Cappadocia Guided Walk
Cappadocia Guided Walk
Cappadocia Guided Walk
8 Days Starting and ending in Kayseri, Turkey
Visiting: Cappadocia, Goreme, Ihlara, Uchisar, Kayseri
Tour operator:
Tour code:
COG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia with our guided walking tour. Explore the region's unique geological formations, including the iconic fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches, as you traverse the Red and Rose Valleys, Uzengi and Pancarlik Valleys, and the historic village of Ortahisar. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Goreme Open Air Museum and the Derinkuyu underground city, and experience genuine cultural exchanges with the local people. Stay in charming accommodations in Cavusin and Uchisar, and enjoy delicious Turkish meals. This moderate-grade adventure promises breathtaking views, historical insights, and a deep connection with nature.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Circular Walk Around The Red & Rose Valleys (3-4Hrs)
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cavusin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Setting out from Cavusin village today we hike to the Goreme open-air museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of 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 frescoes inside the Goreme open-air museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. In the afternoon continue to the Red valley, another beautiful valley in Cappadocia with spectacular formations and colours; full of old cave houses, complexes and hidden churches from the old Christian civilization. Although it is not definite, the common belief is that most of the churches and complexes carved out of the cliff face date back to the 8th and 9th centuries and its decorative reliefs and frescoes added in the 10th and 11th centuries. In the late afternoon, we arrive our accommodation in Cavusin. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Walking distance: approx. 10-12km/3.75mi
Day 2 : Circular Walk Around The Red & Rose Valleys (3-4Hrs)
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cavusin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Setting out from Cavusin village today we hike to the Goreme open-air museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of 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 frescoes inside the Goreme open-air museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. In the afternoon continue to the Red valley, another beautiful valley in Cappadocia with spectacular formations and colours; full of old cave houses, complexes and hidden churches from the old Christian civilization. Although it is not definite, the common belief is that most of the churches and complexes carved out of the cliff face date back to the 8th and 9th centuries and its decorative reliefs and frescoes added in the 10th and 11th centuries. In the late afternoon, we arrive our accommodation in Cavusin. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Walking distance: approx. 10-12km/6.2-7.4mi
Day 3 : Explore The Uzengi And Pancarlik Valleys And Visit Ortahisar Village (5Hrs)
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cavusin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the ruins of Gomeda, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia dating from the iconoclastic period. From here we start our walk and explore the Uzengi and Pancarlik valleys. We will ramble on a plateau offering a magnificent view on the Uzengi valley then enter Pancarlik valley, with numerous cones and fairy chimneys decorating our way. We will also visit Kepez, Sarica & Pancarlik churches for their architectural interest. In the afternoon we arrive in Ortahisar village, famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named. After lunch in Ortahisar we travel via Ortahisar and continue our walk through a beautiful scenic valley with amazing geological formations towards Ibrahim pasha village, where the historical stone bridge and original Greek stone houses draw our attention. Here we take time to enjoy the authentic atmosphere and taste an original cup of Turkish tea or coffee. By vehicle we return to our accommodation in Cavusin.
Walking distance: (Gomeda to Ortahisar ia Pancarlik) 9km/5.59mi
Walking distance: (Ortahisar to Ibrahim pasha) 4km/2.48mi
Day 4 : Bozdag Round Balkon Route (4-5Hrs)
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Cavusin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start our walk from our accommodation in Cavusin and up the Bozdag summit route. We proceed along the summit accompanied by views of Cappadocia. After crossing a few more small hills on the summit plateau, we reach the flagpole. After enjoying the magnificent view of the whole of Cappadocia, we start the descent to the Balkon route, which runs parallel to Bozdag and Red & Rose valley. Enjoying the view of the Rose Valley and Red Valley landscape we reach Cavusin. In the late afternoon we arrive to our accommodation.
Walking distance: approx. 10km/6.25mi
Day 5 : Drive To The Zemi Valley & Visit Goreme, Walk To Uchisar (6-7Hrs)
Location: Goreme
Accommodation Name: Pension/Guesthouse in Uchisar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we leave Cavusin and drive to entrance of Zemi valley. We start our walk in the green Zemi valley. among wind eroded volcanic rocks, beautiful rock formations, caves in cliffs and tall poplar trees. At the end of the valley there will be the opportunity to visit the El Nazar church and Goreme open air museum. The El Nazar church is carved from one piece of a rock, with nice frescoes showing scenes in a chronological order. After lunch in Goreme we continue our walk through Pigeon valley with spectacular views of the natural cliffs and handmade caves and pass through a few tunnels carved into the rock. Our walk leads us directly to Uchisar village, where it is possible to visit the high viewpoint known as “the fortress”. Many rooms, hollowed 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.
Walking distance: approx. 10-12km/6.2-7.4mi
Day 6 : Transfer To Ilhara, Visit Derinkuyu And Selime Monastery (2-3Hrs)
Location: Ihlara
Accommodation Name: Pension/Guesthouse in Uchisar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to Ihlara. En route we will visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, which opened to visitors in 1965. The city is approximately 85m deep, but only 10% of the city can be visited. It contains all the usual rooms found in an underground city: stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries, as well as a large room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling on the second floor which served as a missionary school and other study rooms. We will walk in the famous Ihlara valley, a 14km canyon with hundreds of rock- cut rooms and churches. This valley proved to be an ideal place for Monks to worship in seclusion, as well as provide a safe hideaway 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. After lunch in Belisirma village we continue our walk to Selime where we visit the monastery, a complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope and a must-see in the region. In the late afternoon we drive back to our accommodation in Uchisar.
Walking distance: approx. 8km/5mi (Ihlara to Belisirma)
Transfer time: 1 hr, distance: 95km/59.4mi (Cappadocia to Ihlara via Derinkuyu / one way)
Day 7 : Follow The Old River Bed Of The Akvadi Valley (2Hrs), Visit Saruhan Caravanserai
Location: Uchisar
Accommodation Name: Pension/Guesthouse in Uchisar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we walk through narrow and pictures streets of Uchisar village down to Akvadi, a famous valley following an old river bed, used today for vineyards. A special section at the end of the valley is worth seeing. At the end of the valley we meet with our vehicle and continue the day with a visit to Saruhan caravanserai, considered to have been built in 1238 and known as the last caravanserai to be built in the area. We conclude the day with a visit to Avanos, where the most famous historical feature, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used. We will visit one of the pottery studios and you will try to shape your own. In the late afternoon we drive back to our accommodation in Uchisar.
Walking distance: approx. 6km/3.75mi
Day 8 : Transfer To Airport At Kayseri, Trip Concludes
Location: Kayseri
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast there is a group transfer to Kayseri airport where the trip concludes.
Transfer time: 1 hr, distance: 80km/50mi (Cappadocia to Kayseri airport)
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are Turkish style and will generally include cheese (feta), olives, eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, jam, honey, bread, tea or coffee, fruits. At lunch, we often go to a local restaurant where a fixed menu is generally provided.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation: 4 nights in a character-filled hotel, 3 nights in a comfortable pension on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Group Transfers
Group arrival and departure transfer from Kayseri airport to Cappadocia.
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Itinerary Transfers
Transfers as detailed in the itinerary.
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Guided Tour
English speaking guide.
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Emergency Support
Emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Kayseri Airport
Travel to and from Kayseri Airport is not included.
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are booking a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for historical and natural sites (allow EUR 20) are not included.
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Private Transfers
Transfers not listed as included.
Private airport transfers if required. -
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as Turkish bath and Hot Air Balloon flight are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
7 nights 2* hotel. Accommodation during the trip is charming and character-filled - a hotel in Cavusin and a pension/guesthouse in Uchisar in Cappadocia.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily walks of around 3-7 hours per day. There are some steep sections over loose trails during the walk and such sections of the trail require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.
Mode of Transport
Group arrival and departure transfer from Kayseri airport and Cappadocia, with transfers as detailed in the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation: 4 nights in a character-filled hotel in Cavusin and 3 nights in a comfortable pension/guesthouse in Uchisar, both on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are Turkish style and generally include cheese (feta), olives, eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, jam, honey, bread, tea or coffee, and fruits. Lunches are often at local restaurants with a fixed menu.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, group arrival and departure transfers from Kayseri airport to Cappadocia are included in the tour package.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour includes an English-speaking guide and access to an emergency hotline for support.
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Are entrance fees to historical and natural sites included?
No, entrance fees for historical and natural sites are not included. You should allow approximately EUR 20 for these fees.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities such as a Turkish bath and a Hot Air Balloon flight are available but not included in the tour package.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks during the tour?
The walking is moderate (grade 3) with daily walks of around 3-7 hours per day. There are some steep sections over loose trails that require care. A reasonable level of fitness is needed to participate fully in this adventure.
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What is the walking distance covered each day?
The walking distances vary each day, ranging from approximately 6km to 12km (3.75mi to 7.4mi).
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to local villages, historical sites, and opportunities to interact with local people. You will also visit Avanos pottery studios where you can try shaping your own pottery.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.