Cappadocia Trekking

Initial region Cappadocia

Duration 8 Days

Language English, Spanish

Price € 1.350 _{/ person}

• Trek amongst the fairytale rocks of Cappadocia

• Discover the historic and cultural secrets of this region

• Visit the underground city of Kaymakli

• Trek along Ihlara Valley and Visit cave churches

DAY 1. Transfer to hotel in Göreme.

We meet at the Kayseri airport and drive to Göreme. Stay in Göreme.

DAY 2. Walk from White valley to Pigeon valley, visit Uchisar castle(15km)

We have a short transfer to white valley. Route takes us to Uchisar castle through the monolith rock formations. Due to these mushroom shaped formations on the slopes the valley is also called 'Love valley'. We ascend to Uchisar town. We have lunch in a local restaurant then visit the castle. It is a naturally formed rock structure with full of caves used as dwellings, storages and stalls. As it is the highest spot of central Cappadocia, It was always a strategic point during war times. We walk up to the top of the castle. Then we continue our walk through Pigeon valley. The valley accommodates a big number of pigeon houses. Pigeon’s guanos were used to fertilize the fields by locals. As they contain 15 percent nitrogen, they were nutritionally beneficial for dry soils like Cappadocia. There are thousands of lofts carved out of rock faces around the region. We descend to Göreme town. You can have invigorating Turkish bath 'Hamam' before we head back to the hotel.

DAY 3. Walk from Göreme to Çavuşin via Red Valley and explore hidden churches (12km)

Today we start our hike directly from hotel. We walk up to the panoramic view point of Göreme. The path will take us down to orchards valley where you can see variety of fruit trees. We have a chance to see Aynalı church enroute. Then we join the route of Red valley. It is one of the most spectacular valleys of Cappadocia. Due to the high temperature and iron oxide in the lava valleys have been formed in different color. Then we head down to Çavuşin village. Overnight stay in Çavuşin.

DAY 4. Walk Ihlara valley to Selime Monastery,visit underground city (16 km)

Optional hot air balloon ride. Cappadocia is one of the best hot air balloon ride spots in the world. Early in the morning dozens of balloons take off and form a stunning skyline in the region. As it is the best way to witness the picturesque formations entirely, it has become the most popular activity and highlight of the region. In the morning we start with a short photo break. The spot has a tremendous view overlooking Göreme town and formations with the volcano at the background. Then we drive to Kaymaklı Underground city. Underground cities are one of the top highlights of Cappadocia. They were the living quarters and shelters of the locals during war times throughout the history. Although the first inhabitants are thought to be Hittites, most of them were reformed and enlarged by Christian communities against Arab-Sassanid’s raids. With long passages, labyrinth tunnels, chapels, vineries and a big number of storages, they are more like subterranean villages with the capacity of thousands. Kaymaklı underground city is one of the largest in the region consisting of 4 floors open to public. It was listed as a World Heritage site in 1985.We continue on to Ihlara valley. The gorge stretches 14 km from Ihlara to Selime town. It was formed by Melendiz River which still flows helping cultivation of the area. The gorge also provides an ideal place for early Christian monks. There are caves, churches and storages as well as safe hideaway tunnels on both side of the river. We walk along the river seeing rock-cut churches and field enroute. After having lunch in one of the authentic restaurants by the river we continue on our walk towards Selime Monastery. It is situated on a hill top overlooking Selime town. Monastery is a 9th century religious complex consisting of a cathedral, chapel, education hall, dormitory and kitchen. There are still some wall paintings can be seen in the churches. We ascend to the top fallowing a steep path and stroll around rock dwellings enjoying the scenery. Then we return to hotel.

DAY 5. Walk from Zemi, Ortahisar Pancarlık valley to Mustafapaşa(15km).

Stay in MustafapaşaToday we walk through green Zemi valley. Starting from Göreme we ascend to Ortahisar through green fields and spectacular rock formations. We have lunch in the village then carry on to Pancarlık valley. Following tractor road we reach to valley bottom and ascend gradually. We see monumental pigeon houses reroute. Crossing the stream several times we make our way to the top of Gomeda valley and descend to Mustafapaşa. Mustafapaşa, also known as Sinasos was a prosperous town of Greek merchant until 1924.After the population exchange between Turkey and Greece, it was abandoned and partly reinhabited by Turkish families from Macedonia.

DAY 6. Walk Keşlik-Cemil village to Mustafapaşa(13km)

We have a short transfer to Keşlik monastery.Here we have chance to explore 11th century monastic life and churches. We start our hike towards Cemil village. It is a great opportunity to observe local life. Then we head to Mustafapaşa on the ridges admiring the beauty of the mother nature. We return to hotel in Mustafapaşa.

DAY 7. Trek to Mt. Bozdag and Pasabag, afternoon is free time. (7km)

After having breakfast in hotel, we drive to sunset point of red valley and start our ascent to Mt. Bozdag. We trek to 1450 meters high and enjoy the views of region from summit. The trail takes us to Pasabag and here we visit monks and hermits caves. So called St. Simeon cave is located here. This afternoon is left free to you for shopping or experiencing Turkish bath.

DAY 8. Transfer to Kayseri Airport.

We drive to airport from hotel tour ends in Kayseri Airport.

• *All Meals
• *Air conditioned vehicle for all necessary transfers
• *English speaking or Spanish speaking licensed tour guide
• *All accommodation
• *Entrance fees to historical sites, museums and national park

• *Drinks during tour
• *Personal expenses.