The Mediterranean Section has organised another land rally, this time to Cappadocia in Turkey, which will take place in April 2015.
April 10th - 14th, 2015
Cappadocia lies in Anatolia, in the centre of Turkey approximately 580 Km from Antalya. The area consists of a high plateau over 1000m high which is punctured by volcanoes. It was their eruptions some 30,000,000 years ago that provided this soft stone which, with erosion, has formed the valleys and ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations that the area is famous for. The Göreme National Park and the rock site of Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The region has a fascinating history it was occupied by the Hittites as far back as 2000BC and has been inhabited continually since; people living in cave houses and worshipping in rock churches. During the trip we will visit some of the important sites and museums in the area. (See below).
- Saint Jean’s Church which dates back to 1212
- Uçhisar Castle- a natural rock citadel the tallest point in Cappadocia
- Göreme a place located amongst the ‘fairy chimneys’
- Ortahisar – with scenic stone houses, churches, narrow streets and a castle-like rock formation.
- Avonos, a town famous for the production of earthenware pottery from the Hittite times until the present day.
- Devrent Valley, celebrated for its ‘lunar landscape’
Hot Air balloon flights can be booked nearer the time, the prices will be sent to participants.
More information about Cappadocia can be found at http://www.cappadociaturkey.net/
NB Travel Arrangements
The journey, long but very interesting, from the coast to Cappadocia takes approximately eight hours. There will be stops on the way but the coach must leave Antalya at 9.00am on the morning of Friday April 10th.
Travelling from the UK
If you are travelling from the UK you will need to arrive in Antalya the day before ie Thursday April 9th as we understand that there are no very early morning flight arrivals into Antalya from UK airports. Jet Sun, our travel agent have told us that they can book overnight accommodation in Antalya for approximately £20 per person per night.
Already in Turkey
If you plan to be in Turkey in April 2015 you can travel to Antalya by public transport from places in Turkey eg Kemer and Marmaris.
Travelling back home/to your boat
The trip will return from Cappadocia on Monday 13th April, and you can return home or to your boat on Tuesday 14th April. But, we will still have use of the coach on that day ie Tuesday 14th April when we could organise a trip to the harbour and the old town of Antalya if there is sufficient demand. Once again Jet Sun can book extra nights accommodation if you would like to extend your stay in Turkey and fly home on Wednesday 15th April or later.
Flights from the UK
The following airlines fly to Antalya, easyJet, Monarch and Thompsons as well as Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Flights have not been released yet for April 2015.
Accommodation
Accommodation; three nights in either the Dilek Kaya Hotel or the Kartal Hotel (10th 11th &12th April ) in Cappadocia on half-board basis, breakfast+ dinner. Then one night (13th April) in Antalya at the Falcon Hotel, on Bed and Breakfast basis.
Costs
Cost per person sharing a double room is £399. This price includes all museum entrances, professional tour guide, and accommodation as shown above and a Gala dinner at a local restaurant in Antalya on the final day. This price does not include flights or extra night(s) in Antalya
The trip is once again being organised by Jet Sun, the company that arranged our excellent trip to Tunisia in April 2013. Their address is JetSun Holidays, Sunshine House, 7 Cutler Street, London E1 7DJ ATOL No : 6142
To Book
£100 non-returnable deposit per person to cover reservations will secure a place. The remaining balance to be paid by 1st March 2015.
Due to high demand, this trip will be limited to CA members and their partners.
Please indicate when booking if you would like extra night(s) accommodation in Antalya before and/or after the trip.
You can pay by debit/credit/Amex cards over the phone on telephone number: 020 7929 3777
quoting reference Peggie Manton Group. Please note the following: Credit cards 2% is added to the total, Amex is 4%, there is no extra charge for debit cards.
Please remember to book your own flights to Antalya, extra night(s) accommodation if needed and arrange your own travel insurance.
If you have any questions or require further information about the trip, please contact Peggie Manton at med@cruising.org.uk
Acknowledgement: Photos courtesy of Sue Sutherland