Walking in Cappadocia

Overview

Walk a volcano-forged world of fairytale chimneys and underground cities

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

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (hotel)
Six days of walking in Cappadocia
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Included

All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Itinerary

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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
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 Mustafapaşa
This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an optional 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
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
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
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
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
Our adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Important Information

The trip destination

Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (hotel)
Six days of walking in Cappadocia
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

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.

Weather

Daytime temperatures in Cappadocia are 22C-30C (72F-86F) in summer at low altitudes. Early mornings may be cooler later in the season. Summers are usually dry; however, rain is possible at any time and the odd storm may occur.

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have six days of walking with vehicle support taking us to and from each walk. All treks are on undulating trails at low altitude. The terrain includes footpaths and mountain terrain, which can be rocky and loose in places with ascents and descents. A good level of fitness is required. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition. The walks take about five hours and require a moderate level of fitness.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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sdsd AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 / Sat, 18 Apr 2026	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 / Sat, 02 May 2026	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 02 May 2026 / Sat, 09 May 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 19 210	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 16 May 2026 / Sat, 23 May 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 20 150	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 06 Jun 2026 / Sat, 13 Jun 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 19 210	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 / Sat, 11 Jul 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 05 Sep 2026 / Sat, 12 Sep 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 12 Sep 2026 / Sat, 19 Sep 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 20 150	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 03 Oct 2026 / Sat, 10 Oct 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 10 Oct 2026 / Sat, 17 Oct 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 14 Nov 2026 / Sat, 21 Nov 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sat, 26 Dec 2026 / Sat, 02 Jan 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 175	Available
Sun, 07 Mar 2027 / Sun, 14 Mar 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 / Sun, 28 Mar 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 11 Apr 2027 / Sun, 18 Apr 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 25 Apr 2027 / Sun, 02 May 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 02 May 2027 / Sun, 09 May 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 16 May 2027 / Sun, 23 May 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 06 Jun 2027 / Sun, 13 Jun 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 04 Jul 2027 / Sun, 11 Jul 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 05 Sep 2027 / Sun, 12 Sep 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 12 Sep 2027 / Sun, 19 Sep 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 03 Oct 2027 / Sun, 10 Oct 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Sun, 17 Oct 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Sun, 21 Nov 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 / Sat, 18 Apr 2026	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 / Sat, 02 May 2026	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 02 May 2026 / Sat, 09 May 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 19 210	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 16 May 2026 / Sat, 23 May 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 20 150	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 06 Jun 2026 / Sat, 13 Jun 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 19 210	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 / Sat, 11 Jul 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 05 Sep 2026 / Sat, 12 Sep 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 12 Sep 2026 / Sat, 19 Sep 2026	NOK 21 225 NOK 20 150	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 03 Oct 2026 / Sat, 10 Oct 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 10 Oct 2026 / Sat, 17 Oct 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 14 Nov 2026 / Sat, 21 Nov 2026	NOK 21 225	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sat, 26 Dec 2026 / Sat, 02 Jan 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 175	On request
Sun, 07 Mar 2027 / Sun, 14 Mar 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 21 Mar 2027 / Sun, 28 Mar 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 11 Apr 2027 / Sun, 18 Apr 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 25 Apr 2027 / Sun, 02 May 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 02 May 2027 / Sun, 09 May 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 16 May 2027 / Sun, 23 May 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 06 Jun 2027 / Sun, 13 Jun 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 04 Jul 2027 / Sun, 11 Jul 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 05 Sep 2027 / Sun, 12 Sep 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 12 Sep 2027 / Sun, 19 Sep 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 03 Oct 2027 / Sun, 10 Oct 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Sun, 17 Oct 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Sun, 21 Nov 2027	NOK 22 165	On request	NOK 5 445	On request

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Walking in Cappadocia

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates