Trails of Cappadocia
Every day a hike to discover Cappadocia, its valleys with geology unique in the world and its unexpected cave-dwelling universe. A journey balanced between nature and culture, led by a passionate local team.
In the heart of Anatolia, Cappadocia is an exceptional region, geologically, historically and architecturally. This high plateau was covered with a mantle of volcanic tuff before being sculpted by erosion into countless canyons, peaks and fairy chimneys. Our itinerary is both a hike and an in-depth discovery of a region and its past, led by a passionate local team.
CODE AA-CAP-01
8 days · Level 2/5
Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.
- A complete route through the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia
- The cave churches from the time of the first Eastern Christians
- Walking days to choose according to your ability and seasonal conditions
- A journey balanced between nature and culture
- The gastronomy
Day-by-day itinerary
D1 – Kayseri / Cappadocia
Arrival in Kayseri, welcome at the airport and transfer to Cappadocia towards Mustafapasa (Sinasos), a Greek-faced village inhabited by Orthodox Greeks until the Treaty of Lausanne (1923). One of the finest villages in the region, with its old stones and its madrasa converted into a university. Check-in at a charming hotel in Mustafapasa. Transfer: 1h.
D2 – Keslik Monastery / Golgoli cave dwellings / Mustafapasa
Short transfer to Keslik Monastery (10th century), showing the life of monks in the early centuries of Christianity. Then Cemil village and a picnic in the Golgoli cave dwellings, nests carved into the tuff cones. Return to Mustafapasa through apricot orchards and vineyards. Dinner and night in the same charming hotel. Walk: 4-5h. Elevation: +381m / -345m. Transfer: 20min.
D3 – Gomede Valley / Pancarlik Valleys / Ortahisar
Departure through Gömede Valley, dotted with monasteries, rock dwellings and huge dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Late-afternoon arrival at Ortahisar village (the 'middle tower'), dominated by a rock fortress. Night in a charming hotel in Ortahisar. Walk: 4-5h. Elevation: +230m / -340m.
D4 – Ihlara Valley / Derinkuyu / Ortahisar
Transfer to Selime in the Ihlara Valley, visit its 6th-century cave monastery. Hike in the Ihlara Canyon (14 km, up to 150 m high) along the Melendiz River, with its churches decorated with colourful frescoes. On the way, visit the underground city of Derinkuyu (UNESCO), eight levels and 55 m of galleries. Return to Ortahisar. Walk: 4-5h. Elevation: +250m / -300m. Transfer: 3h.
D5 – Ortahisar / Meskendir Valley / Red and Rose Valleys / Çavusin
First steps in the still-secret Meskendir Valley, crossed by small tunnels. Then a hike to Güllüdere and Kizilcukur, the legendary Rose and Red valleys, with red tones lit by white streaks, at the foot of the Bozdag plateau. Typical lunch in the heart of the Red Valley. Visit of the old village of Çavusin and its basilica dedicated to St John the Baptist. Night in Çavusin. Walk: 5-6h. Elevation: +339m / -490m.
D6 – Çavusin / White Valley / Uchisar / Pigeon Valley / Goreme
Departure through Akvadi, the White Valley, bristling with fairy chimneys of beautiful white tuff. Arrival at Uçhisar, gathered around its rocky promontory (the Fortress), climb to the top for the panoramic view. After lunch, walk to Güvercinlik, the Pigeon Valley, then arrival at Göreme and its famous city. Return to Çavusin. Walk: 5-6h. Elevation: +339m / -490m.
D7 – Çavusin / Bozdag Plateau / Pasabag Fairy Chimneys / Çavusin
Beautiful 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 nearly perfect conical shapes. Varied and colourful erosion formations along the way. Night in Çavusin. Walk: 5-6h. Elevation: +500m / -500m.
D8 – Kayseri / France
Transfer to Kayseri airport and return flight to France. Transfer: 1h.
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
- Double airport assistance (in person and by phone)
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
Frequently asked questions
How difficult are the Cappadocia hikes? Level 2: 4 to 6 hours of walking per day on sometimes rough terrain.
Do I carry my luggage? Only what you need for the day.
Who guides the trip? A qualified Turkish guide who speaks the group's language.
Where do we stay? 7 nights in charming 2-star hotels.
What about meals? Full board: picnic lunch on walking days and dinner in the evening. Meals on the first and last day are not included.
How big is the group? 4 to 15 participants.
When can I go? Spring, summer and autumn.
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