Hike and Explore the Trails of Cappadocia: The 2026 Edition
Follow ancient paths through Turkey’s fairy chimneys and dreamy canyons, then unwind in a boutique cave hotel carved into stone
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesBoutique Hotel
4 nights in a cozy boutique cave hotelMeals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, and 1 wine tastingTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
Crampons, if snow and ice conditions require themSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike Cappadocia's UNESCO-listed valleys, exploring fairy chimneys, ancient cave churches, and dramatic canyon trails
Stay in a boutique cave hotel in Urgup, enjoy relaxed evenings with two dinners included at standout local eateries
Step into history at the vast underground city of Derinkuyu, and opt for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape
Taste local wines in a historic cave cellar and learn to cook regional dishes at a women’s cooperative in a traditional village setting
Key Information
Day 1
Hoşgeldiniz – welcome to Turkey! Your host will meet you at Kayseri Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Urgup, a charming town set among the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia. Compared to nearby Goreme, Urgup offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere, known for its boutique feel, traditional architecture, and strong local character. For the next four nights, you’ll stay in a boutique cave hotel, thoughtfully converted from historic stone dwellings and offering a comfortable and characterful retreat. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to explore Urgup’s atmospheric streets, dotted with wine houses, artisan shops, and local cafes. As the day winds down, take in panoramic views of Cappadocia’s surreal views from your hotel terrace before gathering with your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 2
From fairy chimneys to fine wine
Hiking
After a relaxed breakfast in Urgup, set off for a scenic loop hike from Goreme through Pigeon Valley to Uçhisar, returning via the famous White and Love Valleys. You’ll walk among Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys, winding through sculpted rock formations, tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints. Along the route, you'll also stop for a visit to Uçhisar Castle, the highest viewpoint in Cappadocia, where panoramic views stretch across the region’s striking terrain. These trails are spectacular year-round, offering ever-changing light and colors — and if you visit in winter, you’ll enjoy peaceful, crowd-free paths and, with a bit of luck, a light dusting of snow that adds a magical touch to the already surreal landscape. Back in Urgup, you're off to a historic cave wine cellar for a guided tasting of Anatolian wines. Learn how Cappadocia’s volcanic rock provides ideal conditions for winemaking as you sample a variety of local blends before returning to your boutique hotel. This evening, dinner is left open for you to enjoy at your own pace — explore one of town's excellent local restaurants, or if you feel like unwinding, you might choose to pamper yourself with a visit to a traditional hammam nearby.
Day 3
Explore the Red and Meskendir Valleys
Hiking
Wake before sunrise for a truly unforgettable, bucket-list experience – an (optional) hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s dreamlike landscape, drifting above ancient cave dwellings and surreal rock formations. This activity is payable locally and subject to weather conditions, but don’t worry – there will be other chances to try again later in the trip if needed. Later in the morning, set off on a scenic hike through the Red and Meskendir Valleys, known for their pink-hued cliffs, natural tunnels, and hidden cave chapels. Your walk ends in Cavusin, a former Roman settlement with striking rock-cut dwellings and stone-carved architecture dating back to 150 BC. For lunch, head to the Hereni Women’s Cooperative for a hands-on cooking class. Local women will share cherished family recipes as you prepare a hearty meal together in a warm and welcoming village setting. Time permitting, in the afternoon, continue to Zemi Valley for a second short hike – a peaceful trail winding through lush scenery, fairy chimneys, and lesser-visited formations. The walk ends in Göreme, where you’ll have time to explore, relax, or enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee before returning to your hotel in Urgup where the evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 4
Derinkuyu underground city and Ihlara Valley
Hiking
Driving
Start the day early with a drive from Urgup to the remarkable underground city of Derinkuyu — the largest excavated of its kind in Turkey. This vast, multi-level complex descends around 279 feet below ground and once sheltered up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and supplies. Explore its narrow passageways, ventilation shafts, storage rooms, and communal areas to get a fascinating glimpse into how communities lived and survived here during times of siege. After resurfacing, continue to the breathtaking Ihlara Valley, where you’ll embark on your final hike of the trip. This dramatic canyon, carved by the Melendiz River, is flanked by steep rock walls and shaded by poplars and willows. As you follow the trail alongside flowing streams, keep an eye out for centuries-old cave churches and monasteries carved into the cliffs — remnants of a once-flourishing monastic community. Return to your hotel in Urgup in the late afternoon to freshen up before you join your group for a farewell dinner in an atmospheric cave restaurant — a fitting finale to your Cappadocian adventure.
Day 5
Goodbye Cappadocia!
After breakfast in Urgup, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your Cappadocian adventure comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Since most international flights from Kayseri Airport connect via Istanbul, you might wish to extend your trip with a few extra days in one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Kayseri Erkilet Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Kayseri Erkilet Airport
Any time on Day 5
Transfers
On Day 1, your host will meet you on arrival at Kayseri Airport and transfer you to your hotel. A welcome meeting with your guide will take place at the hotel, usually around 18:00, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. We recommend booking a flight that arrives by 16:00 to ensure you’re on time for the group meeting and evening meal.
On Day 5, your host will arrange a group transfer from Urgup back to Kayseri Airport to meet your onward flight.
Please note that transfers will be scheduled based on group flight times, so you may experience a short wait if other travellers are arriving or departing at similar times. Regular shuttle buses also run between Göreme and Kayseri Airport (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, costing around €5 per person).
If you plan to arrive early or extend your stay, additional nights at the hotel and private airport transfers can be arranged in advance through your host for an extra cost. Please see Optional Extras for further details.
Travel options
There are indirect international flights to Kayseri from the UK, as well as direct and indirect flights from various major hubs in Europe which transit via Istanbul. If you wish to include an overnight stay in Istanbul, it may be cheaper to consider separate tickets with different airlines (e.g. Wizzair or other low cost airlines from the UK to Istanbul; then internal flights between Istanbul and Kayseri Airport with Turkish Airlines or others).
Alternatively, you can choose to fly into Nevsehir Airport (40 minutes away from Göreme) or travel from Istanbul to Göreme via an overnight bus – your host can arrange pick-up transfers from any place in Cappadocia on request. Please contact them for further info and ad hoc rates.
From the US, there are indirect flights from various major hubs which transit via Istanbul and Frankfurt.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Food is a big part of the experience on this trip, and Turkish cuisine offers much more than the classic kebab. You’ll enjoy three lunches and two dinners at hand-picked local restaurants, where menus reflect the rich regional flavors and use of seasonal ingredients — from slow-cooked stews and mezze platters to fresh salads and oven-baked breads. A highlight of the trip is a hands-on cooking session at a local women’s cooperative, where you’ll prepare a traditional meal using family recipes passed down through generations. You’ll also take part in a guided wine tasting in a historic cave cellar, sampling a range of Anatolian wines that reflect Cappadocia’s unique volcanic terroir. Turkish breakfasts are generous and mezze-style, typically including fresh bread, olives, cheese, tomatoes, jellies, and honey — served with strong coffee or freshly brewed tea. Other regional favorites you might encounter include dolma (stuffed vegetables), lahmacun (thin flatbreads with spiced meat), and börek (savory pastries filled with cheese or greens). Vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary requirements or allergies are well catered for — just be sure to include this information on your passenger form in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
Urgup
You’ll spend all four nights at Dere Suites, a boutique cave hotel in the heart of Urgup, one of Cappadocia’s most atmospheric and authentic towns. Set in a restored historic building, the hotel reflects traditional Cappadocian architecture and offers a premium and characterful place to stay. No two rooms are the same — each one varies in size, layout, and decor — but all are carved from the rock and feature natural stonework, handcrafted touches, and modern amenities. The hotel is just a short walk from Urgup's lively center, with its small shops, local cafes, and some of the region’s best restaurants. Dere Suites also has a bar, restaurant, and a few relaxed communal areas, with WiFi available throughout. After a day of exploring, you can unwind on the terrace with views over the stunning surrounding landscape — a peaceful spot to sit back with a glass of local wine.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price.
This trip has been rated as Easy
This trip combines gentle hiking, cultural immersion, and boutique and characterful accommodations throughout. Each day includes hikes of 3–4 hours, mostly along well-walked trails with minimal ascent or descent. No previous hiking experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experience. While the hikes themselves are not particularly long or difficult, the itinerary is still busy and rewarding, with plenty of immersive cultural moments, sightseeing, and foodie experiences packed into each day — making the most of your four days in Cappadocia.
Running from October to June, the trip offers two distinct seasonal experiences. In winter, you’ll enjoy quieter trails and fewer crowds, occasionally with the added atmosphere of snow-dusted valleys. Hikes may be slightly slower or more challenging in icy conditions, but crampons are provided if needed, and your guide will show you how to use them safely. In spring and fall, the weather is milder and ideal for classic valley hikes. Beyond the trails, the trip includes a curated mix of authentic local experiences, such as a wine tasting in an atmospheric cave cellar, a hands-on cooking class at a local women’s cooperative, and meals at hand-picked restaurants showcasing regional specialties. You’ll stay in a boutique, characterful cave hotel, offering a warm and welcoming base to return to each evening.
If you don’t exercise regularly, we recommend incorporating some light to moderate activity in the weeks before departure to ensure you’re ready to fully enjoy the experience.
What if i need to skip an activity?
You’re free to skip any activity on this trip if you’d prefer to take it easy. Just let your guides know — they’re there to support you. If you decide to sit something out, there’s often the option to enjoy some extra downtime at the hotel or in the local towns.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which can be left at the hotel, and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
This trip runs from October to June, avoiding the busiest and hottest summer months. By focusing on the winter and shoulder seasons, it offers a more comfortable and authentic way to experience Cappadocia — with milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and a very different atmosphere depending on when you travel. Spring (April–May) and fall (October) are popular for a reason. With daytime temperatures ranging from 59–77°F, these months offer ideal hiking conditions and great visibility for exploring Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys. While still relatively busy at key sites, they’re noticeably quieter than the summer peak. Winter (late November to early March) brings colder conditions, with daytime temperatures between 32–50°F and below-freezing nights. Snow is possible — particularly in January and February — creating a striking, fairytale-like landscape. It’s the quietest time of year, meaning you’ll often have trails and viewpoints to yourself. All hikes remain accessible, and crampons are provided in case you need to navigate icy patches safely.
Each part of the season offers a distinct but equally rewarding experience — whether you’re looking for peaceful, snow-dusted scenery or mild, sunny days perfect for hiking.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike through the 'fairy chimneys' in the White and Honey Valleys
- Visit to Uchisar Castle
- Guided hike through the Red, Meskendir and Zemi Valleys
- Hands-on cooking session at Hereni Women’s Cooperative
- Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu
- Guided hike into Ihlara Valley
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guide
Lodging
- 4 nights in a boutique cave hotel in the heart of Urgup
Meals
- 4 classic Turkish breakfasts
- 3 tasty lunches
- 1 wine tasting in a cave cellar
- 2 traditional dinners in hand-picked high quality restaurants
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Kayseri Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Kayseri Airport at any time on Day 5
- All transfers by private vehicle during the trip
Gear
- Crampons, should snow and ice conditions require them in winter
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Optional activities
- Optional hot air balloon: budget approximately €200-250 per person for the flight, which you'll pay locally to your host should the activity go ahead. To secure availability, we strongly recommend pre-booking this with your host ahead of travel (see Optional Extras and the FAQ for further details).
- Traditional hammam in a historic bath: approx. €75
Meals
Two dinners are not included in the trip price, giving you the opportunity to explore Urgup’s excellent local restaurants at your own pace - or, if you prefer, enjoy some free time to visit a nearby traditional hammam.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy info before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancelation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
Ice crampons (should terrain conditions require them in winter)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or luggage
- Daypack (20-30 liters)
- Waterproof liner for gear bag/backpack, or drybags
CLOTHES
For the winter departures (Nov-March):
- Down jacket
- Thermals (merino is best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
For all departures:
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Buff or neckscarf
- Hiking pants and shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear (for the Turkish baths)
- Sunglasses
- Sleepwear
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Sunscreen
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 liter (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Additional Night in Urgup Twin/Double/Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Urgup Twin/Double/Single Room
… Per night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 222kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
The local tap water in Turkey is generally not safe to drink, and heavy chlorination used to purify the water often makes the taste unpalatable. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 1.5 liters) to fill up to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles and bring water purification tablets or a different purification system for extra safety. Please find more info here
Overall, the choice of the route, the hiking distance, and elevation is always decided by your local guide, taking into consideration the group's fitness and the weather conditions, so small alterations can always take place with your safety in mind. It rarely snows every day in Cappadocia between November and March, so it should still be easy to hike, explore, and drive around without major disruptions.
Riding in a hot air balloon above Cappadocia is one of the most magical experiences you can have. Balloon flights operate all year round, but are always weather dependent: snowy, icy, or windy conditions can increase the chance of it being canceled – so for this reason, we haven't included it in the trip. Please let your host know when booking if you are interested in joining a hot air balloon flight and request this add-on as an Optional Extra upon reservation and/or ideally before the trip starts. Your host will be able to provide all the details and exact pricing. Budget approximately €200-250 per person for the flight, which you'll pay locally to your host should the activity go ahead. Please note that if you are traveling on one of the winter departures, the cost for a hot air balloon flight is typically much lower than compared to the busy summer months. Given that you'll stay in Cappadocia for a few days, the chances that you get to fly are higher, but never 100% guaranteed. Remember, you’ll need to wrap up very warm if flying between November and March.
Most flights from Europe connect to Kayseri Airport via Istanbul, so it's easy to plan an overnight stay or a few extra days in the city if you have the time. Occasionally, it may be cheaper to consider separate tickets with different airlines (e.g., Wizz Air or other low-cost airlines from the UK to Istanbul, then internal flights between Istanbul and Kayseri Airport with Turkish Airlines or others).
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamed of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday February 28, 2026
to Wednesday March 4, 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
