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Delight at Turkey’s most iconic region, Cappadocia

Take a short and sweet trip full of Turkish delights, hitting the country’s most renowned region – Cappadocia – on this five-day natural adventure. Discover the weird and wonderful world of fairy chimneys, rock formations and otherworldly surroundings of Cappadocia’s sprawling valleys, go deep underground to explore the hidden cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and bask in local hospitality and authentic food for a true taste of the place. You might call Cappadocia quirky, but we call it Turkey.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Antalya, Turkey
Finish
Istanbul, Turkey
Destination
Turkey
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
ERYC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

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You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

Why you'll love this trip

  • The weird and wonderful world of Cappadocia might be the most unusual place in Turkey. Learn all about its fairy chimneys and sprawling rock formations from your expert local leaders.

  • Cappadocia’s wonder is beautiful at all angles, but none more so than from on top. Consider the chance for a sunrise hot air-balloon ride, giving you the ultimate view of this awesome landscape.

  • Exploring the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli is mind-blowing – head four levels underground and discover where thousands of people used to live.

  • Get a dose of good old-fashioned Turkish hospitality, staying with a local family in a traditional guesthouse in Ortahisar and watching the sun set over the valley.

  • The thriving metropolis of Istanbul is where East literally meets West. With the option to extend your stay here, you’ve got the power to continue your Turkish escapade right away!

Is this trip right for you?

  • Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only are few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course) – a great way to mingle with locals and discover unexpected delights! There's plenty of free time on this trip, which means you're able to take advantage of many optional activities; however, you will need some extra cash to do so.

  • Unlike most other Intrepid trips, this trip starts early in the morning, instead of in the afternoon. Consider arriving a few days earlier to make the most of your time in Antalya. If you wish to spend more time in Antalya, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

  • Some of the sites visited involve walking on rocky and/or steep hillsides. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.

  • It can get quite cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack some extra layers.

  • There are a couple of long bus rides. The good news is, public buses in Turkey are pretty cool and comfortable.

Five days in Cappadocia with Intrepid Travel

Itinerary
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Ready? Let’s adventure – your trip starts bright and early in Antalya at approximately 8 am. Meet your leader and the rest of your group, then head to the bus station and travel to Goreme in Cappadocia by local bus. Once arrived, take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings and maybe visit the Ortahisar Castle in the afternoon. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner in a local home where you'll be treated to some true Turkish hospitality with home-cooked food – Cappadocia style.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's driving time is approximately 9.5 hours.

Please see the ‘Joining Point’ instructions in the Essential Trip Information for where to meet today. If you wish to arrive a day or two early, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Weird rock formations, fairy chimneys and underground cities – Cappadocia is pretty wacky. This morning you have the option of taking an early hot air balloon ride over the landscapes at sunrise. Those who choose to opt in for this optional extra will have a seriously excellent time, getting high above the changing colours below as the sun rises. Later in the morning, head underground and explore some of the 36 underground cities in Cappadocia. These rabbit-warren metropolises were carved into the earth thousands of years ago. Discover the highlights of the region this afternoon, checking out Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley – your group leader will know all the best places to stop. Later this afternoon, grab some wine and find a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset. Afterwards, you might like to check out the nightlife in Goreme, or for something more mystical, hit up a traditional sema performance of whirling dervishes.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Wine and Sunset
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia – Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley
Optional Activities
  • Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR25
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR240
  • Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR300
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control.

Pull on your boots on and hike the hills and mountains surrounding Goreme this morning. Your local leader will know the best trails, with the best views. Then, the afternoon and evening is all yours to relax and explore as you wish. You might like to pull up a bean bag at ‘Fat Boys’ or, if you're looking for a little recovery after this morning's hike, why not try a local hammam for a traditional Turkish spa treatment.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cappadocia - Valley Hiking
Optional Activities
  • Goreme -Hamam Turkish Bath - EUR50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Spend the day exploring the Cappadocia area some more. If you like, you can stop by the Goreme Open Air Museum – a medieval wonderland of old rock-cut churches and frescoes. For a very different taste of the diverse landscape around here, you could check out Avanos, or hire a bike and ride through the valleys out to Cavusin. Soganli Valley is another popular spot – it’s a bit of a drive but a great place for some local lunch and churches with awesome frescoes. Tonight, you’ll board an overnight bus bound for Istanbul.
Accommodation
  • Overnight bus (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Goreme- Bike Riding - TRY80
  • Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY150
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Tonight's driving time is approximately 10-12 hours

Arrive into Istanbul this morning, where your adventure will come to an end and you'll say goodbye to your group leader and travel pals at a centrally located hotel. With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. If you would like to spend more time checking out all Istanbul has to offer, including the Blue Mosque, the huge Grand Bazaar and the flowing Bosphorus, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Your group leader will be able to help you with your onward travel after arrival in Istanbul; however, if you wish to book an onward flight connection from Istanbul today, it is advised to book a flight after 1 pm to allow for any bus delays and travel to the airport. For more information, see the ‘Finishing Point’ instructions in the Essential Trip Information.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle, Overnight bus

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Overnight bus (1 night)

Included activities

  • Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Wine and Sunset
  • Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration
  • Cappadocia – Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley
  • Cappadocia - Valley Hiking

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Five Days in Cappadocia trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Group meeting is at 8am on Day 1. Please be on time for this as directly following group meeting you’l head out by local bus to Cappadocia. Please refer to our joining point instructions Essential Trip Information for the joining point for your departure.
2. Single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability.
3. This trip will finish on the morning of day five in Istanbul. There is no accommodation included on day five. Arrival time should be between 0700-0830 however we recommend not booking onward travel until after 1300 to allow for delays. For more information, see the ‘Finishing Point’ instructions in the Essential Trip Information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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