Cappadocia, Call of the Hidden Valleys

A week of self-guided walking in the heart of Cappadocia: iconic valleys, fairy chimneys, underground cities, monasteries and rock-cut churches, staying in two charming village guesthouses.

Cappadocia, Call of the Hidden Valleys

Whether you love history, nature or simply the joy of discovery, Cappadocia is a collection of artworks drawn by a magical artist whose talents exceed human imagination — and that extraordinary architect is Nature itself. Secret valleys, panoramic plateaus, fairy chimneys, villages carved into the tuff and rock-cut churches make up a truly unique setting for an unforgettable self-guided journey. Travel when you want, with whom you want and at your own pace, on an itinerary designed and tested by our guides.

CODE AA-CAP-02

7 days · Level 3/5

Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.

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Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Kayseri – Cappadocia

    Arrival at Kayseri. Airport welcome and transfer to Cappadocia towards Mustafapasa (Sinasos), a village with a Greek face, inhabited by Orthodox Greeks until 1923. One of the region's loveliest villages, with old-stone charm and a madrasa now converted into a university. Check-in for three nights in a guesthouse in Mustafapasa. Transfer: 1 hr.

  2. Mazi underground city – Keslik monastery – Golgoli cave dwellings – Mustafapasa

    Transfer to the Mazi underground city, a former cave complex with narrow passages and rooms carved into the tuff. Then the Keslik monastery (10th c.), recalling the life of early Christian monks. Picnic in the Golgoli cave dwellings, each home carved like a nest in the tuff. Return to Mustafapasa through apricot orchards and vineyards. Elevation: +240 m / -160 m. 4–5 hrs walking. Transfer: 45 min total.

  3. Gömede valley – Ortahisar rock peak – Mustafapasa

    Departure through the Gömede valley, full of monasteries, rock dwellings and huge dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Late-afternoon arrival at Ortahisar (the 'middle tower'), crowned by a rock fortress. Return to Mustafapasa. Elevation: +130 m / -180 m. 5 hrs walking. Transfer: 30 min.

  4. Meskendir valley – Red and Rose valleys – Çavusin

    Transfer to Ortahisar, then first steps in the secret Meskendir valley crossed by small tunnels. Walk to Güllüdere and Kizilcukur, the legendary Rose and Red valleys, in red tones lit by white streaks, at the foot of the Bozdag plateau. Typical lunch in the heart of the Red valley. Late-day visit to the old village of Çavusin, a former pilgrimage centre dedicated to St John the Baptist. Check-in for three nights in a guesthouse in Çavusin. Elevation: +210 m / -325 m. 5–6 hrs walking.

  5. White valley – Uçhisar – Pigeon valley – Göreme – Swords valley

    Departure via Akvadi, the White valley bristling with fairy chimneys of pure white tuff. Arrival at Uçhisar village and climb to the castle top for a panoramic view over Cappadocia. After lunch, a beautiful walk to Güvercinlik, the Pigeon valley, then Göreme and its famous open-air site. Return to Çavusin via the Swords valley. Elevation: +370 m / -370 m. 5 hrs walking.

  6. Bozdag plateau – Pasabag fairy chimneys – Çavusin

    A magnificent stage on a balcony trail circling the Bozdag plateau and reaching its summit, with a panoramic view over all of Cappadocia. Descent through the Zelve valley to the Pasabag fairy chimneys ('the master's vines'), with their near-perfect conical shapes. Return to Çavusin at the end of the day. Elevation: +340 m / -340 m. 5–6 hrs walking.

  7. Kayseri – return flight

    Transfer (1 hr, at your own expense) to Kayseri airport and return flight.

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Frequently asked questions

Is there a guide on this trip? No. This is a self-guided trip with no guide on the trail, available from 2 people. The route was designed and tested by our guides: you walk independently with the supplied route book and GPS tracks, also available in the Mon Roadbook app. An emergency phone line is available 24/7. If you wish, a…

Where do we stay? In two village guesthouses, so there is no change of hotel every night: three nights in Mustafapaşa (Sinasos), a former Greek Orthodox village with fine stone houses, then three nights in Çavuşin. They are small, comfortable family-run hotels with private bathroom and shower, solar-heated water and…

How fit do I need to be, and how long are the walking days? The trip is rated 3/5. The five walking days last 4 to 6 hours, 5 hours on average, on trails. Ascents stay modest, 130 to 370 m, but the tuff terrain needs care in narrow sections and in the small tunnels of Meskendir. As there is no guide, you also need to be comfortable following a route book an…

Which day is the most demanding? The last two walking days. Day 5 has the biggest elevation change, +370 m / −370 m in 5 hours: White Valley, Uçhisar castle, Pigeon Valley, Göreme and back through Sword Valley. Day 6, 5 to 6 hours, follows a balcony path around the Bozdağ plateau to its summit, then descends via Zelve to the Paşab…

Who moves the luggage, and which transfers are included? You only carry what you need for the day: luggage is taken on to the next lodging, from Mustafapaşa to Çavuşin. The welcome at Kayseri airport and the transfer of about 1 hour to Mustafapaşa are included, as are the short transfers to Mazı, the Gömede valley and Ortahisar. The transfer of about 1 h…

When can I go? From March to mid-November. As this is a self-guided trip, you choose your own dates. In spring the apricot trees and vines around Mustafapaşa turn green again and temperatures are ideal for walking. In summer, set off early in the morning, as the plateau heats up around midday. Autumn brings softe…

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Cappadocia