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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

We proudly partner with wanderwell, a B-Corp-certified travel insurance agency and 1% for the Planet member offering Trip Protection and Travel Medical coverage.

Walking tours are a great low-carbon activity that immerses you in the nature of your destination in a sustainable way. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Walking Tours | Yugen Earthside

Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, & soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina & Maramures. Carbon removals included!

[9 days] Villages of Bucovina & Maramures | Yugen Earthside

Hike through villages, discover monasteries, learn local crafts, and soothe your mind amid Romania’s bucolic regions of Bucovina and Maramures.

This 9-day trip offers the possibility to catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s most unique gems. Awe-inspiring views, World Heritage Sites, and peasant culture await you! 

Connect with the country’s well-preserved environment by admiring the fir-tree forests, beautiful landscapes punctuated with sheep herds, wildflowers, and more. Start the trip with a steam train along the Moldovita River and sit back and soak in the stunning panoramic views until you arrive at a small picturesque village. Later on, enjoy leisurely hikes that will lead you along a stream, across fully bloomed fields, past the glacier lake of Stiol, and to Horse’s Waterfall – Romania’s tallest waterfall.

Hike in the famous fir-tree forests of Bucovina

Visit the uniquely painted monastery in Moldoviţa

Meet the local Hutsules people and discover their art of painting eggs

Walk past a glacier lake to Romania’s tallest waterfall

Stop at the “Communism Victim’s Memorial”

Visit a wooden church in Maramureş that dates back to the 14th century

End in Cluj Napoca, a cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage

You will also be able to admire the beautiful Bucovina monasteries, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in the area. Gain an understanding of the history behind these constructions and the stunning wooden churches of Maramures. Our visit to the “Communism Victim’s Memorial” will be a trip back in time to one of the most important landmarks of history. You will also get to admire the traditional wooden installations of Sarbi and learn about local distillery techniques.

With this guided tour through Bucovina and Maramures, delve into the heart of Romania and meet local farmers and artisans to learn about their daily lives and customs. An encounter with the Hutsules, a group of people with an idiosyncratic heritage and history, will bring you closer to their art of egg painting. A weaving demonstration will also provide you with the opportunity to mingle with the locals as well as learn about ancient art techniques. This immersion in a peasant culture will enchant you, as you will discover a rural world that is no longer present in Western countries.

The rich history, beautiful nature, and unique cultural heritage of the country are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow for pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking landscapes. Outdoor activities such as visits to famous monasteries are also preferable during these seasons.


Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.


Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Transport to the meeting point and from the point of dispersion

8 breakfasts, 6 picnics, 6 dinners (3-course menus)

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

One-Way Private Transfers (1-3 people; Inquire for vans for 4-6 people):

Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40

Cluj train station/city center to Cluj CLJ Airport: $40

Shared room in Cluj-Napoca in a 3* hotel: $95

Private room in Cluj-Napoca in a 3* hotel: $80

Shared or Private room in Bucharest in a 3* hotel: $95

Small Group Departure Supplements (per person):

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity. 

Environmental Initiatives
This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take trains from Bucharest to arrive at the starting point for the walk. We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular.


Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
 You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel.

Travel back in time to see movie-like castles, quaint villages, & stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles | Yugen Earthside

Travel back in time to appreciate movie-like castles, quaint villages, and stunning views on this small-group walking tour through the Carpathian Mountains. 

Local meals, cozy nights at guesthouses, and walks through traditional villages, all to fully immerse yourself in ancient customs that are still vibrantly alive. See fortresses erected in the 14th century and wander through the secret passages of the “Dracula Castle” to discover hidden mysteries! 

In this bucolic country, locals still rely on craftsmanship and have a strong link with nature, so your days here will allow you to learn about their pastoral life. Well-preserved landscapes such as the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains provide ideal settings for hikes overlooking sheepfolds, green pastures, and woods. Our climb following woodland trails, rich in birdsong, will lull all your senses.

Take a train ride through the Carpathian Mountains

Climb through picturesque woodlands at Piatra Craiului National Park

Visit a remote cheese house (available through mid-September)

Walk ridge to ridge walk along the Bucegi mountains

Locally produced lunches, such as soups and apple pies, and home-cooked dinners at our guesthouse will allow you to taste traditional Romanian meals while taking in the natural, idyllic views. To engross yourself even more in Romania’s traditions, visit the Vulcan Fortified Church, an ancient building that witnessed the Saxon Empire’s colonization of Transylvania.

This trip also includes some unique experiences. For example, you can explore the alluring Bran Castle, the same castle that inspired the story of Dracula. We’ll also visit a nearby bear sanctuary, home to formerly captive bears.

Bucharest, the capital of the country, is as enchanting as Romania’s natural landscapes. Bucharest welcomingly invites you to wander and discover its eclectic style. In your free time, seize the opportunity to see this vibrant city whose architecture has French as well as Ottoman and Communist influence.

Sep 20, 2025: Guaranteed departure
May 16, 2026: Guaranteed departure
Aug 22, 2026: Guaranteed departure

The country's rich history and stunning landscapes are much enjoyed if traveling in spring (March-May) or summer (June-August). Mild temperatures allow pleasant walks around the villages and hikes along breathtaking settings.  
Springtime presents mild weather, but there may still be snow in higher elevations and trails may be muddy due to snowmelt and rain. Traditional cheese tasting is available through mid-September.
Trails are generally dry and the weather is favorable for hiking during summer. Temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F).

English-speaking Romanian guide from Day 1 to Day 7

Bucharest OTP Airport to train station/city center: $40 for up to 3 people, one-way

Extra night in Bucharest, 3* hotel, shared room: $95 pp per night

We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity.

Environmental Initiatives
We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest to get closer to your starting point for the walk.

Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.

Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive. You'll also spend 1 night at a cozy 3-star hotel and 1 night at a 2-star hotel.

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Walk through a gorgeous winter wonderland on this serene, locally-guided snowshoeing tour through the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Guided Snowshoeing in Carpathian Mountains Wonderland | Yugen Earthside

Walk through a gorgeous winter wonderland on this serene, locally-guided snowshoeing tour through the Romanian Carpathian Mountains.

This Transylvanian Snowshoeing tour will take us to two different regions of the Carpathian Mountains, highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world for its sweeping views. The Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains are especially well preserved and offer perfect surroundings for unforgettable hiking. This will become evident as soon as you see the pure natural beauty and splendor of the landscapes! But what will impress you even more are the tranquil, peaceful rural areas, and remote villages where you will be immersed in a long-forgotten traditional world.

An unforgettable journey, a surprising step back in time.

Admire breathtaking scenery as you trek through Bucegi Ridge

Enjoy picturesque views of the Piatra Craiului Mountains

Visit the captivating Bran Castle, famous thanks to the Dracula legend 

Capture stunning views from the tops of the peaks in Magura and King's Rock

Relax by a fire in a cozy alpine hut of Curmatura

See the gorges and impressive stone walls of Zarnesti

Enjoy exquisite Romanian meals in picturesque mountain villages and medieval towns 

Note: Depending on the weather conditions, the route may be slightly modified. For smaller groups, some transfers can be made by train.

Winters in Romania typically are from January to February, with January often being the coldest month. The region can have cold winters bringing freezing temperatures and harsh winds. The Carpathian Mountains are known to be a very cold part of Romania during the winter months. Abundant snowfall may occur from November to mid-May or June. Typically, temperatures in the region are between 14-35°F and can drop significantly at night (5°F - below freezing). Winter is a beautiful time for mountain activities, and feel the magic of the holiday spirit. 

Meals (7 breakfasts, 5 picnics, 4 dinners)

English-speaking guide (Day 1 in the evening - Day 7) with a first aid kit

Prices are in Euros. Pricing in USD will be provided upon inquiry and added to your trip payment link.

Snowshoes rental (without trekking poles): 50€

Bucharest OTP Airport - Bucharest city center - 1-3 people: 35 €

Bucharest city center - Brasov, 1-3 people: 160€

Bucharest OTP Airport - Brasov, 1-3 people: 140€

Extra night, Bucharest, 3* hotel, price per DBL BB : 83€

Extra night, Brasov, 3* hotel, price per DBL BB : 86€

We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest just to get closer to your starting point for the walk.

All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.

We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive.

Guided Snowshoeing in Carpathian Mountains Wonderland

Board a crewed charter and sail along the Turkish Riviera, spending days hiking to villages & swimming along the Turquoise Coast. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] Family-Friendly Charter Along the Turkish Riviera | Yugen Earthside

Board a crewed charter and sail along the Turkish Riviera, spending days hiking to explore antique villages and swimming in the crystal-clear waters along the turquoise coast.

Starting from Göcek, we will hike and sail the idyllic shores of ancient Lycia in a traditional wooden gulet. Slowly cruising along the coast, we’ll make stops on land to walk through scented hills and visit classic coastal sites. Explore the islands, kayak, and snorkel over sunken ancient ruins. Meet nomads, search for the gods of Mt. Olympos, taste local cuisine, and enjoy the atmospheric nights of charming towns.

This iconic trip is a best-seller for those seeking an authentic and sustainable adventure blending hiking and relaxing along the stunning Turkish coastline.

Family Friendly: This trip is beloved for families traveling together. It's ideal for 2-3 generational families where members have different activity levels and interests. Children are delighted to be in the water swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking; while elders are content to snooze on the deck, or read a book. Everybody is welcome to join the short hikes and historic explorations (or not)!

Sailing the Turquoise Coast on a traditional wooden gulet

Swimming in Cleopatra’s sunken Roman Bath

Visiting Kaş and Kekova, the 'sunken city'

The Turquoise Coast, also known as the Turkish Riviera, is a stunning stretch of coastline along the southwestern coast of Türkiye, facing the Mediterranean Sea. The region is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, pine forests, and numerous beaches and coves. Spectacular views of the Mediterranean await in these towns where mysteries and history are intertwined.

The area boasts a number of famous tourist destinations and historical sites, such as the ancient city ruins of Perge and the Lycian rock tombs found in Dalyan. On this trip, we’ll visit the Batik Hamam Cove, a bath about 5 feet under water – where Mark Anthony is said to have courted Cleopatra, and Kaya, a ghost town abandoned in 1930.

The region is also known for its beautiful beaches and protected nature reserves, some of which are accessible only by boat. Visitors to the Turquoise Coast can also enjoy water sports such as swimming and snorkeling – both of which you’ll have the opportunity to do on this trip – as well as hiking in the nearby mountains, exploring traditional villages, and indulging in delicious Turkish cuisine.

Our sustainable trip to the Turquoise Coast will captivate you with breathtakingly beautiful views. This diverse region of Türkiye offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. The Turkish Riviera is a must-visit destination offering adventure and relaxation for anyone traveling to Türkiye. 

Come cruise the coast and swim in our sparkling waters!

This trip runs best from May through October (but November is the new October...)

May and September-October/November: These are the best times of year to visit the Turquoise Coast in Türkiye as the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging between 68-77°F (20-25°C), and there is less chance of rainfall.

June-August: During these peak summer months, the region can become quite hot, with temperatures often reaching over 86°F (30°C), and can have high humidity levels. This can make outdoor activities, such as hiking or sightseeing, uncomfortable during the daytime. This is also the busiest time for tourism. If you don't like high temperatures, we suggest a similar trip to the Dodecanese Islands or the Carian Coast, where there is more breeze. Contact us for details.

If your schedule allows, we encourage you to travel in the shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for several reasons. It helps reduce the environmental impact of traffic along the coast, avoids over-tourism, and rewards you with more tranquil trails and site visits. Spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

6 nights' accommodation on a traditional wooden gullet

All meals except lunch on Day 1, with great representation of Turkish cuisine

Village lunch and dinner at a fish restaurant in Kaş on Day 4

All bottled water and beverages on the boat

Guided sea-kayaking tour over the sunken ruins of Kekova

Certified professional guide & their expenses

Entrance fees to museums & archaeological sites

This trip is available from May to November.

At checkout, choose your preferred departure date and pay the deposit. Yugen Earthside’s standard Payment & Cancellation Policy applies.

Your deposit is fully refundable for 30 days when you book 120+ days in advance and pay by bank transfer.

If you pay by credit card, the card processing fees are non-refundable.

We’ll confirm availability for your chosen date within 3 business days. If confirmed, you’re all set! If not, we’ll help you adjust your date or refund your deposit.

These are "From" prices based on a specific wooden gulet. Actual prices may vary based on the exact boat available for your trip dates.

Price depends on group size. For example, if you book the trip for 4 people and then additional friends or family joins, we will adjust the final balance due for each traveler.

We are the only active member of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) from Türkiye and we have signed the Travel’s Climate Action Agreement powered by ATTA. We are a signatory of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency and have published a Climate Emergency Plan.

We worked with ATTA-South Pole to calculate the carbon emissions for each of our itineraries. As a result, we modified some itineraries to reduce our carbon footprint. We're also proud to say that we're a "carbon neutral" company. We understand that operating a gulet has carbon emissions, which should be compensated. In this regard, we will contribute 28 USD/person for this trip to be used in planting trees. We offer low carbon impact activities on this trip such as hiking, sea-kayaking, snorkeling, coasteering, and para-gliding.

Our new itineraries are being designed with a "Slow Travel" perspective so that we spend at least two nights at each location and our new trips are more local. We stay in small or remote places, plan to stay more than 1 night at each location, travel in the shoulder season, and cover a small region, rather than traveling long distances. This travel format is not only safer but also helps to absorb and enjoy the experience even better.

Environmental Initiatives
We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment during our trip. Our guides ensure that we "leave no trace" whenever we visit natural and historical sites. This means that we take extra care to avoid damaging the natural environment or leaving any waste behind. We also encourage our clients to bring their own water bottles and provide refills from big containers during the day. This helps to reduce plastic waste and ensures that we have access to clean drinking water throughout our trip.


Economic Initiatives
Our trip is designed to promote tourism dispersal and support local businesses. We pick up our clients at Dalaman Airport and immediately drive out of the heavily touristic region to small villages and towns. In these areas, tourism revenue is greatly appreciated, especially in the shoulder season. We also use every opportunity to meet the people behind the tourism scene, such as visiting local shops, buying provisions from fishermen, and eating at a local home. By doing so, we hope to support the local economy and help sustain the tourism industry in the region.


Sociocultural Initiatives
We believe in promoting local culture and supporting the communities that we visit. To this end, we use the services of local accommodation providers, family-run restaurants, and women-owned businesses. This helps to support the local economy and ensure that tourism revenue is distributed more evenly throughout the region. We also make an effort to meet the people behind the tourism scene by having a cup of sage tea over a taste of homemade honey and bread or visiting a local home to enjoy a lunch cooked on an open fire.

Family-Friendly Charter Along the Turkish Riviera

This sustainable, active adventure tour through Türkiye along the Lycian Way blends healthy outdoor activities with rich history & cultural sites. Carbon removals included!

[8 days] Lycian Way Active Adventure Tour in Türkiye | Yugen Earthside

This sustainable, active adventure tour through southwestern Türkiye along the Lycian Way blends healthy outdoor activities with rich history and cultural sites.

We’ll stay in the most charming villages and towns of the Lycian Coast, lying under the Taurus Mountains. We’ll hike scented hills and visit classical coastal sites, sea kayak to explore sunken cities, enjoy a leisurely sail in Fethiye Bay, snorkel over sunken Roman ruins, and search for the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera of Mt. Olympos.

6 hikes (easy to moderate) 1-5 miles long

Sea kayaking for 3-4 hours (easy to moderate if windy)

Boating for a full day, with swimming breaks

Snorkeling at various locations, including over a sunken Roman bath

Visiting ancient cities: Olympos, Anti-Phellos, Lydae, Caunus, Aperlai

Searching for Chimaera, the fire-breathing monster, at Mt. Olympos

Exploring Kekova, an uninhabited Turkish island with sunken ruins

Meander Simena, a town near the ‘Sunken City,’ with a castle at the top

The Lycian Way is a popular trekking route in southwestern Türkiye that spans about 320 miles (520 km). The well-marked path hugs the Mediterranean coast, occasionally dipping inland, and runs from Fethiye to Antalya. The Lycian Way is Türkiye's longest hiking route and weaves between ancient cities and beautiful coastal views along the way. 

While walking the full length of the trail could easily take a month, this active adventure trip is a fantastic way to see more of it in a shorter time frame. You'll get to enjoy a perfect blend of the classic, leisurely hikes, along with relaxing time in beautiful Turkish waters, and fulfilling cultural experiences at historic sites.

You’ll be guided by a licensed professional who is sustainably minded and adept at interpreting the natural and cultural heritage of the region, as well as skilled at leading the active aspects of the trip. A private minivan supports the entire trip, and most meals are included.

This coastal trip along the Lycian Way is generally best from April through November.

April-May: This region of Türkiye is a bio-diversity hotspot, so if you are a wild-flower enthusiast, April and May will be especially fantastic!

June-August: During these peak summer months, you are more likely to observe (very discreetly) the “Caretta caretta” loggerhead sea turtles laying eggs, hatching, or swimming around. However, we suggest avoiding July and August if you are not used to very warm temperatures. It can be above 100°F (38°C) which you may find uncomfortably warm for hiking. If you are OK with the heat, go for it!

September-November: A pleasant time to visit as temperatures cool down and crowds lessen.

We believe beautiful places are beautiful all year round. If your schedule allows, we encourage you to travel in the shoulder season (April-May, September-November) for several reasons. It helps reduce the environmental impact of this popular trail, avoids over-tourism, and rewards you with more tranquil trails and site visits. Spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

7 nights' accommodation in charming local hotels

A big container of water on the van for refills (please bring your own reusable water bottle)

Entrance fees to Olympos, Simena, Patara, Xhantos, and Caunus ancient sites

Private sea-kayaking tour in Kekova Sound

This trip is available from April to November.

These are the optional activities for your free day on Day 5 in Kaş.

Coasteering – 60 Euros pp, including equipment, guide, support boat, and snacks.

Mountain biking – 50 Euros pp, including equipment, guide, support vehicle, lunch, drinking water, and snacks.

Scuba diving – 35 Euros pp for 1 tandem dive or 60 Euros pp for 2 dives. 

Patara Ancient Site and Beach & Xhanthos – 50 Euros pp, including transportation and entrance fees and guiding. 

Price depends on group size. We will adjust the final balance due based on the below prices.

We worked with ATTA-South Pole to calculate the carbon emissions for each of our itineraries. As a result, we modified some itineraries to reduce our carbon footprint. We're also proud to say that we're a "carbon neutral" company. We will also add 25 USD/person to our bulk carbon offset for this trip to be used in planting trees.

Our new itineraries are being designed with a "Slow Travel" perspective so that we spend at least two nights at each location and our new trips are more local. We stay in small or remote places, plan to stay more than 1 night at each location, travel in the shoulder season, and cover a small region, rather than traveling long distances. This travel format is not only safer but also helps to absorb and enjoy the experience even better.

This trip promotes tourism dispersal as it is in the less-traveled parts of the Turkish Riviera. We pick up our guests at Antalya Airport and immediately drive out of the heavily touristic region to small villages and towns. In these towns, tourism revenue is greatly appreciated, especially in the shoulder season.

During our trips, we prioritize the principle of "leave no trace" when visiting natural and historical sites, and we expect our travelers to uphold these expectations. To minimize our environmental impact, we take measures such as optimizing our driving distances and offering low carbon impact activities like hiking, sea-kayaking, snorkeling, coasteering, and para-gliding.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we encourage our clients to bring their own water bottles. Throughout the day, we provide refills from large containers to reduce plastic waste. In the event that you forget to bring your own bottle, small bottles of water are available for purchase.

If you join us between June and mid-August, you may have a special opportunity to witness the remarkable sight of loggerhead sea turtles laying or hatching their eggs. Dedicated volunteers work to protect these precious creatures. If permitted, we may have the chance to observe them using red flashlights, as red light is the least disruptive method for observing the turtles. If this interests you, please remember to bring a red flashlight.

We understand that we have the responsibility to sustain our activities and support the local population. We choose to use the services of local accommodation providers, family-run restaurants, and women-owned businesses. The places we visit throughout the trip are highly dependent on tourism, so your visit will contribute to improving their well-being. 

Discover two of Türkiye's absolute gems by visiting the legendary Constantinople (now Istanbul), and the magical & surreal lands of Cappadocia. Carbon removals included!

[6 days] Gems of Türkiye: Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour | Yugen Earthside

Discover two of Türkiye's absolute gems with a visit to the legendary Constantinople (now Istanbul), followed by the magical and surreal lands of Cappadocia.

This compact trip allows you to soak in the impressive cities of Istanbul and Cappadocia with all they have to offer in a short time frame. Our experienced guides will waste no time with long bus rides during this tour. 

Begin by exploring Istanbul's architectural masterpieces of the last two millenniums, walk its timeless streets full of history and vibrant culture, relish exotic dishes, and stay in the Sultan's neighborhood to connect with Arabian traditions that are still alive today.

Moving on to Cappadocia, this area is renowned for its captivating, startling, and surrealistic landscapes. Its strange and unique scenery includes volcanic chimneys (called Fairy Chimneys). These were excavated for use as houses by early Christians. You'll also see gorges, vineyards, elaborately carved and frescoed rock churches, and entire underground cities!

Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace

Take a Bosphorus cruise through the Golden Horn

Experience Beyoğlu nightlife, Taksim Square, street food, art, and shopping

See Fairy Chimneys - the iconic and surrealistic landscape made of unique rock formations

Visit underground cities, a cave hotel, and cave churches

Try authentic food from the tandoori culture of the region

Enjoy a classic hot-air balloon ride (extra cost)

This trip runs all year round. Türkiye is in a temperate zone and also geologically very diverse. For example, while it snows in the Cappadocia area, it may be spring-like in İstanbul. Both locations promise many things to see and do.

Mid-April to June and September-October: This is when Istanbul will have the best weather and is also therefore the ideal time to visit. Cappadocia presents similar moderate conditions.

July-August: Summers can be scorchingly hot and flooded with tourists, so we don't recommend traveling during this time if your schedule allows.

We believe beautiful places are beautiful all year round. If your schedule allows, we encourage you to travel outside of July-August for several reasons. It helps reduce the environmental impact of this area, avoids over-tourism, and rewards you with more tranquil site visits. Spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

6 nights' accommodation in charming boutique hotels

All breakfasts & lunches (except arrival day); 1 dinner in Istanbul; 1 dinner in Cappadocia

All land transportation and airport transfers in Türkiye

Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites

$30 of climate action per guest: $15 toward carbon removals, $15 towards sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

Domestic flights between Istanbul & Cappadocia: Approx. $200 (subject to change)

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Approx. $250-$300, depending on season

Cooking Class: Approx. $50-$100, depending on season

Price depends on group size. We will adjust the final balance due based on the prices below.

We are the only active member of ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) from Türkiye and we have signed the Travel’s Climate Action Agreement powered by ATTA. We are a signatory of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency and have published a Climate Emergency Plan. We are also a proud member of Tomorrow's Air, and issue $15 carbon removal contributions for each traveler.

Environmental Initiatives
Our commitment to the environment takes us to implement clear guidelines for reducing Greenhouse gas emissions from transport and selecting the most environmentally friendly transport options.


Sociocultural Initiatives
The activities are carefully chosen to help travelers connect with local products and get to understand the traditions and culture of the destination.


Economic Initiatives
This trip helps provide employment to local people. We work with suppliers that are locally owned or managed, use local and seasonal products and services, and benefit the local community by hiring locally and equitably and by providing fair working conditions.

Gems of Türkiye: Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Snowshoeing in the Alps for Foodies | Yugen Earthside

Explore the French Alps by snowshoeing through its pristine winter wilderness, tasting regional delicacies sure to please foodies! 

This is a week-long, guided snowshoeing holiday in the southern French Alps' stunning Ecrins National Park. You'll stay in a luxury farmhouse accommodation famous for its excellent cuisine prepared by our chef, Meg.

Make tracks in virgin snow away from the well-trodden paths, snowshoe through forests, around frozen lakes, across open snow meadows, up to a summit, over a col, along a ridge, or along the valley floor with the snowy mountains, ice gullies, and cliffs dramatically towering over you.

Walking

Villages of Bucovina & Maramures

Carpathian Mountains, Villages, & Castles

Guided Snowshoeing in Carpathian Mountains Wonderland

Family-Friendly Charter Along the Turkish Riviera

Lycian Way Active Adventure Tour

Gems of Türkiye: Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour

Snowshoeing in the Alps for Foodies

Responsible Wolf Tracking in the French Alps

Hiking in the Southern French Alps

Argentine Patagonia for Adventure Lovers

Gourmet Walking Holiday in the French Alps

Sri Lanka Unplugged: Serene Walks & Indigenous Connection

Hiking in the Luberon National Park

Carpathian Mountains & Castles

Camino: Easy Coastal Walk from Porto

Camino: Luxury Coastal Walk from Porto

Walking Tour: Portugal's Costa Verde

Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

Walking Tour: Heart & Soul of Douro Valley

Walking Tour: Douro & the Côa Valley

Walking Tour: On the Other Side of Douro

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