On arrival at Kayseri Airport you will be met and transferred to Mustafapasha. The village was formerly known as Sinasos during Ottoman times and was inhabited by Greeks until 1924. The Greeks built many of the churches, and you'll also find some impressive mansions with colourful wall paintings. Overnight in a comfortable pension. Transfer time from Kayseri: 1 hour (80km)

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, we’ll set off on our first walk in Gomeda, embarking on a scenic hike from Gomeda to Ortahisar through the enchanting valleys of Cappadocia, Turkey. The journey begins with a transfer to the serene landscapes of Uzengi Valley, where you’ll be surrounded by rocky formations and lush greenery. As we continue into Pancarlik Valley, you’ll witness the rugged terrain and the unique geological wonders that characterize Cappadocia’s landscape. Along the trail, we’ll encounter ancient cave dwellings and historic sites, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Our hike concludes in Ortahisar, where you’ll be welcomed by the village’s distinctive stone houses and the impressive Ortahisar Castle, marking the perfect end to this unforgettable day. Overnight Ortahisar - 2 nights Walking: 12.5km/7.7mi Elevation gain +185m/607ft, -221m/725ft

Meals:  B,D

You start walking in Ortahisar and follow roads passing vineyard gardens until you reach the village of Ibrahimpasa, where the historical stone bridge and original Greek stone houses draw your attention. It's a small village with an authentic atmosphere. In Ibrahimpasa we suggest tasting a cup of traditional Turkish Tea, better known as cay. From Ibrahimpasa village a path will lead you down to a beautiful scenic valley, then on small walking paths you will continue back to Ortahisar village, accompanied by amazing geological formations. On your return to Ortahisar explore or relax in the afternoon. Walking: 12.5km/7.7mi Elevation gain +273m/895ft, -273m/895ft OPTION TO WALK IN THE IHLARA VALLEY - supplement applies. This is available on days 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 and replaces the day's hike listed on the usual itinerary. Walk the Ihlara Valley and explore the Selime Monastery (4-5hrs). This morning a transfer will take you to the Ihlara Valley (approx 1-2hrs each way, 95km approx.). Our vehicle will drop you at the entrance point of the Ihlara Valley, which is a 14km long canyon with hundreds of rock-cut rooms and churches. It proved to be an ideal place for Monks to worship in seclusion, as well as providing a safe hideaway and place of defence for people during times of invasion. There are numerous dwellings, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors. The decorations in the churches date from the 6th to the 13th centuries. After passing Belisirma you carry on hiking in the valley to Selime Monastery. A visit to this complex of buildings on a steep mountain slope is a must in the region. Please exercise caution at this site as there are exposed sections. Later you will meet with our vehicle and driver in front of the Selime Monastery and drive back to the hotel. It may be possible to visit Derinkuyu (the largest excavated underground city in Turkey) on the way to Ihlara, it would depend on ticket/time availability (45 minutes maximum visit time). This opportunity may be discussed with our partner prior to the day. Entrance fees apply. Walking: 14km/8.7mi Elevation gain +264m/866ft, -374m/1227ft

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, you will take the paved road out of Ortahisar village and enter the Meskendir Valley, following the path which is full with old Cave houses and complexes from the old Christian civilization. From the Meskendir Valley you cross over to the Red Valley, the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia with its spectacular geological formations and colours. In Red Valley it is possible to visit some hidden churches like the Uzumlu church (Grape church / Red Valley), the hidden Cross Church and the Church of the Three Crosses (Rose Valley) which have been carved out of the cliff face. The common belief is the churches date back to the 8/9th century, with their decorative reliefs and frescoes added in the 10/11th Century. After walking through the Red & Rose valley you will arrive in Cavusin, where you spend the next two nights. Walking: 10.3km/6.5mi Elevation gain +162m/531ft, -325m/1066ft

Meals:  B,D

Starting your walk from Cavusin you walk up the Bozdag summit route and proceed along the trail accompanied by views of Cappadocia. After crossing a few more small hills on the summit plateau, you will reach the flagpole and have magnificent views of the whole area. You then start your descent to the Balkan route, which runs parallel to Bozdag. Enjoying the views of the Red and Rose Valley landscapes, return to Cavusin. Walking: 10km/6.2mi Elevation gain +302m/991ft, -301m/987ft

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast you will leave Cavusin village and walk to the trailhead at the beginning of the Akvadi (White Valley). Walk along the valley following an old river bed, used today for vineyards, where a section at the beginning of the valley is especially worth seeing. By noon you will arrive in Uchisar village where it is possible to visit the high viewpoint known as “the fortress”. Many rooms hollowed out into the rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the Citadel provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Afterwards, continue through the Pigeon Valley with spectacular views of the natural cliffs and handmade caves and passes through a few tunnels carved into the rock. Your walk ends in Goreme village, where you will stay for two nights. Walking: 14km/8.7mi Elevation gain +390m/1279ft, -335m/1099ft

Meals:  B

On stabilized roads you will walk out of Goreme village and enter the Zemi Valley, a green valley with wind eroded volcanic rocks and tall poplar trees. At the end of the Valley there will be the opportunity to visit the El Nazar church, which was carved from one piece of a rock in a ‘T’ shape. The frescoes show scenes which follow each other in chronological order. The church can be dated to the end of the 10th Century. Before returning to Goreme village it is also possible to visit Goreme open air Museum. The Christians at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Goreme Open Air Museum are a unique artistic achievement from this period. Your walk ends in Goreme. Walking: 13.5km/8.4mi Elevation gain +348m/1141ft, -348m/1141ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast there will be a transfer to the airport, where the trip concludes. Transfer time: 1 hour.

Meals:  B