Cappadocia Guided Walk

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enquire now 8 Days From NZD $1,450 pp twinshare
Small group
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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, civilisations carved houses and churches within these rocky pillars and underground cities leaving a natural and historic 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. On this guided tour you will follow a series of trails to reach the highlights of the region such as Mustafapasa, Ortahisar (or ‘middle fortress’) and Goreme, to name a few. This week long walking trip explores lunar landscapes and fascinating ancient sites.

Highlights

Visting Ortahisar (middle fortress) with its castle like rock formation, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches
Walking amongst the fairy chimneys and rocks of Uchisar
Exploring the old cave village of Cavusin with its rock cut dwellings and stone houses
Experiencing genuine cultural exchange with the local people
Discovering the earth pillars, fairy chimneys and vineyards of the Pasabag Valley and Goreme

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kayseri Airport and transfer to Mustafapasha
On arrival at Kayseri Airport, there will be a group transfer to Mustafapasa, where you will be staying for the duration of the trip. The village of Mustafapasa was formerly known as Sinasos during Ottoman times when it was inhabited by the Greeks, who also built many of the churches. There are some impressive mansions with colourful wall paintings. (D)

Day 2 Walk to the village of Ayvali and the ruins of Gomeda (6hrs)
The days walk begins on a dirt road along the foot of a natural tumulus carved by erosion and known as Golgoli by local people. The road continues through vineyards in the direction of an interesting peak with white and brown sandstone pyramids around it. In clear weather there is a great view towards the snow caped Erciyes peak (3916m) in the distance. We ascend the smaller peak from the right and continue walking on a plateau before descending to the village of Ayvali. Experience the hospitality of the inhabitants, perhaps, with a tea-break in the local cafe. Afterwards there will be a transfer to Ortahisar where we will have lunch. After lunch we continue through vineyards to the ruins of Gomeda, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia dating from the iconoclastic period. The day will finish with a transfer back to the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Transfer to Ihlara, visit the underground city of Derinkuyu and Selime Monastery (4-5hrs)
We start the day with a drive to Ihlara. On the way we visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu (8 floors and up to 64m underground). Carved in the past as a shelter in times of siege and continuous raids, a huge hidden city under the plains of Central Anatolia. “Swiss Cheese” is the best way to explain this structure, as there are holes everywhere, including underneath your feet. Ihlara Valley is a 14km long canyon with hundreds of rooms and churches carved into the rocks. This valley was an ideal place for monks to worship in seclusion, and also provided a safe hideaway and place of defence in times of invasions. The decorations in the churches date from the 6th to the 13th centuries. After having lunch in Belisirma village we drive to Selime to visit the Selime Monastery. A visit to this monastery is a must. Afterwards we will drive back to Cappadocia. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Walk in the Zelve Open Air Museum and Monastery, visit Monks Valley (3-4hrs)
This morning we will drive to Cavusin where we will start today’s walk. Cavusin is one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. It is a small village made up of rock cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses. From Cavusin village we start our walk and continue in small walking paths, close to fascinating rock formations and with magnificent views of the fairy chimneys in Monks Valley (Pasabaglari) down below. The walk will bring us to the stunning Zelve open air museum where we take a walk in the ancient rock city. A five-minute transfer will bring us to Monks Valley. The Pasabaglari fairy chimneys are unique and feature toadstool like caps which protect the rest of the chimney from erosion. After visiting the Pasabaglari area it is possible to walk another hour through vineyards and small roads back to Cavusin (optional). (B, L, D)

Day 5 Explore Goreme Open Air Museum, walk in the Meskendir, Red and Rose Valleys (5hrs)
This morning we will walk to and explore one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people in the heart of Cappadocia realised that the soft rocks could easily be carved to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-Iconoclastic period. After visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum we will start walking in the Meskendir Valley. We follow a path which is full of old cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. From the Meskendir Valley we cross over to the Red Valley, with its spectacular formations and colours. Depending on the time it is possible to visit some hidden churches like the Uzumlu Church, the hidden Cross Church and the Church of Three Crosses. After walking through the Red and Rose Valleys we will arrive again in Cavusin, where our vehicle will be waiting for us. We then drive to Avanos where we will visit a Pottery studio. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date back to the Hittites and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak River has always been used. Return to Mustafapasha. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Transfer to White Valley, continue to Uchisar and Zemi Valley (4hrs)
This morning we will drive to the beginning of the White Valley (Akvadi). We will walk along the valley following an old riverbed that is today used to grow vineyards. At around midday we will arrive in Uchisar village to visit the high viewpoint known as “The Fortress”. Many of the rooms hollowed out into the rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the citadel provides a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area. Afterwards we continue our walk to the Zemi Valley, a green valley with wind-eroded volcanic rocks and tall poplar trees. Depending on time there will be the opportunity to visit the El Nazar church. We will be met at the end of the valley and transferred back to the hotel. In the early evening it is possible to try a traditional Turkish bath, better known as Hamam (optional and not included). (B, L, D)

Day 7 Explore Mustafapasa & the Uzengi & Pancarlik Valleys, walk to Ortahisar & Urgup (3hrs)
Today we will explore Mustafapasa and the Uzengi and Pancarlik Valleys. Mustafapasa was inhabited by Greek orthodox families until the beginning of the 20th century. Afterwards we go for a ramble on a plateau that offers a magnificent view of the Uzengi Valley. We will visit the Pancarlik valley to see the number cones and fairy chimneys, and stop at the Kepez and Sarica churches. We continue to the village of Ortahisar and then to Urgup. In Urgup we will take some time to relax and you can taste a traditional cup of Turkish Tea. The afternoon is free to explore Urgup with its small shops and pleasant cafes before we return to the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Transfer to airport at Kayseri, trip concludes
After breakfast there will be a group transfer to the airport, trip concludes. (B)

Inclusions

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
7 nights accommodation in a simple hotel on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Transfers as detailed in the itinerary
English speaking guide
Emergency hotline
Group arrival and departure transfer from Kayseri airport

UTX-COG

Images courtesy of Utracks

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Highlights

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Inclusions

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Cappadocia Guided Walk

Highlights

Itinerary

Inclusions

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