Cappadocia, with its fairy-tale rock formations and ancient cave cities, is waiting to be discovered by you. On this one-week hiking trip, you will explore hidden treasures and the rich history of this region. Hike through bizarre rock needles and fairy chimneys, past rock-hewn churches and ancient cave dwellings. Your journey will take you through green valleys, over gentle hills, and to historical sites. The clear views and the beauty of Cappadocia will create unforgettable moments for you. Experience not only spectacular nature but also cultural highlights. Visit traditional villages, enjoy the hospitality of the locals, and discover culinary treasures.
Highlights:
♦ Göreme Open Air Museum - vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own fantastic church.
♦ White Valley - famous for its unique, white-colored rock formations, fairy chimneys, and breathtaking hiking trails with panoramic views
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival
Arrival to Kayseri or Nevsehir or bus trip to Göreme Bus Station. Transfer to the hotel. 5 nights in Göreme. -/-/-
Day 2. Göreme and Zemi Valley
After breakfast, you walk through the streets of Göreme. Most of the houses are centuries old and have been converted to modern hotels and restaurants. First you walk a few kilometers along a dirt road with a view over the Uchisar Castle, then you go down to the Zemi valley. This path takes you to Göreme via Görkündere where the landscape is guaranteed to fascinate you. B/LP/-
Day 3. Göreme open air museum and the Rose Valley
In the morning there is an opportunity for a balloon flight - an unforgettable experience to watch the beautiful landscape from above (optional). You walk from your hotel to the Göreme Open Air Museum (Unesco World Cultural Heritage), the frescoes of the churches in the museum are unique. After the tour, you will walk through the Meskendir Valley via the Red Canyon to Üzümlü Church. At Ibrahims restaurant next to Üzümlü Church, you can have a delicious lunch and drink fresh orange or pomegranate juice. After the lunch break you hike with spectacular panorama to the Haçlı church and from there your path goes through the Rosen Valley to Göreme. B/LP/-
Day 4. White Valley - Göreme
For the most part you will walk through the White Valley today. After that you will hike up to Uchisar Castle. The climb to the castle is more than worth the effort, because the panoramic view from above is incredible. Afterwards you will walk through Uchisar down to the pigeon valley and through the pigeon valley to Göreme. B/LP/-
Day 5. Boztepe, Çavuşin, Paşabağ
Today you hike along the higher path parallel to the Boztepe hill with spectacular views over the Rose Valley and other valleys to Çavuşin Castle, where you can visit the 'John the Baptist Church'. From there your path continues to Paşabağ where you can see some of the most remarkable fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. If you wish, you can extend your hike by walking further from Paşabağ and visiting the old cave settlement Zelve which was inhabited until 1953. B/LP/-
Day 6. Ortahisar - Mustafapaşa (Sinasos)
Your hike begins near the small Tuff Castle of Ortahisar and takes you along the paths and field roads through the Gomeda Valley, known for its multi-storey "pigeon houses". The hike ends at your hotel in Mustafapaşa (Sinasos). B/LP/D
Day 7. Cemil - Sinasos
After breakfast in the cave restaurant of your hotel you will be transferred by car to the village of Cemil. The path crosses the ancient settlement Golgoli. In the Christian era, the population of Sinasos (Mustafapaşa) celebrated the birth of Mother Mary and Easter in this ancient settlement. You can visit the abandoned cave dwellings there. The connecting tunnel to the Gomeda valley is partly collapsed and can not be passed, but there are still some tunnels and underground dwellings to be discovered. A tractor road leads you down to the village of Sinasos to your hotel. This hotel is located in the city center. B/LP/D
Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport to Nevsehir / Kayseri for departure. -/-/-
Price Includes: 7 nights in ensuite facilities room (5 nights in Göreme and 2 nights in Mustafapaşa)
meals according to the description (B-breakfast; LP-lunch box; D-dinner;)
transfers between the hotels as described in the program
luggage transport from/to the accommodations
detailed roadbook
hiking map
Not Included: Flights and public transportation
Travel insurance
Tips
Entrance fees
Drinks and meals not mentioned in the programme
airport- hotel transfers
Other personal expenses
Extra Services: Solo traveler supplement - single supplement + 125 EUR
