Reach the End: Year-round walk through the picturesque canyon of Ballykaialar
About this experience
We offer you a non-touristic route from the capital - trekking through the Ballykaialar canyon. In 3 hours, we will walk there and back: the most resilient will reach the end and admire the waterfall. But the main thing is not victory, but participation. After all, on our way there will be picturesque small waterfalls, caves, rocks, and natural pools where you can swim. After the canyon - activities to choose from: a zoo, the city of Tuzla with entertainment, or lunch at an excellent restaurant.
What to expect
Trekking through the canyon
◽️ We will pick you up from the hotel and in 1.5 hours we will reach the starting point of our small hike through Ballykaialar. Get ready for an adventure: in the canyon there are always few people and no tourist infrastructure. Just you and nature. Moreover, the further we climb, the more challenging our path will be. But don't worry: trekking is safe and suitable for everyone!
◽️ So, we are here. Around us - mountains, at the bottom of the canyon - a river, along the way - small waterfalls, caves, natural pools, and beautiful views. In summer, you can swim, at other times - just admire. If you're lucky, you'll see little animals and also try wild berries. During the trek, a guide will accompany you, help you, and guide you so that you can reach the end of the canyon and see the main waterfall. But even if you can't overcome the canyon - it's okay, as any part of it is beautiful and interesting.
◽️ If someone in your group wants to reach the end, and someone decides to linger among nature, we will split up: the guide will take part of the group to the waterfall, and the rest will stay in the canyon, taking photos and enjoying the peace.
◽️ If you want to add some excitement to the trekking, for an additional fee you can hire a professional climber with equipment and climb one of the canyon's cliffs. This activity requires good physical shape.
The walk through the canyon will last 3 hours, after which you can choose the continuation of the tour from several options.
Continuing the journey
Now you need to choose where you want to go after the canyon:
1️⃣ Istanbul ZOO. Located on the way back in the suburb of Istanbul. It houses over 450 species of animals on a large area.
2️⃣ Tuzla. This is a small town on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, where you can't get bored: you will find many entertainments for children and adults. Unlike Istanbul, there are no crowds of tourists, queues, and inflated prices here. What can you do in Tuzla?
- Viasea - an instructive aquarium that presents ecosystems of each sea and ocean, lakes, and even rivers. You will discover little worlds from different parts of our planet. Besides underwater inhabitants, you will see crocodiles, turtles, lizards, snakes, and monitors.
- Aslan Park - a mini zoo where only members of the cat family are kept.
- Tema Park - attractions for children and adults without capital queues and inflated prices.
- Water Park - a classic for the warm season.
3️⃣ Village restaurant. If you have had enough fun at the canyon itself and are hungry, a perfect ending will be lunch or dinner in a restaurant with real flamingos and swans on the water. You will taste dishes of traditional Turkish cuisine and enjoy the views.
Organizational details
- You will be picked up in a comfortable car from the hotel and taken back afterwards
- Trekking through the canyon with a round trip takes 6 hours. Considering additional activities, plan a whole day for this journey.
- Recommended age for children is 6+
- Wear non-slip shoes (preferably waterproof) and comfortable clothing depending on the season
- The tour will be conducted by me or another guide from our team
Additional expenses (optional)
- ZOO and amusement park - 15€ per person
- Aquarium, water park, zoo with wild cats - 10€ per person
- If you want the guide to accompany you on these activities, you will need to pay for an extra ticket
- Food and drinks at the restaurant
