Cappadocia is one of the exceptional biking paradise in Turkey.
Biking is the best way to explore Cappadocia’ surreal formations, wild geography with a perfect balance between unforgetable scenery, challenging trails and luxury cave hotel accommodation.
Single tracks, volcanic valleys, table mountains, solid slopes, lush paths offer varieties of levels for bikers.
Biking is a great activity not to be missed in your travel plans in Cappadocia.
Geography
Admire lunar landscape on two wheels
Sightseeing
Visit world heritage sites en route
Villages
Taste local foods, interact with villagers
Rock formations
Explore cave dwellings, ancient rock churches
DAY 1 Meet Tour Guide and Transfer to Hotel. (2hrs)
You meet our guide an driver at Kayseri airport and drive to hotel in Göreme.
DAY 2 Çavuşin – Paşabağ – Avanos – Sarihidir Village– Visit of a Caravanserai from the 13th century – Devrent – Paşabağ – Çavuşin (43 km / +-530 m)
We have a short transfer to white valley.Route take us to Uchisar castle through the monolith rock formations.Due to this mushroom shaped formations on the slopes the valley is also called ‘Love valley’.We ascend to Uchisar town.We have lunch in a local restaurant then visit the castle.It is a naturally formed rock structure with full of caves used as dwellings,storages and stalls.As it is the highest spot of central Cappadocia,It was always a strategic point during war times.We walk up to the top of the castle.Then we continue our walk through Pigeon valley.The valley accomodates a big number of pigeon houses.Pigeon’s guanos were used to fertilise the fields by locals.As they contain 15 percent nitrogen,they were nutritionally beneficial for dry soils like Cappadocia.There are thousands of lofts carved out of rock faces around the region.We descend to Göreme town.You can have invigorating Turkish bath ‘Hamam’ before we head back to the hotel.
DAY 3 Transfer to Village of Özkonak and Underground City Visit (30 km / +-600 m)
In the morning we have a short drive to Pancarlık Valley. We start to hike from the remnants of a monastery.The route meanders along the stream and pass through the green fields.The valley is surrounded by high rock structures and caves which are used as dwellings,storages and graves by the locals.We follow the path crossing the stream several times to a ridge where we admire the extensive dove cotes. the end of the valley we ascend on a dirt road to Ortahisar town.We have lunch at the local pide restaurant.Then we drive to Göreme open air museum. Here,we see the best preserved churches of the region.Cappadocia was inhabited by early christians in the 4th century from Caesera(Kayseri).They formed a Monastic life which was flourished and expanded in the 7th century.Monasteries,chapels and cathedrals were carved in to the rocks.Göreme open air museum hosts the best of them that dates back to 11.-12. century AD.These rock-cut shrines are richly painted with ochre and other herbal dyes which reflects early Christian renaissance.Then we return to hotel.Before dinner we have a cookery lesson in a village house in the town.This is a great chance to experience Turkish local culture and learn more about food,spices and desserts.
DAY 4 Çat – Sulusaray - Nevşehir – Uçhisar – Çavusin (37 km / +-770 m)
”Optional hot air balloon ride.Cappadocia is one of the best hot air balloon ride spots in the world.Early in the morning dozens of balloons take off and form a stunning skyline in the region.As it is the best way to witness the picturesque formations entirely,it has become the most popular activity and highlight of the region”
In the morning we start with a short photo break.The spot has a tremendous view overlooking Göreme town and formations with the volcano at the background.Then we drive to Kaymaklı Underground city.Underground cities are one of the top highlights of Cappadocia.They were the living quarters and shelters of the locals during war times throughout the history.Although the first inhabitants are thought to be Hittites,most of them were reformed and enlarged by christian communities against Arab-Sasanids raids.With long passages,labyrinth tunnels,chapels,vineries and a big number of storages,they are more like subterranean villages with the capacity of thousands.Kaymaklı underground city is one of the largest in the region consisting of 4 floors open to public.It was listed as a World Heritage site in 1985.We continue on to Ihlara valley.The gorge streches 14 kms from Ihlara to Selime town.It was formed by Melendiz River which still flows helping cultivation of the area.The gorge also provided an ideal place for early christian monks.There are caves,churches and storages as well as safe hideaway tunnels on both side of the river.We walk along the river seeing rock-cut churches and fields en route.After having lunch in one of the authentic restourants by the river we continue on our walk towards Selime Monastery.It is situated on a hill top overlooking Selime town.Monastery is a 9th century religious complex consisting of a cathedral,chapel,education hall,dormitory and kitchen.There are still some wall paintings can be seen in the churches.We ascend to the top fallowing a steep path and stroll around rock dwellings enjoying the scenery.Then we return to hotel.
DAY 5 Cavusin – Uçhisar –Gemil Hill– Kavak – Bahçeli – Gomeda – Mustafapaşa (35km / +-580 m)
We start the day by passing over the white valley. White valley has the tallest fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. We fallow a dirt path that brings us to Castle of Uchisar. We keep riding our bikes with amazing scenery. Castle of Uchisar is one of the highest point of the region where we can have a 360 degrees view. We have chance to visit the castle then we continue to Kavak and Bahçeli villages. We have nice downhill rides in this part. Then we will arrive at the valley of Gomeda. We can visit a church and some ruins here. At the end we arrive at Mustafa pasha. Once Mustafapasa was a Greek village and it has beautiful houses. We can visit the old churches and a school from 14th century. Acommodation in an very famous old hotel.
DAY 6 Mustafapaşa – Golgoli - Cemil – Hodur Plateau (1500m) – Bahçeli – Babayan – Ortahisar - Çavuşin (45 km / +- 1000m)
We start the day in a wild nature. After 1 hour of ride we arrive at the ruins of Golgoli. It was an old habitation during early Christianity. We have the beautiful view of the Damsa Lake in front of us. We continue our path to Cemil Village where we can get water. We cross the village and we start a steep climb to the Hodur Plateau (1550m); A deserted landscape. Then we pass by the village of Bahceli, we arrive at Babayan (Ibrahimpasa). We can have a lunch here. Then we pass by Pancarlik valley where we have nice downhill and lots of single tracks. Here we see very high and huge pigeon houses. We see some churches from 13th century.
We pass by Ortahisar and we join the Valley of Meskendir. Meskendir is a 6km valley, all single tracks. 245m of descend passing through tunnels. Arrival at the hotel in Cavusin. We will be cleaning and maintaining the bikes for next morning.
DAY 7 White Valley - Meskendir- Rose Valley – Red valley – Çavuşin (30 km / +-600 m)
We have a short drive to Damsa lake.(30mins)Today’s route takes us through the vineyards and ruins of Golgoli to Ayvalı village.We have picnic lunch in a local cafe in Ayvalı then continue on to Mustafapaşa. Mustafapaşa ,also known as Sinasos was a prosperous town of Greek merchants untill 1924.After the population exchange between Turkey and Greece, it was abondoned and partly reinhabited by Turkish families from Macedonia.We see some of the elaborate mansions and houses that witnessed the days of glory and an Ottoman Medrasah which is a modern college today.Return to hotel.
DAY 8 Tour ends. Transfer to airport
We drive to Kayseri airport.
Challenging. Good level of fitness is required.
5-6 hours of ride.
Average elevation gain / loss; +/- 650 meters
Waterproof biking clothing and small day pack for necessary equipments. Tubeless tyres are recommended for Cappadocia. Wide, high volume tyres work best. Low gears are essential. Rubber soled cycling shoes are recommended for hike-a-bike sections. Waterproof biking clothing.
Good quality mountain bikes can be hired as well as spd pedals.
Breakfast and dinners will be at the pension or hotels and camp site.
Picnic lunches to be prepared and shared by the participants before the walk.
7 nights at the pension or hotels
Each participant should have a day pack to carry water, lunch stuff and personal items. The luggage will be transported to the pension or hotels by our vehicle.
Price: Per Person – 840 € (min. 6 pax / max 12 pax)
Bike Hire: 25 € per bike per day
SPD Pedals: 5 € per pair
Includes: All meals (except for Antalya),all transfers,air conditioned bus,English speaker licensed tour guide,passenger insurance,enterance fees at the sites written in the itinerary.
Excludes: Drinks,gratitudes for tour staff,personal expenses.
Tour staff: Biking guide and driver.
Season: Four seasons. Best from April until November.
Highlights Of Turkey Tour 
