At a Glance
Step into the dreamscape of Cappadocia on this enchanting 8-day walking adventure through Turkey, where you will hike through a world sculpted by time and imagination. This journey invites you to explore the ethereal White and Red Valleys, trek among fairytale rock chimneys, and descend into the ancient underground cities of Kaymakli. From the panoramic vistas at Uchisar Castle to the frescoed cave churches of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, this immersive walking tour will reveal the surreal beauty and profound history of this unique land as you hike through a volcano-forged world of fairytale chimneys and underground cities.
Your adventure begins in Cappadocia where you set out to trek through the ethereal White and Red Valleys, where fairy chimneys and rock-hewn churches tell tales of ancient hermits. Ascend the majestic Uchisar ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- 7 nights of accommodation on a twin share basis including a unique cave hotel experience
- All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
- All transport and listed activities
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
- Tour leader throughout
- Internal flights between Istanbul and Kayseri
- Free group arrival and departure transfers available
Itinerary
 |
Upon your arrival in the enchanting realm of Cappadocia, you are free to settle in at your own pace, with no activities scheduled for the day. As evening descends, your guide will host a welcoming meeting to illuminate the adventures of the week ahead, offering insights into the local culture and answering any questions you may have about this captivating landscape. YYou'll stay at the boutique 4 star Sobek Stone House, nestled on the edge of the enchanting Love Valley. This 29-room boutique retreat provides sweeping views of Kızılçukur Valley and Uçhisar Castle, inviting you to unwind in its indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish bath, and sauna after a day of adventure. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, Goreme
None |
Approx. 12km (7 miles), 5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 400m (1312ft) Our journey begins with a trek through the captivating Akvadi, also known as the White Valley. Here, time and erosion have sculpted a landscape filled with curious rock formations and ethereal fairy chimneys that seem plucked from a dreamscape. As we wander through this surreal environment, keep an eye out for local wildlife, perhaps spotting the beautiful hoopoe with its distinctive crown of feathers or a shy Eurasian fox darting among the rocks. After approximately three hours of immersive walking, our path leads us to the historic village of Uchisar. We will pause for lunch at a charming local restaurant, savouring authentic regional flavours. Following our meal, we ascend the magnificent Uchisar Castle, a citadel intricately carved into the towering rock formation that serves as the highest point in Cappadocia. From this unparalleled vantage point, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire surreal landscape, an unforgettable tapestry of valleys and volcanic cones. In the afternoon, we will follow a scenic path to Guvercinlik, more famously known as Pigeon Valley. This valley is named for the countless pigeon houses carved into the soft tuff stone over centuries. Historically, local farmers encouraged pigeons to roost here, collecting their droppings to use as a rich, natural fertiliser for their vineyards and orchards. From there, our walk concludes as we make our way to the charming town of Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia's unique heritage. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, GoremeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 11km (7 miles), 5-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 280m (919ft) As dawn breaks, you have the opportunity to partake in Cappadocia's most iconic spectacle: an optional early morning hot-air balloon ride, where you can drift serenely above the otherworldly landscape. Afterwards, a short transfer brings us to the start of our trek in the tranquil Zemi Valley. Our path meanders through lush orchards and captivating rock-carved tunnels, culminating at a panoramic viewpoint that reveals another stunning perspective of the region. |
|
 |
Here, our transport awaits to take us to the village of Ayvalı. From this starting point, we will embark on a short afternoon walk through the Gomeda Valley, a lesser-known but equally enchanting area with its own unique rock formations and ruins. Our trail leads us to the historic village of Mustafapaşa, once a prosperous Greek settlement known as Sinasos. We'll pause for tea in a local cafe, soaking in the town's distinct atmosphere, where ornate Greek architecture stands as a poignant reminder of the 1924 population exchange. You will have time to explore this fascinating village and its stone mansions before we return to our hotel for the evening. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, GoremeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 12km (7 miles), 5-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 200m (656ft) After a delightful breakfast, our journey continues with a transfer to the picturesque Pancarlik Valley. Here, the rock faces present a mesmerising sight, their smooth surfaces undulating like petrified waves. This extraordinary landscape is further enhanced by a palette of pastel colours from the rock, interwoven with the vibrant green of vineyards and manicured gardens. As we explore, keep an eye out for the Sarica and Kepez churches, remarkable structures carved directly into the towering rock chimneys that define the region. Following lunch, we will make our way to the famed Kizilcukur Valley, more commonly known as the Red Valley. We will time our visit perfectly to witness the dramatic sunset, an event that bathes the dramatic rock formations in fiery hues of red and orange. We will meander through a network of ancient paths that connect the area's small, traditional villages, taking time to visit some of the fascinating rock-hewn churches that are scattered throughout the valley. Our walk concludes in the charming village of Çavuşin, known for its historic cave dwellings and the impressive Church of St. John the Baptist, before we return to the comfort of our hotel for the evening. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, GoremeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 11km (7 miles), 5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 300m (984ft) Our journey continues to Pasabaglari, a landscape of remarkable fairy chimneys, once known as Monk's Valley. This area was a refuge for hermits who sought solitude by carving their homes high into the rock pinnacles, accessing these lofty dwellings with ropes and footholds cut into the stone. Stepping inside, you’ll discover that these hermitages are surprisingly spacious, with some chambers reaching heights of up to 15 metres. From Pasabaglari, our trek ascends to Bozdag, the highest vantage point in Cappadocia, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, GoremeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 7km (4 miles), 4-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 100m (328 ft) This morning, we delve into the subterranean world of Kaymakli, an ancient underground city ingeniously carved by early Christians seeking refuge from persecution. We will explore this labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers, which once housed an entire community, complete with living quarters, kitchens, stables, a church, and even a graveyard—all fortified to protect its inhabitants. From there, we journey to the village of Selime, notable for its magnificent rock-hewn monastery that seems to rise organically from the landscape. This is the starting point for our scenic walk along the Melendiz River, a peaceful trail that guides us to the village of Belisirma, where we will pause for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, our exploration continues into the Ihlara Valley, the deepest and longest gorge in Cappadocia. As we walk, we'll encounter remarkable Byzantine monasteries and churches from the 11th century, their interiors adorned with ancient frescoes, before we make our way back to our hotel in Cappadocia for the evening. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, GoremeBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 7km (4 miles), 2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 200m (656ft) On our final day, our journey continues with a walk through the Zindanonu Valley, also known as the "Valley of Imagination", famous for its surreal rock formations that resemble animals and other figures. This path leads us to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the town of Goreme and the celebrated Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This valley is renowned for housing one of the region's most impressive collections of painted cave churches. Carved from the soft volcanic tuff by Orthodox monks between 1000 and 1200 CE, these sanctuaries feature elaborate Byzantine frescoes, many of which remain remarkably well-preserved, offering a vivid glimpse into the area's rich spiritual history. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, providing a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on a truly memorable week. |
Sobek Stone House Cappadocia, GoremeBreakfast,Lunch, Dinner |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Cappadocia.
- The closest airport to Cappadocia, Turkey, is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the main towns of Göreme and Ürgüp in Cappadocia. Another nearby option is Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), which is approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) away and offers more flight options. Both airports are convenient for reaching Cappadocia, with shuttle services and taxis available for transfers.
- Airport Transfer: The start hotel is just over an hour’s drive from Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). We provide one group transfer from Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Please contact us for the transfer times. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
Daytime temperatures in Cappadocia will range from 22C to 30C (71F to 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 odd storms do occur.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
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.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 100 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 100 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 100 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 100 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
