Itinerary Expand all Fly to Kayseri, transfer to Goreme. Fly to Kayseri airport and transfer to the hotel. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions. Sobek Stone House or similar Day 1 Start Goreme There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive in Goreme at any time. In the evening our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.Sobek Stone House or similar Day 2 Trek through Akvadi (White Valley), visit Uchisar Citadel, highest point in Cappadocia Today's trek takes us through the Akvadi Valley. Perfectly eroded over time this fascinating landscape presents curious rock formations and fairytale chimneys that wouldn't look out of place in a Dali painting. If we are lucky we may spot wildlife such as the beautiful hoopoe (with its distinctive call) or an Eurasian fox along the way. After approximately 3 hours of walking we arrive at Uchisar village where we will take lunch in a local restaurant before climbing the citidal embedded into the rock above. From here we will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding surreal landscape. In the afternoon we follow a path that leeds us to the Guvercinlik (or Pigeon Valley) where pigeons are encouraged to roost so the local people from the region can collect their droppings to use as fertiliser. We will then continue to the town of Goreme. Walk: Distance 12 km Ascent 400 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 1350 m Time: 5 hours Sobek Stone House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Walk to Zemi valley and through Gomede Valley; afternoon explore Mustafpasa Today we have a short transfer before we start our trek in Zemi valley. The path leads us through orchards and mesmerizing tunnels to a Panoramic view point, where we meet our bus and drive to Ayvalı. İn the afternoon we have a short walk through the Gomede Valley from Ayvalı to Mustafapaşa village where we stop for tea break in a local cafe. Mustafapasa 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 will be able to spot the Greek influence on the architecture on some of these buildings. In the afternoon there is time to explore this village before returning to our hotel. Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 280m Descent 400m Max Altitude 1150m Time: 5-6 hours Sobek Stone House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Explore the beautiful rock formations of the Pancarlik and Kizilcukur (Red) Valley After breakfast we transfer to the beautiful Pancarlik Valley. Smooth surfaces on the rock face undulate like waves, whilst the pastel colours intertwined with vineyards and cultivated gardens add colour to this extraordinary landscape. It is also possible spot Sarica and Kepez churches ingrained into the rock chimneys that rise forcefully from the ground. After lunch we head through the Kizilcukur Valley, also known as the Red Valley, for the dramatic sunset colours. Amongst the network of paths that connect the small villages of this valley we visit some of the churches that pepper the area, ending our day's walk in the village of Cavisom before returning to our hotel. Walk: Distance 12 km Ascent 200 m Descent 200 m Max Altitude 1200 m Time: 5-6 hours Sobek Stone House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Walk through Pasabaglari (Monks) Valley; trek up Bozdag, the highest point in the area offering stunning views Today 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 their abodes high up in the rock chimneys, using footholes and rope to climb in. Inside these dwellings are surprisingly spacious with some rooms hollowed out to around 15m high. Once through the valley we head up to Bozdag, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering some outstanding views. Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 300 m Descent 200 m Max Altitude 1300 m Time: 5 hours Sobek Stone House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Visit the underground city of Kaymakli; afternoon walk through the Ihlara Valley, the deepest, longest canyon in Cappadocia 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 its 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 back to the 11th Century, before arriving back in Cappadocia. Walk: Distance 7 km Ascent 100 m Descent 200 m Max Altitude 1300 m Time: 4-5 hours Sobek Stone House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Walk along the Zindanonu Valley passing the Goreme open air museum with carved caves and Byzantine frescoes 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. In around 1000-1200 AD orthodox monks carved places of worship from the soft volcanic stone and decorated them with beautifully elaborate Byzantine frescoes, many of which are still very much intact to this day. The late afternoon is then free to unwind after a truly memorable week. Walk: Distance 7 km Ascent 200 m Descent 0 m Max Altitude 1300 m Time: 2 hours Sobek Stone House or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner End Goreme, transfer to Kayseri; fly to London. End Goreme, transfer to Kayseri; fly to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Goreme Our adventure ends after breakfast in Goreme. Those on the group flights will be transferred back to Kayseri for the flight to London. Meals included: Breakfast
Turkey From 2 March 2020, nationals of Great Britain, the European Union Schengen area, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes will no longer need a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you’re travelling before 2 March, you will still need a visa.
Sobek Stone House Sobek Stone House is a stylish, characterful hotel surrounded by the natural beauty of Cappadocia. Recently renovated to a high standard and with tasteful décor throughout, the hotel facilities include a bar and an outdoor swimming pool, and a breakfast buffet is served daily. All rooms have en suite facilities and offer air conditioning.
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Reviewed December 2019 Mary Dunn Trip: Walking in Cappadocia 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 I've done lots of this kind of trip. He was kind, attentive, diplomatic and very cheerful. The walking was pretty relaxed and we went at a slow pace and it was all quite easy. The main point of our walks was to see the beautiful landscapes and hidden, painted rock churches. The food was plentiful and delicious and we were well looked after. The only bad points are the hotel Ciner, which wasn't great (days without hot water, no bar to hang out in at night, and repetitive food at breakfast) but it was close to the town centre and adequate for our needs. Also the communication from Exodus prior to the trip wasn't good. But the locals in Goreme, including our guide, worked hard to look after us and it's a really beautiful part of Turkey to experience. The walking routes were dry, dusty and exposed so hats, sunglasses and water are recommended. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Just being able to walk at a leisurely pace so that we could fully take in the magnificent landscape and awesome rock formations. What did you think of your group leader? Excellent in every way! He dealt with a tricky situation diplomatically when we had a challenging member of the group. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Proper walking boots are a must for the rocky, dusty paths.
Reviewed October 2018 Richard Crookes Trip: Walking in Cappadocia 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 i was alright by the end of the walk. Another "patient" was helped in the same way. The group was 17 strong and this took all his resources. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The chance to see the underground city. What did you think of your 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. Do you have any 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! Is there anything else you would like to add? No.
Reviewed June 2018 John Carter Trip: Walking in Cappadocia 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 driver . Nothing to much trouble for our guide or driver 👍 What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The balloon flight spectacular 120 balloons in air at once . What did you think of your group leader? Alcan great friendly nothing to much trouble Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Try this trip well worth a week of your life Is there anything else you would like to add? 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
Reviewed May 2018 Vivien Urban Trip: Walking in Cappadocia Great trip! This is a great trip and we had a lovely group. I travelled from the end of April to early May. The weather was great. Although rain and storms were forecasted while I was there, we had beautiful sunshine with some picturesque white clouds (look great on my pictures) and it was quite hot so make sure you take your sunscreen and a sunhat. Mornings were a bit chillier but not too cold and the weather warmed up quickly during the day. If you are considering the ballooning, take some warmer clothes too. The walks were lovely and all quite different. We saw some interesting rock formations on the way, not to mention the stunning landscapes. Some of the walks are flat while others are quite steep and slippery so good walking boots and walking poles come handy. Don't underestimate a moderate trip. Water from a big water container was provided on the bus as well as in the hotel. Make sure you have your own bottle so you can keep refilling it. If you have a hiking hydration bladder bag, that is the best to take. We also stopped at little local cafes during our walks. My favourite was the freshly squeezed orange and pomegranate juice (mixed). Make sure you try that! Our leader was a character, entertaining, knowledgeable and helpful. The locals are friendly. The hotel was 3 star, a bit tired but for only 10 minutes walk from the town so it was convenient, we could easily walk there for some souvenir shopping in our free time. All meals were included on my tour and the portions were generous... Lucky we did all that walking!! If you are considering doing this trip, I recommend budgeting in the balloon ride. It is such an amazing experience. I am afraid of heights and I was a bit worried but it is so relaxing up there with such a wonderful view that I even forgot about feeling scared. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The hot balloon ride definitely. Cappadocia is the place to do it. Love Valley was a highlight too. What did you think of your group leader? Alkan has a great knowledge of the area and looked after the group well. He was funny and engaged with us. Also offered to take us to places that were not part of the original itinerary. He has a real passion for his country and he wanted to share that with us. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Make sure you take a water bottle and your walking poles. Is there anything else you would like to add? This trip is great value for money. My group flight was through Istanbul so I did a stopover on the way back. It is worth doing.
Reviewed June 2017 Nigel Donovan Trip: Walking in Cappadocia Walking in Cappadocia From the moment I started having information sent back to me in 2016 I have been impressed with all aspects of the trip. The walks were all different and well organised. Our driver (Reg) was excellent at no time did I have any concern for our safety. Sensible routes and breaks made the trip a really harmonious event. I can only encourage people to take holidays in Turkey as they need our support . What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The first walk with the "fairy towers" landscope was a revelation. The balloon ride was breathtaking and well worth two false starts. What did you think of your group leader? Firat Solak was excellent. He was both informative and humourous. His pace on the walks was just right for the various members. His checks on the state of the members showed a good understanding of what was going on during the day. The places we ate during the day and evening was a hit with everyone. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go as soon as possible. Is there anything else you would like to add? The roof area of the hotel was slightly tired but the helpfullness of people, the food and the position of the hotel was excellent.
Reviewed June 2017 Brian Hills Trip: Walking in Cappadocia walking in cappadocia may/june 2017 sid A very enjoyable week in a unique area,local people were welcoming and all the food provided varied and tasty. Five of the walks were 5*, day 3 Kavac to Bahceli had to much road walking though the first rest stop and final village were worth visiting,manageable walks for first timers like ourselves.A good mixed group.The only small disappointment was the accommodation not as described,we stayed at Goreme, hotel Matiasos ,it was clean,good staff,good breakfast but no bar or public area to chill out, also bathroom to small to dry yourself with towel. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The balloon trip,worth getting up at 4am. What did you think of your group leader? Fred was a star,looked after us 24/7 Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Possibly take a little more spends 100 sterling would be a bit tight for drinks and tips,150 each more like it.All prices are in turkish or euros,balloon trip was 150 euros or 130 sterling each Is there anything else you would like to add? Just do it
Reviewed November 2015 Robert Taylor Trip: Walking in Cappadocia Walking in Cappadocia A totally unique landscape which is a "Must See" if you want something different. The walks are mostly in valleys and are easy. We've never seen so many caves! This is the true way to see Turkey and meet the people, who are very friendly and welcoming. Don't expect to loose weight though - the traditional food is very tasty and plentiful! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Hard to say as it was all great. The valley walks are fascinating. We also went on an early morning (start before sunrise) balloon trip which was brilliant- well organised and magical. Over 100 balloons in the air at the same time. It was like fairyland as we set off in the early morning twilight seeing all the flames from the gas burners lighting up the balloons - never to be forgotten! Remember to take your camera! One thing that will always stay with us is one morning whilst walking through a local village an old lady gave us some freshly baked bread to taste and a man came across with some molasses he was preparing in which we dipped the bread - it was like nectar. Someone else then came over with grape juice to sample. What a nice gesture by a poor community. What did you think of your group leader? Ferat was an excellent leader, living up to the exodus high standards we have always experienced. Our driver was also excellent, very safe and thoughtful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a travel sink plug for the sink in the hotel - there wasn't one in it! Although the walks are easy you will still need good boots as the ground can be rough. Is there anything else you would like to add? The hotel bedrooms / bathrooms were adequate & clean but not of the usual standards we expected. The sitting areas are comfortable & plentiful in traditional décor. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.
Reviewed November 2015 Stuart Mann Trip: Walking in Cappadocia Walking in Cappadocia We arrived in Cavusin after 2 flights, with Turkish airways, that were on time, comfortable and with good food.Our hotel 'Green Hotel', was just opposite a 'fairy chimney' of incredible beauty. Our room wasn' t the better one that the Hotel had but it was nevertheless comfortable with ensuite shower.The people there did their utmost to welcome us and the new chef's food was glorious. Our guide Omer was a lovely fellow,with a good sense of humor, good English and with plenty of knowledge of the local history. The walks were varied and interesting, not tiring at all and we were lucky to have wonderfully warm days with blue skies. For me the best of the walks were through the red valley and Ihlara valley ,my wife also liked the first one very much :the Akvadi and up to Uchisar: spectacular views at the top !But we both were thrilled with our first Hot Air balloon flight, in perfect weather with a perfectionist Pilot that landed the basket onto the waiting trailer!!! Amazing. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? the Hot air balloon flight was incredible, the views of the 'fairy chimneys' amazing. The rock formations of the 'red valley' and the white. Goreme open air museum with its many churches and frescoes. What did you think of your group leader? Omer was a calm ,relaxed guy with a sense of humor and plenty of knowledge, a really likeable fellow: he never was put out if my wife was recording whilst he was talking of the churches ,history or else. He always obliged when we stopped to take pics Do you have any advice for potential travellers? We would recomend taking trekking poles as they do help with unsteady terrain and climbing on the rocks. Is there anything else you would like to add? We ate too much ,perhaps if we had to choose our lunch we would have preferred it.
Reviewed July 2015 Ann Priestley Trip: Walking in Cappadocia Walking in Cappadocia TTG Truly awesome place. Challenging in places but a great way to push yourself and achieve. Great guide, so knowledgeable. We had lessons in Language, Religion, Geology, Politics, History and Turkey. Nobody passed the 'exams'! Lots of fun and laughter. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Contouring Table Mountain. I was worried but Ilhan, our guide, gave me confidence to do it. What did you think of your group leader? Ilhan Senturk...superb leader. As I said before, he gave lessons. We learnt so much. We enjoyed so much. We were a team helping each other when needed. He never rushed us. Lovely guy with a sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just do it. No such thing as cannot. Is there anything else you would like to add? On your packing list please add sink/bath plug. I was advised to take £100 of Lira. A tad more would have been more comfortable. Tell people about the hot air balloons in more detail as the cost is quite high.
Reviewed July 2015 Carol Capper Trip: Walking in Cappadocia Walking in Cappadocia This was my first Exodus trip and I was very impressed with the whole holiday. The organisation was first class and I can't praise our Trip Leader enough. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile. If anyone wants a first class holiday with mind blowing scenery then Cappadocia must come top of your list of treks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The walking on the table top mountain and the amazing scenery on the walk around the mountain and the valley - in fact too many highlights to mention. One of the most amazing holidays I've ever had. What did you think of your group leader? Ilhan was amazing. He was exceptionally knowledgeable on all subjects and was happy to answer any questions we put to him. A big thank you to him. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You need really good walking boots for this holiday.
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