JUNE 2024
OCTOBER 2024
9
DAYS
|
8
NIGHTS
|
TURKEY
Ancient Trails of
Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Explore the unique landscapes and cultures of Cappadocia on foot – from an extraordinary cave hotel. The rock towers, caves and cultural history of Cappadocia are best discovered on foot. Following ancient volcanic eruptions, the region was covered with a blanket of soft ‘tufa’ rock that is easily eroded by wind and water. It has been inhabited for millennia, with many civilisations carving cave dwellings and churches into the towers and hillsides. In recent times, local entrepreneurs have used the same principle to create incredible, unique hotels, one of which is a highlight of our experience. Our programme of walks and activities will show you the best of the area, plus lesser-known routes and experiences. This trip is recommended to those who like exploring in style, and don’t settle with the ordinary.
In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, you can enjoy a variety of winter activities, exploring one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dogsled. Carving your own path through the snow-caked forests of Finland, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hustle of city life. So get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp.
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan
9 days
8 nights
9days
8 nights
Yunak Evleri
Cave Hotel
Cappadocia
Landscape
Calligraphy
Lesson
D
Goreme Open-
Air Museum
E
Pigeon
Valley
F
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: ISTANBUL
Hello
Istanbul!
Welcome to Turkey. Today you arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. We have no activities scheduled for today, so you are free to arrive anytime.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
DAY 02: URGUP
Calligraphy
Lesson
We start our Turkish experience with a calligraphy lesson, where we learn the secrets of creating rich patterns on handmade marble paper and experience the sensuous flow of Ottoman calligraphy in the company of our highly skilled artist-craftsperson. Participation enables the school to generate the funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill.
For lunch, we have arranged a fabulous introduction to Turkish food, with a meal of Ottoman cuisine at the centrally located Matbah restaurant, which also has excellent views of Istanbul. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our 1hr 15min flight to Kayseri.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: URGUP
Goreme Open-Air
Museum
This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride. We have pre-booked slots for each group member, but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part.
After late breakfast, we continue our programme for the day. We start with a gentle climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock for a striking panoramic view, then continue to the extraordinary Goreme Open-Air Museum to see painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. This afternoon, we drive to the rabbit warren-like village of old Cavusin and walk through the colourful Rose Valley, which is home to rock-cut churches, viewpoints, and stunning vistas to end at Sunset Point.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: URGUP
Pigeon Valley
& Kaymakli City
We set off on foot along the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, walking downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. Pigeon Valley is named after the many dove cotes carved into the dwellings. From Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of lesser-known Cappadocia.
For lunch, we visit a local family for a cooking experience. Discover regional home-cooked food in a shared experience. The leader will be on hand to help with translations and demonstrations. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: URGUP
White Valley
& Love Valley
Today we walk through the White Valley. It is a little more challenging than the other hikes, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, we descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces and follow an uneven riverbed along the valley floor before entering Love Valley, which offers archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley was Valley of the Vines, but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nicknamed Love Valley. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06: URGUP
Sword &
Red Valleys
After breakfast we explore the former monastic complex of Zelve, then drive to Pasabagi – one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia
We drive to Goreme to begin our hike through the Sword and Red valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery.
After lunch, we take a Jeep safari and go a little further afield to hidden corners as the drivers take you through narrow canyons and to viewpoints.
In the late afternoon, we visit the historic Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Sema Ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes. This traditional performance has a deep cultural significance in Turkey and is a spectacular, spiritual and often-moving experience. The evening is free to make your own choice of dinner venue.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: URGUP
Ihlara Valley
& Avanos
After breakfast, we start our day tour to Ihlara Valley and one of the prettiest trails in Cappadocia. At 8.5mi (14km) long and up to 394ft (120m) deep, it is the largest historically inhabited canyon in the world. We finish with a visit to Selime Cathedral when we exit the valley.
The last stop today is Avanos, the Cappadocia town established by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. We visit the studio of a local potter-artist and enjoy an interactive presentation on how to create masterpieces of pottery and ceramics.
In the evening, we have a farewell-to-Cappadocia dinner at Elai restaurant, near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, where all the tables overlook the green valleys.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 08: ISTANBUL
FlyTo
Istanbul
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our central hotel. There will be an option for a Turkish bath experience at the luxurious 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
If you wish to explore the more classic sights of Istanbul, our leader will offer walking maps and suggestions, or can help you book guided experiences.
In the evening, we enjoy our last group dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, revered for its traditional southeastern kebabs: it is the place to go for this much-loved Turkish dish. The popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminönü district (West of Sultanahmet) and offers stunning views over the Golden Horn.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 09: ISTANBUL
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: ISTANBUL
Hello
Istanbul!
Welcome to Turkey. Today you arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. We have no activities scheduled for today, so you are free to arrive anytime.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
DAY 02: URGUP
Calligraphy
Lesson
We start our Turkish experience with a calligraphy lesson, where we learn the secrets of creating rich patterns on handmade marble paper and experience the sensuous flow of Ottoman calligraphy in the company of our highly skilled artist-craftsperson. Participation enables the school to generate the funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill.
For lunch, we have arranged a fabulous introduction to Turkish food, with a meal of Ottoman cuisine at the centrally located Matbah restaurant, which also has excellent views of Istanbul. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our 1hr 15min flight to Kayseri.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: URGUP
Goreme Open-Air
Museum
This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride. We have pre-booked slots for each group member, but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part.
After late breakfast, we continue our programme for the day. We start with a gentle climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock for a striking panoramic view, then continue to the extraordinary Goreme Open-Air Museum to see painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. This afternoon, we drive to the rabbit warren-like village of old Cavusin and walk through the colourful Rose Valley, which is home to rock-cut churches, viewpoints, and stunning vistas to end at Sunset Point.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: URGUP
Pigeon Valley
& Kaymakli City
We set off on foot along the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, walking downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. Pigeon Valley is named after the many dove cotes carved into the dwellings. From Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of lesser-known Cappadocia.
For lunch, we visit a local family for a cooking experience. Discover regional home-cooked food in a shared experience. The leader will be on hand to help with translations and demonstrations. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: URGUP
White Valley
& Love Valley
Today we walk through the White Valley. It is a little more challenging than the other hikes, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, we descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces and follow an uneven riverbed along the valley floor before entering Love Valley, which offers archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley was Valley of the Vines, but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nicknamed Love Valley. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06: URGUP
Sword &
Red Valleys
After breakfast we explore the former monastic complex of Zelve, then drive to Pasabagi – one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia
We drive to Goreme to begin our hike through the Sword and Red valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery.
After lunch, we take a Jeep safari and go a little further afield to hidden corners as the drivers take you through narrow canyons and to viewpoints.
In the late afternoon, we visit the historic Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Sema Ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes. This traditional performance has a deep cultural significance in Turkey and is a spectacular, spiritual and often-moving experience. The evening is free to make your own choice of dinner venue.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: URGUP
Ihlara Valley
& Avanos
After breakfast, we start our day tour to Ihlara Valley and one of the prettiest trails in Cappadocia. At 8.5mi (14km) long and up to 394ft (120m) deep, it is the largest historically inhabited canyon in the world. We finish with a visit to Selime Cathedral when we exit the valley.
The last stop today is Avanos, the Cappadocia town established by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. We visit the studio of a local potter-artist and enjoy an interactive presentation on how to create masterpieces of pottery and ceramics.
In the evening, we have a farewell-to-Cappadocia dinner at Elai restaurant, near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, where all the tables overlook the green valleys.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 08: ISTANBUL
FlyTo
Istanbul
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our central hotel. There will be an option for a Turkish bath experience at the luxurious 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
If you wish to explore the more classic sights of Istanbul, our leader will offer walking maps and suggestions, or can help you book guided experiences.
In the evening, we enjoy our last group dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, revered for its traditional southeastern kebabs: it is the place to go for this much-loved Turkish dish. The popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminönü district (West of Sultanahmet) and offers stunning views over the Golden Horn.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 09: ISTANBUL
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: ISTANBUL
Hello
Istanbul!
Welcome to Turkey. Today you arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. We have no activities scheduled for today, so you are free to arrive anytime.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
DAY 02: URGUP
Calligraphy
Lesson
We start our Turkish experience with a calligraphy lesson, where we learn the secrets of creating rich patterns on handmade marble paper and experience the sensuous flow of Ottoman calligraphy in the company of our highly skilled artist-craftsperson. Participation enables the school to generate the funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill.
For lunch, we have arranged a fabulous introduction to Turkish food, with a meal of Ottoman cuisine at the centrally located Matbah restaurant, which also has excellent views of Istanbul. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our 1hr 15min flight to Kayseri.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: URGUP
Goreme Open-Air
Museum
This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride. We have pre-booked slots for each group member, but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part.
After late breakfast, we continue our programme for the day. We start with a gentle climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock for a striking panoramic view, then continue to the extraordinary Goreme Open-Air Museum to see painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. This afternoon, we drive to the rabbit warren-like village of old Cavusin and walk through the colourful Rose Valley, which is home to rock-cut churches, viewpoints, and stunning vistas to end at Sunset Point.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: URGUP
Pigeon Valley
& Kaymakli City
We set off on foot along the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, walking downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. Pigeon Valley is named after the many dove cotes carved into the dwellings. From Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of lesser-known Cappadocia.
For lunch, we visit a local family for a cooking experience. Discover regional home-cooked food in a shared experience. The leader will be on hand to help with translations and demonstrations. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: URGUP
White Valley
& Love Valley
Today we walk through the White Valley. It is a little more challenging than the other hikes, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, we descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces and follow an uneven riverbed along the valley floor before entering Love Valley, which offers archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley was Valley of the Vines, but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nicknamed Love Valley. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06: URGUP
Sword &
Red Valleys
After breakfast we explore the former monastic complex of Zelve, then drive to Pasabagi – one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia
We drive to Goreme to begin our hike through the Sword and Red valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery.
After lunch, we take a Jeep safari and go a little further afield to hidden corners as the drivers take you through narrow canyons and to viewpoints.
In the late afternoon, we visit the historic Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Sema Ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes. This traditional performance has a deep cultural significance in Turkey and is a spectacular, spiritual and often-moving experience. The evening is free to make your own choice of dinner venue.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: URGUP
Ihlara Valley
& Avanos
After breakfast, we start our day tour to Ihlara Valley and one of the prettiest trails in Cappadocia. At 8.5mi (14km) long and up to 394ft (120m) deep, it is the largest historically inhabited canyon in the world. We finish with a visit to Selime Cathedral when we exit the valley.
The last stop today is Avanos, the Cappadocia town established by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. We visit the studio of a local potter-artist and enjoy an interactive presentation on how to create masterpieces of pottery and ceramics.
In the evening, we have a farewell-to-Cappadocia dinner at Elai restaurant, near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, where all the tables overlook the green valleys.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 08: ISTANBUL
FlyTo
Istanbul
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our central hotel. There will be an option for a Turkish bath experience at the luxurious 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
If you wish to explore the more classic sights of Istanbul, our leader will offer walking maps and suggestions, or can help you book guided experiences.
In the evening, we enjoy our last group dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, revered for its traditional southeastern kebabs: it is the place to go for this much-loved Turkish dish. The popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminönü district (West of Sultanahmet) and offers stunning views over the Golden Horn.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 09: ISTANBUL
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: ISTANBUL
Hello
Istanbul!
Welcome to Turkey. Today you arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. We have no activities scheduled for today, so you are free to arrive anytime.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
DAY 02: URGUP
Calligraphy
Lesson
We start our Turkish experience with a calligraphy lesson, where we learn the secrets of creating rich patterns on handmade marble paper and experience the sensuous flow of Ottoman calligraphy in the company of our highly skilled artist-craftsperson. Participation enables the school to generate the funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill.
For lunch, we have arranged a fabulous introduction to Turkish food, with a meal of Ottoman cuisine at the centrally located Matbah restaurant, which also has excellent views of Istanbul. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our 1hr 15min flight to Kayseri.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: URGUP
Goreme Open-Air
Museum
This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride. We have pre-booked slots for each group member, but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part.
After late breakfast, we continue our programme for the day. We start with a gentle climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock for a striking panoramic view, then continue to the extraordinary Goreme Open-Air Museum to see painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. This afternoon, we drive to the rabbit warren-like village of old Cavusin and walk through the colourful Rose Valley, which is home to rock-cut churches, viewpoints, and stunning vistas to end at Sunset Point.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: URGUP
Pigeon Valley
& Kaymakli City
We set off on foot along the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, walking downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. Pigeon Valley is named after the many dove cotes carved into the dwellings. From Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of lesser-known Cappadocia.
For lunch, we visit a local family for a cooking experience. Discover regional home-cooked food in a shared experience. The leader will be on hand to help with translations and demonstrations. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: URGUP
White Valley
& Love Valley
Today we walk through the White Valley. It is a little more challenging than the other hikes, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, we descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces and follow an uneven riverbed along the valley floor before entering Love Valley, which offers archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley was Valley of the Vines, but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nicknamed Love Valley. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06: URGUP
Sword &
Red Valleys
After breakfast we explore the former monastic complex of Zelve, then drive to Pasabagi – one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia
We drive to Goreme to begin our hike through the Sword and Red valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery.
After lunch, we take a Jeep safari and go a little further afield to hidden corners as the drivers take you through narrow canyons and to viewpoints.
In the late afternoon, we visit the historic Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Sema Ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes. This traditional performance has a deep cultural significance in Turkey and is a spectacular, spiritual and often-moving experience. The evening is free to make your own choice of dinner venue.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: URGUP
Ihlara Valley
& Avanos
After breakfast, we start our day tour to Ihlara Valley and one of the prettiest trails in Cappadocia. At 8.5mi (14km) long and up to 394ft (120m) deep, it is the largest historically inhabited canyon in the world. We finish with a visit to Selime Cathedral when we exit the valley.
The last stop today is Avanos, the Cappadocia town established by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. We visit the studio of a local potter-artist and enjoy an interactive presentation on how to create masterpieces of pottery and ceramics.
In the evening, we have a farewell-to-Cappadocia dinner at Elai restaurant, near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, where all the tables overlook the green valleys.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 08: ISTANBUL
FlyTo
Istanbul
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our central hotel. There will be an option for a Turkish bath experience at the luxurious 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
If you wish to explore the more classic sights of Istanbul, our leader will offer walking maps and suggestions, or can help you book guided experiences.
In the evening, we enjoy our last group dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, revered for its traditional southeastern kebabs: it is the place to go for this much-loved Turkish dish. The popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminönü district (West of Sultanahmet) and offers stunning views over the Golden Horn.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 09: ISTANBUL
Bye
Istanbul!
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
TRIP
Itinerary
SCROLL FOR MORE
DAY 01: ISTANBUL
Hello
Istanbul!
Welcome to Turkey. Today you arrive in Istanbul, one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities in the world. We have no activities scheduled for today, so you are free to arrive anytime.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
DAY 02: URGUP
Calligraphy
Lesson
We start our Turkish experience with a calligraphy lesson, where we learn the secrets of creating rich patterns on handmade marble paper and experience the sensuous flow of Ottoman calligraphy in the company of our highly skilled artist-craftsperson. Participation enables the school to generate the funds to continue supporting the retention of this ancient skill.
For lunch, we have arranged a fabulous introduction to Turkish food, with a meal of Ottoman cuisine at the centrally located Matbah restaurant, which also has excellent views of Istanbul. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our 1hr 15min flight to Kayseri.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 03: URGUP
Goreme Open-Air
Museum
This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an early morning hot-air balloon ride. We have pre-booked slots for each group member, but to allow for possible weather-related delays or even cancellations, we will arrange final confirmation and payment through your leader for those who wish to take part.
After late breakfast, we start with a gentle climb up through the tunnels of Uchisar rock for a striking panoramic view, then continue to the extraordinary Goreme Open-Air Museum to see painted churches and troglodytic monastic dwellings. This afternoon, we drive to the rabbit warren-like village of old Cavusin and walk through the colourful Rose Valley, which is home to rock-cut churches, viewpoints, and stunning vistas to end at Sunset Point.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: URGUP
Pigeon Valley
& Kaymakli City
We set off on foot along the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, walking downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. Pigeon Valley is named after the many dove cotes carved into the dwellings. From Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli to explore the cellars, stables and houses of this underground city, before continuing to the beautiful Soganli Valley for a taste of lesser-known Cappadocia.
For lunch, we visit a local family for a cooking experience. Discover regional home-cooked food in a shared experience. The leader will be on hand to help with translations and demonstrations. We return to our hotel mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: URGUP
White Valley
& Love Valley
Today we walk through the White Valley. It is a little more challenging than the other hikes, but it is one of our favourites. From Uchisar, we descend into a valley of smooth snow-white rock faces and follow an uneven riverbed along the valley floor before entering Love Valley, which offers archetypal Cappadocia views and fairy chimneys. The original name of this valley was Valley of the Vines, but it’s not hard to work out why it has been nicknamed Love Valley. After lunch, the afternoon will be at leisure.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 3
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 06: URGUP
Sword &
Red Valleys
After breakfast we explore the former monastic complex of Zelve, then drive to Pasabagi – one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia
We drive to Goreme to begin our hike through the Sword and Red valleys to the rock-hewn Kizlar Kalesi monastery.
After lunch, we take a Jeep safari and go a little further afield to hidden corners as the drivers take you through narrow canyons and to viewpoints.
In the late afternoon, we visit the historic Saruhan Caravanserai to see the Sema Ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes. This traditional performance has a deep cultural significance in Turkey and is a spectacular, spiritual and often-moving experience. The evening is free to make your own choice of dinner venue.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 2mi (4km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 07: URGUP
Ihlara Valley
& Avanos
After breakfast, we start our day tour to Ihlara Valley and one of the prettiest trails in Cappadocia. At 8.5mi (14km) long and up to 394ft (120m) deep, it is the largest historically inhabited canyon in the world. We finish with a visit to Selime Cathedral when we exit the valley.
The last stop today is Avanos, the Cappadocia town established by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. We visit the studio of a local potter-artist and enjoy an interactive presentation on how to create masterpieces of pottery and ceramics.
In the evening, we have a farewell-to-Cappadocia dinner at Elai restaurant, near the stone-carved Uçhisar Castle, where all the tables overlook the green valleys.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri cave hotel (four-star)
Distance covered: 3mi (5km)
Activity hours: 2.5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 08: ISTANBUL
Fly To
Istanbul
This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul and transfer to our central hotel. There will be an option for a Turkish bath experience at the luxurious 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamam.
If you wish to explore the more classic sights of Istanbul, our leader will offer walking maps and suggestions, or can help you book guided experiences.
In the evening, we enjoy our last group dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, revered for its traditional southeastern kebabs: it is the place to go for this much-loved Turkish dish. The popular restaurant is situated in the historic Eminönü district (West of Sultanahmet) and offers stunning views over the Golden Horn.
Accommodation: Piya Sport Hotel (four-star)
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pricing
Inquire for Pricing
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What's
Included
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What's
Included
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Eight breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners
Premium accommodation throughout
Full programme of activities as shown in the itinerary
Tipping for all hotel, drivers and local staff
Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise and great customer feedback
What's not
Included
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Balloon ride. Pre-booked, but paid locally
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Why not turn this into a private
with Anima