Cappadocia on Foot
Cultural Exploration of Cappadocia
Embark on a 7-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia! From the stunning Ihlara Valley to the remarkable underground city of Derinkuyu, each day offers a fresh opportunity for unforgettable experiences. Discover hidden churches, explore vibrant valleys, and step back in time at ancient monasteries. Indulge in the delicious local cuisine, rejuvenate in traditional Turkish baths, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this extraordinary region.
Adventuring with Ararat Tours
Tour overview
Here’s a summary of the 7-day Cappadocia hiking tour:
Day 1 • Arrive in Kayseri; transfer to Ihlara for an overnight stay.
Day 2 • Explore Ihlara Valley, a monastery, and an underground city. Transfer to Göreme.
Day 3 • Visit Meskendir and Red Rose Valley. Enjoy a traditional Turkish bath.
Day 4 • Tour Göreme Open-Air Museum, Love Valley, and Pigeon Valley.
Day 5 • Discover Gomeda Valley, Ürgüp Town Center, and Ortahisar.
Day 6 • Explore Paşabağ, Zelve Open-Air Museum, and Mustafa Paşa Village.
Day 7 • Transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight home.
Scroll down to see a more detailed description of the program and what is included.
TOUR COST
From 959 EUR per person
Cappadocia offers many opportunities.
Scroll down to see what’s included.
START DATES
From March till November
To hear more about a specific date please contact us!
DURATION
Standard is 7 days / 6 nights
We provide custom tours of all lengths desired.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel
Always included in the tour package.
MAX GROUP SIZE
No minimum or maximum
It’s a pretty spacious area…
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate
The tour is primarily a walking tour.
7 DAY / 6 NIGHT TRIP OVERVIEW
Tour Itinerary
We can help you create a custom trip for your group, big or small! Feel free to reach out for a detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Welcoming day
Accomodation: Hotel in Ihlara
We will pick you up from Kayseri airport upon your arrival and transfer you comfortably to the hotel in Ihlara, ensuring that you have a pleasant journey after your plane ride.
Day 2: Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastry - Derinkuyu Underground City
Accomodation: Hotel in Göreme
We begin our exploration of Cappadocia in Ihlara Valley. After a short drive, we’ll hike the 14 km-long canyon with towering rock walls. Following lunch at a riverside restaurant, we’ll visit Selime Monastery, an essential site in the region. We’ll also explore the underground city of Derinkuyu, a vast shelter used during sieges, featuring eight stories resembling “Swiss Cheese.” Finally, we head to Göreme, where we’ll stay for the next five days.
Walking Time: 1.5 h
Distance: 8 km
Transfer Time: 1.5 h Transfer Distance: 100 km (Ihlara-Derinkuyu-Göreme)
Day 3: Meskendir Valley – Red Rose Valley –Cavusin
We start our walk in the Meskendir Valley, following a path that is full of old cave houses and complexes from the ancient Christian civilization. Then we cross over from the Meskendir Valley to the Red Valley, the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, known for its remarkable formations and colors. We occasionally stop to visit rock-carved churches hidden in the valley, and sometimes we take a break for tea or orange juice in local gardens. Next, we head to Cavusin, one of the first Christian villages established in the Cappadocia region. After enjoying a late lunch in Cavusin, we will explore the town, and then we will have a chance to bathe in a traditional Turkish bath called “hamam.”
Walking Time: 3-4 h
Distance: 9 km
Accomodation: Hotel in Göreme
Day 4: Göreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley- Uçhisar- Pigeon Valley
We start the day by visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum, which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period. The frescoes inside the Göreme Open Air Museum are unique artistic achievements from this period. Later, our driver will take us to the trailhead point at the beginning of Love Valley. We will walk along this valley, following an old riverbed that is now used as vineyards. A particularly special section at the start of the valley is worth seeing. At noon, we will arrive in Uçhisar Village and visit the high viewpoint known as Uçhisar Fortress. After lunch, we continue the day by walking through Pigeon Valley directly down to Göreme.
Walking Time: 4-5 h
Distance: 8 km
Accomodation: Hotel in Göreme
Day 5: Gomeda Valley – Ürgüp Town Center and Ortahisar
In the morning, we will journey through the beautiful Gomeda valley, where stunning landscapes and natural beauty await. This valley, rich in history, offers a perfect atmosphere for exploration. In the afternoon, we will visit Ürgüp, the largest and vibrant town in Cappadocia, with time to shop for unique crafts, taste traditional cuisine, and observe local life for an authentic experience.
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5-6 km
Accomodation: Hotel in Göreme
Day 6: Pasabaglari – Zelve Open Air Museum and Mustafa Paşa Village (Sinasos)
In the morning, we will begin our journey by exploring the stunning Pasaboglari area, famous for its fairy chimneys and landscapes. Afterward, we will visit Zelve, a valley once thriving until the 1980s, where you will see ancient cave settlements, churches, a mill, and a mosque rich in history. Finally, we’ll head to Mustafapaşa Village to admire the exceptional stone masonry of the Greek society in Cappadocia.
Walking Time: Approximately 1-1.5 hours
Distance: Around 2.5-3 kilometers
Accomodation: Hotel in Göreme
Day 7: Farewell day
This is our final day together. We will take you to Kayseri Airport for your flight back home. Alternatively, we can assist you in exploring other nearby regions, arrange additional treks or cultural tours.
What's included?
- English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers for both arrival and departure with A/C vehicle.
- All hotel accommodations (BB Service, rooms on twin share base)
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners
- All entrance fees for historical and natural sites
- All transportation to sites and activities stated in itinerary
- Cold bottled water
Available at an additional cost
- Hot air balloon ride
- Turkish bath
- Horse riding or mountain biking in the valleys.
- ATV riding (quad bikes)
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Transportation to other activities than stated in itinerary
- Tips. (They are like hugs to us: Never expected, but always welcome).
Remember to bring
- Travel insurance
- Trekking Shoes
- Rain jacket
- Back pack (25-30 L)
- Sun cream
Our physical location in Turkey:
İran Transit Yolu 15 Km. Aşağı Tavla Köyü No 3,
04400 Doğubayazıt/Ağrı, Türkiye
Ararat Tours operate in close collaboration with and under the legal name of Nuh Ararat Turizm Seyahat Acentası with the registered TURSAB number 7261.
Ararat Tours © 2025