INFORMATION about TURKEY from A- Z
Turkey motorhometrip - Anatolia and its 1000 faces
Welcome to the Motorhome Kaplan Motorhome & RV Travels & Rentals in Turkey, We invite you to explore a whole new world of adventure - traveling in a Kaplan motorhome - Camper, RV, in Turkey allowing you complete freedom, comfort, flexibility and independence. Motorhome, Camper travel (also known as recreational vehicles travel, or simply RV travel) is a unique and enjoyable experience. Its a great way to explore Turkey
Turkey Motorhome,Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination:
Istanbul, Ankara, Hattusas, Amasya, Giresun, Trabzon, Uzungöl, Artvin, Ardahan, Kars, Dogubeyait, Van, Hosap, Akdamar Insel, Adiyaman, MT Nemrut, Kahta, Malatya, Kayseri, Avanos, Göreme, Ürgüp, Derinkuyu, Ortahisar, Uchisar, Nevsehir, Zelve, Sultanhani, Konya, Antalya, Side, Perge, Aspendos, Alanya, Manavgat.
Total distance: 4993km
What`s Included
Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination - Istanbul
Attractions: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise,
Golden Horn & Pera, Gallipoli Troy
The magnificent city of Istanbul, straddling the 2 continents of Europe of Asia over the waters of
the Bosphorus, is historically an imperial capital and seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman
empires. Discover some of the most striking excesses from the past in the Old City –
Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum.
Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination - Black Sea Coast
Sumela Monastery, Altindere National Park, mountain plateau villages, tea plantations, walking &
trekking holidays, Rize, Trabzon
A wild and contrasting landscape is the series of lush verdant plains, tobacco and tea plantations
set among the snow-capped peaks of the Black Sea Region, where the traditional rural village life
high up on the surrounding mountain plateaus can be experienced. The coast is dotted with beautiful
stony white beaches, abandoned castles and churches, picturesque villages with traditional wooden
houses and the surreal cliff-clinging Sumela Monastery.
Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination - East & Southeast Anatolia
Mount Nemrut heads, Kars Ani, Harran, Van, Dogubeyazit, Ishak Pasha Palace, Zeugma Mosaics
For more adventurous and off the beaten track itineraries, discover the mystique and ancient
civilizations of East & South-East Anatolia. Climb mountain peaks with colossal standing stone
heads at sunset, visit ancient kervansarais along the old Silk Road to China, explore the
abandoned ruins of ancient Armenian, Urartian and Selcuk cities, isolated hilltop palaces,
stunning archeological mosaics and bee-hive style village houses.
Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Cappadocia
which is unique in the world and is a miraculous nature wonder is the common name of the
field covered by the provinces of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kirsehir in the Central
Anatolian region.
The first Christians escaped from the persecution of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century B.C.
came to the Cappadocia over the Antakya and Kayseri and they have settled here. The first
Christians finding the underground cities from Cappadocia have been hidden in these underground
cities which gates were made in such way in which they couldn't be easily observed and they have
escaped from the persecution of the Roman soldiers.
Turkey Motorhome and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours 1st day
Trip distance: 60km, motorway / total distance: 60km
Transfer from airport Istanbul to Selimpasa campsite. Handing over of the rental motorhomes and introduction to the team.
Afterwards dinner in Selimpasa. Overnight stay at campsite in Selimpasa.
Turkey Motorhome, Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours2nd day (incl. Bustrip 02):
trip distance: 120km, motorway / total distance: 180km
Breakfast and transfer to Hippodrome: The former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople.
During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Wilhelm II. St. Sophia:
The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times, one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Blue Mosque:
One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from the 17th century, famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. In the afternoon visit of the famous Topkapi Palace:
The former imperial residence from where the great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family.
Then follows a visit to Grand covered Bazaar.
Dinner in Selimpasa and overnight stay stay at your campsite in Selimpasa.
3. day (incl. Bustrip 03):
trip distance: 120km, motorway / total distance: 300km
Breakfast and transfer to Port Eminönü for our Bosphorus cruises and tours.
Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait is a channel of water 31 km long (appr.20 miles),
connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. As the traffic of the city is often too great,
it is always advisable to use the sea for transportation where possible, having long served just
such a purpose throughout history. In the past, inhabitants of the city settled along the Bosphorus,
where they built magnificent wooden houses, known as 'yali'.
Many Bosphorus cruises and tours of the strait begin in Eminonu, there being two ways of doing it.
The first option is to get on the public passenger ferry of the municipality, which departs from the
main quay and has two departures during the day all year round or three during the summer. The public
passenger boat serves those who live on the Bosphorus shore and so it stops 6 times on the way for people
to get on or off, taking you as far as Anadolu Kavagi at the gate of the Black Sea, about a one and a
half hour journey each-way. Although the most economical way of visiting the waterway, there is no guarantee
that you will find a seat or good viewing position in these crowded boats. Dinner in Selimpasa and last
overnight stay at your campsite in Selimpasa.
4th day (incl. Bustrip 04):
trip distance: 400km, motorway / total distance: 700km
After breakfast we drive to Ankara. There we park the motorhomes at the campsite.
Today we have 1/2 day tour in Ankara and visit the famous Hittite Museum, Anatolian Civilisation Museum)
citadel of Ankara, Mausoleum of Ataturk and other attractions. Dinner in Ankara and overnight stay at your
campsite in Ankara.
5th day:
trip distance: 336km, motorway / total distance: 1036km
After breakfast we go to Amasya via Yazilikaya and Hattusas (3 hours drive).
Upon arrival we visit Hatussa which was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age.
After a lunch break we go on to Amasya. After arrival at Amasya campsite we visit the city of Amasya.
Amasya is one of the provinces in Central Anatolia of Turkey which is distinct both with its natural
setup and historical values it holds.
It was the homeland of the famous geographer Strabo. Located in a
narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of 3000 years during which many civilizations
left priceless remains of their times. The ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft
shelters 2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, a mental hospital, an Ottoman Palace and a
secret underground passageway. On the rock faces there are impressive rock tombs of the Pontus kings,
which contribute very much to the attractiveness of the city. At night, when they are illuminated, the
view is unforgettable. Dinner in Amasya and overnight stay at your campsite in Amasya.
6th day (incl. Bustrip 05):
trip distance: 222km / total distance: 1258km
After breakfast we drive to Giresun via Niksar, and Ordu. Arrival in Giresun.
After parking the motorhomes at the campsite we visit the City.
In the 2nd century BC, the Roman general Lucullus, who came to the ancient Cerasos,
saw a delicious fruit here, and carried its trees back to his country. It was there then
that the cherry (Kerasus) giving Giresun its name, spread all over the world. Inside the city,
there exists a church dating to the 18th century. Dinner and overnight stay at your campsite in Giresun.
7th day (incl. Bustrip 06):
trip distance: 324km / total distance: 1582km
After breakfast we go to Trabzon. There we visit Aya Sophia Museum, it was built in covered Greek cross
architecture during the reign of King Manuel I Kommenos in 13th century. Muslim Seljuk stone workers also
worked for the construction of St. Sophia Church and church continued its service until 1670 after Ottomans
invaded the region.
It was converted into a mosque in 1670 and served as a storage and hospital during World
War I. Later it served as a mosque again. The chapel in the north of the church is older and the bell tower
and was built in 1427. St. Sophia Church was converted into a museum in 1964 and is located in 3 kilometers
west of the city. It is not to be confused with St. Sophia Museum in Istanbul.
It's name comes from Greek:
Hagia Sophia means Divine Wisdom. Afterwards we go on a day tour by Bus to Sumela Monastry. Situated in a
very beautiful and natural setting, Sumela Monastery built in the 14th century is nestled into the side of
rocks in a famous valley in Maçka, only 50 kilometers away from Trabzon. The setting is 1200 meters above
the sea level. Two Greek monks, Barnaby and Sophronios started the original building.
The 7th century Icon
apparently painted by an anonymous Trabizond (Trabzon) artist became the symbol of the monastery. In the
late afternoon we depart for Uzungol Lake, after arrival there we park the motorhomes and have dinner.
Overnight stay at your campsite in Uzungöl.
8th day (incl. Bustrip 07):
trip distance: 137 km, motorway / total distance: 1719km
Daily trip with small bus to the alp villages.
The Northern Anatolian region along the Black Sea occupies 18% of the total area of Turkey with
its 141.000 square kilometers of land. This northern coastal region has a steep and rocky coast,
and rivers cascade through gorges of the coastal ranges. A few of the large rivers, those cutting back
through the Pontus Mountains (Dogu Karadeniz Daglari), have tributaries that flow in broad, elevated basins.
Access inland from the coast is limited to a few narrow valleys, and, as a result, the coast has always
been isolated from the interior. The population and cities are concentrated along the coast line.
Afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight stay at your campsite in Uzungöl.
9th day:
trip distance: 234 km / total distance: 1953km
After breakfast in the morning and we depart to Hopa - Sarp area (Georgian border) our destination for
today is Artvin. Like all cities extending along the beautiful Black Sea coast, Artvin is a lovely district,
64 kms southeast of Hopa, possessing picturesque views of nature. Typical of this region, wide forests
cover the area, and this landscape of mountains and lakes, plateaus and rivers, together with the
traditional settings of pretty wooden houses, offers a pleasant atmosphere to visitors. On our way we
will visit a tea plant.
In the afternoon arrival in Artvin. Dinner in Artvin city and overnight stay at the campsite.
10th day:
trip distance: 249 km / total distance: 2202km
Breakfast and departure to Ani via Savsat, Ardahan, Kars Ani.
After arrival in Ani we visit the Ani Ruins: All the structures at Ani are constructed using the
local volcanic basalt, a sort of tufa stone. It is easily carved and comes in a variety of vibrant
colors, from creamy yellow, to rose-red, to jet black. We visit the cathedral of Ani and other
interesting sites.
Barbeque and overnight stay at the Ani campsite.
bend treffen wir in Kars ein, wo wir zu Abend essen und für eine Übernachtung
bleiben werden.
11th day:
trip distance: 220 km / total distance: 2422km
After having early breakfast in the morning, we depart to Dogubeyazit,
which is believed to be the Garden of Eden overlooking the reputed landing place of Noah's Ark.
We visit the famous Ishak Pasa Serail and afterwards go to our campsite.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Dogubeyazit campsite.
12th day (incl. Bustrip 08):
trip distance: 247 km / total distance: 2669km
Dogubayezit - Van Tatvan : Breakfast and drive to visit Muradiye Waterfall. On the road possible to see famous
Ararat Mountain where old saying: Noahs Ark situated at the top of the mountain. Then depart for 7000 years
old Urartian city of Van, arrival Parking we have city tour, and Dinner in the City return to campsite and
leisure time. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite in Tatvan.
13th day (incl. Bustrip 09):
trip distance: 250 km / total distance: 2919km
Touring around Van; Lake, Akdamar (Church) Island: Breakfast and touring in this major Urartian settlement
situated by the biggest Lake of Turkey. Visit of the Museum of Van, the Cavustepe Fortress symbolizing the
unusual success of the Urartian architecture, and the Akdamar Island where the 10th century Armenian Church
is located (newly restorated in 2006) - shopping facilities in the city, our dinner return to campsite and
overnight stay in campsite Tatvan.
14th day:
trip distance: 447km / total distance: 3366km
Today we go via Bitlis, Diyarbakir to Kahta. Arrival and Parking. Dinner in Kahta (Mt Nemrut).
Overnight stay in campsite in Kahta.
15th day (incl. Bustrip 10):
trip distance: 150km / total distance: 3516km
After breakfast we have a fabulous countryside trip to Nemrut Mountain. On this summit lies a 2000 year
old memorial sanctuary for an obscure Commagene King, with huge statues of gods and kings, their heads
toppled by earthquakes and scattered on the ground. We visit Arsemia, Karakus, Cendere Bridge and Old Kahta. We have coffee at a regional family in their village.
We return to the campsite and around 16 o'clock we start for Nemrut Mountain to enjoy the sunset.
Topping the karst limestone mountain of Nemrut Dagi (2150m/7056ft) in the south-eastern Taurus is the
Hierothosion of the Kommagene King Antiochus I (69-38 B.C.), dedicated to his own glory and that of the
gods.
Antiochus' tomb is concealed somewhere inside the 50m/164ft high man-made burial mound, with its spectacular
terraces on three sides (east, north and west). The 80m/260ft long north terrace, lined with (collapsed)
columns, served as a place of assembly and arena for processions and other rituals.
On either side of the
east terrace stand relieves of the King's ancestors, paternal (Persian) to the north, maternal (Seleucid)
to the south, framing the colossal figures of the gods (heads standing on the ground) facing the main altar.
These include, in addition to eagles and lions, the Greco-Persian mixed deities Zeus - Oromasdes, Hercules -
Verethragna - Artagnes - Ares, Apollo - Mithras - Helios - Hermes and Kommagene - Tyche, as well as
Antiochus I himself.
A similar arrangement is repeated on the west terrace, which is some 10m/33ft lower than the east.
Here the heads of the colossal statues are better preserved and there are also more of them.
The "Lion Horoscope" with its astral motifs symbolizes the deification of Antiochus I through the
metamorphosis of king into star.
Overnight stay at your campsite in Kahta.
16th day:
trip distance: 596km / total distance: 4112km
After breakfast at the campsite, we drive towards Cappadocia via Gölbasi, Malatya and Darende.
After Arrival we park the motorhomes at the campingsite in Göreme Dinner and overnight stay at
your campsite in Göreme. Here we will spend the next two days with sightseeing.
17th day (incl. Bustrip 11):
trip distance: 150km / total distance: 4262km
After breakfast we visit Göreme natural park, an open-air museum, a complex or rock churches and chapels
covered with frescos carved in rock. We visit the handicraft town of Avanos, Pasabagi Red Valley, Derinkuyu
underground city with several stories carved into the soft tufa rock and used by the local population
during enemy invasions and Christian persecutions.
These self-sufficient underground cities included rooms
for grain and wine storage, sleeping chambers, stables, kitchens, etc with excellent air ventilation. After
lunch we continue to visit Devrent Valley, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known
fairy chimneys. Depart for a panoramic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle.
Dinner in Göreme and overnight stay at your campsite in Göreme.
18th day:
trip distance: 240km / total distance: 4502km
Early morning optional balloon tour. Float through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves
enjoying the beautiful sunrise of Cappadocia. Extra cost 150 Euro per person. Registration
necessary with the booking of this tour.
In the afternoon visit of a turkish bath (optional )The tradition of the Turkish bath extends far back,
to a time before Turks had reached Anatolia. When the Turks arrived in Anatolia, they brought with them
one bathing tradition, and were confronted with another, that of Romans and Byzantines, with certain local
variants.
The traditions merged, and with the addition of the Moslem concern for cleanliness and its
concomitant respect for the uses of water, there arose an entirely new concept, that of the Turkish Bath.
In time it became an institution, with its system of ineradicable customs.
For the Turkish bath was much more than just a place to cleanse the skin. It was intimately bound up with
everyday life, a place where people of every rank and station, young and old, rich and poor, townsman or
villager, could come freely. Women as well as men made use of the "hamam", as the bath is known in Turkish,
although of course at separate hours. Dinner in Göreme, and overnight stay at your campsite in Göreme.
19th day (incl. Bustrip 13):
trip distance: 240km / total distance: 4742km
After breakfast departure for Konya, former capital of the Seljuks. After lunch we visit the Mevlana
Mouseloum and his tombs. Then drive to visit the religious school of Karatay. Dinner in Konya and
overnight stay at your campsite in Konya.
20th day:
trip distance: 323km / total distance: 5065km
After breakfast depart for Manavgat. Arrival in campsite in Manavgat. Dinner in Manavgat, overnight
stay in Manavgat campsite.
21st day (incl. Bustrip 14):
trip distance 250km / total distance: 5315km
Departure by bus to the Pamphilian citys. These remarkable ruined cities lie in an area known anciet times
as pamphylia.
Perge was founded around 1.000 BC and is a spectacular spot with expansive and impressive ruins. Built into
the side of the hill is theatre which could accommodate 14000 people.
The ancient site of Aspendos is famous
for its well preserved theatre with elaborate stage, auditorium and arcade above all of which are intact.
Side: Here you will able to explore the old city walls, the roman baths and beautifully preserved
amphitheatre and there are countless other remains as you meander through the heart of the old town.
Alanya:
Alanya is a popular seaside resort in southern Turkey, about 150 km east of Antalya. To the east and west
of Alanya you find some of the best beaches in Turkey, the Taurus Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop
to the north. Most of old Alanya lies on the great rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. High above
Alanya you find an impressive 14-th century citadel. Farewell dinner in Manavgat, and overnight stay at your
campsite in Manavgat.
22nd day
Transfer to airport Antalya. Flight back home.
Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination - Istanbul
Attractions: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Golden Horn & Pera, Gallipoli Troy The magnificent city of Istanbul, straddling the 2 continents of Europe of Asia over the waters of the Bosphorus, is historically an imperial capital and seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. Discover some of the most striking excesses from the past in the Old City – Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum.Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination - Black Sea Coast
Sumela Monastery, Altindere National Park, mountain plateau villages, tea plantations, walking & trekking holidays, Rize, Trabzon A wild and contrasting landscape is the series of lush verdant plains, tobacco and tea plantations set among the snow-capped peaks of the Black Sea Region, where the traditional rural village life high up on the surrounding mountain plateaus can be experienced. The coast is dotted with beautiful stony white beaches, abandoned castles and churches, picturesque villages with traditional wooden houses and the surreal cliff-clinging Sumela Monastery.Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Destination - East & Southeast Anatolia
Mount Nemrut heads, Kars Ani, Harran, Van, Dogubeyazit, Ishak Pasha Palace, Zeugma Mosaics For more adventurous and off the beaten track itineraries, discover the mystique and ancient civilizations of East & South-East Anatolia. Climb mountain peaks with colossal standing stone heads at sunset, visit ancient kervansarais along the old Silk Road to China, explore the abandoned ruins of ancient Armenian, Urartian and Selcuk cities, isolated hilltop palaces, stunning archeological mosaics and bee-hive style village houses.Turkey Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours Cappadocia
which is unique in the world and is a miraculous nature wonder is the common name of the field covered by the provinces of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kirsehir in the Central Anatolian region.The first Christians escaped from the persecution of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century B.C. came to the Cappadocia over the Antakya and Kayseri and they have settled here. The first Christians finding the underground cities from Cappadocia have been hidden in these underground cities which gates were made in such way in which they couldn't be easily observed and they have escaped from the persecution of the Roman soldiers.
Turkey Motorhome and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours 1st day
Trip distance: 60km, motorway / total distance: 60km
Transfer from airport Istanbul to Selimpasa campsite. Handing over of the rental motorhomes and introduction to the team. Afterwards dinner in Selimpasa. Overnight stay at campsite in Selimpasa.
Turkey Motorhome, Camping and Caravanning Club - Escorted Tours2nd day (incl. Bustrip 02):
trip distance: 120km, motorway / total distance: 180km
Breakfast and transfer to Hippodrome: The former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Wilhelm II. St. Sophia: The magnificent Byzantine Church of all times, one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. Blue Mosque: One of the biggest mosques of Istanbul from the 17th century, famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. In the afternoon visit of the famous Topkapi Palace: The former imperial residence from where the great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of the Royal Family. Then follows a visit to Grand covered Bazaar. Dinner in Selimpasa and overnight stay stay at your campsite in Selimpasa.
3. day (incl. Bustrip 03):
trip distance: 120km, motorway / total distance: 300km
Breakfast and transfer to Port Eminönü for our Bosphorus cruises and tours. Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait is a channel of water 31 km long (appr.20 miles), connecting the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. As the traffic of the city is often too great, it is always advisable to use the sea for transportation where possible, having long served just such a purpose throughout history. In the past, inhabitants of the city settled along the Bosphorus, where they built magnificent wooden houses, known as 'yali'.
Many Bosphorus cruises and tours of the strait begin in Eminonu, there being two ways of doing it. The first option is to get on the public passenger ferry of the municipality, which departs from the main quay and has two departures during the day all year round or three during the summer. The public passenger boat serves those who live on the Bosphorus shore and so it stops 6 times on the way for people to get on or off, taking you as far as Anadolu Kavagi at the gate of the Black Sea, about a one and a half hour journey each-way. Although the most economical way of visiting the waterway, there is no guarantee that you will find a seat or good viewing position in these crowded boats. Dinner in Selimpasa and last overnight stay at your campsite in Selimpasa.
4th day (incl. Bustrip 04):
trip distance: 400km, motorway / total distance: 700km
After breakfast we drive to Ankara. There we park the motorhomes at the campsite. Today we have 1/2 day tour in Ankara and visit the famous Hittite Museum, Anatolian Civilisation Museum) citadel of Ankara, Mausoleum of Ataturk and other attractions. Dinner in Ankara and overnight stay at your campsite in Ankara.
5th day:
trip distance: 336km, motorway / total distance: 1036km
After breakfast we go to Amasya via Yazilikaya and Hattusas (3 hours drive). Upon arrival we visit Hatussa which was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. After a lunch break we go on to Amasya. After arrival at Amasya campsite we visit the city of Amasya. Amasya is one of the provinces in Central Anatolia of Turkey which is distinct both with its natural setup and historical values it holds.
It was the homeland of the famous geographer Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of 3000 years during which many civilizations left priceless remains of their times. The ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters 2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, a mental hospital, an Ottoman Palace and a secret underground passageway. On the rock faces there are impressive rock tombs of the Pontus kings, which contribute very much to the attractiveness of the city. At night, when they are illuminated, the view is unforgettable. Dinner in Amasya and overnight stay at your campsite in Amasya.
6th day (incl. Bustrip 05):
trip distance: 222km / total distance: 1258km
After breakfast we drive to Giresun via Niksar, and Ordu. Arrival in Giresun. After parking the motorhomes at the campsite we visit the City. In the 2nd century BC, the Roman general Lucullus, who came to the ancient Cerasos, saw a delicious fruit here, and carried its trees back to his country. It was there then that the cherry (Kerasus) giving Giresun its name, spread all over the world. Inside the city, there exists a church dating to the 18th century. Dinner and overnight stay at your campsite in Giresun.
7th day (incl. Bustrip 06):
trip distance: 324km / total distance: 1582km
After breakfast we go to Trabzon. There we visit Aya Sophia Museum, it was built in covered Greek cross architecture during the reign of King Manuel I Kommenos in 13th century. Muslim Seljuk stone workers also worked for the construction of St. Sophia Church and church continued its service until 1670 after Ottomans invaded the region.
It was converted into a mosque in 1670 and served as a storage and hospital during World War I. Later it served as a mosque again. The chapel in the north of the church is older and the bell tower and was built in 1427. St. Sophia Church was converted into a museum in 1964 and is located in 3 kilometers west of the city. It is not to be confused with St. Sophia Museum in Istanbul.
It's name comes from Greek: Hagia Sophia means Divine Wisdom. Afterwards we go on a day tour by Bus to Sumela Monastry. Situated in a very beautiful and natural setting, Sumela Monastery built in the 14th century is nestled into the side of rocks in a famous valley in Maçka, only 50 kilometers away from Trabzon. The setting is 1200 meters above the sea level. Two Greek monks, Barnaby and Sophronios started the original building.
The 7th century Icon apparently painted by an anonymous Trabizond (Trabzon) artist became the symbol of the monastery. In the late afternoon we depart for Uzungol Lake, after arrival there we park the motorhomes and have dinner. Overnight stay at your campsite in Uzungöl.
8th day (incl. Bustrip 07):
trip distance: 137 km, motorway / total distance: 1719km
Daily trip with small bus to the alp villages. The Northern Anatolian region along the Black Sea occupies 18% of the total area of Turkey with its 141.000 square kilometers of land. This northern coastal region has a steep and rocky coast, and rivers cascade through gorges of the coastal ranges. A few of the large rivers, those cutting back through the Pontus Mountains (Dogu Karadeniz Daglari), have tributaries that flow in broad, elevated basins. Access inland from the coast is limited to a few narrow valleys, and, as a result, the coast has always been isolated from the interior. The population and cities are concentrated along the coast line. Afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight stay at your campsite in Uzungöl.
9th day:
trip distance: 234 km / total distance: 1953km
After breakfast in the morning and we depart to Hopa - Sarp area (Georgian border) our destination for today is Artvin. Like all cities extending along the beautiful Black Sea coast, Artvin is a lovely district, 64 kms southeast of Hopa, possessing picturesque views of nature. Typical of this region, wide forests cover the area, and this landscape of mountains and lakes, plateaus and rivers, together with the traditional settings of pretty wooden houses, offers a pleasant atmosphere to visitors. On our way we will visit a tea plant. In the afternoon arrival in Artvin. Dinner in Artvin city and overnight stay at the campsite.
10th day:
trip distance: 249 km / total distance: 2202km
Breakfast and departure to Ani via Savsat, Ardahan, Kars Ani. After arrival in Ani we visit the Ani Ruins: All the structures at Ani are constructed using the local volcanic basalt, a sort of tufa stone. It is easily carved and comes in a variety of vibrant colors, from creamy yellow, to rose-red, to jet black. We visit the cathedral of Ani and other interesting sites. Barbeque and overnight stay at the Ani campsite. bend treffen wir in Kars ein, wo wir zu Abend essen und für eine Übernachtung bleiben werden.
11th day:
trip distance: 220 km / total distance: 2422km
After having early breakfast in the morning, we depart to Dogubeyazit, which is believed to be the Garden of Eden overlooking the reputed landing place of Noah's Ark. We visit the famous Ishak Pasa Serail and afterwards go to our campsite. Dinner and overnight stay at the Dogubeyazit campsite.
12th day (incl. Bustrip 08):
trip distance: 247 km / total distance: 2669km
Dogubayezit - Van Tatvan : Breakfast and drive to visit Muradiye Waterfall. On the road possible to see famous Ararat Mountain where old saying: Noahs Ark situated at the top of the mountain. Then depart for 7000 years old Urartian city of Van, arrival Parking we have city tour, and Dinner in the City return to campsite and leisure time. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite in Tatvan.
13th day (incl. Bustrip 09):
trip distance: 250 km / total distance: 2919km
Touring around Van; Lake, Akdamar (Church) Island: Breakfast and touring in this major Urartian settlement situated by the biggest Lake of Turkey. Visit of the Museum of Van, the Cavustepe Fortress symbolizing the unusual success of the Urartian architecture, and the Akdamar Island where the 10th century Armenian Church is located (newly restorated in 2006) - shopping facilities in the city, our dinner return to campsite and overnight stay in campsite Tatvan.
14th day:
trip distance: 447km / total distance: 3366km
Today we go via Bitlis, Diyarbakir to Kahta. Arrival and Parking. Dinner in Kahta (Mt Nemrut). Overnight stay in campsite in Kahta.
15th day (incl. Bustrip 10):
trip distance: 150km / total distance: 3516km
After breakfast we have a fabulous countryside trip to Nemrut Mountain. On this summit lies a 2000 year old memorial sanctuary for an obscure Commagene King, with huge statues of gods and kings, their heads toppled by earthquakes and scattered on the ground. We visit Arsemia, Karakus, Cendere Bridge and Old Kahta. We have coffee at a regional family in their village. We return to the campsite and around 16 o'clock we start for Nemrut Mountain to enjoy the sunset.
Topping the karst limestone mountain of Nemrut Dagi (2150m/7056ft) in the south-eastern Taurus is the Hierothosion of the Kommagene King Antiochus I (69-38 B.C.), dedicated to his own glory and that of the gods. Antiochus' tomb is concealed somewhere inside the 50m/164ft high man-made burial mound, with its spectacular terraces on three sides (east, north and west). The 80m/260ft long north terrace, lined with (collapsed) columns, served as a place of assembly and arena for processions and other rituals.
On either side of the east terrace stand relieves of the King's ancestors, paternal (Persian) to the north, maternal (Seleucid) to the south, framing the colossal figures of the gods (heads standing on the ground) facing the main altar. These include, in addition to eagles and lions, the Greco-Persian mixed deities Zeus - Oromasdes, Hercules - Verethragna - Artagnes - Ares, Apollo - Mithras - Helios - Hermes and Kommagene - Tyche, as well as Antiochus I himself.
A similar arrangement is repeated on the west terrace, which is some 10m/33ft lower than the east. Here the heads of the colossal statues are better preserved and there are also more of them. The "Lion Horoscope" with its astral motifs symbolizes the deification of Antiochus I through the metamorphosis of king into star. Overnight stay at your campsite in Kahta.
16th day:
trip distance: 596km / total distance: 4112km
After breakfast at the campsite, we drive towards Cappadocia via Gölbasi, Malatya and Darende. After Arrival we park the motorhomes at the campingsite in Göreme Dinner and overnight stay at your campsite in Göreme. Here we will spend the next two days with sightseeing.
17th day (incl. Bustrip 11):
trip distance: 150km / total distance: 4262km
After breakfast we visit Göreme natural park, an open-air museum, a complex or rock churches and chapels covered with frescos carved in rock. We visit the handicraft town of Avanos, Pasabagi Red Valley, Derinkuyu underground city with several stories carved into the soft tufa rock and used by the local population during enemy invasions and Christian persecutions.
These self-sufficient underground cities included rooms for grain and wine storage, sleeping chambers, stables, kitchens, etc with excellent air ventilation. After lunch we continue to visit Devrent Valley, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Depart for a panoramic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle. Dinner in Göreme and overnight stay at your campsite in Göreme.
18th day:
trip distance: 240km / total distance: 4502km
Early morning optional balloon tour. Float through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves enjoying the beautiful sunrise of Cappadocia. Extra cost 150 Euro per person. Registration necessary with the booking of this tour.
In the afternoon visit of a turkish bath (optional )The tradition of the Turkish bath extends far back, to a time before Turks had reached Anatolia. When the Turks arrived in Anatolia, they brought with them one bathing tradition, and were confronted with another, that of Romans and Byzantines, with certain local variants.
The traditions merged, and with the addition of the Moslem concern for cleanliness and its concomitant respect for the uses of water, there arose an entirely new concept, that of the Turkish Bath. In time it became an institution, with its system of ineradicable customs. For the Turkish bath was much more than just a place to cleanse the skin. It was intimately bound up with everyday life, a place where people of every rank and station, young and old, rich and poor, townsman or villager, could come freely. Women as well as men made use of the "hamam", as the bath is known in Turkish, although of course at separate hours. Dinner in Göreme, and overnight stay at your campsite in Göreme.
19th day (incl. Bustrip 13):
trip distance: 240km / total distance: 4742km
After breakfast departure for Konya, former capital of the Seljuks. After lunch we visit the Mevlana Mouseloum and his tombs. Then drive to visit the religious school of Karatay. Dinner in Konya and overnight stay at your campsite in Konya.
20th day:
trip distance: 323km / total distance: 5065km
After breakfast depart for Manavgat. Arrival in campsite in Manavgat. Dinner in Manavgat, overnight stay in Manavgat campsite.
21st day (incl. Bustrip 14):
trip distance 250km / total distance: 5315km
Departure by bus to the Pamphilian citys. These remarkable ruined cities lie in an area known anciet times as pamphylia. Perge was founded around 1.000 BC and is a spectacular spot with expansive and impressive ruins. Built into the side of the hill is theatre which could accommodate 14000 people.
The ancient site of Aspendos is famous for its well preserved theatre with elaborate stage, auditorium and arcade above all of which are intact. Side: Here you will able to explore the old city walls, the roman baths and beautifully preserved amphitheatre and there are countless other remains as you meander through the heart of the old town.
Alanya: Alanya is a popular seaside resort in southern Turkey, about 150 km east of Antalya. To the east and west of Alanya you find some of the best beaches in Turkey, the Taurus Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the north. Most of old Alanya lies on the great rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. High above Alanya you find an impressive 14-th century citadel. Farewell dinner in Manavgat, and overnight stay at your campsite in Manavgat.
22nd day Transfer to airport Antalya. Flight back home.
