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.

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Cappadocia: Piercing the skyline with its fantastical rocky pillars, Cappadocia is a dreamlike vision that attract visitors from across the world. These curious, geological wonders rise up against a canvas of rugged hills in central Turkey and are known as the ‘fairy chimneys’ owing to their distinctive formations. One of the best ways to witness these natural wonders is by hot air balloon which gives you a bird’s-eye perspective of this almost unreal landscape. Back on the ground, you might also get to see the equally interesting wildlife such as the Eurasian fox or the hoopoe.
Kaymakli: Also located in Cappadocia is the underground city of Kaymakli. Built by Christians as far back as the 7th-century BCE, Kaymakli is a labyrinth of tunnels, caves and ancient homes and settlements where the local people would hide to avoid attack from the Byzantine invaders. It’s hard to imagine that inhabitants lived in this underground city and created everything from kitchens and living areas to stables and there’s even a church and graveyard. At one time a staggering number of people, around 3,500, lived inside Kaymakli City.
Goreme Open-Air Museum: Believed to be a Byzantine monastic settlement and a pilgrimage site in later years, Goreme Open-Air Museum is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest of its kind. The museum is a fine example of Byzantine art and architecture and is home to an incredible complex of churches, chapels and monasteries cut into the volcanic rock. Inside each of the structures you’ll find beautiful frescoes that depict life in times gone by. The 11th-century Chapel of St Basil is particularly fascinating with its paintings of St Basil himself, a Maltese cross and St George slaying a dragon. The Dark Church is another highlight of Goreme Open-Air Museum and was so named owing to its lack of windows. Because of the lack of light in the church, its frescoes have hardly faded and still retain their vibrancy.
Akvadi Valley: Also known as White Valley, Akvadi is one of the most popular walking areas in Cappadocia and also one of the most diverse valleys. There are several walking trails that lead you through surreal landscapes made up of white rocks, orchards, vineyards and fairy chimneys. As you walk along the ancient river path, there’s a real sense of calm and you’ll be enthralled by the stunning scenery.
Arycanda: The ancient Lycian city of Arycanda lies on mountain terraces overlooking a pretty valley. It’s believed the city dates all the way back to Anatolian times and had several rulers throughout history, from the Persians and Alexander the Great to Seleucids. It is one of the oldest cities in Lycia and suffered from the great earthquake in 240 AD. Explore the Acropolis to see Hellenistic ruins, the Temple of Helios and Roman ruins. The well-preserved theatre is worth visiting to see its coloured marbles and the bust of Emperor Hadrian.
oren blindell Walking in Cappadocia
Paul Beattie Mont Blanc HighlightsIn so many ways this trip was not stressful.
To be able to do so many wonderful things and not have any issues or concerns made a strenuous hiking holiday relaxing and enjoyable.
Ray Guirguis Mont Blanc HighlightsWe’ve just returned from the Mont Blanc Highlights hiking trip, and it was unforgettable—largely thanks to our incredible guide, Adrian.
From day one, Adrian set the tone with energy, humour, and crystal-clear briefings that made every hike feel exciting and manageable. His knowledge of the trails are amazing and the views are absolutely stunning.
Adrian struck the perfect balance: relaxed and fun, yet always professional and organised. His enthusiasm and calm leadership turned a great trip into an outstanding one. He made us feel safe, challenged, and totally immersed in the mountain magic.
Can’t recommend this trip—and Adrian—highly enough.
(We even wrote him a poem… that’s how good he was!)
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