CAPPADOCİA & LYCIA

Our walking starts in Cappadocia, a fairytale landscape of volcanic rock sculpted by time and the elements into a geological dance of rock spires and needles, between which apple, apricot, and mulberry trees flourish in fertile valleys.

Day 1: Arrival at Kayseri or Nevşehir airport and transfer to Mustafapaşa

On the day of your arrival at Kayseri airport, welcome and transfer to Mustafapaşa to spend the night there. The village of Mustafapasa was once called “Sinasos” during the Ottoman period when it was inhabited by the Greeks, who built many of today's churches. You can visit some impressive mansions with colorful murals.

Day 2: Mustafapasa - the Gomeda valley - Ortahisar

Today's walk takes you to the vineyards on the east side of the Gomeda Valley. At one point the road continues in the valley and we begin to walk on a single track continuing the river. The Gomeda valley is very picturesque, rich in cave houses, pigeon niches, rock arches, small orchards and abundant vegetation. First we faced the churches Korikos and St. Basil. Then we approach the sources of water rich in sulphide and iron. There you can discover the churches of Kepez, Sarica and Pancarlik. After about two hours of walking in the shadow of the valley, detour west and take a dirt road going up and out of the valley to reach Ortahisar, famous for its natural fortresses. Overnight stay at our pension in Ortahisar. Walking time: 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Day 3: Ortahisar, Hallac monastery - the red valley - Gulludere - Cavusin

Leaving the pension in the morning. After a 20-minute walk, you reach the 11th century Hallac monastery carved out of eroded volcanic rock, also called "Hallac Hospital" because the priests produced medicine there. Then, passage to the Red Valley and Gulludere, the area with different layers of easily eroded volcanic ash that brings colorful tones to it. Lunch in the Red Valley. Here, discover the churches of Kolonlu and Hacli. You will be surprised by the variety of landscapes that lend themselves to be contemplated from the rocks of Bozdag. Passing through the vineyards you will reach St George's Church where Jesus was baptized to confess his sins. Duration of the walk: approximately 6 hours.

Day 4: the white valley (Akvadi) - the pigeon valley - Göreme

This morning, trekking through Akvadi, or White Valley. Walk through the valley following an ancient river bed surrounded by fruit gardens and vineyards. The fairy chimneys in this valley are particularly fine and stand out from what you will have seen the day before. Afterwards, the path will take you to the village of Uçhisar. Visit the high point of view known as the "fortress" (a peak of volcanic ash) and where one has a delightful panoramic view of the entire Cappadocian region with surreal colors. After lunch, followed by a path to the valley of the pigeons (Guvercinlik). This valley takes its name from the many pigeon niches carved during the 18th century in any open space found, including dwellings in abandoned cave caves. They were used for the purpose of collecting fertilizer. Later visit the Göreme open-air museum. It contains the best cave churches, with beautiful murals whose colors still retain their original freshness. It also features unique examples of the art of sculpture and frescoes.The Göreme Open Air Museum has been a member of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984, and was one of the first two UNESCO sites. in Turkey. Duration of the walk: approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.

Day 5: Ihlara Valley - Derinkuyu

Today you will explore the Ihlara Valley, near Mount Hasan and Mount Erciyes (volcanoes of Cappadocia). The Ihlara Valley was formed at a depth of about 150 meters due to erosion created by the Melendiz River coming from the Melendiz Mountains and eroding the volcanic rock. The valley was used to hide the first churches of Cappadocia carved out of fairy chimneys and cellars. It was the first habit of the first Christians to escape the yoke of Roman soldiers. In the Ihlara Valley you can find hundreds of ancient churches set in volcanic rocks. It is very pleasant to walk through the Ihlara valley, passing vineyards, pistachio trees and poplars while hearing the soothing sound of flowing water, and surrounded by a rich wild life of lizards, frogs, butterflies birds and sometimes eagles and other mammals like sheep and their lambs. Later visit Derinkuyu - an underground city in Cappadocia. Late afternoon, transfer to Antalya by overnight bus.

Day 6: Ulupinar - Chimera - Çıralı

Today, transfer to the starting point of your next hike in Ulupinar village (approximately 90 minutes). From there your walk along this part of the Lycian Way begins. Your luggage will continue by vehicle to your accommodation for that night, and you can also come if you are not feeling fit to walk. Lunch break in one of the village restaurants, then continue walking towards the coast to visit the Chimera. The Eternal Flame of Chimera was named after a mythical fire-breathing creature, part lioness, part goat, and part serpent. This extraordinary natural phenomenon is a series of about two dozen permanent fires emerging from the ground caused by methane emissions, located within Olympus National Park towards the top of a 300-meter-high hill. Cirali itself has been a long sandy beach and it is one of the few protected beaches where loggerhead sea turtles come to lay their eggs. If you still want to walk further, head to the beautiful Akdere cove to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Olympe. Walking distance: 8.5 km; duration: about 3 hours; climbs of around 200 meters; descents of approximately 450 meters. Your pension for the night is in Cirali.

Day 7: Cıralı - Olympe - Adrasan

Today’s walk is more inland and more demanding. Following the Lycian route, climb through a canyon to an area of high pasture where there is a small shepherd's hut. Arriving at an upper ridge you will now walk under the slopes of the Montagne de Moise, where a shape reminiscent of a boat has been discovered. Continuing through meadows and descending an area populated by pine trees to a limestone gorge, you will emerge at Adrasan Bay of haunting beauty. Walking distance: 17.5 km; duration: about 7-8 hours; about 720 meters of ascent and descent. Your pension for the night is in Adrasan.

Day 8: Adrasan - cape of Gelidonie - Adrasan

A truly magnificent day awaits you as you walk towards the upper lighthouse of Cape Gelidonie. A short transfer by vehicle will take you to the start of this hike which will then turn in pine woods and rocks placed well up the coast. The walk occasionally pursues a cliff edge and offers dramatic views of hidden coves below, as well as in front of the sea where there are uninhabited islands, reminiscent of a series of teeth. Circumventing the hills of the Gelidonia peninsula, the hike climbs to reach a ridge and then descends to the upper lighthouse. This famous isolated lighthouse has no electricity or telephone. Pausing here you can admire the magnificent sea views and following the coastline of the peninsula you will then descend through a pine forest to reach the shore line again, which you will then follow to the village from Karaoz from which a vehicle will guarantee your transfer, back to your pension in Adrasan.Distance of the walk: about 15 km; duration: about 7 hours; about 700 meters of ascent and descent. Pension, Adrasan.

Day 9: Adrasan - Antalya

After breakfast, depart for Antalya to return to your pension in the part of old Antalya. At this point you will have the rest of the day free to explore the city, try Turkish hamams (baths), go shopping, etc. Overnight stay at a pension in Antalya.

Day 10: Airport

Departure from Antalya. A private transfer will be provided from boarding to Antalya Airport to coincide with your check-in time for your return flight.

Highlights of this trip:

Discover Cappadocia - an area of extreme natural beauty, filled with mysteries and rich in history.

Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum - it was home to one of the region’s largest communities riddled with cave dwellings, and religious and secular settlements.

Climb the rock-carved castles of Uçhisar and Ortahisar.

Go in the footsteps of forgotten civilizations, while getting to know the very hospitable local Turkish populations.

The Lycian Way is a long distance hiking trail in Turkey, listed among "The Best Hikes in the World". With its beaches and coasts, its mountains and unique history, it forms a composition not found anywhere else.

Watch the sunrise over Sulu Island (a small islet) from the Cape Gelidonia Lighthouse.

Discover the remains of extinct civilizations while making contact with the welcoming local Turks.

Included in the price:

Transportation service between Nevşehir / Kayseri airport to Mustafapasa

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Accommodations

Your roadbook

Transfers

Not included:

Plane tickets

Drinks

Meals not indicated in the itinerary

Arrangements and transfers:

You will be met upon arrival at Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport on the 1st day of your trip and transferred to your accommodation in Mustafapasa (approximately 1 hour). At the end of your trip on the 10th day transfer to Antalya Airport from your pension in Antalya. Transfers are organized to coincide with the arrival / departure of your flight.

Luggage:

Please ensure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the tag comes off. We ask that you limit your main baggage to 1 piece per person and suggest that you pack your clothes in plastic bags to keep them dry. Since your main baggage will be carried by vehicle, a normal suitcase can be used as the main baggage. During your walks, you will only carry your usual backpack.