Cappadocia – Istanbul: hiking & discovery, 8 days — Aventures Anatoliennes
Gentle hiking in the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia then a cultural immersion in Istanbul. An 8-day guided tour between nature and heritage.
In Cappadocia, discovery begins on foot, along gentle hikes that allow you to fully enter the soul of this extraordinary volcanic region. The trails cross valleys of surreal shapes, alternating shaded passages, cool gorges and open plateaus. Fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and cave dwellings dot the routes, testifying to a landscape shaped by both nature and man. Walking becomes a true art of living, punctuated by spectacular panoramas and changing light, especially at sunrise and sunset. After this immersion in the mineral landscapes of Anatolia, Istanbul offers a striking and deeply enric…
8 days · Level 3/5
- Harmonious combination of hiking in Cappadocia and cultural discovery of Istanbul
- Spectacular and iconic volcanic landscapes
- Preserved and little-visited valleys (Gorkün, White Valley)
- Immersion in Byzantine and Ottoman history
- Ideal balance between nature, heritage and free time
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kayseri — Arrival at Kayseri airport, welcome by your guide then transfer to your centrally located hotel. First approach to this Anatolian city with rich heritage, a former major stop on the Silk Road, dominated by majestic Moun…
- Day 2: Kayseri – Zelve – Çavuşin — Discovery of Kayseri and its historic center. Departure to Avanos, a charming village on the Kızılırmak river, famous for its pottery. Free time and lunch. In the afternoon, a fine hike through volcanic landscapes: from…
- Day 3: Red & Rose Valleys – Göreme — Iconic hike through the Rose and Red Valleys, with hues shifting with the light. The trail winds between sculpted cliffs, narrow passages, natural tunnels and rock-cut churches. A sensory immersion set to the silence of…
- Day 4: Gorkün – Göreme – Uçhisar – White Valley – Çavuşin — Hike in the Gorkün valley, one of the most preserved and secluded in Cappadocia. The trail progresses among volcanic formations and isolated passages to Uçhisar, dominated by its spectacular natural fortress, a panorami…
- Day 5: Kayseri – Istanbul — Morning transfer to Kayseri airport, then flight to Istanbul. Welcome and transfer to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district. Early afternoon, first cultural immersion: the Blue Mosque, an Ottoman masterpiece,…
- Day 6: Istanbul — Full day dedicated to Istanbul's treasures. Visit of the Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine underground reservoir, then Topkapı Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans. Discovery of the Spice Bazaar and the Yeni Cami mosque…
- Day 7: Istanbul at leisure — Free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace: the Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower for exceptional views, the Taksim district, or a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus. A personal immersion in the city's cultural ric…
- Day 8: Departure — Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule for your return. Meals: breakfast.