Walking in Cappadocia

8 Days Starting and ending in Cappadocia

Visiting: Turkey

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TTG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1875 $1500 Operator discount: -$375 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Turkey has long been underrated as a trekking destination, but with the fairytale rock chimneys of Cappadocia rising majestically from an otherworldly landscape, it should not be overlooked. This unique landscape was formed by the eruptions of three volcanoes, Erciyes, Hasan and Melendiz, which created one of the most distinctive landscapes in the world. The great walking and staggering scenery of this region make for a highly memorable trip.

Highlights

  • Trek among the fairytale rock chimneys of Cappadocia

  • Discover the historic and cultural secrets of this region

  • Visit the underground city of Kaymakli

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Cappadocia

There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive in Cappadocia at any time. In the evening, our guide holds a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Day 2 : Trek Through Akvadi (White Valley); Visit Uchisar Citadel, The Highest Point In Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes us through the Akvadi. Eroded over time, this fascinating valley presents curious rock formations and fairytale chimneys that wouldn’t look out of place in a Salvador Dalí painting. If we are lucky, we may spot wildlife such as the beautiful hoopoe (with its distinctive call) or a Eurasian fox along the way. After approximately three hours of walking, we arrive at Uchisar village, where we take lunch in a local restaurant before climbing the citadel embedded into the rock above. From here, we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the surreal landscape. In the afternoon, we follow a path that leads us to the Guvercinlik (or Pigeon Valley), where pigeons are encouraged to roost so the local people can collect their droppings to use as fertiliser. We then continue to the town of Goreme.

Day 3 : Optional Balloon Ride; Walk To Zemi Valley And Through Gomeda Valley; Afternoon To Explore MustafapaÅŸa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride – then we have a short transfer before we start our trek in Zemi Valley. The path leads us through orchards and mesmerising tunnels to a panoramic viewpoint, where we meet our bus and drive to Ayvalı. In the afternoon, we have a short walk through the Gomeda Valley from Ayvalı to Mustafapaşa village, where we stop for tea in a cafe. Mustafapaşa used to be one of the richest towns in Anatolia until the 1924 population exchange, which forced the Greeks living in Turkey to move to Greece and vice versa. You can spot the Greek influence in some of the architecture. In the afternoon, there is time to explore this village before returning to our hotel.



Max altitude: 3,775ft (1,150m)

Day 4 : Explore The Beautiful Rock Formations Of The Pancarlik And Kizilcukur (Red) Valleys

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to the beautiful Pancarlik Valley. Smooth surfaces on the rockface undulate like waves, while the pastel colours intertwined with vineyards and cultivated gardens add colour to this extraordinary landscape. It is also possible to spot Sarica and Kepez churches ingrained into the rock chimneys that rise from the ground. After lunch, we head through the Kizilcukur Valley, also known as the Red Valley, for the dramatic sunset. Among the network of paths that connect the small villages of this valley, we visit some of the churches that pepper the area, ending our walk in the village of Cavusin before returning to our hotel.



Max altitude: 3,940ft (1,200m)

Day 5 : Walk Through Pasabaglari (Monk’S) Valley; Trek Up Bozdag, The Highest Point In The Area For Stunning Views

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our trek takes us through Pasabaglari, formerly known as Monk’s Valley. Here it is possible to see the dwellings of the hermits of Cappadocia, who distanced themselves from the world by carving abodes high up in the rock chimneys, using foot holes and ropes to climb in. Inside, these dwellings are surprisingly spacious with some rooms hollowed out to around 50ft (15m) high. Once through the valley, we head up to Bozdag, the highest point in Cappadocia, for outstanding views.



Max altitude: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Day 6 : Visit The Underground City Of Kaymakli; Afternoon Walk Through The Ihlara Valley, The Deepest, Longest Canyon In Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we transfer to the underground city of Kaymakli, built by early Christians to avoid religious persecution. This fascinating construction is an elaborate system of tunnels and caves, featuring everything from communal living spaces and kitchens to stables, a church and graveyard, not to mention being fortified to protect the inhabitants. We then drive to the village of Selime, where we begin our walk, following the Melendiz River until we reach Belisirma, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we head down the Ihlara Valley, the deepest and longest valley in the region, passing Byzantine monasteries and churches that date to the 11th century, before arriving back in Cappadocia.



Max altitude: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Day 7 : Walk Along The Zindanonu Valley Passing The Goreme Open-Air Museum With Carved Caves And Byzantine Frescoes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our last day takes us through the Zindanonu Valley and up onto a viewpoint of the town of Goreme and the Goreme Open-Air Museum. The Goreme Valley itself holds some of the finest collections of painted cave churches in the region. Around 1000 CE to 1200 CE, orthodox monks carved places of worship from the soft volcanic stone and decorated them with elaborate Byzantine frescoes, many of which are still intact today. The late afternoon is then free to unwind after a truly memorable week.



Max altitude: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Day 8 : End Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Balloon ride. Pre-booked but paid locally

Food

All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included.



Typical meals:



Breakfast: A selection of tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam, cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes and yoghurt.

Lunch and dinner: Often a buffet with several freshly cooked dishes. Kebabs are, of course, found everywhere.



Turkish cuisine is diverse and there is usually something to please everyone. Vegetarians are generally well catered for as many Turkish dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products.



Please note, in Turkey the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.



Drinks are not included with meals (except breakfast) as a wide variety is normally available and this allows you greater choice. Mineral water, excellent fruit juices, beer and wine are generally available at a reasonable price. Tea (usually taken in small glasses) is cheap, and so is Turkish coffee (strong, taken in small cups). European instant coffee and spirits can be more expensive.

Accommodation

This is a centre-based adventure and the duration is spent either at the Sobek Stone House or the Dreams Cave Hotel.



Sobek Stone House







This 29-room property is on the edge of Goreme with great views of the hot-air balloons ascending in the distance each morning. There is an outdoor and indoor swimming pool and terrace bar for further relaxation.



Dreams Cave Hotel







The Dreams Cave Hotel is a small, boutique property nestled among the magnificent rock formations of Cappadocia, set at the foot of Ortahisar Castle. The rooms are in a structure that was used as cave houses for hundreds of years, which have been fully restored but are still in keeping with the original architecture.



Worth knowing



In 2024, Sobek Stone House is used for the 28 September departure dates. The Dreams Cave Hotel is used for the 7 September, 14 September, 5 October and 19 October departure dates.

In 2025, Sobek Stone House is used for the 19 April, 3 May, 14 June and 5 July departure dates. The Dreams Cave Hotel is used for the 26 April, 24 May, 23 August, 6 September, 13 September, 4 October and 11 October departure dates.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Walking in Cappadocia

Based in one hotel with day excursions/walking trips. Amazing scenery. Love Cappadocia!!

Walking in Cappadocia TTG

Truly awesome place. Challenging in places but a great way to push yourself and achieve. Great guide, so knowledgeable. We had lessons in Language, Religion, Geology, Politics, History and Turkey. Nobody passed the 'exams'! Lots of fun and laughter.

Very good week walking

We really enjoyed the trip with excellent local guide Alcan. Great scenery well balanced walks and good variety of restaurants the balloon flight is a must all in all 5 stars. Well organised trip from start to end .Nice simple hotel ideal as a base . Good transport with excellent driver . Nothing to much trouble for our guide or driver 👍

Amazing landscapes and lots of balloons

The landscape is amazing, the walks mainly involved going down valleys and along the bottom. Descents were tricky as the terrain is rock or scree. Our leader helped the less sure.footed. Take poles. The hotel was great and the food excellent especially breakfast. Lunches involved local restaurants or big buffets, The latter were full of tourists but the food was Turkish with plenty of variety The area is a tourist trap but most come for the balloon rides, very few were on the walks. One of the best walking holidays I have done

WALKING IN CAPPADOCIA

A very enjoyable holiday with not to harduous walks. You soon get used to the early morning calls provided by the call to morning prayer and low flying hot air balloons.

WALKING IN CAPPADOCIA

A great week of walking in the incredible landscape

Walking in Cappadocia

A totally unique landscape which is a "Must See" if you want something different. The walks are mostly in valleys and are easy. We've never seen so many caves! This is the true way to see Turkey and meet the people, who are very friendly and welcoming. Don't expect to loose weight though - the traditional food is very tasty and plentiful!

Walking in Cappadocia

A great trip in the most extraordinary landscape. Challenging but doable for the not so young or fit ! Very comfortable family run hotel in a quiet village.

Walking in Cappadocia

We arrived in Cavusin after 2 flights, with Turkish airways, that were on time, comfortable and with good food.Our hotel 'Green Hotel', was just opposite a 'fairy chimney' of incredible beauty. Our room wasn' t the better one that the Hotel had but it was nevertheless comfortable with ensuite shower.The people there did their utmost to welcome us and the new chef's food was glorious. Our guide Omer was a lovely fellow,with a good sense of humor, good English and with plenty of knowledge of the local history. The walks were varied and interesting, not tiring at all and we were lucky to have wonderfully warm days with blue skies. For me the best of the walks were through the red valley and Ihlara valley ,my wife also liked the first one very much :the Akvadi and up to Uchisar: spectacular views at the top !But we both were thrilled with our first Hot Air balloon flight, in perfect weather with a perfectionist Pilot that landed the basket onto the waiting trailer!!! Amazing.

Walking in Cappadocia - great trip, poor accommodation

This was a wonderful trip and one I would highly recommend to keen walkers. The scenery in the different valleys was stunning and the guide went above and beyond to offer extra evening activities for us to take part in. Unfortunately, Dreams Cave Hotel let the trip down, as it had several issues, including no/limited hot water, limited outdoor seating, and leaks in the room when it rained.

Read all 25 reviews

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Operator discount: -$375

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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