to Ucagiz in the afternoon.
Activity: Hike from Aperlai to Ucagiz
Distance: 4.7 mi | 338 ft elevation gain
DAY 10 | FRI, JUNE 2, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onboard Private Luxury Gulet
Kekova Island
UCAGIZ KEKOVA
We fuel up with a hearty breakfast onboard during a cruise past uninhabited rugged coastlines to Kekova Island. Peer into crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean as we explore the sunken city along the island. Our hike starts from Simena village and hike up to the castle for a 360 view and then continues through necropolis and Lycian tombs to Andriake, the port city that
Apostle Paul visited on the way to Rome. After visiting the museum, cisterns, and agora, we meet our boat for enjoying water sports in Gokkaya bay in the afternoon. Farewell dinner onboard.
Activity: Hike from Simena to Andriake
Distance: 7.58 mi | 669 ft elevation gain
DAY 11 | SAT, JUNE 3, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Akra Hotel
Kaleici, Antalya
OLYMPUS AND ANTALYA
Bidding farewell to our faithful crew, we disembark and drive to remote and beautiful Olympus. Today’s short hike leads to the legendary Chimera. Named after a mythical fire-breathing monster, the Chimera is a vent releasing flaming gases from deep inside earth. Ancient sailors used the flames while navigating as ancient locals founded a cult center around the fires of Chimera. We enjoy our lunch in a local restaurant before we drive to Antalya, which has been one of Turkey’s grandest port cities throughout history. Our home for the next two nights is in the fortified ancient city around the port. The historic Kaleici section is full of attraction with small restaurants and shops along narrow winding streets. Dinner is on your own in one of the recommended restaurants.
Activity: Hike from Ulupinar to Cirali and Olympus
Distance: 4.93 mi | 1,175 ft elevation gain
DAY 12 | SUN, JUNE 4, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Dogan Hotel, Deluxe Rooms
Termessos
TERMESSOS
After breakfast in the hotel, we drive up above Antalya to the immense acropolis of Termessos set high in a densely wooded, mountainous area. The citizens of Termessos were fierce in battle and earned the respect of the ancient rulers. Alexander the Great took one look at their impregnable walls and high peaks and decided to keep moving. We discover the magnificent theater, perched on the edge of sheer cliff, agora, cisterns, city walls, odeon, colonnaded streets and thousands of tombs scattered along our hike path. A picnic lunch is one of the highlights of our experience in the national park. Arriving back to Antalya by mid-afternoon, we have time for shopping and packing before our farewell dinner in one of the well-established restaurants of the city.
Activity: Hike through Termessos National Park
Distance: 3.77 mi | 1,047 ft elevation gain
DAY 13 | MON, JUNE 5, 2023
Breakfast
None
BIDDING FAREWELL TO TURKEY: ANTALYA AIRPORT RETURN HOME
After breakfast transfer to Antalya Airport and fly back home via Istanbul or one of the major European cities.
Trip Cost & Payment
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Leadership of Kirchoff Fitness Adventure travel trip leader, and local private English speaking guides
- Accommodations in hotel/shared yacht cabins
- Fitness guidance and prep for the trip
- Meals as mentioned
- Tours and transfers as mentioned
- Hotel and restaurant tips included meals
- Entrance fees to sites and parks
- Yoga on board
- Sea Kayaking
- One domestic flight from Istanbul to Dalaman
- Embarkation fees in the harbors
TOUR COST EXCLUDES:
- International airfares, airport taxes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Visa (US citizens can obtain online,
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/) - Medical immunizations if needed
- Additional hotel nights due to airline schedule changes
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, and crew
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar expenses
- Travel Insurance
TRIP COST
- $6,675 (10-12 members)
- $6,995 (8-9 members)
To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, please note additional costs will apply.
Single supplement: $500 hotel, $1,200 boat only
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
At time of reservation: $1,000 non-refundable down payment
90 days prior to departure: $5,675 (balance due)
CANCELLATION & TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULE
91+ days prior to departure: $1,000 down payment
61-90 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
31-60 days prior to departure: 75% of trip cost
30 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Cancellation and transfer schedules for certain group trips, as well as cruises, private departures, extensions, and Special Events are often more strict. These exceptions are clearly indicated in the detailed itineraries for each of these trips.
Rates are based on group participation and no partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements for any reason whatsoever. Once you have been confirmed on a trip that requires a medical certificate signed by a doctor, normal cancellation penalties apply if your doctor does not sign the certificate.
We highly recommend that all clients purchase trip cancellation insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk, and we strongly recommendthat you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability.
We will arrange one group pick up time at airport that is included in the base price of the tour. If coming in early or at a different time we can help arrange transport but will not be included in tour price. If you arrive early no problem, we will have your bags stored.
ARRIVAL & MEETING PLACE
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Date: May 25, 2023 arrival in Istanbul. Arrive before welcome dinner at 7pm
- Suggested Arrival Airport: Istanbul (IST)
- Meeting Place: You will meet your Trip Leader in the lobby of the Levni Hotel at 5:30pm on Day 2 for our Welcome Dinner and orientation.
DEPARTURE
- Antalya, Turkey
- Date: June 5, 2023, anytime
- Suggested Arrival Airport: Antalya (AYT)
A complimentary transfer will be provided from the hotel to the Antalya Airport for departing flights on day 13. If you are departing on a different day, a transfer can be arranged at additional cost.
NOTE: *you are arriving in Istanbul and departing from Antalya
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
You are responsible for making your own arrangements flights to from Turkey. There are many online consolidators for booking travel like kayak.com or expedia.com but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact George Moore at [email protected] He is very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the U.S. one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the U.S.
Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for this trip.
CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION
Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia, is known for its fascinating underground cities, “fairy chimneys, rock formations. Explore and hike in this incredible landscape, visit cave churches, underground cities and enjoy villages with unique traditional art forms, from pottery to weaving. Cappadocia is a wonderful addition to our Turquoise Coast adventure.
DAY 13 | MON, JUNE 5, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kalekonak Cave Hotel
Cappadocia
ANTALYA AIRPORT CAPPADOCIA
Fly to Cappadocia at 08.20am and arrive in Kayseri at 09.35am. On our drive from the airport take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Erciyes, the 12,000-foot volcano responsible for forming the remarkable landscape of Cappadocia. We’ll stretch our legs with a short hike the Pigeon valley. After a traditional lunch, explore Goreme Open Air Musuem, Pasabag, and Uchhisar.
DAY 14 | TUE, JUNE 6, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kalekonak Cave Hotel
Balloon ride in Cappadocia
CAPPADOCIA
Optional balloon ride early morning or Hike in Cappadocia. Enjoy a cooking class for lunch. After lunch explore Kaymakli Underground city. There will be some great opportunities for shopping for weavings, rugs, pottery, onyx carvings etc. Finally enjoy a sunset walk and outdoor dinner in the Red Valley.
DAY 15 | WED, JUNE 7, 2023
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kalekonak Cave Hotel
Cappadocia
CAPPADOCIA ISTANBUL
Early Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport. Transfer from Cappadocia to Istanbul and connect to your international flight with Turkish Airlines flight #203 departing at 02.05pm and arriving in Seattle at 04.15pm on June 07.
Cappadocia Extension Trip Cost & Payment
CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION TOUR INCLUDES:
- Leadership of Kirchoff Fitness Adventure travel trip leader, and local private English speaking guides
- Accommodations in hotel
- Meals as mentioned
- Tours and transfers as mentioned
- Hotel and restaurant tips included meals
- Entrance fees to sites and parks
- One domestic flight from Antalya to Kayseri
- Hotel tax
- Embarkation fees in the harbors
CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION TOUR COST EXCLUDES:
- International airfares, airport taxes and fuel surcharges
- Alcoholic beverages during the meals
- Visa (US citizens can obtain online,
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/) - Gratuities to guides, drivers, and crew
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar expenses
- Optional Balloon ride
- Personal travel and health insurance
CAPPADOCIA EXTENSION COST
- $1,675 (3-8 members)
- $1,875 (2 members)
Solo Traveler: $2,295 (includes Single Supplement
Single supplement: $320 (for groups of 3 or more)
