Walking in Cappadocia

Name: Walking in Cappadocia
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (27 reviews)

27 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

Walk a volcano-forged world of fairytale chimneys and underground cities

Turkey has long been underrated as a trekking destination, but with the fairytale rock chimneys of Cappadocia rising majestically from an otherworldly landscape, it should not be overlooked. This unique landscape was formed by the eruptions of three volcanoes, Erciyes, Hasan and Melendiz, which created one of the most distinctive landscapes in the world. The great walking and staggering scenery of this region make for a highly memorable trip.

Key Information

Trip Code: TTG
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Turkey
Carbon Footprint: 28kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

6 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6ph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
Altitude maximum: 4,265ft (1,300m); average: 3,280ft (1,000m)

Day 2: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 3: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 4: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 5: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 6: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 7: 7 km / 4.3 miles

Highlights

Trek among the fairytale rock chimneys of Cappadocia
Discover the historic and cultural secrets of this region
Visit the underground city of Kaymakli

Itinerary

First Destination: Cappadocia
Next Destination: Cappadocia

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Cappadocia
Next Destination: Cappadocia

There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive in Cappadocia at any time. In the evening, our guide holds a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Today’s trek takes us through the Akvadi. Eroded over time, this fascinating valley presents curious rock formations and fairytale chimneys that wouldn’t look out of place in a Salvador Dalí painting. If we are lucky, we may spot wildlife such as the beautiful hoopoe (with its distinctive call) or a Eurasian fox along the way. After approximately three hours of walking, we arrive at Uchisar village, where we take lunch in a local restaurant before climbing the citadel embedded into the rock above. From here, we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the surreal landscape. In the afternoon, we follow a path that leads us to the Guvercinlik (or Pigeon Valley), where pigeons are encouraged to roost so the local people can collect their droppings to use as fertiliser. We then continue to the town of Goreme.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an optional early morning hot-air balloon ride – then we have a short transfer before we start our trek in Zemi Valley. The path leads us through orchards and mesmerising tunnels to a panoramic viewpoint, where we meet our bus and drive to Ayvalı. In the afternoon, we have a short walk through the Gomeda Valley from Ayvalı to Mustafapaşa village, where we stop for tea in a cafe. Mustafapaşa used to be one of the richest towns in Anatolia until the 1924 population exchange, which forced the Greeks living in Turkey to move to Greece and vice versa. You can spot the Greek influence in some of the architecture. In the afternoon, there is time to explore this village before returning to our hotel.

Max altitude: 3,775ft (1,150m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to the beautiful Pancarlik Valley. Smooth surfaces on the rockface undulate like waves, while the pastel colours intertwined with vineyards and cultivated gardens add colour to this extraordinary landscape. It is also possible to spot Sarica and Kepez churches ingrained into the rock chimneys that rise from the ground. After lunch, we head through the Kizilcukur Valley, also known as the Red Valley, for the dramatic sunset. Among the network of paths that connect the small villages of this valley, we visit some of the churches that pepper the area, ending our walk in the village of Cavusin before returning to our hotel.

Max altitude: 3,940ft (1,200m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our trek takes us through Pasabaglari, formerly known as Monk’s Valley. Here it is possible to see the dwellings of the hermits of Cappadocia, who distanced themselves from the world by carving abodes high up in the rock chimneys, using foot holes and ropes to climb in. Inside, these dwellings are surprisingly spacious with some rooms hollowed out to around 50ft (15m) high. Once through the valley, we head up to Bozdag, the highest point in Cappadocia, for outstanding views.

Max altitude: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we transfer to the underground city of Kaymakli, built by early Christians to avoid religious persecution. This fascinating construction is an elaborate system of tunnels and caves, featuring everything from communal living spaces and kitchens to stables, a church and graveyard, not to mention being fortified to protect the inhabitants. We then drive to the village of Selime, where we begin our walk, following the Melendiz River until we reach Belisirma, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we head down the Ihlara Valley, the deepest and longest valley in the region, passing Byzantine monasteries and churches that date to the 11th century, before arriving back in Cappadocia.

Max altitude: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our last day takes us through the Zindanonu Valley and up onto a viewpoint of the town of Goreme and the Goreme Open-Air Museum. The Goreme Valley itself holds some of the finest collections of painted cave churches in the region. Around 1000 CE to 1200 CE, orthodox monks carved places of worship from the soft volcanic stone and decorated them with elaborate Byzantine frescoes, many of which are still intact today. The late afternoon is then free to unwind after a truly memorable week.

Max altitude: 4,265ft (1,300m)

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Sobek Stone House

Mornings at Sobek Stone House are nothing short of magical: as you sip your first coffee, hot-air balloons drift above the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. On the edge of Love Valley, this 29-room boutique retreat offers sweeping views over the Kızılçukur Valley, the ancient rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum, and the fairytale spires of Uçhisar Castle. Each room is individually decorated, while the hotel facilities – a hobby garden, observation tower, and indoor and outdoor pools − provide a welcoming sanctuary when you return from a day of adventure.

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Room upgrades: Upgrades are available throughout this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Essential Information

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have six days of walking with vehicle support taking us to and from each walk. All treks are on undulating trails at low altitude. The terrain includes footpaths and mountain terrain, which can be rocky and loose in places with ascents and descents. A good level of fitness is required. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not vital if you are confident of your physical condition. The walks take about five hours and require a moderate level of fitness.

Key information

Hotel: Sobek Stone House, Avcılar, İsali Gaferli, Bilal Eroğlu Cd. No:52, 50180 Nevşehir
Phone: +90 384 271 26 63
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. Check-in is typically from 1pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kayseri Airport (ASR)

Getting to the hotel

The start hotel is just over an hour’s drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Turkey

Travellers from the UK, US, Canada and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkey
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/turkiye
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkey.html

All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included.

Typical meals:

Breakfast: A selection of tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam, cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes and yoghurt.
Lunch and dinner: Often a buffet with several freshly cooked dishes. Kebabs are, of course, found everywhere.

Turkish cuisine is diverse and there is usually something to please everyone. Vegetarians are generally well catered for as many Turkish dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products.

Please note, in Turkey the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home.

Drinks are not included with meals (except breakfast) as a wide variety is normally available and this allows you greater choice. Mineral water, excellent fruit juices, beer and wine are generally available at a reasonable price. Tea (usually taken in small glasses) is cheap, and so is Turkish coffee (strong, taken in small cups). European instant coffee and spirits can be more expensive.

Daytime temperatures in Cappadocia are 22C-30C (72F-86F) in summer at low altitudes. Early mornings may be cooler later in the season. Summers are usually dry; however, rain is possible at any time and the odd storm may occur.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

oren blindell

Added June 2025

Extraordinary Views & Breath taking Balloons

This trip was fab, Cappadocia has an incredibly rare landscape that feels as if you are somewhere out of this world. The walks were varied and a lot greener than I thought they would have been, although you will have definitely seen Cappadocia in depth by the time you leave....

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the Balloons fly at sunrise, we headed up to watch from the cliffs instead of going on the balloons themselves and the views were spectacular. Whether you are in one or watching them, there are about 160 balloons in the sky and it's incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Ayyykut, was engaged with the group and chatty. Had a clear knowledge of his country and was passionate to show us everything it offered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all weathers, yes, Turkey is hot, but central Turkey and the Cappadocia region sits at 1000m above sea level. We got thunder storms, rain, 27 degree heat, sun and over cast days so we really got it all.

Deb Simmons

Added September 2024

Outstanding scenery

Incredible scenery throughout this walking holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing rock formations whether they were seen from the valley floor, from the top of a cliff, the top of a castle or from a hot air balloon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and flexible. Clearly knew the area well and took note of weather and other tourists when choosing the order of our itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Water was no problem, there was a massive bottle on the minibus so we could refill our bottles at the start and half way through any hikes. Every meal we had bottled water for free. The terrain was exciting - often steep slopes where I was glad of sturdy walking boots and poles. Very few problem with insects late August. It was hot (mostly 27 - 33 degrees C) but not too humid. I recommend you take ear plugs, the dawn Muslim call to prayer is very loud at 5 am and we had a barking dog throughout most nights. The balloon ride cost is variable by day. For us it was 180 Euros instead of the expected 320E. You can pay in Turkish Lira. We took Turkish Lira with us and used that throughout the holiday. Many toilets charge 5 or 10 Turkish Lira so keep hold of your low notes. The Whirling Dervish optional event was very much a religious ceremony not entertainment - an interesting experience. One evening we ate outside and had to ask for blankets as we were too cold. Do take a jumper. The day before we arrived they had torrential rain - we were lucky and it only rained a bit in the evenings but it could have been a very different holiday late August - check you take rain gear with you.

Heather Crossland

Added May 2024

Walking in Cappadocia - great trip, poor accommodation

This was a wonderful trip and one I would highly recommend to keen walkers. The scenery in the different valleys was stunning and the guide went above and beyond to offer extra evening activities for us to take part in. Unfortunately, Dreams Cave Hotel let the trip down, as it...

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through Red Valley on a nice warm day with the sun accenting the various coloured rock.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was great and very knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to offer additional activities and adjusted the itinerary to make the most of the weather and conditions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The description of the trip as 'moderate' is fair as the walks were not particularly challenging. However, some of the ascents and descents are quite steep, so take walking poles to provide support on these sections.

Suggestions

I'd highly recommend the trip - walking around every corner revealed another awe-inspiring view and the scenery is completely different to anything you'd get anywhere else.

Jo James

Added September 2023

Amazing landscapes and lots of balloons

The landscape is amazing, the walks mainly involved going down valleys and along the bottom. Descents were tricky as the terrain is rock or scree. Our leader helped the less sure.footed. Take poles. The hotel was great and the food excellent especially breakfast. Lunches involved local restaurants or big buffets,...

Most Inspirational Moment

The Red Valley, stunning rock formations

Thoughts on Group Leader

Haydi was excellent and looked out for everyone. He also organised extra trips including a whirling dervish performance. Our driver was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take jumpers! It was 25 plus in the daytime but cold at night, I travelled the first half of September . Take cash, card machines were erratic. Drinks and snacks are pricey as it is a tourist area

Eliza Z

Added May 2023

Beautiful landscapes

This was a very good trip. The landscapes of Cappadocia are truly otherworldly and like nothing I’ve ever seen. Our guide, Aykut, was very good. We had a group of 16 and while some found the walks more challenging than others, everyone seemed happy. Good pacing both on the walks...

Most Inspirational Moment

Views from the balloon and Göreme Open Air Museum (where I would have liked to have a bit more time).

Yolanda Harris

Added December 2022

A Good Trip although you must be a keen walker

6 days of walking. After the first 3 valleys they start to look the same (how many pigeon holes do you need to see?) but the group was great, and the guide was enthusiastic and patient, managing the fast walkers at the front, and the ones at the back who...

Most Inspirational Moment

The churches I visited in the Ilhara valley, and the cathedral we visited on the final day (not one building, again a collection of beautifully decorated rock spaces with Christian wall paintings)

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was patient, with a good sense of humour. He occasionally cam across as a little impatient and on one walk I rarely saw him as I was at the back taking photos and he stayed at the front. Every time I was nearing to catch up he set off again. He was probably on a time schedule and was frustrated. He was very good at sorting out everyone's requirements - ATM visits, people wanting to stop at pharmacies, tracking down the lost luggage of one of the group, and keeping us all informed (often having to repeat the same information 3 or 4 times) and answering all our questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be sure you want to walk for 6 days (or you can always miss a day and relax by the pool at the hotel!). Be prepared to get dusty. Do the balloon flight!

Reply from Exodus

We are grateful that Yolanda has taken the time to leave a review and are glad she had a good holiday, although we’re sorry that the star rating she has given does not reflect the usual positive experience our customers have on this trip. We’re confident that the information we give in the trip notes makes it clear that this is a dedicated walking trip, and believe that the stunning and unique scenery of Cappadocia, which we hope we show off in the ‘Gallery’ page for this trip, is one of the main draws of hiking here. However, there are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and to engage with local Turkish culture; and as Yolanda says, our clients are welcome to take a day off to relax by the pool if they’d like. Vivien Urban, Product Manager

Sharon Townend

Added September 2022

Walking in Cappadocia

All in all, an enjoyable trip with a very friendly group. Really interesting place to visit from a historical and geological point of view. As expected, the scenery is amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hot air balloon ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable about the area (particularly history, geography, restaurants) and well able to adapt the walks to fit with the different weather conditions and fitness levels of the group. Only two minor criticisms: 1) Unlike on previous trips, we were not given the leader's mobile number, which could have posed difficulties for those who were unable to join the day's walk for any reason and needed assistance. 2) The leader tended to walk a long way out in front of the rest of the group on walks during the trip. This was occasionally problematic given the difficulty that less able members of the group faced with some of the descents in this area (i.e steep sections with loose gravel and sand).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for how exhausting the heat can be when walking in Cappadocia. Walks are not particularly long but there are some tricky descents. Also due to the heat there are no packed lunches on this trip so watch out for the tourist lunch buffets - two of the group suffered bad gastric bugs.

Suggestions

The Stone Sobek Hotel was excellent - beautiful rooms, friendly staff and good food. Turkish Airlines, with whom I have flown previously, maintained their very high standard. The new Istanbul Airport is amazing, if rather distant from the city. This was the first Exodus trip that I have done with full board. I can understand that it is difficult to provide packed lunches for walks due to the heat, but there was an excess of food provided at lunchtimes. The tourist lunch buffets (we had two during the week) are in my view to be avoided. I booked the hot air balloon ride in Goreme but was disappointed to hear on arrival that the cost per person (in a 26 + 2 person capacity balloon) was €230 (or £200) instead of the €175 mentioned in the brochure. The leader explained that this was due to high demand from Latin American visitors at the moment. However, my son who is visiting Goreme independently next month has been told by his hotel to expect to pay around £130 to £150 for a balloon ride.

Mary Dunn

Added December 2019

Excellent guide, fascinating trip

Loved the daily walks that we did as we covered some fascinating history and saw a unique part of Turkey that's off the beaten track of the standard beach holidays that people do when they think of Turkey. The guide Ikut was one of the best guides I've seen, and...

Most Inspirational Moment

Just being able to walk at a leisurely pace so that we could fully take in the magnificent landscape and awesome rock formations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent in every way! He dealt with a tricky situation diplomatically when we had a challenging member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Proper walking boots are a must for the rocky, dusty paths.

Richard Crookes

Added October 2018

A good trip

Trip started badly as I was unwell and spent the first day recovering. The course leader (Alkan) was helpful and arranged for the bus to take me to meet up with the other members of the group. I was coughing a lot when I started but this got better and...

Most Inspirational Moment

The chance to see the underground city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was always good humoured full of knowledge of all the sites. He was always prepared to come with us to see us ready to take on the system of shopping and other sightseeing. as well as available on the walks and meal times to give the instructions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of tea and coffee with you - the local stuff is undrinkable. Remember to buy some alcohol before the meal times!

Suggestions

No.

John Carter

Added June 2018

Very good week walking

We really enjoyed the trip with excellent local guide Alcan. Great scenery well balanced walks and good variety of restaurants the balloon flight is a must all in all 5 stars. Well organised trip from start to end .Nice simple hotel ideal as a base . Good transport with excellent...

Most Inspirational Moment

The balloon flight spectacular 120 balloons in air at once .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alcan great friendly nothing to much trouble

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try this trip well worth a week of your life

Suggestions

This an ideal trip for those that like a steady but slightly challenging walk mainly a walk in the park with a few tricky bits but take a waterproof coat it can rain

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Walking in Cappadocia

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Walk a volcano-forged world of fairytale chimneys and underground cities

Key Information

What's Included

6 days of Walking & Trekking

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Sobek Stone House

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the hotel

Catching your return flight

Turkey

Reviews

Extraordinary Views &amp; Breath taking Balloons

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Outstanding scenery

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking in Cappadocia - great trip, poor accommodation

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Amazing landscapes and lots of balloons

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful landscapes

Most Inspirational Moment

A Good Trip although you must be a keen walker

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

Walking in Cappadocia

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Excellent guide, fascinating trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Very good week walking

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

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