Multi adventure Central Anatolia

Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Kayseri to world heritage Cappadocia

  Meet at the Kayseri airport with Demavend Travels representative and drive to Cappadocia, where you spend the next four nights to explore the landscape of this wonder of nature.  

  Cappadocia is undeniably a nature fantasy and it almost feels like another planet with its exceptional geological formations. Wind, rain and frost have sculpted this superb scenery in the volcanic rock during millions of years and eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and forms. In this creation of Nature, the curiosity of the landscapes is added to the historical richness.

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 80 km; (Kayseri airport - Cappadocia)                              

  ON: in Mustafapasha village at the hotel

  Meals:   - / - / D

• DAY 2

  Goreme open air museum & walk via Meskendir and red valley to Cavusin village

  In the morning we first visit Goreme open air museum; one of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The Christian people at the heart of the Cappadocia realized that the soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period and frescoes inside the Goreme open air museum are a unique artistic achievement from this time. Afterwards we start our hike in nearby Meskendir & red valley area, beautiful valleys with spectacular formations and colours; full with old cave houses, complexes and hidden churches from the old Christian civilization. Although it is not definite, the common believe is that most of the churches and complexes carved out of the cliff face date back to the 8^th and 9^th centuries and its decorative reliefs and frescoes added in the 10^th and 11^th centuries. Our walk ends in Cavusin village, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia area; a small village made up of rock cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses.

  Walking time: 3 h; walking distance: 8 km; ascent: 85m; descent: 135m

   

  After having a cup of traditional Turkish tea, known as cay, in Cavusin village we continue to Avanos where we visit a pottery shaping studio (workshop). The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. We will take time to visit one of the pottery studios and you will try to shape by your own.         

  ON: in Mustafapasha village at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 3

  Mountain biking; Goreme to Uchisar citadel via Kiliclar (sword) valley & Akvadi (white) valley

  Today we will ride on Mountain bikes through Cappadocia. We start our biking adventure in Goreme and ride first through Kiliclar (Sword) valley, one of the smallest valleys in Cappadocia with many interesting fairy chimneys and ruins. Sword Valley is known for its fantastic views of Cappadocia; on our route there are tracks where it is possible to explore abandoned caves which were homes of past citizens in this region. Afterwards we enter into Akvadi (white valley), where white fairy chimneys sprawl through the region. Especially a special section at the beginning of the valley is worth seeing. Via Akvadi we arrive in Uchisar village to visit the high viewpoint known as “the fortress”. Many rooms hollowed out into the Rock, are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. The top of the Citadel provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. In Uchisar we take time to have a cup of traditional Turkish Tea, known as Cay, whilst enjoying the magnificent panorama over Cappadocia. On stabilized roads and partly on asphalt we ride through vineyard gardens back to Goreme where our ride ends.

  Mountain biking: approximately 20 - 25 km (approximately 3 - 4 h); up/down: between 100 - 150m

   

  In the afternoon we drive to Pasabaglari (monk) valley. Pasabaglari fairy chimneys are unique and feature bizarre large toadstool like caps which protect the rest of the chimney from erosion. The area was formerly a monastic retreat and used to be known as monk’s valley and features a rock cut church dedicated to St Simeon. Close to Pasabaglari we also visit Zelve monastery valley, an important religious centre carved into the rocks after Christians moved to the area during the Persian and Arab invasions. Once inhabited, Zelve became an important Christian settlement and housed one of the largest communities in the area. Spreading out over three valleys, of which two are connected by a tunnel, the amazing cave town of Zelve is famous for its honeycombed dwellings, religious and secular chambers. The monastery is rich in its own beauty, main decorations are high relief crosses representative of the Iconoclastic doctrine. We conclude the day with a beautiful dinner at the restaurant with famous Turkish dishes & local specialities.

  ON: in Mustafapasha village at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 4

  Ruins of Gomeda & Devrent valley, time at leisure in Urgup & Goreme, visit red valley panorama for sunset

  Today we will have a slow morning; after breakfast, close to Mustafapasha village, we will have a short walk through vineyards to the ruins of Gomeda, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia dating from the iconoclastic period. 

  We also visit Devrent; a pretty small valley, famous for its lunar landscape. Also known as imagination valley, the formations, colours and resembling animals and different creatures of Devrent are unique. Here you can also find one of the landmarks of Cappadocia, the famous ‘camel’ rock formation.

  Afterwards we spend some time at leisure; we explore the villages of Urgup, one of the most important centres in Cappadocia, known for its famous wines and Goreme, designated as an important tourist destination; a "centre" for all tourism in Cappadocia.

  In Urgup and Goreme we take time to relax a while and to taste a traditional cup of Turkish tea before we explore the centres of these famous cities (villages), with their small shops and pleasant cafes, on our own way.            

   

  Optional activities: horseback riding or Turkish bath (Hamam)

  In the early afternoon there will be time for horseback riding through unique valleys of Cappadocia. An easy and pleasant, but long distance ride awaits us today. We will ride through some of Cappadocia’s most beautiful valleys with amazing formations and colours. We ride on stabilized roads and paths, take beautiful trails to reach remote locations with spectacular panoramic views. Our ride also covers distinct valleys with unique landscapes where numerous cones and fairy chimneys decorate our path, mostly dotted with orchards and vineyards. 

  Horseback riding: approximately 2 - 3 h

  Or you can enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath visit, better known as Hamam. The Hamam combines the functionality and the structural elements of its predecessors in Anatolia, the Roman thermal and eastern Roman baths.

   

  In the early evening we drive to red valley panorama point, the best sunset spot in Cappadocia. The sunset here is glorious, the ever deepening light makes the colours of the rock formations richer than usual. Here in a beautiful atmosphere we taste a cup of traditional Turkish tea whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery of continuously changing reds, pinks and yellow colours.

  ON: in Mustafapasha village at the hotel

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 5

  Cappadocia to Aladaglar Mountains via underground city of Derinkuyu

  We leave Cappadocia today and drive to Aladaglar mountain range, on our way we visit the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, opened to visitors in 1965. The city is approximately 85m deep, but only 10 % of the city can be visited, and contains all of the usual rooms found in an underground city, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries. Apart from these, a large room with a barrel vaulted ceiling on the second floor served as a missionary school, the rooms to the left used as study rooms.

  In the afternoon we arrive in Demirkazik/Cukurbag village area at the skirts of Aladaglar mountain range. Here we visit a fish farm, one of the most famous and naturally based trout farms of the region. Here you will have the opportunity to taste delicious fish meals and to fish your own trout from the pond, which is a fun and educational way for the entire family to relax and unwind. Later the day we continue to our overnight accommodation in Cukurbag village.

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 125 km (Cappadocia – Aladaglar National park via Derinkuyu)

  ON: in the Aladaglar Mountains Cukurbag village at a local village pension

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 6

  Hiking in the Aladaglar mountains; Eznevit Yayla (plateau) to Emli valley via Siyirmalik

  After breakfast we drive up to Alacan Yayla/Sakartas pass and start from here our hike towards Emli valley. Following a stabilized walking path we first reach Eznevit Yayla (plateau), a campsite inhabited by semi-nomadic families during the summer months. If we are lucky to meet them we will visit their tents to see their original life style during the time they spent in the mountains and have a cup of tea together (or Ayran, a typical nomadic yoghurt drink). From here you also will be rewarded with good views over the surrounding area as you continue walking towards Siyirmalik valley. Through a beautiful forested area and on stabilized gravel roads we reach Emli valley, one of the most beautiful places of the Aladaglar. After some resting here we drive back to our overnight accommodation in Demirkazik/or Cukurbag village.

  Walking time: 4 - 5 h; walking distance: approx. 12 km; ascent: 375m; descent: 775m

  ON: in the Aladaglar Mountains Cukurbag village at a local village pension

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 7

  Hiking in the Aladaglar mountains; Emli valley to Elekgolu village via Kazikli canyon

  After a traditional Turkish breakfast we drive to Emli valley and start from here our hike through Kazikli canyon, with 50 to 70 meters high walls. The canyon lies in the southern part of the Aladaglar and received its name over a century ago from a farmer called Ali who used wooden stakes (kazik) to climb cracks in the canyon to reach the honey of wild bees in the caves. These stakes can still be seen and due to their historical value these areas are closed for climbing. Our trek permits us to Elekgolu village area where our vehicle is already waiting for us to drive us back to Cukurbag village.

  Walking time:  2 - 3 h; walking distance: approx. 7 km; ascent: 15m; descent: 295m 

   

  In Demirkazik/or Cukurbag village we will visit a local family for basic cooking workshop. We will have the opportunity to see the local lifestyle and watch their daily routines. After having a cup of Turkish tea, you will get a brief explanation of the dishes and their origins; you will cook for approximately 2 - 3 hours and then enjoy a relaxed dinner. You will be introduced to the ingredients typically used in local village cuisine and learn how to prepare and combine these in different ways; you will learn some basic cooking techniques and how to prepare a fantastic meal; all this in a fun and relaxed setting. We spend our final night in Cukurbag village at the pension.

  ON: in the Aladaglar Mountains Cukurbag village at a local village pension

  Meals:   B / L / D

• DAY 8

  Aladaglar to Kayseri airport

  Transfer to Kayseri airport where the trip concludes.                                                                                                                         

  Transfer time: 2 h; transfer distance: 145 km (Aladaglar Mountains – Kayseri airport)

  Meals:   B / - / -