Leaving behind our beach camp and the crystal-clear waters of Oludeniz, we ascended over the mountains to the 300-meter-deep and 18-kilometre-long Saklikent Gorge (which means “hidden city” in Turkish). Since it was early spring, the river flowing through the gorge was still quite cold. A few adventurous passengers waded across and explored further into the gorge, while the rest of us (those who preferred to stay dry or were simply more sensible) enjoyed the stunning views from the walkways and platforms.

We then traveled through picturesque pine forests before returning to the coast and settling into our accommodation for the next two nights—Bayram’s Houses in Olympus. With the Bangles playing on the radio, we took a night drive followed by a short walk to see the Chimaera, a natural phenomenon of eternal flames. Legend has it that the Chimaera was a mythical creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent that roamed the woods, breathing fire. The natural gas flames provided a perfect backdrop for stargazing and toasting marshmallows. On a free day, some opted for kayaking and snorkeling or exploring nearby ruins, while others relaxed on the beach.

Hillside Camp in Turkey

As we journeyed inland, we stopped for a bushcamp on our way to the Cappadocia region. This area, including Anatolia and Cappadocia, was where early Christians sought refuge from Roman soldiers. The Ihlara Valley, a 16-kilometre volcanic rock gorge, is believed to have been one of their first settlements. We embarked on a 2-hour walk through the valley, exploring some of the hundreds of rock churches, many of which still feature intact frescoes.

Our next destination was Goreme, the tourist hub of Cappadocia. Kaya Camping, situated on a hill overlooking the Red Valley, provided the perfect base for our four-night stay. With numerous attractions and activities planned, our schedule was packed.

We began Turkey’s national day with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. As 100 balloons ascended into the sky, the views were almost beyond description. We floated over the diverse valleys of the Goreme region, sometimes gliding close to the fairy chimneys and other times soaring 500 metres high. The flight was flawless—except for a humorous mishap involving Sarah Walker, who earned a new nickname in the process!

After breakfast, we met our local guide Seville for a day tour of the area. Armed with our museum passes, we explored the famous sights of Cappadocia. We walked among and climbed inside the fairy chimneys and open-air museums, visited an underground city that once housed thousands, tried our hand at pottery-making, and took in the breathtaking views from various panoramic points in the region.

Ballooning in Cappadocia

During the next two free days, we explored the valleys, visited additional museums and churches, enjoyed wine tasting at local vineyards, and experienced a cultural evening at a cave that has been converted into a Turkish restaurant, among other activities. We all seized the chance to rise early, take a short walk from our campsite, and witness the spectacular sight of the balloons taking off—a view nearly as breathtaking as the ballooning experience itself.

Goreme and Hot Air Balloons

As we journeyed north through the mountains, we were treated to stunning views on our way to the evening’s bush camp. Set amidst the mountains and alongside a river, it offered an ideal spot for an overnight stay.

After a leisurely breakfast, we continued to our final destination in Turkey: Trabzon, located on the Black Sea. Camping in the hills just outside Trabzon, we visited the Sumela Monastery, a Greek Orthodox monastery dating back to 386 AD. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this monastery is dramatically perched on the side of Mela Mountain in the Pontic mountain range. From our camp, it was easy to catch a ride with the friendly locals into Trabzon. Many took the chance to unwind in a hammam, a traditional Turkish bathhouse, while others explored the city’s streets and museums.