Compare Shawnee National Forest: Birding & Ecology in Southern Illinois by Road Scholar vs Turkey Backroads by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 649 | $ 502 |
| Price Per Day | $ 130 | $ 100 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | N/A | |
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included |
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| Description | Join naturalists in Shawnee National Forest for lessons on birding and ecology as you explore its varied ecosystems, search for herons, raptors, tanagers and more. |
Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskişehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff. |
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Makanda D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Dinner: Dinner in the famous CCC built Giant City Lodge.
Evening: Arrival, introductions; presentation on Illinois Natural Divisions highlighting the physiographic regions that converge in this area creating a diversity of plant and animal life.
Day
2
birding techniques in various habitats
Makanda B,L,D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Breakfast: Family style in the Lodge Restaurant.
Morning: Introduction to birding techniques in the field. Birding at Giant City State Park among the sandstone bluffs and open fields. Birding techniques and binocular use will be discussed. Short birding hike.
Lunch: Picnic style in the field.
Afternoon: Pine Hills Ecological Area. Unlike anywhere else in Illinois, this is a true extension of the Ozark Plateau. Short Leaf Pine cling to the cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. This range of habitats, from towering limestone bluffs adjacent to spring-fed swamps offer a diversity of flora and fauna. Floodplain bird species and geology are highlighted. Also see spectacular views of the vast Shawnee National Forest from the bluff top, spot soaring raptors, and see the changing Fall colors. One mile hike along flat surface.
Dinner: Giant City Lodge restaurant.
Evening: An evening Owl Prowl to call for resident Barred, Screech, and Great-Horned Owls.
Day
3
Cache River Wetlands, The Heron Pond Nature Preserve
Makanda B,L,D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Breakfast: Giant City Lodge restaurant.
Morning: Field trip hike at Cache River Wetlands/Heron Pond State Nature Preserve. A designated "Wetland of International Importance" site this wetland complex is a naturalist’s paradise! This is the northernmost range of cypress habitat. A foot bridge over the Cache River leads us to a floating boardwalk which winds its way into the secluded depths of this forested swamp, providing us a chance to step back in time and observe wetland ecosystems that have remained relatively undisturbed for thousands of years. Flat terrain, approx. 2 ½ mile hike.
Lunch: In the field.
Afternoon: Cache River/Heron Pond continued.
Dinner: Giant City Lodge.
Evening: Free-time. Optional viewing of Green Fire.
Day
4
Wildlife Rehabilitator, Pontoon Boat Ride, Performance
Makanda B,L,D Giant City State Park Lodge & Cabins
Breakfast: In the field or lodge restaurant.
Morning: This morning we'll visit the Wildlife Rehabilitator to learn about raptors.
Lunch: Picnic style in the field.
Afternoon: After lunch we'll enjoy a pontoon boat ride on Little Grassy Lake with its 27 miles of undeveloped shoreline and the opportunity to spot migrating waterfowl, osprey, eagles, and migratory neotropicals. After we'll enjoy some local beer/wine sampling.
Dinner: Giant City Lodge.
Evening: Join local songer/songwriter/storyteller/naturalist Curt Carter as he weaves an evening of songs and stories that reflect his love of rivers and passion for the natural world. His songs will take you from the southwestern deserts, to Montana mountains, the re-discovery site of the Ivory-billed woodpecker "Bayou de View" to the Cache River in southern Illinois...... the place he calls home.
Day
5
Morning interpretive hike. Program ends by 11:00 am
Makanda B
Breakfast: Lodge restaurant.
Morning: One mile hike on rugged terrain within the state park. Departures before lunch.
Day 1 Cappadocia/Ankara
Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.
Day 2 Ankara
After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. Finally, we’ll visit the Castle of Ankara and our last stop will be the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish.
Day 3 Eskisehir
After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop – Eskisehir Odunpazari Village, where you can wander the quaint and colourful houses. For lunch, head to a local restaurant run by four sisters and their mother for a cooking demonstration. You’ll make ci borek, a traditional Turkish dish made from thin dough layers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. Learn how to prepare the filling and dough before the chefs cook up and serve your flavoursome creations. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area or jump on a short gondola along the Porsuk River.
Day 4 Istanbul
After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.
Day 5 Istanbul
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.
