Cappadocia Trekking

We trek, exploring the surreal landforms of the colourful Göreme valleys. Following ancient pathways we visit the strange rock cut churches and monasteries carved from the soft volcanic tuff, and homes and even cities carved from rock and preserved for millennia.

8 day itinerary Grade A/B  Enquire Now

Day 1: Istanbul
On arrival at the airport we have a city tour including a visit to the famous Blue Mosque. In the evening we take the ferry across Bosphorus then the night sleeper train to Konya. Dinner and breakfast included on the train.

Day 2: Konya - Ihlara Valley
After an early breakfast on the train we arrive in Konya and drive to the Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia, about 2h 30min. En route we stop to see the 13^th century Seljuk caravanserai of Aözikarahan. After lunch in Selime Village we walk up the deep-carved Ihlara Canyon to Belisirma village (3 hours walking). The canyon provided seclusion for monks and priests to worship and a refuge and hideaway for people in times of strife. Overnight at pension in Ihlara village.

Day 3: Belısirma - Derinkuyu - Göreme
We continue walking from Belısirma village to the end of the canyon. This section of the canyon has the highest concentration of rock carved and painted churches with well-conserved frescoes (3 hours walk). In the afternoon we drive to Derinkuyu to visit the underground city of the Hittites (8 floors going 57m down under the ground). We then drive on to Göreme. Night in Arch Palace Pansion.

Day 4: Akvadı - Kavak
Our trek today takes us through the Akvadi (White valley) eroded so perfectly by rain and wind over the centuries. After a lunch-break in a restaurant in Uçhisar village we visit the densely settled citadel, a magnificent panoramic view of the fairyland landscape is available from the top. Walk across the Babayan Plateau, through vineyards and tree gardens, to Kavak village, (5 hours trekking). Return by bus to Göreme.

Day 5: Kavak – Sınasos (Mustafapaşa)
We walk through the surrealist landscape of the Gömede valley passing two typical local villages, Bahçeli and Ayvali, observing the traditional village life of central Anatolia. We finish our walk in Sinasos that was inhabited, until the turn of the century, by Orthodox Anatolian Greek communities. The ornate Greek architecture is well-preserved in this small town. Overnight in the "Greek House" a typical local house of the old style. (5 hours trekking).

Day 6: Sınasos - Kizilçukur (Red valley)
We now continue our trek into the spectacular Pancarlik valley. The interesting sweeping curves on the sides of the valley are peculiar to the region. We stop at Ortahisar village for lunch in a typical restaurant not far from the outstanding carved fortress rock. Our walk in the afternoon takes us through the Kizilçukur valley with its magnificently sculptured, red-tuff rock formations. We will see churches dating back to the early Christian period. Overnight at our pension on Goreme. (6 hours trekking).

Day 7: Cappadocia – Kayseri - Istanbul
Trek to Çavuşin village, one of the most important religious centres of Cappadocia. After visiting the churches, caves and old houses of Çavuşin, we trek to the Paşabaglari, formerly known as Priests' Valley. It contains many fairy chimneys of a very unique style, with multiple trunks and caps. Lunch in Avanos, famous for its ceramics then we drive to Kayseri for our flight to Istanbul, night in **** hotel.

Day 8: Istanbul - Home
Free time in city, transfer to airport, fly home.

Generally included in costings:
• All transfers and transportation
• All accommodation
• All meals except lunch on day 1 and 8
• English speaking guide

Not Included:
• All drinks and personal expenses
• Entrance fees to historical sites mentioned in the itinerary

Note: Accommodation may vary from that above depending on availability.
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See also: Cappadocia, Yacht and Trek

Goreme

Avanos Pottery

White Valley Trek

Greek House Bedroom

Cappadocia in Winter

Mistletoe

Pinnacles