Adventure holidays to Turkey
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a land of surreal rock formations, underground cities and stark but mesmerising valleys – the perfect destination for any adventure holiday to Turkey, allowing travellers to explore the ancient landscapes and lifestyles of the country. The area is a mix of natural erosion and underground homes and churches that have been carved out of the rock over the centuries. It is a magical region, quite unlike anywhere else on earth and the highlight of any holiday to south-central Anatolia.
All our adventure tours to Turkey visit Cappadocia and enjoy several days enjoying walks and tours amongst the fairy chimneys, lunar scenery and cave restaurants and even hot-air ballooning above the unique landscapes of this memorable destination. Whether it is on our 10 day highlights trip or part of our new Turkey and Georgia tour you can experience the drama and beauty of Cappadocia on an adventure holiday with Imaginative Traveller.
Cappadocia Facts
- Cappadocia is a Persian word meaning ‘the land of fine horses’
- It was formed by volcanic activity 2-10 million years ago creating layers of soft rock called Tuff
- The soft base of the fairy chimneys will eventually erode, forcing the hard tops to topple off
- Persecuted Christians seeking protection in the 7th Century created over 50 underground churches
- Some of the underground cities are up to 10 levels deep
- Goreme Open Air Museum became a UNESCO site in 1985
- Despite the arid conditions, Cappadocia boasts a surprising number of vineyards and wineries
Why travel to the the Middle East with Imaginative Traveller
Itineraries
The Middle East was where we began operations back in 1991 - we have been taking our travellers down the Nile for 20 years! Our itineraries to the Middle East reflect decades of experience and client and tour leader feedback. They include multi-country trips, overland expeditions, cultural tours, beach holidays, cruises, family holidays, honeymoon and tailor-made tours.
Extra Facilities
In Egypt all 3 day felucca trips now include the services of an amenities boat with bathroom and toilet facilities – more comfortable for you and better for the environment. On our Nile cruiseboats each cabin is air-conditioned and has private facilities. The boats have swimming pools and rooftop bars - plus fantastic food!
Grassroots travel
Stay with people you've only read about, visit places few have seen and use a variety of local transport to really experience the culture. In the Middle East we use donkeys, feluccas, local buses, overnight trains, cruise boats, jeeps, ferries, horse and cart and camels!
Our leaders
They're usually from the country we're visiting so speak the language, understand the culture and know the history. They are passionate about their homeland and will provide insights that you would never discover independently.
Flexibility and Fun
Our small group adventure tours offer convenience, security and companionship with the freedom and flexibility for you to make your own discoveries independently.
Unique Product
Sleeping under the stars on deck on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, dinner in a Nubian village in Aswan, exploring the oldest building in the world – the Step Pyramid near Cairo, overnighting in a Bedouin camp in Egypt’s White Desert, taking a camel safari into Egypt’s Western Desert, taking a 4WD excursion to an overnight camp in Wadi Rum in Jordan, spending two full days in Petra, a walking tour of the fascinating Jewish quarter of Jerusalem – just some examples!
Small Groups
Small numbers (usually max 20 in the Middle East) have less impact on the environment and offer more chance for cultural interaction.
Responsible Travel
At the heart of ALL our adventure and activity holidays to the Middle East . By ‘going local’ we ensure that the economic benefits derived from your holiday remain with the communities that you visit. We also have long-standing relationships with some of the best local Egyptologists and the family of Nubian sailors operating our feluccas providing long term employment (even during lulls in tourism) and fair wages. Plus by working directly with the 'donkey men' and carriage drivers our visits to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings involve no 'middle men' ensuring all revenue goes directly to the locals.
You may only travel to the Middle East once so make the most of it on an authentic and affordable adventure holiday with Imaginative Traveller!
