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Duration
5 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights simple but unique family hotels
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Breakfasts

Price

$890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CO5

Trip highlights


  • Exploring the unique landscapes of Cappadocia
  • Walking amongst the fairy chimneys and rocks of the Red & Rose valleys
  • Discovering the old cave village of Cavusin with its rock cut dwellings and stone houses

For those short on time but still wanting to gain a greater insight into the wonder that is Cappadocia this trip is well suited to you. Over 5 days you will follow a series of trails to reach the highlights of the region well known for its lunar landscapes and fascinating ancient sites such as the Red and Rose Valleys. For millions of years the volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted over the land to create the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys that characterise Cappadocia. Through the centuries, different civilisations carved out houses and churches within these rocky pillars and the eventual underground cities left behind a natural and historical legacy which continues to be a focal point for visitors to the region. Interspersed amongst these relics is a living culture of traditional villages, spectacular river valleys and rural settlements.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival at Kayseri Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Cappadocia, to spend two nights in Ortahisar. Our usual property is a colourful and traditional cave hotel. All rooms are tastefully appointment and offer a unique experience for your stay. Transfer time: 1 hour (80km).

Meals:  Nil

Setting out from Ortahisar, follow stabilised roads and pass vineyard gardens until you reach the village of Ibrahimpasa, where the historical stone bridge and original Greek stone houses draw your attention. It's a small village with an authentic atmosphere. In Ibrahimpasa we recommend tasting a cup of traditional Turkish Tea, better known as cay. From Ibrahimpasa village a path will lead you down to a beautiful scenic valley. Continue along small walking paths back to Ortahisar village, accompanied by amazing geological formations. Distance: 12.5km/7.77mi. ascent: 273m/895ft, descent: 273m/895ft

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, taking the paved road out of Ortahisar village you will enter the Meskendir Valley and follow the path which is full with old Cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. From the Meskendir Valley, cross over to the Red Valley, the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia with its spectacular formations and colours. Here it is possible to visit some hidden churches like the Uzumlu church (Grape church in Red Valley), the hidden Cross Church and the Church of the Three Crosses (Rose Valley) which have been carved out of the cliff face. The common belief is these churches date back to the 8/9th century, while the decorative reliefs and frescoes were added in the 10/11th Century. After walking through the Red & Rose valley you will arrive in Cavusin where you will spend the next two nights. Our usual accommodation is a beautiful cave hotel with scenic views of fairy chimneys. It features an underground cave restaurant and spacious terrace. Distance: 10.3km/6.5mi. ascent 162m/531ft, descent 325m/1066ft

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk up the Bozdag summit route where you will be accompanied by expansive views of Cappadocia. After crossing a few more small hills on the summit plateau, you reach the flagpole where you can spend time soaking up the panoramic views. From here you descend to the Balkan route, which runs parallel to Bozdag. Continuing along the trail and enjoying the view of the rose valley and red valley landscape, you reach Cavusin. Distance walked: 10km/6.2mi, ascent 302m/991ft, descent 301m/987ft

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport, trip concludes. Transfer time: 1 hour (80km)

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • Meals include 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners - Breakfasts are Turkish style and will generally include cheese (feta), olives, eggs, cucumber, tomatoes, jam, honey, bread, tea or coffee, fruits. Dinner is a fixed menu; soup or hot and cold appetisers with fresh baked bread, main course (usually kebab varieties), salad, and dessert (fruits or baklava).
  • 4 nights accommodation in simple hotels and pensions on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Information pack with walking directions and GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg,
  • Airport transfers as described, days 1 & 5

  • Travel to and from Kayseri Airport
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily walks of around 4-5 hours per day. There are some steep sections over loose trails during the walk and such sections of the trail require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to with time to stop and take photos. You will need a reasonable level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 15 Nov (except Jul and Aug)

Notes

Note:
We do not recommend this trip for solo travellers. A guided 8 day tour is available - see trip code COG

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$890USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$260
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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