- Trek among the fairytale rock chimneys of Cappadocia
- Discover the historic and cultural secrets of this region
- Visit the underground city of Kaymakli
Walking in Cappadocia
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
from
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Superior
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
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (hotel)
- Six days of walking in Cappadocia
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Turkey
What's Included
- All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
6 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6ph)
Terrain:
Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
Altitude maximum: 4,265ft (1,300m); average: 3,280ft (1,000m)
Day 2
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 3
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 4
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 5
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 6
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 7
7 km / 4.3 miles
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
11 Apr 2026 11 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
18 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
25 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026
Saturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 May 2026 02 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
09 May 2026 09 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 1579Now £ 1429Saving £ 150 Usually £ 1579Now £ 1429Saving £ 150 Book with £ 357 deposit Book with £ 357 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 May 2026 16 May 2026
Saturday Saturday
23 May 2026 23 May 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 1579Now £ 1499Saving £ 80 Usually £ 1579Now £ 1499Saving £ 80 Book with £ 374 deposit Book with £ 374 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
06 Jun 2026 06 Jun 2026
Saturday Saturday
13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 1579Now £ 1429Saving £ 150 Usually £ 1579Now £ 1429Saving £ 150 Book with £ 357 deposit Book with £ 357 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 2026
Saturday Saturday
11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1579 £ 1579 Book with £ 394 deposit Book with £ 394 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1579 £ 1579 Book with £ 394 deposit Book with £ 394 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026
Saturday Saturday
19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price Usually £ 1579Now £ 1499Saving £ 80 Usually £ 1579Now £ 1499Saving £ 80 Book with £ 374 deposit Book with £ 374 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1579 £ 1579 Book with £ 394 deposit Book with £ 394 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 2026
Saturday Saturday
17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price £ 1579 £ 1579 Book with £ 394 deposit Book with £ 394 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Nov 2026 14 Nov 2026
Saturday Saturday
21 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1579 £ 1579 Book with £ 394 deposit Book with £ 394 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
26 Dec 2026 26 Dec 2026
Saturday Saturday
02 Jan 2027 02 Jan 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 385
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
07 Mar 2027 07 Mar 2027
Sunday Sunday
14 Mar 2027 14 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
21 Mar 2027 21 Mar 2027
Sunday Sunday
28 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
11 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027
Sunday Sunday
18 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
25 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027
Sunday Sunday
02 May 2027 02 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
02 May 2027 02 May 2027
Sunday Sunday
09 May 2027 09 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
16 May 2027 16 May 2027
Sunday Sunday
23 May 2027 23 May 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
06 Jun 2027 06 Jun 2027
Sunday Sunday
13 Jun 2027 13 Jun 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
04 Jul 2027 04 Jul 2027
Sunday Sunday
11 Jul 2027 11 Jul 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
05 Sep 2027 05 Sep 2027
Sunday Sunday
12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 2027
Sunday Sunday
19 Sep 2027 19 Sep 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
03 Oct 2027 03 Oct 2027
Sunday Sunday
10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027
Sunday Sunday
17 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Sunday
14 Nov 2027 14 Nov 2027
Sunday Sunday
21 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027
Availability Available
Land Only Trip Price £ 1649 £ 1649 Book with £ 412 deposit Book with £ 412 deposit
Optional Single Supplement +£ 405
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip Notes
Itinerary
Cappadocia Cappadocia
Fly to Kayseri, transfer to Cappadocia
Fly to Kayseri airport and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
End Cappadocia, transfer to Kayseri; fly to London
End Cappadocia, transfer to Kayseri; fly to London.
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.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Hotel: Sobek Stone House, Avcılar, İsali Gaferli, Bilal Eroğlu Cd. No:52, 50180 Nevşehir
Phone: +90 384 271 26 63
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. Check-in is typically from 1pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kayseri Airport (ASR)
Getting to the hotel
The start hotel is just over an hour’s drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cappadocia
Location end: Cappadocia
Sobek Stone House
Mornings at Sobek Stone House are nothing short of magical: as you sip your first coffee, hot-air balloons drift above the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. On the edge of Love Valley, this 29-room boutique retreat offers sweeping views over the Kızılçukur Valley, the ancient rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum, and the fairytale spires of Uçhisar Castle. Each room is individually decorated, while the hotel facilities – a hobby garden, observation tower, and indoor and outdoor pools − provide a welcoming sanctuary when you return from a day of adventure.
Worth knowing
- Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
- Room upgrades: Upgrades are available throughout this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Reviews
Add your own reviewExtraordinary Views & Breath taking Balloons
This trip was fab, Cappadocia has an incredibly rare landscape that feels as if you are somewhere out of this world. The walks were varied and a lot greener than I thought they would have been, although you will have definitely seen Cappadocia in depth by the time you leave. You stay just outside of the main tourist town of Goreme which is nice because it’s away from the hustle and bustle. I travelled in the last week of May so had some warmer days and some wetter, cooler ones but on a whole we were very lucky with the weather.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the Balloons fly at sunrise, we headed up to watch from the cliffs instead of going on the balloons themselves and the views were spectacular. Whether you are in one or watching them, there are about 160 balloons in the sky and it's incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Ayyykut, was engaged with the group and chatty. Had a clear knowledge of his country and was passionate to show us everything it offered.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack for all weathers, yes, Turkey is hot, but central Turkey and the Cappadocia region sits at 1000m above sea level. We got thunder storms, rain, 27 degree heat, sun and over cast days so we really got it all.
Outstanding scenery
Incredible scenery throughout this walking holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
The amazing rock formations whether they were seen from the valley floor, from the top of a cliff, the top of a castle or from a hot air balloon.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowledgeable and flexible. Clearly knew the area well and took note of weather and other tourists when choosing the order of our itinerary.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Water was no problem, there was a massive bottle on the minibus so we could refill our bottles at the start and half way through any hikes. Every meal we had bottled water for free. The terrain was exciting - often steep slopes where I was glad of sturdy walking boots and poles. Very few problem with insects late August. It was hot (mostly 27 - 33 degrees C) but not too humid. I recommend you take ear plugs, the dawn Muslim call to prayer is very loud at 5 am and we had a barking dog throughout most nights. The balloon ride cost is variable by day. For us it was 180 Euros instead of the expected 320E. You can pay in Turkish Lira. We took Turkish Lira with us and used that throughout the holiday. Many toilets charge 5 or 10 Turkish Lira so keep hold of your low notes. The Whirling Dervish optional event was very much a religious ceremony not entertainment - an interesting experience. One evening we ate outside and had to ask for blankets as we were too cold. Do take a jumper. The day before we arrived they had torrential rain - we were lucky and it only rained a bit in the evenings but it could have been a very different holiday late August - check you take rain gear with you.
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking through Red Valley on a nice warm day with the sun accenting the various coloured rock.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The leader was great and very knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to offer additional activities and adjusted the itinerary to make the most of the weather and conditions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The description of the trip as 'moderate' is fair as the walks were not particularly challenging. However, some of the ascents and descents are quite steep, so take walking poles to provide support on these sections.
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
Most Inspirational Moment
The Red Valley, stunning rock formations
Thoughts on Group Leader
Haydi was excellent and looked out for everyone. He also organised extra trips including a whirling dervish performance. Our driver was excellent.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take jumpers! It was 25 plus in the daytime but cold at night, I travelled the first half of September . Take cash, card machines were erratic. Drinks and snacks are pricey as it is a tourist area
Beautiful landscapes
This was a very good trip. The landscapes of Cappadocia are truly otherworldly and like nothing I’ve ever seen. Our guide, Aykut, was very good. We had a group of 16 and while some found the walks more challenging than others, everyone seemed happy. Good pacing both on the walks and in the structure of each day. Some notes: – I am not the most surefooted walker but I was fine without hiking poles. There are some steep descents at the beginning of a few valleys but nothing very challenging after that. Some valleys are muddy so consider bringing a mud brush. – The food, though all fine, was not what I had hoped for. The lunches alternate between picnics/barbecues (which I preferred) and stops at enormous lunch buffets designed for big tour groups. There was more variety at the latter but the ambiance was not the local, authentic Turkish experience I had hoped for. Dinners alternate between restaurants and the hotel. The food consists almost invariably of cheese, bell peppers, sausage or kebabs, eggplant, mushrooms, lentil soup, and beans. While I appreciated the abundance of vegetables, everything was repetitive and a bit bland. – I didn’t take out any cash and regretted it. You need cash for some bathrooms and juice stands (try the orange and pomegranate mix). You don’t need cash for drinks at meals; they accepted cards at restaurants and in all the stores we went to. – The balloon ride was a highlight because of the views but the prices do seem to go up frequently. We were charged 300 euros, which is more than Exodus had indicated. There are 24 people crammed into a single balloon in compartments of 4 each. If you happen to arrive after the other people in your compartment, you may end up in the back with an obstructed view. The “champagne” afterward turned out to be some kind of sugary thing that looked like it would glow in the dark. – The valleys do tend to blur together a bit after day 2. If you skip a day I would recommend the one with Pancarlik Valley, Mastafapasa and Gomeda Valley. That day started with a 2-mile walk on very flat main road. – I would have felt safer if we had been given the guide’s phone number for emergencies. There is no cell service at some spots in the occasional valley but it seemed pretty good overall. – The hotel, while spacious and very clean, is obviously still working out a few kinks. Our wet towels were folded up instead of being left hanging to dry (or perhaps we were given new but not dry towels) and the breakfast buffet was seriously depleted by the time we got there if another group staying had been there earlier. The coffee was borderline undrinkable. The hotel is owned by the local company Exodus contracts (Sobek Travel) so I’m not sure how much motivation they have to improve. – And, though this is obviously beyond Exodus’ control, my final note is that, to judge from the experience of our group, Turkish Airlines flights are rarely on time. Leave a lot of time for connecting flights. I was supposed to have six hours in Istanbul and it turned out to be more like an hour.
Most Inspirational Moment
Views from the balloon and Göreme Open Air Museum (where I would have liked to have a bit more time).
A Good Trip although you must be a keen walker
6 days of walking. After the first 3 valleys they start to look the same (how many pigeon holes do you need to see?) but the group was great, and the guide was enthusiastic and patient, managing the fast walkers at the front, and the ones at the back who took lots of photos. He was very good at finding different places to eat, and it was great that food was all included so you just paid for extra drinks. Water was always available on the minibus so plastic waste much reduced. If you are vegetarian expect a lot of vegetable stew and eggplant! There are some lovely churches to visit in the rocks (as in small places of worship with the remains of old frescoes dating back several hundred years, not churches as tend to be build here)
Most Inspirational Moment
The churches I visited in the Ilhara valley, and the cathedral we visited on the final day (not one building, again a collection of beautifully decorated rock spaces with Christian wall paintings)
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was patient, with a good sense of humour. He occasionally cam across as a little impatient and on one walk I rarely saw him as I was at the back taking photos and he stayed at the front. Every time I was nearing to catch up he set off again. He was probably on a time schedule and was frustrated. He was very good at sorting out everyone's requirements - ATM visits, people wanting to stop at pharmacies, tracking down the lost luggage of one of the group, and keeping us all informed (often having to repeat the same information 3 or 4 times) and answering all our questions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be sure you want to walk for 6 days (or you can always miss a day and relax by the pool at the hotel!). Be prepared to get dusty. Do the balloon flight!
Reply from Exodus
We are grateful that Yolanda has taken the time to leave a review and are glad she had a good holiday, although we’re sorry that the star rating she has given does not reflect the usual positive experience our customers have on this trip. We’re confident that the information we give in the trip notes makes it clear that this is a dedicated walking trip, and believe that the stunning and unique scenery of Cappadocia, which we hope we show off in the ‘Gallery’ page for this trip, is one of the main draws of hiking here. However, there are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and to engage with local Turkish culture; and as Yolanda says, our clients are welcome to take a day off to relax by the pool if they’d like.
Vivien Urban, Product Manager
Walking in Cappadocia
All in all, an enjoyable trip with a very friendly group. Really interesting place to visit from a historical and geological point of view. As expected, the scenery is amazing.
Most Inspirational Moment
The hot air balloon ride.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very knowledgeable about the area (particularly history, geography, restaurants) and well able to adapt the walks to fit with the different weather conditions and fitness levels of the group. Only two minor criticisms: 1) Unlike on previous trips, we were not given the leader's mobile number, which could have posed difficulties for those who were unable to join the day's walk for any reason and needed assistance. 2) The leader tended to walk a long way out in front of the rest of the group on walks during the trip. This was occasionally problematic given the difficulty that less able members of the group faced with some of the descents in this area (i.e steep sections with loose gravel and sand).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for how exhausting the heat can be when walking in Cappadocia. Walks are not particularly long but there are some tricky descents. Also due to the heat there are no packed lunches on this trip so watch out for the tourist lunch buffets - two of the group suffered bad gastric bugs.
Excellent guide, fascinating trip
Loved the daily walks that we did as we covered some fascinating history and saw a unique part of Turkey that’s off the beaten track of the standard beach holidays that people do when they think of Turkey. The guide Ikut was one of the best guides I’ve seen, and I’ve done lots of this kind of trip. He was kind, attentive, diplomatic and very cheerful. The walking was pretty relaxed and we went at a slow pace and it was all quite easy. The main point of our walks was to see the beautiful landscapes and hidden, painted rock churches. The food was plentiful and delicious and we were well looked after. The only bad points are the hotel Ciner, which wasn’t great (days without hot water, no bar to hang out in at night, and repetitive food at breakfast) but it was close to the town centre and adequate for our needs. Also the communication from Exodus prior to the trip wasn’t good. But the locals in Goreme, including our guide, worked hard to look after us and it’s a really beautiful part of Turkey to experience. The walking routes were dry, dusty and exposed so hats, sunglasses and water are recommended.
Most Inspirational Moment
Just being able to walk at a leisurely pace so that we could fully take in the magnificent landscape and awesome rock formations.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent in every way! He dealt with a tricky situation diplomatically when we had a challenging member of the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Proper walking boots are a must for the rocky, dusty paths.
A good trip
Trip started badly as I was unwell and spent the first day recovering. The course leader (Alkan) was helpful and arranged for the bus to take me to meet up with the other members of the group. I was coughing a lot when I started but this got better and i was alright by the end of the walk. Another “patient” was helped in the same way. The group was 17 strong and this took all his resources.
Most Inspirational Moment
The chance to see the underground city.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was always good humoured full of knowledge of all the sites. He was always prepared to come with us to see us ready to take on the system of shopping and other sightseeing. as well as available on the walks and meal times to give the instructions.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of tea and coffee with you - the local stuff is undrinkable. Remember to buy some alcohol before the meal times!
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 👍
Most Inspirational Moment
The balloon flight spectacular 120 balloons in air at once .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Alcan great friendly nothing to much trouble
Advice for Potential Travellers
Try this trip well worth a week of your life
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Walking in Cappadocia
8 Days
Excluding Flights From
8 Days
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