The Cappadocia Guided Trek (Turkey)
Plenty of places of interest, remote villages, diverse and extremely beautiful landscape, huge plateau areas, high mountains, unique ancient remains and culture full of mystery… This is Turkey!
It is really hard to describe the scales of the steep gorges, the picturesque rocky formations in the Cappadocia Valley, the habits of the local people and not the least the hidden spirit in the atmosphere throughout the whole country! One of the country’s jewels is Cappadocia - undeniably a nature fantasy and almost another planet with its geological formations nearly unique in the world. Within this creation of Nature, the curiosity of the landscapes is added to the historical richness. During millions of years wind, rain and frost have sculptured in the volcanic rock this superb scenery. This is a real experience that worth going through!
The daily walks are easy to moderate without steep parts and duration of up to 4-5 hrs.
Tour highlights:
♦ Cappadocia – a land of extreme natural beauty, mystery and rich history
♦ Tuz Golu (Salt Lake) - the second biggest lake in Turkey and one of biggest salt lakes in the world.
♦ Ihlara Valley - stunning canyon in the Melendiz River, once an important centre for Christianity.
♦ Derinkuyu Underground City - a complete city under the ground, once a hiding place for the first Christians escaping from persecution in the Roman Empire.
♦ Uchisar Citadel - the highest point of Cappadocia.
Itinerary:
After breakfast we have a short stroll in the old city and then visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum. Around noon we head on 4-hours transfer to Cappadocia via the huge salt lake Tuz (Tuz Golu). Then we travel to Ihlara village to check in into a small pension for overnight.
Today we begin with transfer to Derinkuyu town, where we visit the incredible Derinkuyu Underground City (8 floors, going to 87 m. under the ground), which is a major tourist attraction. Later we continue with a light hike along the Cat valley. In the afternoon we visit an old typical carpet workshop, established by local woman from the village. There we see the ancient art of carpet weaving, widespread among the area of Anatolia. Transfer back to Goreme. (walking time: 2 hours)
Today we go for a ramble on a plateau offering a magnificent view over the Uzengi Valley. Then we enter Pancarlik Valley to see the numerous cones and fairy chimneys decorating our path and also visit the Kepez and Sarica churches, famous for their architectural significance. Following our pathway we arrive in Ortahisar village, where we can taste local Turkish meals. We hike up to Ortahisar fortress (a volcanic ash peak) and enjoy incomparable view over the Cappadocian Valley. After walking across Avcilar Valley, we return to Goreme. (walking time: 5 hours)
Day 6. Goreme - Zelve - Red valley - Goreme
After breakfast we are transferred to Zelve, an old cave dwelling village transformed today in open-air museum. The first walk for the day include hiking through the typical fairy chimneys of Pasabaglari. After visiting Cavusin church we enjoy a picnic lunch nearby. In the afternoon we enter the Red Valley with its formations and colours, that look even redder at sunset time. Then we head toward Avanos town, where we visit some traditional craft workshops. In Avanos we have the chance to relax in an authentic Turkish Bath. Overnight in Goreme. (walking time: 6 hours).
Day 7. Goreme - Uchisar - Ankara
Morning drive takes us to the trailhead point at the beginning of the Akvadi (The White Valley). We walk along this valley with particularly slim fairy chimneys. At noon we arrive in Uchisar village to visit the high viewpoint known as “The fortress”. After the hike and the visit of the highest point of Cappadocia we will have a transfer to Ankara where we stay overnight. (walking time: 6 hours)
Day 8. Departure
After breakfast we have transfer to the airport for departure.
Not included: ►Flight tickets ► travel insurance ►entrance fees ► alchohol drinks ►tips► other pesronel expenses.
Other expences: ►single room supplement: 140 EURO
Good to know:
♦ Terrain: The valleys in Cappadocia are quite easy and nice to walk through. Usually there is one main path along the valley, following a river bed (most of them dry up in summer). On the banks of these streams sometimes there are orchards, vineyards or small pieces under cultivation. Fountains are lacking so be prepared with a bottle of water for the daily treks.
♦ Weather:The Anatolian plateau is cooler in summer and quite cold in winter. It is quite dry and rainfalls are not common. Temperatures could vary between 25 and 35oC during summer, and could fall down to 5-8oC during autumn
♦ Turkish cuisine: It's tasty but the chilli meals are pretty common. Of course no pork meat at all (you can find pork only in some restaurants in the big cities), mainly mutton, veal and chicken. But don't expect a lot of food on your plate. Usually the meal portions in Turkey are small. A classic Turkish meal would include shepherd's salad, lentil soup, "sis kebap", and for dessert some of the many Turkish pastry stuff flooded in sugar syrop like "baklava" or "tolumba". Usually Turkish people finish their lunch or dinner with coffee or tea. They drink black tea in small glasses (flasks). And when you go out of a Turkish restaurant, at the exit, they pour some eau-de-Cologne in your hands. Alcohol is not served in every restaurant.
We recommend trip in the period: April - October
Necessary equipment: Sunglasses with UV protection, hat for sun protection, sunscreen lotion and lip balm, daypack (35 l), trekking boots and breathable clothes. For the full list of reccommended equipment please see the trip dossier.
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