Another highlight of our hiking week is the Ihlara Gorge. After a 1.5-hour minibus ride we reach the entrance to this varied hike. The gorge, which is over 80 metres deep and has impressive rock formations, is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Turkey”. On our way through the spectacular landscape we again encounter excellently preserved cave churches. Descent : 90 m – Hiking trail : 12 km – Duration : 4 hours

The Turkish Grand Canyon

Only recently has the Çat valley been developed, one of the longest valleys in Cappadocia. Unique fairy fireplaces and diverse cave dwellings with colourfully painted pigeon houses are the best motifs for the photo collection. After the hike, we have a typical Turkish lunch at a nice women’s cooperative. In the afternoon, we still have the opportunity to be part of the oldest Turkish art, carpet weaving, and learn a lot about it. Hiking trail : approx. 11 km; approx. 3 hours; ascent 50 m and descent approx.

The world's largest porcini mushroom is here

Today's excursion takes us through a fantastic landscape to the south of Cappadocia, into the Soganli Valley. We hike through a fascinating lunar landscape up to a Table Mountain where erosion has formed tall tufa cone towers with domed roofs, which were hollowed out in the Middle Ages as churches and living spaces. Here, too, we discover ornate rock churches with precious frescoes. On the way back we visit the underground city of Derinkuyu. Large tunnel systems with living and storage rooms and long ventilation shafts extend here. Even animal stables with feeding troughs are still recognisable. Ascent : 150 m – Descent : 150 m – Hiking trail : 9 km – Duration : 3 hours

Fascinating landscape on Soganli Table Mountain

Today's excursion takes us to two famous and varied valleys of Cappadocia. We start with Güvercinlik (pigeon valley) and learn why this unique area is called that. We discover bricked-up pigeonholes all over the rocks. In them, the valuable pigeon droppings were once collected as fertiliser. After lunch in Göreme we climb into the Akvadi (white valley) with its towering fairy fireplaces, which have earned it the nickname “Love Valley”. Ascent : 60 m – Descent : 250 m – Hiking trail : 9 km – Duration : 4 hours

The most beautiful fairy fireplaces of cappadocia

Today’s hike starts below the village of Ortahisar. A narrow path leads us along a stream through the green and picturesque Gomeda Valley. The tranquility and seclusion of this place make for a special hiking experience. At the end of the tour we visit the ancient Greek village of Mustafapasa, where modern stonemasons have lovingly restored the historic houses and cave dwellings. Ascent 50 m – descent 50m – hiking trail 9 km – duration 3 hours