Cappadocia on Foot - 5 Days

Name: Cappadocia on Foot - 5 Days
Brand: UTracks
SKU: CO5
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Rock house in Cappadocia | Kate Baker

Early morning flight in Goreme, Turkey | Tim Hassell

Some of the food on offer at the market in Uchisar | Erin Williams

Turkish Food in Goreme | Kate Baker

Fairy Chimneys Cappadocia | Kate Baker

More than 360 churches and monasteries are carved into the unique sandstone formations which dot the Cappadocian landscape | Ian Williams

A walker in the Love Valley | Erin Williams

Fairy towers of Cappadocia, Turkey

Rock house in Cappadocia | Kate Baker

Early morning flight in Goreme, Turkey | Tim Hassell

Some of the food on offer at the market in Uchisar | Erin Williams

Turkish Food in Goreme | Kate Baker

Fairy Chimneys Cappadocia | Kate Baker

More than 360 churches and monasteries are carved into the unique sandstone formations which dot the Cappadocian landscape | Ian Williams

A walker in the Love Valley | Erin Williams

Fairy towers of Cappadocia, Turkey

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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

$590USD

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

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Kayseri Airport, transfer to Ortahisar

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

Day 2
Loop walk to Ibrahimpasa through a scenic valley and stunning rock formations (3-4hrs)

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: 8km. Ascent 315m, descent 226m

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Walk the rock churches in the Red and Rose valleys to Cavusin (4-5hrs)

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. Ascent 282m, descent 429m

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Enjoy panoramic views walking the Bozdag summit and Balkan route circuit (4-5hrs)

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. Ascent 365m, descent 365m

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Transfer to airport at Kayseri, trip concludes

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

What's included

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
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Information kit including detailed maps and directions, GPS Tracks available on request
Airport transfers as described, days 1 & 5

What's not included

Travel to and from Kayseri Airport
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
Entrance fees not listed included
Transfers not listed included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
A supplement will apply if you book a single room
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 3-5 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

$590USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$230

*Prices listed are per person

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