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Immerse in everything magical from scintillating landscapes to intriguing cultures trekking the ancient trails of Cappadocia including Pigeon, Red and Ihlara Valleys. Be stunned by the wonders of this region as you unearth unique valleys, revamped volcanic remains, an underground city, fascinating rocky structures and much more each day, venturing out from the comforts of your spectacular 4-star cave hotel on this 9-day exploit.
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where the Vicenza hotel absorbs you for relaxation. The next day, your Turkish adventures begin with a calligraphy lesson and sumptuous lunch before flying to Kayseri, Cappadocia. Ride a hot air balloon, explore the Rose Valley, and behold the magnificence of an open-air museum in Cappadocia. Explore the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, uncover the underground city of Kaymakli and its cellars. Descend ...
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where the Vicenza hotel absorbs you for relaxation. The next day, your Turkish adventures begin with a calligraphy lesson and sumptuous lunch before flying to Kayseri, Cappadocia. Ride a hot air balloon, explore the Rose Valley, and behold the magnificence of an open-air museum in Cappadocia. Explore the scenic Pigeon Valley trail, uncover the underground city of Kaymakli and its cellars. Descend into the valley of snow-white rocks and leverage an uneven riverbed to enter the iconic Love Valley. Discover the former monastic retreat of Zelve and drive to Pasabagi, one of Cappadocia's famed valleys. Trek in the red and sword valleys after a drive to Goreme. Join a jeep safari to venture further afield and cap the afternoon with a visit to Saruhan Caravanseri for the Sema ritual performance. Explore Ihlara Valley housing many churches, including the selime cathedral, and wrap up the day's expedition with a visit to Avanos, a Cappadocia town built by the Hittites with a fascinating display of outstanding pottery made with clay. Your incredible adventure ends with a flight to Istanbul where you’ll dive into more exploration of its sights and wonders.
This adventure package includes 8 nights accommodation on a twin share basis including a unique stay in a cave hotel. All meals and activities are included as specified. This itinerary includes 5 walking days with vehicle support taking you to and from each walk.
Retreat from the noise into a region salvaged from the remains of volcanic eruptions, and filled with spectacular structures. Discover Cappadocian wonder in ancient trails, monasteries, cultures, and castles, and savour the premium tastes of its local cuisine across your 9-day expedition.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to Red Centre. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points
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Making your own way from the airport, your adventure begins at your hotel located in the capital, Istanbul, a magical city with ancient iconic edifices.
You’ll stay at Hotel Vicenza, a deluxe four-star hotel that sets the pace for your spine-chilling discoveries. Dwell in its luxury confines for the night, behold its captivating unique decor, enjoy its features, and take advantage of some outdoor amenities such as the pool, spa, and restaurant. Recline on your patio and take in views of the Turkish Mesa before retiring to bed as you prepare for an adventurous day ahead.
Savour a delightful breakfast before you begin a calligraphy lesson that exposes you to the best-kept secrets of making special classical, yet luxury patterns on handmade marble papers. Learn from the best artist-cum-craftsperson that we have, and experience authentic fluid Ottoman calligraphy in grand style. Beyond your sensational experience of fluid calligraphy, your participation helps the school to generate funds that will support the continued existence of this skill that was passed on to contemporary students from mediaeval generations.
At noon, enjoy an appetizing lunch of Ottoman cuisine at the Matbah restaurant, which serves as an introduction to Turkish meals. As you savour the taste, enjoy pleasant views of Istanbul thanks to the restaurant's central location. After lunch, the crew will transfer to the airport and fly to Kayseri in 1hr 15 minutes.
You’ll stay at the spectacular Yunak Evleri cave hotel, our home for the next 6 nights. A unique 4-star cave resort elegantly sculpted into a mountain cliff, in Cappadocia’s landscape of fairy chimneys, in the ancient village of Urgup. This hotel stands as the ideal base for all our explorations with its combination of 10 cave houses with a total of 120 rooms exuding pure charm and sophistication.
After settling in, you have a heap of luxury amenities waiting to serve and guide you to a realm of relaxation. A soothing dip in one of the two outdoor pools or simply unwind at the picturesque terrace. This evening, we will indulge in a feast of exceptional local Cappadocian cuisine including pottery kebab and more.
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 3 hours walking
Start your Cappadocian adventure with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride that lasts for about an hour and fifteen minutes, ending with a closed glass of champagne. Slots have been booked for each member already, but subject to changes due to weather instability. Hence, confirm and make the necessary payments to your group leader if you are interested in the ride.
Since the ride will be early, breakfast will come a bit late, followed by a smooth and steady ascent into the tunnels of Uchisar rock to behold stunning views of nature. We will move to the iconic Goreme Open-Air Museum, which houses painted churches and monastic residences.
At noon, we drive to meet the rabbit warren-like settlement of old Cavusin. The experience here heightens with a walk through the Rose Valley, gazing at its chromatic splendour and enjoying views of its churches crafted from rocks. Rose Valley also hosts panoramic viewpoints, idyllic vistas to amazing sceneries and ends at Sunset Point. Back at the Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, enjoy the pool, and spa for body pampering, and dine at the restaurants. Relax in the evening on your patio overlooking the Turkish Mesa before enjoying the premium comfort and other amenities in your room.
Level 1, Approx. 4 km (2.5 miles), 2.5 hours walking
After a delightful breakfast this morning, we begin on foot to walk the scenic Pigeon Valley (otherwise known as Guvercinlik Valley) trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia, taking the walk downhill from Uchisar to Goreme. As you trek, brace up for scintillating views of mediaeval paintings, earth pillars, an army of pigeons, and cave houses with dovecotes engraved in them.
Stopping at Goreme, we drive to Kaymakli, an underground city to behold its cellars, houses, and stables, before proceeding to Songali valley - a hidden jewel in Cappadocia. At noon, a local family hosts us for a cooking class, and, of course, lunch with a translator for an expository cooking lesson before we head back to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free for you to take advantage of your unique cave hotel. Laze by the picturesque pool or make your way to the Tunak Spa for a one-stop solution to total body rejuvenation (at own expense).
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 3 hours walking
We begin our day with a hike through the White Valley, one of our favourites, but it's more difficult than the rest, so brace up for something more daunting. From Uchisar, we begin the walk to the iconic Love Valley, descending into a valley filled with pure white rocks and navigating through a small riverbed on the valley's floor. At Love Valley, which is a Goreme Historical National Park, we sight stunning 40-metre-high rock formations best described as fairy chimneys. Also known as a Honey Valley or Valley of Vines, this hike is relatively easier and you will enjoy it.
After lunch, the rest of the afternoon and evening is open to leisure, you can seize the opportunity to explore all the amenities present at the cave hotel. Take laps at the pool, enjoy spa treatments, gaze at the Turkish Mesa from your patio, and enjoy the luxury bathroom that sets you up for a blissful night's rest.
Our busiest day sets sail with a visit to the former monastic retreat of Zelve after breakfast. This complex was known to house one of the largest communities in the region and they were sent packing due to erosion and earthquakes. Next, we drive to Pasabagi, a popular valley in Cappadocia.
Going forward, another drive takes us to Goreme for an excursion across Sword and Red Valleys down to the Kizlar Kalesi monastery hewn on a rock. Along this path, we are greeted by astonishing sceneries and imposing rock shards that formed the basis for the name "Sword Valley", including the colourful rocks that characterise the red valley.
At noon, lunch will be ready, followed by an option to venture further afield on a jeep safari, driving through narrow canyons, spotting hidden corners, arriving at vantage points, and digesting lunch as the driver maneuvers skillfully.
As the sun sets, we grace the historic Saruhan Caravanserai with our presence to witness the Sema Rituals performed by the Whirling Dervishes. The Sema Ritual is a 700-year-old tradition, first performed in Semahane, where it derives its name. The ritual combines poetry, Turkish classic music, and chants from the Koran and Whirling Dervishes, making it spiritual and spectacular. Enjoy the rest of the evening with a dinner of your choice at any restaurant within the hotel.
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 2.5 hours walking
Enjoy your breakfast before a journey to Ihlara Valley to sight some of the most beautiful trails in Cappadocia. Ihlara Valley is a 15 km (9 miles) long canyon that plummets into depths of 150 m (492 ft), also earning the unrivalled honour as the largest inhabited canyon in the world. The valley is abundant with over 50 rock-hewn churches and several dwelling places made by rock excavations. Our exploration ends at Selime Cathedral, which sits at the exit of the valley.
The final stop for the day is at Avanos, a town rich in history and created by the Hittites on the banks of Halys River. The Hittites earned critical acclaim in pottery artistry by sourcing clays from the shores and using them to create pottery masterpieces, including making and using potter wheels as far back as the second century B.C. To experience more of this creative ingenuity by the Hittites, we visit the studio of a local pottery craftsman for presentations on how these masterpieces are created.
As the sun sets, the atmosphere gets emotional as we enjoy a farewell dinner at the Elai restaurant, sharing the same space with the Uchisar tone castle where the diner setting positions the tables to overlook the majestic green valleys beyond. Tonight, be treated by authentic and flavourful Turkish and European delights from the special à la carte menu.
We transfer to the airport in the morning for a flight back to Istanbul, where a transfer service to our central hotel awaits. On arrival at the hotel, have the option to experience the sensational Turkish bath at the deluxe 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Haman.
Explore more sights and sounds of Istanbul if you are still steaming with an adventurous spirit, with guides and recommendations provided by our leader, who can also book your experiences.
Come evening, the last dinner is enjoyed as a group at the Hamdi restaurant, renowned for traditional South Eastern kebabs, making it a hotspot for the household Turkish dish. The restaurant's location in the historic West of Sultanahmet, offering mind-blowing vistas of the golden horn, is also part of the unique last-day experience.
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
- The departure and finish point is Istanbul
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Istanbul. The nearest major airport is Istanbul Atatürk Airport and is 18 km from the center of Istanbul. Another major airport is Istanbul Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 40 km from Istanbul.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Instanbul making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
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.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 2 Leisurely/ Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Enjoy 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.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.