Walking in Cappadocia

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

Walking in Cappadocia

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Trip Fee

$ 1.875

Single Room Difference

$ 428

Date

13 - 20 September 2025

Trip Information

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.

Activity Areas

Walking & Trekking

Region & Country & City

Europe: Cappadocia, Turkey

Included in the Price

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

Not Included In The Price

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

Accommodation Information

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

Map

Itinerary

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.

Travel Dates

13 - 20 September 2025 $ 1.875

04 - 11 October 2025 $ 1.875

11 - 18 October 2025 $ 1.650

07 - 14 March 2026 $ 2.370

21 - 28 March 2026 $ 2.370

11 - 18 April 2026 $ 2.475

25 April - 02 May 2026 $ 2.475

02 - 09 May 2026 $ 2.370

16 - 23 May 2026 $ 2.370

06 - 13 June 2026 $ 2.370

04 - 11 July 2026 $ 2.370

05 - 12 September 2026 $ 2.370

12 - 19 September 2026 $ 2.370

03 - 10 October 2026 $ 2.370

10 - 17 October 2026 $ 2.370

14 - 21 November 2026 $ 2.370

07 - 14 March 2027 $ 2.475

21 - 28 March 2027 $ 2.475

11 - 18 April 2027 $ 2.475

25 April - 02 May 2027 $ 2.475

02 - 09 May 2027 $ 2.475

16 - 23 May 2027 $ 2.475

06 - 13 June 2027 $ 2.475

04 - 11 July 2027 $ 2.475

05 - 12 September 2027 $ 2.475

12 - 19 September 2027 $ 2.475

03 - 10 October 2027 $ 2.475

10 - 17 October 2027 $ 2.475

14 - 21 November 2027 $ 2.475

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