Turkey, the former Anatolia, belongs to the longest inhabited areas in the world. Countless objects found are witnesses of the evolution of mankind, and the place women and goddesses in society. Hittite kings held ruling positions and Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and the moon was probably preceded by the Anatolian goddess Cybele. Dressed in a short tunic and armed with a bow, she resembles one of the Amazons that fought in the Trojan War. Not just goddesses, but also peasant and city women have their place in this long tour through history. After Ankara, where we visit the museum of Anatolian cultures, we drive into Hittite country at Alaca. In Bogazkale, where the capital of this Empire, Hatussas, used to be and Yazilikaya, which used to be the sanctuary, we visit the most important excavations of this civilisation. In Cappadocia you will get a good image of life and work in the villages, which seems to have remained the same for centuries. The colourful valleys and tuff formations invite you to physical activity. After visiting the Roman thermal bath at Pamukkale, the tour continues via Aphrodisias to Selçuk where you will visit the museum, Efese and Maria's house. Finally, you'll visit the oracle city Didyma and the picturesque Dalyan, which has a wide sandy beach.

When searching for Nicolas of Myra's true story, you encounter the turbulent transitional phase from Romans to Christians. You will visit the remains of three impressive Byzantian churches, beautiful sandy beaches, picturesque bays and Lycian graves on this carefully composed tour, where adventurous elements are unavoidable. Beautiful walks, which are described in detail, bring you closer to a part of Lycia's history that is still mostly unknown.

• Individual or group trip
• 10 days with 5 days walking and optionally 4 walking days and 1 canoeing tour
• by car or private bus
• Individually, nights are spend in village houses and good pensions
• When with a group, nights are spend in good pensions

On a plain south of Afyon lie the basins of the Aksehir and Eber lakes. The Eber lake is completely covered in reed. Both lakes and the surrounding swamps are ideal habitats for amphibians, reptiles and several species of water birds. The slopes of the Sultan mountain range in the background are worthwhile because of the small birds that live there. From the Eber lake, you travel to Antalya where you visit Thermessos National Park. You then head to Dalyan to see some more of the Luggerhead sea turtle. The Bafa lake is home to 256 species of birds, among which the white heron and pelicans. Flamingo's use the delta of the Great Meander as their winter quarters. There are also blue and white herons, which can be seen from the Samsundagi national park. You fly back from Izmir airport.

The agrarian nation that lives north of Antalya descents from the Yörüks, which were nomads. During their tours they spun their sheep wool, painted it with natural paint and wove carpets of it. The patterns they used represented everyday life, animals, flowers and their religion. Despite the fact that they are no longer nomadic, they still weave, knowing the patterns by heart. They are very willing to give you a week's course of their technique, using examples.

Belly dancing actually is a collective noun for many Eastern-dancing styles. The proper name of 'Eastern dancing' is Raqs Sharqi in Arabic. Europeans named it, referring to belly and hip movements that are unseen in western dances, 'Dance du Ventre'. This is misleading, because the dance also requires head, shoulder, breast, arm, wrist, and hand movements. Girls from the east of Turkey are brought up with this dancing style. Besides extensive stretch and isolation exercises, the belly and pelvis organs are massaged by the movements and are kept in shape. Offcourse, it's also great fun to do.

• Group trip
• 8 days, 5 course days. One lesson takes 1,5 hours.
• Side activities on health and movement:
• Turkish bath and massage, walk through Termessos National Park, a workshop on herbs and ethereal oils, a workshop on clothing and music, and a workshop on Turkish dishes.
• Nights are spent in a pension in Antalya's old city centre with an authentic dance floor.