Cappadocia

The unique terrain of Cappadocia is ideally suited to trekking of all levels. All manner of hiking trails and walk paths abound – leading through the hearts of the canyons beneath the trees on the valley floors, and up above on the cliff edges, with dramatic views across the entire landscape. There is much for the discerning visitor to learn from the Cappadocia region. You could explore the plethora of cave churches that are scattered throughout the canyons and valleys. Or you may decide to visit the many museums such as the wonderfully preserved Göreme Open Air Museum where the story of the region is old in clear and graphic detail. You can explore rock churches dating from the fourth century and frescoes from the eighth. Alternatively experience the surreal feeling of exploring one of the underground settlements such as the one at Kaymakli.

Although there are many hiking trails throughout the valleys of Cappadocia, so far only basic sketch maps are available, and signposts inadequate. (Update: see our maps here).

The hidden underground churches are just that - hidden ! Some visitors, visiting without a guide, (ahem... including me), have been frustrated to have walked past them without seeing the entrance, or in fact realising that they had walked past them.

Guided tours

Normally I prefer organising my own trips and exploring places on my own when I am on holiday. But I would make an exception for Cappadocia since there are times and places where having a guided visit can be more interesting and also more economical. Your guided tour includes comfortable transport in a minibus with A/C, entries to museums and sites and lunch and of course an English-speaking guide. For sites like Ihlara Valley, for example, (about 90km from Ürgüp), or the tours which include any of the underground cities, where regular public transport is thin on the ground, it is well worth taking a guided tour. It is also worth noting that guiding in Turkey is strictly controlled and all guides must have accreditation from the Turkish Tourism Authorities, subject to having a university degree or an officially recognised diploma in tourism.

Of course if you are good at map-reading (which I am definitely not, and I can get lost in a shopping centre!) there are plenty of walks and sights to do at your own pace and under your own steam. Otherwise here are a few of the companies in Cappadocia which have a good reputation for guiding in the area.