Cappadocia on Foot

Land Tour

8 days

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Cappadocia on Foot
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 211 per day

Departure: Kayseri, Turkey

For millions of years the volcans of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted over the land to create the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys that characterise Cappadocia, Turkey. Through the centuries, civilisations carved houses and churches within these rocky pillars and underground cities leaving a natural and historic legacy which continues to be a focal point for visitors to the region. Interspersed amongst these relics is a living culture of traditional villages, spectacular river valleys and rural settlements. On this week long self guided walk you will be immersed in the history and stunning lunar landscapes of this fascinating region. Following a series of trails you will explore the highlights of the region such as Mustafapasha, Ortahisar and Goreme.
About
7 breakfasts and 4 dinners - Breakfasts are Turkish style and will generally include cheese (feta), olives, eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, jam, honey, bread, tea or coffee, fruits. Dinner is a fixed menu; soup or hot and cold appetisers with fresh baked bread, main course (usually kebab varieties), salad, and dessert (fruits or baklava).
7 nights simple family hotels with ensuite facilities
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, with option to skip some walks and travel with luggage
Information pack with walking directions and GPX tracks
Airport transfers as described
Emergency hotline
Hightlights
Ortahisar (middle fortress) with its castle like rock formation, but also picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches
Walking amongst the fairy chimneys and rocks of Uchisar
Discovering the old cave village of Cavusin with its rock cut dwellings and stone houses
Experience genuine cultural exchange with the local people
Exploring the earth pillars, fairy chimneys and vineyards of the Pasabag Valley and Goreme

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Kayseri Airport and transfer to Mustafapasa
On arrival at Kayseri Airport you will be met and transferred to Mustafapasha. The village was formerly known as Sinasos during Ottoman times and was inhabited by Greeks until 1924. The Greeks built many of the churches, and you'll also find some impressive mansions with colourful wall paintings. Overnight in a comfortable pension.
Transfer time from Kayseri: 1 hour (80km)
Day 2 - Walk through the Pancarlik Valley towards Ortahisar village (4-5hrs)
After breakfast, we’ll set off on our first walk in Gomeda, embarking on a scenic hike from Gomeda to Ortahisar through the enchanting valleys of Cappadocia, Turkey. The journey begins in the serene landscapes of Uzengi Valley, where you’ll be surrounded by rocky formations and lush greenery. As we continue into Pancarlik Valley, you’ll witness the rugged terrain and the unique geological wonders that characterize Cappadocia’s landscape. Along the trail, we’ll encounter ancient cave dwellings and historic sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Our hike concludes in Ortahisar, where you’ll be welcomed by the village’s distinctive stone houses and the impressive Ortahisar Castle, marking the perfect end to this unforgettable day.
Walking: 12.5km/7.7mi, ascent: 185m/607ft, descent: 221m/725ft
Day 3 - A scenic loop walk to Ibrahimpasa (4-5hrs)
You start walking in Ortahisar and follow roads passing vineyard gardens until you reach the village of Ibrahimpasa, where the historical stone bridge and original Greek stone houses draw your attention. It's a small village with an authentic atmosphere. In Ibrahimpasa we suggest tasting a cup of traditional Turkish Tea, better known as cay. From Ibrahimpasa village a path will lead you down to a beautiful scenic valley, then on small walking paths you will continue back to Ortahisar village, accompanied by amazing geological formations. On your return to Ortahisar explore or relax in the afternoon.
Walking: 12.5km/7.7mi, ascent: 273m/895ft, descent: 273m/895ft
OPTION TO WALK IN THE ILHARA VALLEY - supplement applies.
This is available on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and replaces the day's hike listed on the usual itinerary. Must be requested at time of booking & please advise us of your preferred day to book this: Walk the Ilhara Valley and explore the Selime Monastery (4-5hrs)
This morning a transfer will take you to the Ihlara Valley (approx 1-2hrs each way, 95km approx.). Our vehicle will drop you at the entrance point of the Ihlara Valley, which is a 14km long canyon with hundreds of rock-cut rooms and churches. It proved to be an ideal place for Monks to worship in seclusion, as well as providing a safe hideaway and place of defence for people during times of invasion. There are numerous dwellings, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors. The decorations in the churches date from the 6th to the 13th centuries. Midway through the Ihlara Valley, you will arrive in Belisirma village, a great place to have have lunch at a riverside restaurant. Afterwards you can carry on hiking in the valley to Selime Monastery. A visit to this complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope is a must in the region. Please exercise caution at this site as there are exposed sections. Later you will meet with our vehicle and driver in front of the Selime Monastery and drive back to the hotel.
Walking: 14km. ascent: 264m; descent: 374m
Day 4 - Explore the Meskendir, Red and Rose Valley en route to Cavusin (4-5hrs)
After breakfast, you will take the paved road out of Ortahisar village and enter the Meskendir Valley, following the path which is full with old Cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. From the Meskendir Valley you cross over to the Red Valley, the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia with its spectacular geological formations and colours. In Red Valley it is possible to visit some hidden churches like the Uzumlu church (Grape church / Red Valley), the hidden Cross Church and the Church of the Three Crosses (Rose Valley) which have been carved out of the cliff face. The common belief is the churches date back to the 8/9th century, with their decorative reliefs and frescs added in the 10/11th Century.
After walking through the Red & Rose valley you will arrive in Cavusin, where you spend the next two nights.
Walking: 10.3km/6.5mi, ascent 162m/531ft, descent 325m/1066ft
Day 5 - Circuit walk along the Bozdag and Balkan routes, overnight Cavusin (4hrs)
Starting your walk from Cavusin you walk up the Bozdag summit route and proceed along the trail accompanied by views of Cappadocia. After crossing a few more small hills on the summit plateau, you will reach the flagpole and have magnificent views of the whole area. You then start your descent to the Balkan route, which runs parallel to Bozdag. Enjoying the views of the Red and Rose Valley landscapes, return to Cavusin.
Walking: 10km/6.2mi, ascent 302m/991ft, descent 301m/987ft
Day 6 - Walk through Akvadi (White Valley) and via Uchisar to Goreme (5-6hrs)
After breakfast you will leave Cavusin village and walk to the trailhead at the beginning of the Akvadi (White Valley). Walk along the valley following an old river bed, used today for vineyards, where a section at the beginning of the valley is especially worth seeing. By noon you will arrive in Uchisar village where it is possible to visit the high viewpoint known as “the fortress”. Many rooms hollowed out into the rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the Citadel provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Afterwards, continue through the Pigeon Valley with spectacular views of the natural cliffs and handmade caves and passes through a few tunnels carved into the rock. Your walk ends in Goreme village, where you will stay for two nights.
Walking: 14km/8.7mi, ascent 390m/1279ft, descent 335m/1099ft
Day 7 - Explore the Zemi Valley and visit the Goreme Open Air Museum (4-5hrs)
On stabilized roads you will walk out of Goreme village and enter the Zemi Valley, a green valley with wind eroded volcanic rocks and tall poplar trees. At the end of the Valley there will be the opportunity to visit the El Nazar church, which was carved from one piece of a rock in a ‘T’ shape. The frescs show scenes which follow each other in chronological order. The church can be dated to the end of the 10th Century.
Before returning to Goreme village it is also possible to visit Goreme open air Museum. The Christians at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescs inside the Goreme Open Air Museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. Your walk ends in Goreme.
Walking: 13.5km/8.4mi, ascent 348m/1141ft, descent 348m/1141ft
Day 8 - Transfer to airport at Kayseri, trip concludes
After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport, where the trip concludes.
Transfer time: 1 hour.
Location

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