Before you embark on your amazing adventure in Cappadocia, you'll first arrive in Kayseri, where you'll spend the night so you're totally ready to kick things off the next day.

When you arrive at Kayseri airport, you can take a taxi to the center of Kayseri, where you will spend the night. The next day, a shuttle will take you to the start of the trail..

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, you'll take a shuttle from Kayseri to the starting point of the trail in Taskinpasa, which is about an hour and a half ride. Taskinpasa is a historic village, far from tourism, where time seems to stand still. Upon arrival, you'll also receive the first briefing of the trail from the ranger on-site.

Once you leave the village, the climb begins to one of the highest points of the trail, where you'll be rewarded with a stunning view over the valley. The route takes you past one of the few lakes in the region, and through winding paths, you'll reach the back door of Mustafapasa.

Mustafapasa, once a Greek settlement, still breathes Greek influences. You can see these in the characteristic ‘stone houses’, including the famous ‘Old Greek House’, which has now been transformed into a popular restaurant.

Extra activities in Mustafapasa:

• Visit the underground city
• Go to the viewpoint
• Check out the St. Helena and Constantine Church in the center of the village
• Monastery of St. Nicholas

• Distance: 17.2 km
• Ascent: 420 m
• Descent: 580 m
• Walking time: 6 hours

Today, you'll explore your first valley in Cappadocia, the Gomeda Valley. Soon, you'll come across the first 'cave' church on the route, the Timios Stravros church, where the frescoes are still beautifully preserved. This valley is packed with historical treasures: from churches and houses to bunkers, dovecotes, and even an underground city. Imagine what it must have been like to live in this unique environment a thousand years ago.

During the hike, you'll follow a stream that nourishes the valley and contributes to the vineyards still found here. Traditional Cappadocian wine is still made and can be tasted in many local restaurants (note: it can be pricey, so feel free to ask for the price in advance).

At the end of the Gomeda Valley, you'll see an impressive rock face full of caves—a popular spot for tour groups to take photos, often with 4x4 vehicles.

Halfway through the trek, you'll pass the village of Ibrahimapasa, once a bustling trading stop during the Greek period and now known as the 'sleeping village.'

After lunch, you'll continue towards Ortahisar, where you'll see your first rock castle in Cappadocia, centrally located in the village. You'll enter the village through a hidden entrance and experience the stunning view. This settlement plays an important role in the local fruit and vegetable market and features a cozy square full of local restaurants next to the castle.

Extra activities:

• Holy Apostle Church in Gomeda Valley (here)
• Visit the Sivrikaya, the castle in the middle of Ortahisar (90 meters high)

• Distance: 14.8 km
• Ascent: 310 m
• Descent: 280 m
• Hiking time: 5 hours

On day 4 of the trail, you'll explore the breathtaking Red Valley and Pink Valley, known for their colorful rock formations and stunning landscapes. The route takes you along winding paths and unique rock formations, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of these valleys. The highlight of the day is the summit, where you're rewarded with a panoramic view over the village of Çavuşin and the surrounding valleys – a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of Cappadocia.

Çavuşin is one of the oldest villages in Cappadocia, nestled among impressive rock formations and valleys. This picturesque village has a rich history dating back to Roman times and has been an important settlement for Christian communities in the region for centuries. Çavuşin is especially known for its ancient rock churches, such as the Church of John the Baptist, which is carved high into the rocks and is one of the oldest and largest churches in Cappadocia. The church features beautiful frescoes that tell the story of the early Christian period in the area.

• Distance: 16.5 km
• Ascent: 465 m
• Descent: 560 m
• Hiking time: 6 hours

On day 5, the trail takes you from the historic Çavuşin to the majestic Uçhisar, a route that leads you through the iconic Pigeon Valley. This valley gets its name from the countless pigeon houses carved into the rock walls by the locals. These pigeon houses were used for centuries to collect pigeon droppings, which served as natural fertilizer for the fertile vineyards and orchards in Cappadocia. As you walk through Pigeon Valley, you'll enjoy stunning, whimsical rock formations and colorful views. At the end of the valley, you'll reach Uçhisar, where you'll find the impressive Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. This castle, carved from tuff stone, offers spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia. Climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view that stretches all the way to Göreme and the many valleys beyond – an unforgettable conclusion to this special stage.

• Distance: 11 km
• Ascent: 370 m
• Descent: 110 m
• Walking time: 4 hours

On day 6, you’ll hike from Uçhisar to the lively Göreme, one of the most iconic routes in Cappadocia. The journey begins with a descent from Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region, where you can take one last look at the breathtaking views of the valleys and rock formations that stretch endlessly.

The trail then takes you through the picturesque Zemi Valley, which is primarily made up of volcanic tuff, a soft rock formed by the eruptions of nearby volcanoes, including Mount Erciyes. These formations give the valley its famous fairy chimneys and troglodyte homes (houses carved into the rock).

You’ll end the day in Göreme, the vibrant heart of Cappadocia, where you can relax and wrap up the day with a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating collection of rock churches and monasteries, richly decorated with colorful frescoes telling stories from the early Christian period. Day 6 is a memorable conclusion to your trail, allowing you to fully experience Cappadocia’s rich history and unique landscapes.

• Distance: 11.2 km
• Elevation gain: 110 m
• Elevation loss: 320 m
• Hiking time: 4 hours

On day 7, participants will stay in Göreme, a perfect base for a relaxing and adventurous day filled with unforgettable activities. The day can start with a spectacular hot air balloon ride at sunrise, one of the most iconic experiences in Cappadocia. Floating high above the valleys, you'll see the first rays of sunlight illuminating the colorful rock formations and fairy chimneys, while dozens of balloons fill the sky – a breathtaking scene you won't want to miss.

For those who prefer to stay on the ground, you can watch the hot air balloons from one of the many viewpoints, but Cappadocia also offers beautiful horseback riding tours through the valleys surrounding Göreme. Guided by a local expert, you'll traverse the unique landscape of rock formations and valleys, experiencing the beauty of Cappadocia from a new perspective.

For hiking enthusiasts, a trip to Ihlara Valley is possible. This green gorge provides an oasis of tranquility and nature, with winding walking paths along the river and hidden rock churches from early Christian times. A walk through Ihlara Valley is a perfect way to wrap up your stay, giving you one last chance to experience the nature and culture of Cappadocia in a peaceful, authentic way.

On the last day in Cappadocia, if you booked your flights through us or are using our extra shuttle service, you will be picked up at your hotel in Göreme in the morning and taken to the airport for your departure.