Current as of: July 27, 2024 - 06:03
Current as of: July 27, 2024 - 06:03
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
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.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
We have five walking days with vehicle support taking us to and from each walk. All the walking is on undulating trails at low altitude. The terrain will include footpaths, which can be rocky and loose in places with ascents and descents. The walks take about two to three hours. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
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)
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.
Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)
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 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.
Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)
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.
Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)
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.
It’s an early start and a short transfer, but the ride lasts for approximately 1h 15min, and ends with a cold glass of champagne.
After a late breakfast, we continue our programme for the day, with a 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.
Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)
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 through more jaw-dropping scenery, past the giant shards of rock that give Sword Valley its name, and on to the richly coloured rock formations that make Red Valley so remarkable.
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.
Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)
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 the easy excavation of the rocks surrounding the valley plus the classic fairy chimneys. 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. Making use of the red clay obtained from the shores, the Hittites created outstanding examples of pottery ware and used potters’ wheels as early as the second millennia BCE. 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.
Premium accommodation: Nino Cave Suites, Cappadocia (four-star)
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.
Premium accommodation: Kent Hotel, Istanbul (four-star)
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.
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.
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
Single supplement from £ 815
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.
Daytime temperatures in Cappadocia will range from 22C to 30C (71F to 86F) in summer at low altitudes. Early mornings may be cooler later in the season. Summers are usually dry; however, rain is possible at any time and odd storms do occur.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of Turkish Airlines (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed
until approximately two weeks before departure.
Please note, baggage allowance is 25kg for checked in bag and 8kg for cabin bag on domestic flights.
Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Istanbul
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Istanbul in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Istanbul
Location end: Istanbul
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US, Canada and most EU states normally do not need a visa to enter Turkey. Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Turkey's time zone: Europe/Istanbul (UTC +03:00)
Turkey's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Turkey's currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
We recommend you do not bring travellers cheques. It is best to use a mixture of cash and ATMs. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in shops for larger purchases. Turkey has a good network of cash machines in built up areas, which can be used to get advances in lira.
You should allow 400-800 Turkish liras (approximately US$15-US$30) for each dinner not included. Local Turkish restaurants can be cheap and very good, tourist restaurants are good but more expensive. Please allow extra for drinks.
Optional excursions
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So no need for any tipping kitty contributions, or to give your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the Tour Leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around 1,670 lira.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.