The Miracles Of Cappadocia

It is impossible to imagine a more wondrous sight than this evocative lunar landscape with its bizarre rock formations, enigmatic fairy chimneys and extensive cave dwellings. At Cappadocia, geology and civilisation are inextricably linked as erosion and construction perennially interact with each other. Created through this unique collaboration, the region is the world’s greatest sculpture - shaped by nature, carved by man. After all, it took some 30 million years for the elements to shape the layers of volcanic basalt and tuff into their present form and even the impact of man on the landscape goes back several thousand years to the Hittite people, who were probably the first to dig caves suitable for habitation out of the soft tuft. The trek will take you to the most famous and beautiful regions of Cappadocia Goreme valley, Love valley, Zemi valley and the historic towns of Uchisar, Ortahisar, Goreme and others. This tour is designed for experienced in orientation and adventurous hikers, requiring significant skills in trail finding in the dense network of various valleys. 

Highlights
Cappadocia – a land of extreme natural beauty, mystery and rich history; The deep Ilhara valley with numerous rock churches, Uchisar and Ortahisar rock castles; Delicious Turkish cuisine and hospitality













Itinerary
DAY 1. EUROPE – ISTANBUL - FLY TO KAYSERI OR NEVSEHIR AIRPORT – URGUP
Arrival to Istanbul and domestic flight for Nevsehir or Kayseri. Transfert from Kayseri or Nevsehir airport to your hotel in Urgup.
DAY 2. URGUP – IHLARA – CAVUSIN
Walk from Urgup to Ihlara: a delightfull walk through canyons and churches : St Daniel Church, Hyacinth Church, Snake Church… Transfer to Cavusin. Accommodation in a pension in Cavusin. (10km; 4 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 100m)
DAY 3. CAVUSIN – LOVE VALLEY – UCHISAR – AVCILAR – CAVUSIN
Departure on foot to the Love Valley, climb by a small road which will lead you through the vineyards to the village of Uchisar (climb to the citadel with magnificent panorama on the surroundings). Slope by the Pigeons Valley to the village of Avcilar. Picnic in the Pigeons Valley followed by a hike to the Swords Valley and its multiple faces. Arrival at Cavusin and return to the pension. (15,2km; 5,30 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 300m)
DAY 4. CAVUSIN – GULLUDERE – KIZILCUKUR – ZINDANONU – HALLACDERE – ORTAHISAR – UZENGI – MUSTAFAPASA
Hiking to the valleys with beautiful and changing colors of Cappadocia : valleys of Gulludere, Kizilcukur, Zindanonu. Visit of the monastery of Hallacdere and picnic around. Arrival to the village of Ortahisar and further to the mineral water springs of Uzengi and the ancient Greek village of Mustafapasa (village composed of houses with carved fronts). Pension in Mustafapasa. (16,9km; 6 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 200m)
DAY 5. MUSTAFAPASA – GOLGOLI – CEMIL – KESLIK – URGUP
Discovery of a traditional Cappadocia: departure to the troglodytes of Golgoli and arrival to the Greek village of Cemil. Lunch in an inhabitant’s house and continuation to the monastery of Keslik situated in a shady setting. Transfer (and will finish of th eday) discovering the local craftsman’s trade: carpets and their 1001 facets.. (14km; 4,30 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 300m)
DAY 6. URGUP – AKTEPE – DEVRENT – ZELVE – URGUP
Departure on foot to the troglodytes of Aktepe by roads tucked of vines. Continue in the direction of the animal forms of the Devrent Valley. Picnic around Zelve. Visit of the ancient troglodyte city, inhabited until 1955. Continuation by a road with view on the fairy chimneys with three heads of Pasabag and arrival to the troglodyte cliff of Cavusin. Sunset on the surroundings. Transfer to Urgup. (12km; 5,30 hrs; uphill/downhill walk: 150m)
DAY 7. TRANSFERS TO KAYSERI or NEVSEHIR AIRPORT to Istanbul and international flight for Europe.

Accommodation and luggage transportation
Accommodation in 3*** family run hotels and pensions on bed & breakfast (pensions on days 2 and 3); lunchpacks are also included.

Group size: Min. 2 persons

Single supplement: 100 Euro

The price includes: accommodation; pick up/drop off at Kayseri or Nevsehir airports; luggage transfers; transfers as per itinerary; roadbook with maps in English; phone assistance

The price does not include: Flight tickets; meals in big cities; travel insurance; drinks; entrance fees; lunches.

Tips: The supplier of this tour can book your flights to Istanbul and the domestic flights to Nevsehir or Kayseri airports (please ask for quotation).

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