Cappadocia & the Lycian Coast
From Kayseri to Antalya, a graded walking itinerary linking the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia to the Lycian Way and the Mediterranean: cave villages, underground cities, Silk Road caravanserais and ancient Lycian sites.
This journey offers a complete immersion between Cappadocia and the Lycian coast, two iconic regions of Turkey shaped by volcanism, history and great civilisations. Designed as a progressive, accessible walking itinerary, the trip harmoniously combines spectacular volcanic valleys, cave villages, major cultural sites and quieter trails away from the busiest areas. Day after day the landscapes change with great variety: green valleys, canyons carved by erosion, surprisingly shaped fairy chimneys, then the turquoise Mediterranean shores and the ancient remains of Lycia. The trip provides a natu…
CODE AA-CLY-01
13 days · Level 3/5
Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.
- Hikes through the secret valleys of Cappadocia
- Underground cities and Byzantine monasteries
- Spectacular volcanic landscapes and fairy chimneys
- Exceptional panorama from Uçhisar
- Exploring the Ihlara canyon and the Melendiz river
- Seljuk caravanserais of the Silk Road
- Coastal hiking on the Lycian Way
- Wild coves and unspoilt Mediterranean landscapes
- Ancient Lycian sites: Myra, Aperlae, Simena
- Authentic villages and immersion in local life
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: France – Kayseri
Arrival at Kayseri airport and welcome by our local team, at the foot of Mount Erciyes. Depending on arrival time, a first look at the historic districts of the city, where Seljuk medreses, caravanserais and lively bazaars recall the region's rich caravan past. Transfer to the hotel, check-in and free time at the end of the day. Meals: at leisure.
Day 2: Ürgüp – Uzengi – Gomeda – Sinasos
Drive to Ürgüp, the start of the walking programme. The hike begins in the green Uzengi valley, among orchards, crops and dovecotes carved into the rock, then continues into the wild Gomeda valley, a preserved natural labyrinth. Abandoned cave dwellings, tunnels and narrow passages line the route. Arrival in the village of Sinasos (Mustafapaşa), known for its elegant, finely decorated stone houses. Walking: 3–4 hrs | Ascent/descent: +145 m / –90 m | Transfer: approx. 1 hr. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 3: Mazı – Keşlik – Golgoli – Sinasos
Discovery of the Mazı underground city, one of the most impressive in Cappadocia, whose galleries carved into the volcanic tuff reveal an ingenious system of living and protection. We continue to the rock-cut monastery of Keşlik, nestled in a peaceful valley. The hike carries on with a gradual climb to the ancient site of Golgoli, with wide panoramas over the Cappadocian highlands. Return to Sinasos at the end of the day. Walking: 4–5 hrs | Ascent/descent: +200 m / –200 m | Transfers: approx. 30 min. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 4: Göreme – Uçhisar – White Valley – Çavuşin
The hike starts in the Görkün area and crosses iconic volcanic landscapes to Göreme, the historic heart of Cappadocia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail then climbs gradually to Uçhisar, the region's highest point, with an exceptional panorama. After this viewpoint break, descent into the White Valley (Akvadi), known for its luminous rock formations, before reaching the cave village of Çavuşin. Walking: 5–6 hrs | Ascent/descent: +350 m / –400 m. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 5: Zelve – Paşabağ – Rose and Red Valleys
The morning is devoted to the Zelve cave site, a former rock village now abandoned: dwellings, churches and natural galleries carved into the rock. The hike then heads towards Paşabağ, famous for its impressive fairy chimneys. The afternoon unfolds in the Rose and Red valleys, whose hues shift with the light, offering a striking show at sunset. Walking: 4–5 hrs | Ascent/descent: +380 m / –380 m | Transfers: approx. 20 min. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 6: Ihlara Valley – Sultanhanı – Konya
Morning transfer to the spectacular Ihlara valley, one of the most impressive volcanic canyons in Cappadocia. The hike follows the Melendiz river along the bottom of the gorge, in a cool, green atmosphere. High tuff cliffs frame the route; several Byzantine rock-cut churches, some still decorated with frescoes, attest to an important monastic presence. After the hike, drive to Konya with a stop at the Seljuk caravanserai of Sultanhanı, a major Silk Road landmark. Walking: 3–4 hrs | Ascent/descent: +120 m / –120 m | Transfer: approx. 3 hrs. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 7: Konya – Antalya
The day begins with a visit to the Mevlânâ mausoleum, a high place of Sufism and a major spiritual centre of Anatolia. We then drive south across the plains of central Anatolia. The landscape changes as we approach the Taurus mountains, a natural border between the interior and the Mediterranean coast. Arrival in Antalya at the end of the day and check-in at the hotel. Meals: B/L | Transfer: approx. 3 hrs.
Day 8: Kaleiçi – Ulupınar – Yanartaş
Visit of Kaleiçi, the historic centre of Antalya, with its cobbled lanes, Ottoman houses and old monuments. Drive to Ulupınar, known for its lush natural setting. The hike begins through pine forests and rocky trails leading towards the slopes of Mount Olympos. At the end of the day, arrival at the legendary site of Yanartaş (Chimaera), where natural flames have risen from the rock since antiquity. Overnight in the area. Walking: 2–3 hrs | Ascent/descent: +225 m / –465 m | Transfer: approx. 1 hr. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 9: Ulupınar – Maden Koyu – Çıralı
Coastal hiking on the Lycian Way, one of the finest trails in the Mediterranean basin. The path winds above the sea with spectacular views of cliffs and turquoise waters, alternating pine forests, maquis and rocky sections. Descent to the wild cove of Maden Koyu, reachable only on foot, ideal for a swim break. Arrival at Çıralı and free time to enjoy the beach. Walking: 3–4 hrs | Ascent/descent: +175 m / –675 m. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 10: Aperlae – Kekova Bay – Üçağız
Morning departure for a hike to the ancient city of Aperlae, a remote Lycian port that was an important centre for producing the famous purple dye; the remains of workshops can still be seen. Around midday, boarding a private boat to sail in Kekova bay, one of the region's finest maritime sites: sunken ruins beneath the crystal-clear water, wild coves and swim stops. Lunch on board. Arrival at the port village of Üçağız, free time at the end of the day. Walking: 3–4 hrs | Ascent/descent: +0 m / –350 m. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 11: Kılınçlı – Aperlae – Üçağız
Short transfer to the start of the hike at Kılınçlı. The trail follows ancient Lycian paths overlooking the sea, alternating rocky sections, small valleys and panoramic ridges. Arrival at the ruins of Aperlae, a former Lycian maritime city whose remains blend into the natural landscape. Return to Üçağız at the end of the day by a coastal route. Walking: 3 hrs | Ascent/descent: +0 m / –360 m. Meals: B/L/D.
Day 12: Arykanda – Termessos – Antalya
Discovery of the ancient site of Arykanda, a spectacular city built on a mountainside with remarkably preserved terraces. Continue to Termessos, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey, set high in the Taurus mountains. A short hike explores the theatre, agora and ramparts in a striking natural setting. Return to Antalya at the end of the day. Walking: 3–4 hrs | Ascent/descent: +150 m / –150 m. Meals: B/L.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight.
Included / Not included
What’s included
- Accommodation as set out in the itinerary
- Full board (picnic lunch, dinner), except meals on the first and last days
- All luggage transfers throughout the trip
- Transfers as set out in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for the sites listed in the itinerary
- A Turkish hiking guide who speaks your group's language
- A group of 4 to 15 people
- Mineral water during meals
- Boat excursion in Kekova
What’s not included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals on the first and last days
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Comprehensive travel insurance (cancellation, assistance and repatriation, trip interruption)
- Tips
- Single room supplement
- In Antalya: dinners not included (picnic lunch included on walking days)
Frequently asked questions
Who guides this trip from Cappadocia to Lycia? A Turkish hiking guide who speaks your group's language is with you for all thirteen days, from the Cappadocia valleys to the trails of the Lycian Way. He also leads the visits: Mazı underground city, Sultanhanı caravanserai, the Mevlânâ mausoleum, Arykanda and Termessos. Travel is by private air-c…
Where do we stay? Accommodation changes with the scenery. In Cappadocia, cave hotels, with stops in Sinasos (Mustafapaşa) and then Çavuşin. On the Lycian coast, family-run guesthouses around Ulupınar and Çıralı, then in the small harbour of Üçağız. In the stopover towns of Kayseri, Konya and Antalya you stay in comf…
How fit do I need to be, and how much do we walk? The trip is rated 3/5 and is meant for people in good shape who are used to walking several hours a day. There are ten days with walking, from 2 to 6 hours depending on the stage, on paths, tracks and rocky sections, with nothing technical. Ascents stay moderate, never more than +380 m; descents ar…
Which day is the most demanding? In Cappadocia it is day 4: from Görkün to Göreme, a climb to Uçhisar, the highest point of the area, then down through the White Valley to Çavuşin, 5 to 6 hours for +350 m / −400 m. On the coast, day 9 is shorter at 3 to 4 hours, but the descent to Maden Koyu cove and Çıralı reaches −675 m on rocky…
Are the drives long, and who carries the luggage? Your luggage follows every stage, and you walk with a small 20–30 L pack. Most transfers last 20 minutes to 1 hour. Two days link the regions: on day 6, after the Ihlara valley, about 3 hours' drive to Konya with a stop at Sultanhanı caravanserai; on day 7, about 3 hours from Konya to Antalya acros…
When is the best time to go? The trip runs from April to June and from September to November, with April–June and September–October as the ideal periods: pleasant temperatures for walking in Cappadocia and a sea still warm enough for swimming at Maden Koyu or Kekova. July and August are possible, but the heat means adjusting t…