The group will meet at Kayseri Airport, before transferring together to Cukurbag Village in the Aladaglar Range. The Aladaglar Range is an extension of the Taurus Mountains and includes the highest peaks of the eastern Taurus mountain range. Stretching for over 40km and home to more than 60 peaks over 3000m, the range is located in the Aladaglar National Park. The park includes the provinces of Kayseri, Nigde Province and Adana, and its wild beauty feels truly off the beaten track. Tonight we stay in a simple guesthouse in Cukurbag village.

This morning after breakfast we leave camp and take a brief transfer to the entrance of the village of Elekgolu, and from where we start our trek. The trail today takes us through the foothills of the Aladaglar Mountains, and towards the Emil Valley via the Kazikli Canyon. The canyon lies in the southern part of the Aladaglar Mountains and got its name over a century ago. Story goes that a farmer called Ali used wooden stakes called kazik to climb up the canyon to collect the local honey from the caves. Even today these stakes are still visible in the canyon and due to their history, still used for climbing. The Aladaglar National Park gets its name from the Aladaglar peaks which mean Crimson Mountains. In the evening during sunset, the peaks take on a beautiful rusty colour. This range is also well known throughout the country for their magical trekking routes, which snake through craggy limestone ranges and across high plateaus dotted with lakes. Alongside the stunning mountains, the park is also home to two beautiful valleys, Emli and Hacer, which are both covered in lush forests of black and red pine. Plants growing here have vibrant flowers whilst fauna includes the famous Capra ibex, wild boar, bears, lynx, wolf and coyote. Species of bird include rock eagle, bearded vulture, and peregrine falcon whilst a rich variety of butterflies thrive here. Today is a relaxing day on trails which take us to our camp in the stunning Emli Valley where we spend the next two nights.

This morning we embark on a circular walk which is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful surroundings. We start by hiking up to Mangirci Gorge and follow trails through juniper and cedar trees. The cedar trees of Turkey's Taurus Mountains are commonly known as the Cedar of Lebanon. They are an evergreen conifer and a species of cedar native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean basin. Here in Turkey's Taurus, are the most extensive and magnificent forest of this particular species. Our trail takes us to the green plateau of Alaca Yayla from where we'll be treated to superb views of the southern part of the Aladaglar region. This scenic area is home to lots of interesting wildlife species that you may be lucky enough to spot, including Ibex and the Caspian snowcock (Tetraogallus caspius). We'll enjoy our picnic lunch by a spring before we descend back down to the Emli Valley. This afternoon we'll pass by shepherd camps at Oluk Sekisi before arriving into camp where we can enjoy tea and biscuits. Tonight is our second night in this wonderful and remote location, where if the weather is on our side we should be able to enjoy a spot of star gazing.

This morning we should wake to the cry of partridges. There are five native species in the country - chukar, rock, grey partridge, see-see and the Caspian Snow Cock. After breakfast, we leave our Emli Valley camp. We will trek into the Siyirmalik Valley, on the way, looking out for the shepherd camps at Eznevit where families have a semi-nomadic way of life. The main nomadic ethnic group in Turkey is the Yoruks meaning "to walk" who are famed for inhabiting the mountains of Anatolia. The yoruks winter by the coast before heading up into the mountain plateaus (yaylas) for summer. Today we are surrounded by stunning views of the breath-taking mountains that surround us. In the afternoon, we continue along the trail to Sakartas before descending to our camping place at Sokulupinar (2000m). After arriving at Sokulupinar, we can settle in; this will be our base for the next two nights.

Today we follow a mountain stream to the high grazing area of Arpalik Yayla, before ascending to Tekepinari meaning Goat's Spring. This is a popular place for the local Ibex so we may spot some of them high up on the surrounding cliffs; they are excellent climbers due to their cloven hooves. The highlight of our walk today is the incredibly beautiful Dipsiz Lake (2900m), which we reach by way of small trail that follows a river bed. Along the trail we'll have superb views of the north face of Mount Demirkazik (3756m). After arriving at this wonderful lake location we'll rest for lunch and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Depending on the weather and water conditions you might like to take a swim here. In the afternoon, we'll make our way back to our camp at Sokulupinar. Hopefully this evening we'll experience sunset at camp, a wonderful time to take photographs of the beautiful landscape surrounding us.

This spectacular day sees us leave Sokulupinar and head to our high camp. We'll be accompanied by a team of horsemen and their pack-animals. After an early breakfast we leave camp and head up the Karayalak Valley to the Celikbuyduran Pass (3450m). Although today is a more challenging day, it is well paced and there are plenty of opportunities along the trial to take photos and enjoy the magnificent views. Just before we reach the top of the pass we'll rest by a refreshing spring before heading over the top. Depending on the weather we'll enjoy our lunch on the top whilst surrounded by amazing views over the mountains. The afternoon sees us descending down to the Yedigoller Plateau (3100m) - meaning lakes and we'll pass a number of lakes during the day. This evening we camp near the largest lake in the area and if you fancy a refreshing dip, there will be time to test the water before dinner.

Leaving our camp at Yedigoller, we will spend the day at this high elevation, with further opportunities to meet the local shepherds and to admire the striking mountain scenery. Particularly prominent are the peaks of Narpuzbasi and Direktas. Our principal objective today will be to make an ascent of Mount Emler (3723m). This involves a straightforward return trek, taking us back up to the Celikbuyduran Pass and along a ridge from there to the mountain's summit. From this peak, there are great views of the south side of Mount Demirkazik (the highest summit in the range) and of the distant volcanic peaks of Erciyes and Hasan. Descending back to camp, there is time for a bit of relaxation, or maybe even a swim in the lake.

After loading the horses, we make an early start and begin our trek out of the Taurus Mountains. We pass the second largest of the lakes on the plateau and then climb up to Teke Kalesi Pass (3517m). Here, once again, we can enjoy great mountain views, before starting our descent on a narrow trail. Passing Yildiz (Star) Lake, we reach our camp at Lake Karagol.

After enjoying a final breakfast surrounded by the mountains, we descend to the Maden Gorge, following an old mine track. Parts of our trail today will follow meandering creeks. After walking out of the mountains we pick up our transport and make our way towards Cappadocia. Along the journey we'll visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times, and grew over the years as invading armies traversed Central Anatolia. The extensive network of passages, tunnels and inclined corridors linked family rooms and communal spaces where people would meet, work and worship. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and Derinkuyu is the most fascinating and the deepest in Central Anatolia. The underground world has over 600 outside doors, which are hidden in courtyards of local houses. Located at a depth of approximately 85m deep, you'll see stables, cellars, storage rooms, churches, wineries and houses. It is a fantastic place and after our visit, we make our way to the wonderful area of Cappadocia.

This morning is our first day of walking and exploring the fascinating area of Cappadocia. We start by transferring to the village of Uchisar and the spectacular viewpoint called the Fortress. Uchisar is centuries old and the highest point in Cappadocia. From here we are rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area which includes Mount Erciyes in the distance. The fortress is riddled with many rooms which are hollowed out into the rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. At the entrances of rooms are millstone doors just like the ones we saw in the underground city. Most of the rooms which are located on the north side of the castle are used as pigeon houses and even today local farmers collect the pigeon droppings which are used as a natural fertilizer for orchards and vineyards. After visiting the citadel we walk to the mouth of the Akvadi valley. From here we follow an old river bed which today is used for vineyards. Early afternoon we arrive in Cavusin, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia and home to wonderful rock cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses. The footpath takes us close to some fascinating formations whilst surrounded by magnificent views across the fairy chimneys. This area of the Pasabaglari Valley was originally used for retreats and gained the name monk's valley. Here fairy chimneys are unique with quirky toadstool like caps. Depending on time there may be time for an optional visit to Zelve Monastery (entrance fee paid locally). Here Christians moved during Persian and Arab invasions and the area became an important settlement and religious area during the 9th and 13th centuries. Late afternoon we return to our hotel.

Today's walk takes us through the Meskendir Valley as we follow a trail through fairy chimneys and Cappadocia's famed rock formations. This whole region was shaped over millions of years and at certain times looks as if it's come directly from a fairy tale. Here the honeycombed hills and towering fairy chimneys are captivating and this fascinating landscape was used by the local population as they sheltered underground. Humans performed incredible works here and created living quarters, places of worship, stables, and storehouses which were all dug into the soft stone. This troglodyte lifestyle left the countryside scattered with fascinating cavern architecture which we'll pass, alongside ancient cave houses and Byzantine complexes. After the Meskendir Valley we cross over to the Red Valley, considered the most beautiful in Cappadocia with its wonderful formations and colours. At the end of the day as the sun begins to set the valley puts on a display that lives up to its name. After our walk we return to our hotel for our final night in Cappadocia.

The holiday ends after breakfast. A single timed transfer to Kayseri Airport (1hr) is provided.