Walking the Ancient Trails of Cappadocia - Premium Adventure

Explore the unique landscapes and cultures of Cappadocia on foot – from an extraordinary cave hotel 

The rock towers, caves and cultural history of Cappadocia are best discovered on foot. Following ancient volcanic eruptions, the region was covered with a blanket of soft ‘tufa’ rock that is easily eroded by wind and water. It has been inhabited for millennia, with many civilisations carving cave dwellings and churches into the towers and hillsides. In recent times, local entrepreneurs have used the same principle to create incredible, unique hotels, one of which is a highlight of our experience. Our programme of walks and activities will show you the best of the area, plus lesser-known routes and experiences. This trip is recommended to those who like exploring in style, and don’t settle with the ordinary.

People, Places & Planet

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

• The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
• This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
• Participation on the calligraphy course enables the school to generate funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill in the community.
• Participation in the cooking experience gives a direct benefit to the local economy and enables the hosts and guests to better understand one another’s cultures.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

• Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
• By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
• Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
• We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

• Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

• Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
• Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
• Take the train: Consider taking the train to this trip. Not only will it significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your holiday vs. flying, it also extends your adventure! Read more about which train journeys we can book, or how to book your own, here.
  

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

We have five walking days with vehicle support taking us to and from each walk. All the walking is on undulating trails at low altitude. The terrain will include footpaths, which can be rocky and loose in places with ascents and descents. The walks take about two to three hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Vaccinations and Health

Turkey

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Turkey

Travellers from the UK and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Canadian and US citizens normally do need a visa – apply at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkey
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included.

Typical meals:

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

Lunch and dinner: A combination of set menus and buffet arrangements with several freshly cooked dishes. Kebabs are, of course, found everywhere.

Most people find Turkish cuisine one of the most varied in the world and there is usually something to please everyone. Vegetarians will generally find themselves well catered for as many Turkish dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products.

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 readily available. 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 will range from 22C to 30C (71F to 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 odd storms do occur.