Current as of: April 24, 2024 - 05:31
Walking in Cappadocia Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Turkey
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TTG
- Carbon Footprint: 28kg CO2e
Trip 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.
At a Glance
- Seven nights in four-star hotels
- Six days of walking
- Altitude maximum: 3,775ft (1,150m); average: 3,280ft (1,000m)
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Trek among the fairytale rock chimneys of Cappadocia
- Discover the historic and cultural secrets of this region
- Visit the underground city of Kaymakli
Is This Trip for You?
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cappadocia
- End City: Cappadocia
Land Only Itinerary
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 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.
Accommodation
Sobek Stone House or Dreams Cave Hotel
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 located on the edge of Göreme 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 4 May, 8 June, 6 July and 28 September departure dates. The Dreams Cave Hotel is used for the 27 April, 18 May, 24 August, 7 September, 14 September, 5 October and 19 October departure dates.
Single supplement from CAD 484
Food & Drink
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.
Transport
Transport for the transfers are in an air-conditioned mini- or midi-bus, depending on the size of the group.
Please note, baggage allowance is 33lb (15kg) for checked in bag and 17.5lb (8kg) for cabin bags on domestic flights.
Weather & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Hotel: Sobek Stone House, Avcılar, İsali Gaferli, Bilal Eroğlu Cd. No:52, 50180 Nevşehir
Phone: +90 384 271 26 63
Hotel: Dreams Cave Hotel, Esentepe Mah, Tahir Bey Sk. No:27, 50650 Ortahisar
Phone: +90 384 343 33 93
(see accommodation section for dates for applicable hotel)
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 hotels are approximately just over an hour’s drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
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
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Lightweight clothing
- Waterproofs
- Water bottle
- Boots with good ankle support
- Backpack for the walks
Optional Equipment
- Walking poles
Practical Information
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
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.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Local Time
Turkey's time zone: Europe/Istanbul (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Turkey's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
ATM Availability
Turkey has a good network of cash machines in built-up areas, which can be used to get advances in Turkish lira. It is best to bring some cash to exchange and to use ATMs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
You should allow 250-500 lira (approximately US$13-US$26) for each dinner not included. Local Turkish restaurants can be cheap and very good; tourist restaurants are good but more expensive. Please allow extra for drinks.
Optional excursions
Hot-air balloon rides: We have pre-booked slots for each group member but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part. It costs €320 if paid in cash and €325 if paid by credit card. We recommend paying for this in euros if using cash as the operator can only take one currency from the group and the cost in euro is more stable than the Turkish lira.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their tour leader in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. For this trip, we recommend allowing the equivalent of US$19-US$22 per person for the tour leader.
It is also customary to leave a tip for the additional local staff who support your trip, such as drivers, cooks and hotel staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week to distribute accordingly. For this, we recommend the equivalent of US$11-US$16 per person per week.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn 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.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income, which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. We visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and the underground city of Kaymakli.
- We visit Guvercinlik (or Pigeon Valley) where pigeons are encouraged to roost so the people can collect their droppings for fertiliser.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- One of our bases, the Sobek Stone House, uses solar power to heat water.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- 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 in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.