Amazing Cappadocia. Hiking tour - gotowild.eu

Turkey, Cappadocia

Amazing Cappadocia. Hiking tour

Oct. 13 - 18, 2025 - 990 €

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Route description

990 €

Guided Tour, 5 Nights in cave hotels, Breakfast and Dinner, and Route Transfers.

6 days

Accommodation in cave hotels: 5 Nights

55 km

Transfers: 250 km




The route is not difficult and requires no special physical skills. Over six days, we will cover approximately 55 km. The route is radial, meaning we will return to the hotel each day and hike lightly without backpacks. Accommodation will be in guesthouses with local hosts, allowing us to enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine. Duration: 6 days Temperature in Cappadocia at this time of year: Daytime: Around 25–30°C, Nighttime: Around 15–20°C



Travel programme

1

Kayseri – Güzelyurt

Flight to Kayseri. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport. Transfer to Güzelyurt, often referred to as the "Cappadocia of Cappadocia". We will stay in a cave hotel and take a walk through the Monastery Valley. In the evening, we will have dinner at the hotel or at a local Turkish restaurant, where we will get to know our fellow travelers better.

2

Ihlara Valley

Transfer to the picturesque village of Belisırma, one of the entrances to the breathtaking Ihlara Canyon. The Melendiz River flows through the canyon, and numerous local restaurants line its banks. Traditional Turkish pavilions (dastarkhans) are set up right above the water, offering a perfect spot to relax. Before starting our hike, we will have plenty of time to enjoy a cup of coffee. We will hike 5 km through an untouched and incredibly scenic part of the canyon. At the end of the trail, we will reach the village of Selime, where our bus will be waiting. Transfer back to Güzelyurt.

3

Lake in the Extinct Volcanic Crater

In the morning, we pack our belongings and leave them at the reception. Transfer to the mountain pass near Savrhisar village, where our hike begins towards two stunning mountain lakes. Along the way, we’ll encounter numerous flocks of sheep grazing in the scenic landscape. Descending into Narköy, we find ourselves in a traditional, non-touristic Turkish village. From there, we continue our journey over a pass, following a picturesque trail down to Lake Nar, which lies inside an extinct volcanic crater. The lake sits at an altitude of 1,363 meters above sea level, covering an area of 700 m² with a depth of over 20 meters. The area is rich in hot springs, and if time and desire allow, we can take a refreshing swim in the lake. After the hike, we transfer to Göreme, where we settle into a guesthouse. In the evening, we explore Göreme, a unique town beautifully blended into the surrounding hills and rock formations. Dinner will be in one of the vibrant local cafés, where we recommend trying the famous Merdzhimek Çorbası (Turkish lentil soup), pide (a local version of pizza), and the renowned Turkish ice cream dondurma, made from salep, a flour derived from the dried roots of certain orchids.

4

СHAVUSIN

In the morning, we embark on a scenic hike from Göreme to Çavuşin, one of the oldest villages in Cappadocia. The trail takes us through the stunning Rose Valley and Red Valley, known for their mesmerizing rock formations and vibrant colors. Upon arrival in Çavuşin, we explore the Çavuşin Cave Church, an ancient rock-hewn church adorned with well-preserved frescoes. This village was historically home to both Greek and Turkish communities, and its abandoned cave dwellings offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past. After a break, we continue our walk to Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for its fairy chimneys—unique rock formations shaped by centuries of erosion. The surreal landscape creates an unforgettable experience. We return to Göreme in the evening, where we relax and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Turkish dishes.

5

Love and Pigeon Valleys and Gorges

We start the day with breakfast before heading to some of Cappadocia’s hidden gems, places that are not included in standard tourist routes. Our first stop is Bağlıdere Gorge, also known as Love Valley. We will hike along a small stream for a few hours, then climb over massive white boulders while admiring breathtaking landscapes. It’s truly incredible how nature has sculpted such beauty! Next, we visit Uçhisar, a charming town dominated by its impressive rock fortress, which towers over the region. Once, this natural citadel was home to nearly a thousand people, offering protection against invaders. In the afternoon, we explore Pigeon Valley, walking along the bottom of the gorge. This area is filled with ancient rock-carved structures, painstakingly chiseled into the soft volcanic stone by past civilizations. Today, these caves have new residents—thousands of pigeons. Fun fact: Did you know that Cappadocia's fruit is considered the juiciest in all of Turkey? Local farmers swear that their secret lies in pigeon droppings, which have been used as a natural fertilizer for centuries!

6

The Pottery Town – Avanos

Breakfast in the morning, followed by a minibus transfer to Avanos, a journey of about 30 minutes. This is an ancient town where many locals still live in traditional stone houses, creating a scene straight out of a historical film! Avanos is famous across Turkey for its master potters and carpet weavers. We will visit world-renowned underground pottery workshops, where skilled artisans craft ceramics using local red clay from the banks of the Kızılırmak River (the longest river in Turkey). After exploring the narrow streets of the town, we enjoy lunch and then visit the Alaaddin Mosque, built in the 13th century. Despite its name, this mosque is not connected to the romantic figure from Arabian tales but is instead named after a powerful Egyptian ruler who drove the Crusaders out of Jerusalem. With our journey coming to an end, we bid farewell to charming provincial Turkey and return to Göreme. From there, we take a bus to Kayseri Airport and catch our flight home.

*The organisers have the right to change the programme depending on weather conditions and group pace.

What's included in the trip price

The price includes.

  • Five nights’ accommodation in guesthouses in Güzelyurt and Göreme, including breakfast;
  • Guided hiking tour, covering the guide’s accommodation, meals, transportation, and other expenses;
  • Airport transfer: Kayseri Airport – Güzelyurt;
  • Transfer: Güzelyurt – Ihlara;
  • Transfer: Güzelyurt – Savrhisar – Göreme;
  • Return airport transfer: Göreme – Kayseri Airport;
  • Travel organization and logistics;
  • Packed lunch for daily hikes.

The price does not include.

  • Flights (not included in the package);
  • Transfers not specified in the itinerary;
  • Entrance fees to local attractions;
  • Dinners at local cafés and restaurants;
  • Souvenirs and other personal expenses;
  • Travel medical insurance;
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the program.

Estimated additional expenses for the entire trip: approximately €200.

Essential equipment

  • Packing List for the Hike

    • Hiking sandals, sneakers, or hiking boots (plus an extra pair for changing)
    • Small backpack (17–20 L) for personal belongings
    • 2-liter water bottle (carry it with you daily)
    • Comfortable hiking and sportswear
    • Shorts and sports pants
    • T-shirts (both short- and long-sleeved)
    • Sweater or fleece
    • Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants
    • Rain poncho
    • Sun hat (panama, buff, cap, etc.)
    • Sport socks (both lightweight and warm pairs)
    • Thermal underwear (moisture-wicking)
    • Sunglasses
    • Personal hygiene products
    • Personal first aid kit (favorite medications, warming ointment, sunscreen)

Documents and Money

  • Flight tickets (may be required at border control or during check-in).
  • Passport (valid for at least six months after the trip ends).
  • Medical travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Cash and bank cards.

Meal Organization

  • Breakfasts are served at guesthouses and consist of a traditional Turkish breakfast: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, olives, butter, jam, coffee, tea, and sweets.
  • Packed lunches will be provided for the hike, but occasionally there will be opportunities to eat at local cafés at your own expense.
  • Dinners will be enjoyed at local restaurants, either individually or with the group, depending on the situation. Dinner costs are paid separately.

First Aid Kit

We recommend bringing a standard first aid kit, including:

  • Medication for digestive issues, pain relief, colds, and allergies.
  • Antiseptics for wounds and cuts.
  • Adhesive bandages and elastic bandages.
  • If you have chronic conditions or specific health needs, make sure to bring enough medication for the entire trip.

Physical Activity

  • We will walk an average of 10 km per day.
  • Trails will include dirt paths, rocky roads, and uneven terrain.

Attractions

  • All major sightseeing spots and activities are listed in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees for paid attractions must be covered by participants on-site.

Unplanned Expenses

  • No unexpected costs are anticipated during the trip. However, we recommend having an extra ~€200 for personal expenses.
  • Possible additional costs include hamam (Turkish bath) visits and souvenirs.

Accommodation

  • We will stay in guesthouses, which provide an authentic Turkish hospitality experience.
  • Rooms will be shared (2-3 people per room).
  • Single-room accommodation is not available for this trip.

Medical Insurance

  • We highly recommend obtaining travel medical and accident insurance before departure.
  • If needed, we can arrange insurance for you.

Transportation and Group Meeting

  • All participants will fly to Kayseri.
  • Meeting point: May 6th at 10:00 AM at Kayseri Airport, outside the arrival zone.
  • Your guide and driver will meet you with a sign labeled Güzelyurt.
  • From there, we will travel together to Güzelyurt.
  • If needed, we can assist in purchasing flight tickets.

End of the tour:

  • The hike finishes in Göreme.
  • Participants need to arrange their own transfer to Kayseri Airport or request a pre-booked transfer.

Flight Delays

  • If you experience flight delays or cancellations on your way to Kayseri, please inform your tour guide via internet or phone.

Early Arrival or Late Departure

  • If you arrive earlier or leave later, we can book hotels, transfers, and other necessary services for you.

End of the Route

  • The active part of the program is scheduled to finish at 16:00.
  • Return flights should be booked no earlier than 20:00.
  • Alternatively, participants can choose to stay an extra night and fly the next day.

Our guides

Marat Pavlenko
Marat Pavlenko
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086766867498

Experience in tourism 22 years

Andrius Stonys
Andrius Stonys
https://www.facebook.com/andrius.stonys.39

Experience in tourism 24 years

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