Turkey Adventure & Astronomy - Astronomy Kids - The Adventure Company Astronomy Tours 2012/3

Turkey Adventure & Astronomy Turkey � 8 days Trip Code FXNTA Trip Highlights Derinkuyu Underground City This ancient underground city was designed to shelter thousands of people along with their livestock and food stores. This complex has a total of 11 floors and extends to a depth of 85m. A local guide will lead you through the city which will feel like entering a giant Swiss cheese, with holes everywhere. Activity-filled week Explore the surreal scenery by bike, travel by horseback and get up close and personal with the fairy chimneys as you wander through the valleys shaped first by geology and then by man. You will have the opportunity to swim in the rivers and waterfalls and take in the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia. This family tour is a great alternative and active way to experience Turkey - travel the landscapes by horse, by bike and by foot. Relax by beautiful rivers with the amazing view of Emil Valley and the stunning scenery of Cappadocia. The evenings will reward you with beautiful night skies, perfect for viewing the stars and to discover the universe with our astronomy expert Dr John Mason. Insider's view Cappadocia is an amazing place whose eroded landscape is the perfect place for exploration. Spend your time enjoying the local area and tasting fresh cuisine. You will camp in remote valleys under star-studded skies with your astronomy guide bringing to life the planets and constellations. Sally Smythson - Operations Assistant Itinerary Day 1 Fly to Kayseri via Istanbul; drive to Emil Valley. This evening Dr John Mason will present a live planetarium show in the dark skies of Cappadocia. Day 2 Today your trek takes you through the Mangirci Gorge. In the afternoon there is time to relax by the river. Tonight Dr Mason will talk about the stars and planets which are visible. Day 3 Set off on foot to climb Sakartas passing many local families herding their flocks of animals. Enjoy wonderful views of the region before descending the Siyirmalik Valley. Tonight will be your final night with Dr Mason who will be on hand to answer any questions about the night sky. Day 4 You will then walk along the Kaziklar Valley to Cukurbag village where you will enjoy lunch with a local family before continuing on to Derinkuyu underground city. Day 5 Today you will explore the Kizilcukur Valley by foot and visit Zelve open air museum, a deserted monastery. Day 6 Today you will discover some of the prettiest valleys of Cappadocia by bike. Descend through the Kiliclar Valley and ride the backyards of Akvadi, where you will see the unique white fairy chimneys. Kick back this evening, it is also possible to have an optional Turkish bath (Hammam). Day 7 This morning you will experience the stunning scenery of the local area on horseback. Ride along the longest river in Turkey and travel the ancient Silk Road to Devrent Valley. This evening you will have the option of watching a local folklore show. Day 8 Drive to Kayseri and fly home via Istanbul. Kayseri Goreme Visit fairy chimneys Erciyes Mountain 3,916m Essentials Minimum age: 12 years This is an active week and anyone of reasonable fitness can participate. Walks of up to 6 hours a day with some steep gradients. Good footwear and a sleeping bag required. The campsite has basic facilities and an ablution block. Climate The weather will tend to be hot during the day and evening, perfect for stargazing. Transport Minibus, horse, mountain bike, on foot Accommodation Hotels (4 nights), camping (3 nights) Meals included 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners Prices & Departures Visit our website or call our Travel Consultants for the latest prices. Alternatively scan your smart phone over this barcode. Departures With Without flights flights Derinkuyu Underground city TURKEY C A P PA D O C I A S TAIN OUN US M TAUR 21 July - 28 July 2012 7 Aug - 14 Aug 2013 �1,429 �999 �1,499 �1,049 Cukurbag Lunch with local family Aladaglar NP 46 Prices are per person and subject to change (see Booking Conditions p49) All elements in the itinerary are included unless otherwise stated. Single room option �114. Flights are indirect with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. For more details, such as the Trip Notes, visit astronomytours.co.uk/fxnta

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