Walking in Cappadocia

This morning there will be an optional opportunity for a dawn hot-air balloon flight drifting over Cappadocia’s beguiling lunar landscape (supplement applies) – a magical experience. Your privately guided Cappadocia sightseeing will start by exploring the extraordinary Goreme Open Air Museum to see the painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. Then, escape the crowds, and walk through the stunning Rose Valley (about 2 hours) to the rabbit-warren-like rock of Old Cavusin. A climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock ‘castle’ to enjoy the panoramic views will complete your tour.

Set off on foot along the Pigeon Valley trail from Uchisar to Goreme (2.5 hrs – graded easy) this morning. This scenic valley generally slopes downhill and is named after the many dovecotes carved into the rocks and cliffs. From Goreme you will be driven to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of off-the-beaten-track Cappadocia.

The walk through White Valley (2hrs – graded medium) is a little more challenging than the other hikes on this tour, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces, and follow an uneven riverbed (muddy in winter) along the valley floor before entering Love Valley (2 hrs – graded easy) with its archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley is ‘Valley of the Vines’ but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nick-named Love Valley! The afternoon will be at leisure.

Explore the former monastic complex of Zelve this morning, then drive on to Pasabagi – one of Cappadocia’s most famous valleys. Next, drive to Goreme and begin your walk through the Sword and Red Valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery (2.5 hrs – graded easy). The path takes you through more jaw-dropping scenery, past the giant shards of rock that give Sword Valley its name, and on to the richly coloured rock formations that make Red Valley so remarkable.

Today’s excursion will start with a visit to Derinkuyu Unground City – with a capacity for almost 20,000 people – this was the largest subterranean settlement in the region. Then continue to Guzelyurt where you’ll hike through the gorge-like Ilhara Valley between Belisirma village and Selime Monastery. One of Cappadocia’s prettiest trails, this 7km hike (longer hikes are also possible) route the Melendiz River and is hemmed in by jagged cliffs.

Private transfer to Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport and check in for your onward flight.