Cappadocia Hike Self Guided
Set off on a captivating adventure through Cappadocia with our custom self-guided tour. This budget-friendly experience is discreetly delightful and provides maps and offers maps and electronic navigation details to ensure a seamless journey through Cappadocia's fascinating history and stunning landscapes. Upon request, you can enhance your stay with upgraded accommodations. Plus, the number of days can be adjusted to fit your schedule perfectly. Enjoy a personalized trip that meets your specific preferences!
Book Now
For tours without fixed departure dates you can email us at: info@middleearthtravel.com or you can contact us using the "Contact Us" page. We will provide you with a tailormade itinerary and quotation.
Prices
For detailed tour information and pricing please contact us. We will be happy to assist you promptly. You can adjust the number of days to suit your needs, and we can change hotel standards where possible within the destinations.
Dates
Begin your adventure any day you choose!
Included
All necessary transfers for the tour program
Luggage transfers during the trek
All accommodation
Meals:
Day 1: Lunch
Day 2: Breakfast & Lunch in the Red Valley
Day 3: Breakfast & Lunch in Uchisar
Day 4: Breakfast & Lunch box & Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast & Lunch box & Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast & Lunch in Bellisırma
Day 7: Breakfast
Excluded
Flights
Airport transfers
Day 1:Breakfast and dinner; day 2 and 3 dinners; day7 lunch
soft or alcoholic drinks during meals
entrance fees to museums and sites
tips and gratuities
Equipment
Trekkers need: *good walking boots or shoes *small day-sack *warm clothing (for winter, early spring, and autumn period *sunglasses, sunhat, sun cream, lip salve *rain gear (preferably breathable such as Goretex ™ for winter; early spring and autumn period) *waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers (if appropriate) *walking T-shirt/shirts, walking socks, fleece or jumper *water bottle (1 litre)
Transfer
You pack, and we take care of the rest! We transfer your luggage between accommodations while you enjoy your walk. We aim to make your holiday more enjoyable. During the walks, you only need to carry your daypack. Please note that the private departure transfer from the airport is not included but can be booked separately. We can arrange private airport transfers or shuttle services based on your preference. All necessary transfers for the tour are included: If you need to be dropped off at the start of a hike, a vehicle will take you there. If you require transportation back to your hotel at the end of a hike, a car will pick you up and take you to your next hotel. While hiking, your luggage is transported by vehicle from one hotel to another.
Accommodation
We have carefully selected clean, comfortable, and humble hotels that cater to every budget. In Çavuşin, your hotel is delightfully situated amidst the walking trails. In Göreme, you will stay in a modest building in the heart of the town. An authentic hotel awaits you in İbrahimpaşa, while a charming cave house matches the village atmosphere in Cemil. Your journey concludes at a cozy pension in Ihlara. If you would like to explore the option of upgrading to different standards or boutique hotels, please do not hesitate to let us know. We are more than happy to accommodate your preferences and ensure an unforgettable experience!
Meals
During the tour, you will enjoy natural, regional, and rich Turkish food. Meals consist of a soup or salad, a main course, and fruit or sweets for dessert.
DAY 1: MESKENDIR VALLEY - CAVUSIN- ZELVE OPEN AIR MUSEUM- PASABAG - CAVUSIN
8,20 km: 3 hours/ +113m/ -262m (excluding museum visits) Transfer to Meskendir Valley We flexibly tailor the first day of your Cappadocia visit, depending on your arrival time. Upon checking into the hotel, you embark on a captivating journey of discovery. Just a short 10-minute drive away lies Meskendir Valley, where a delightful 3 km walking path invites you to explore its wonders. The trail is easy to follow and will lead you back to the nostalgic town of Çavuşin, where your hotel is located. As you explore the enchanting landscapes, you'll be captivated by Paşabağ with its renowned three-headed fairy chimneys. This area offers not only stunning vistas but also a glimpse into history at St. Simon's Hermitage, carved right into the rock formations. A 20-minute walk will take you to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, transporting you to a dreamlike world within an ancient settlement carved out of the rocks.
DAY 2: BOZDAG SCENIC VIEW - RED VALLEY - ROSE VALLEY - GOREME
9,11km: 4,5 hours /+409m/-340m You don't have to transfer today, we transfer your luggage to the Hotel in Göreme. Before setting off on a day packed with discovering stunning geographical wonders, you enjoy a delicious Turkish breakfast at our cozy hotel nestled in lush greenery. Your journey gently takes you to the magical land of fairy chimneys. The path climbs through striking red formations up to the Bozdağ plateau, famous for its breathtaking scenery. As you travel along the hillside, taking in the splendid views, our route descends to a cozy little café tucked away in Red Valley. After savoring an open-air lunch there, we visit a chapel and church beautifully carved into rock formations before heading by Rose Valley. Descending from Rose Valley and moving towards Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia. Our path leads you through The Swords Valley and at the end of the hike, the pretty town welcomes you with fairy chimney formations. The next two nights you stay in Göreme and have a chance to watch hot air balloons rise at dawn.
DAY 3: LOVE VALLEY - UCHISAR-PEAGEON VALLEY - GOREME
13,6 km: 5,5 hours / + 431m/-431m Round walk This morning you visit highlights. Before setting off on our walk towards Uçhisar, we enjoy breakfast amidst the authentic atmosphere of Göreme. Our path begins with a gentle descent along a soft, earthy traiLove Valley. Known for its iconic fairy chimneys, Love Valley is a favorite stop for travelers eager to capture unforgettable moments. We walk around them and after, the path takes us to Uchisar where we visit the castle to enjoy spectacular views and have time to wander in the town before lunch. After lunch, (there are a variety of restaurants in Uchisar) We follow Peageon Valley, the valley is named for the many pigeon houses or dovecotes carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago pigeons were used as message carriers, food and their droppings were used as fertilizer. This valley will show you the hidden valleys of the area with its vineyards and orchards of walnut, quince, and apricot trees. The hike ends in Göreme.
DAY 4: GOREME OPENAIR MUSEUM - ZEMI VALLEY - GEMIL VALLEY- IBRAHIM PASA TOWN
12,9km: 5 hours/ + 484m /-356m (excluding museum visits) Göreme, nestled among fairy chimneys, is like a storybook come alive! With its stunning frescoed churches and the magical sight of balloons floating at sunrise, it’s sure to bring a big smile to your face! Just a quick 20-minute jaunt from your hotel will have you exploring these wonders, and afterward, you can lose yourself in the lush, inviting embrace of Zemi Valley. The journey meanders into a narrow path that guides you through the vibrant greenery of Zemi Valley. It's a nature lover's paradise! Once you've soaked in all that beauty, the path takes you up to Gemil Hill and winds along wide dirt roads toward fields tended by Ibrahimpasa's residents. The quaint village of Babayan (the old name for Ibrahimpasa) is like stepping back in time, full of nostalgic charm. It’s also famous for its elegant historical bridge, lovingly built by Nevsehirli Osman Usta and local villagers between 1938-39 and given new life with a restoration in 2001.
DAY 5: BALKAN VALLEY - ORTAHISAR TOWN - UZENGI - MUSTAFAPASA
14km: 5,5 hours/ +333m/ -413m Begin your adventure in İbrahimpaşa, where each step unveils new wonders. Your journey starts at the Balkan Valley, a haven of tunnels, caves, and hidden churches that beckon exploration. After a We begin our adventure in İbrahimpaşa, where each step unveils new wonders. Your journey starts at the Balkan Valley, a haven of tunnels, caves, and hidden churches that beckon exploration. After a rewarding 6 km trek, you reach the striking fortress of Ortahisar Town. Here, you can enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants and then visit the Ortahisar Fortress. After enjoying the breathtaking views from the castle, continue along the dirt road that leads you into the lush paths of Uzengi Valley—a vibrant landscape that feels like stepping into another realm. End your day in the charming Mustafapasa Town, where history whispers through its ancient streets and storied buildings. It's the perfect spot for history lovers.
DAY 6: DERINKUYU UNDERGROUN CITY - IHLARA VALLEY - GOREME
11,4 km: 5 hours/ +327m/ -424m After enjoying breakfast in Mustafapasa, we go to visit the highlights of Cappadocia. Our first stop is the Derinkuyu Underground City, an ancient settlement carved 5 to 7 layers deep into the earth, used for hiding over centuries. After exploring the tunnels that lead to churches, storage rooms, and living spaces, we head to Ihlara Valley, a place of unique beauty. This 11 km canyon follows the Melendiz River and is famed for its churches adorned with frescoes from the 11 to 14th centuries. Upon entering from Ihlara Village and trekking about 7 km, you'll arrive at Belisırma, which offers a variety of lunch options. After the meal, the path crosses a small stone bridge and quietly follows the river, leading into the fairytale world of conical fairy chimneys. This fairytale world is completed by the Selime Monastery, carved into the canyon walls. After the hike, we transfer back to Göreme.
DAY 7: Transfer day
This day is free. If you like we can organise a private airport transfer or shuttle transfer.