Walking the Ancient Trails of Cappadocia - Premium Adventure

9 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
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...
$6,075
From$4,500
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Experience a six-night stay at the fabulous Nino Cave Suites hotel in the heart of Cappadocia
    • Enjoy a unique programme of walks and activities to discover the history, valleys, rock towers and cave dwellings of the region
    • Grab the chance to take a hot-air balloon ride over the fairytale Cappadocia landscape
    • Discover historic Istanbul, from centrally located hotels

What's this trip about?

    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.Explore the unique landscapes and cultures of Cappadocia on foot – from an extraordinary cave hotel 

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityIstanbul
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cappadocia
  • Goreme
  • Istanbul

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • Eight breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners
    • Premium accommodationthroughout
    • 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
    • Internal flights between Istanbul and Kayseri
    • Free group arrival and departure transfers available

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrival in 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. Premium accommodation: Kent Hotel, Istanbul (four-star)

Day 2 Morning calligraphy lesson; fly to Kayseri

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 ena...

Day 3 Visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum; walk through the colourful Rose Valley

Our first day in Cappadocia 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 driv...

Day 4 Tour of Pigeon Valley; explore the cellars at Kaymakli Underground City; cooking class experience

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 undergrou...

Day 5 Optional balloon ride; walk through White Valley; discover Love Valley; afternoon at leisure

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 con...

Day 6 Visit the former monastic complex of Zelve; explore Sword and Red valleys; Jeep safari; late afternoon Whirling Dervishes performance

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. The path takes us t...

Day 7 Day tour to Ihlara Valley; visit 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. Ihlara has hundreds of churches and shelters made by ...

Day 8 Fly to Istanbul; optional Turkish bath experience

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 clas...

Day 9 End 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.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,500
Price per day$500
Last Updated: 4/4/2025

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,502
Great
3,265
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
190
Write a Review

Other Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews

S

Sheila Bissell

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Excellent service

Excellent service

R

Roger hil

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Roger

They were very helpful, polite and knowledgeable

D

Dave

Apr 2025

Written on
Exodus Adventure Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Adventure Travels

Holiday cost reduced after I’d booked on it…

Booked a holiday which included my loyalty discount. Just checked the website and the trip I’m booked on has had its price reduced, which is pretty frustrating. Perh...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Balloon ride. Pre-booked, but paid locally
    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Tip for the leader

Accommodation

Relax in Premium hotels, hand-picked for their excellent location and facilities. Below are the properties generally used on this Turkish adventure: Istanbul: Kent Hotel (nights 1 & 8) Situated in the Beyazit district, this four-star hotel offers the chance to experience the rich history and culture of Istanbul. It's just a short walk from the Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Mosque. Cappadocia: Nino Cave Suites (nights 2-7) With fabulous views spanning the Balkan Valley, Nino Caves Suites is a boutique property with 33 individual cave suites. All suites are decorated tastefully in a traditional style with modern amenities, and all customers will be upgraded to a Delux Cave suite complete with a luxury jacuzzi bath. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Period before departure in which you notify us

From the date your Booking Confirmation is issued up to, and including, 90 days prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.

  • 89 to 52 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 51 to 31 days (inclusive) prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation.
  • 30 days or less prior to the departure date specified on the Booking Confirmation, or after the booking has started

Cancellation charge

Deposit can be transferred to a new booking which must be made within 3 months of the date the original booking was cancelled, and depart within 12 months of the new booking date. If a new booking is not made within this period then the deposit will be forfeited. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.

  • 50% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 75% of the total holiday cost. Any remaining balance will be refunded excluding any non-refundable costs.
  • 100% of the total holiday cost.

For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made:

Cancellation period (before departure) - Cancellation Fee (per person)

Outside of 180 days - No fee if cancelled within 15 days of booking date. US $1,250 cancellation fee if cancelled 16 days or more of booking date.

179 to 120 days - Loss of deposit.

119 to 90 days prior to departure - 50% of the holiday cost.

89 to 60 days prior to departure - 75% of the holiday cost. 

59 to 0 days prior to departure - 100% of the holiday cost.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of Exodus Adventure Travels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners included. Typical meals: Breakfast: Typically, a selection of tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam, cheese, olives, cucumber, tomatoes and yoghurt. Lunch and dinner: A combination of set menus and buffet arrangements with several freshly cooked dishes. Kebabs are, of course, found everywhere. Most people find Turkish cuisine one of the most varied in the world and there is usually something to please everyone. Vegetarians will generally find themselves well catered for as many Turkish dishes are based on vegetables and dairy products. In Turkey, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring these specialised dietary items from home. Drinks are not included with meals (except breakfast) as a wide variety is normally available and this allows you greater choice. Mineral water, excellent fruit juices, beer and wine are generally readily available. Tea (usually taken in small glasses) is cheap, and so is Turkish coffee (strong, taken in small cups). European instant coffee and spirits can be more expensive.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
exodus-TTF

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save