Embark on an immersive seven-day journey that bridges the surreal volcanic landscapes of central Anatolia with the verdant, mist-covered mountains of the Black Sea region. This tour begins in the heart of Cappadocia, a UNESCO-listed wonder shaped by millions of years of geological activity. You will explore the iconic fairy chimneys, delve into the depths of ancient underground cities, and walk through the serene Ihlara Valley, where history is etched into the very rock faces of the canyon.
The adventure continues as you fly to the northern coast, transitioning from arid plateaus to the lush, emerald forests of Trabzon. Here, the focus shifts to the majestic beauty of the Pontic Mountains. You will visit the breathtaking Uzungol lake, traverse the pristine Storm Valley, and ascend to the Ayder Plateau to witness the powerful GelintΓΌlΓΌ Waterfall. The experience is deeply rooted in local culture, offering opportunities to taste regional delicacies like HamsikΓΆy rice pudding and learn the traditions of tea production in the fertile valleys.
The grand finale of this expedition brings you to the historic Sumela Monastery, a stunning architectural marvel clinging to the sheer cliffs of AltΔ±ndere National Park. Following the paths of ancient Silk Road merchants through the Zigana Pass, you will gain a profound appreciation for the diverse geography and heritage of Turkey. With expert guidance throughout, this itinerary perfectly balances archaeological exploration with the natural splendor of the highlands, ensuring an unforgettable traverse across two of the country's most distinct and captivating regions.
In Cappadocia the guided Red Tour links Uchisar Castle, the Goreme Open Air Museum, the old cave village of Cavusin, a pottery workshop in Avanos, the animal-shaped rocks of Devrent Valley, a wine tasting stop in Urgup and the Three Beauties fairy chimneys, while the Green Tour adds the Ozkonak Underground City, a riverside walk in Ihlara Valley with lunch at Belisirma, Selime Monastery and Pigeon Valley. After the domestic flight from Kayseri to Trabzon, the Black Sea days take in a tea factory, the Solakli Valley and Uzungol with the Haldizen Valley, the Firtina Valley, Camlihemsin and Ayder Plateau, and finally Sumela Monastery, Zigana Pass and Hamsikoy. Hotel accommodation for six nights, six breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners, an English-speaking guide, transfers and the entrance fees listed in the programme are covered; the domestic flight ticket is not included.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days 6 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,000 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 15 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Upon your arrival at the airport in Kayseri or NevΕehir, or at the Goreme bus station, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing you to settle into your surroundings or take a leisurely stroll through the unique rock-carved landscape of Cappadocia. Dinner is provided at the hotel, where you will stay overnight.
Your exploration begins with a visit to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region, offering panoramic views. We proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum to admire 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus and early monastic life. After visiting the abandoned cave dwellings of Cavusin, we enjoy lunch in Avanos, followed by a pottery workshop demonstration. The afternoon includes a visit to the Devrent Valley, known for its animal-shaped rock formations, a wine tasting in Urgup, and a stop at the Three Beauties fairy chimneys.
Today, we descend into the Ozkonak Underground City, an impressive eight-level subterranean complex. We then travel to the 16-kilometer-long Ihlara Valley for a scenic three-kilometer hike past ancient rock-carved churches. Following a riverside lunch in Belisirma village, we visit the 13th-century Selime Monastery, carved directly into the volcanic cliffs. On our return route, we stop at Pigeon Valley before arriving back at your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Trabzon. Upon arrival in the Black Sea region, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local atmosphere of Trabzon or relax after your journey. Overnight stay in Trabzon.
We depart for Uzungol, stopping first at a local tea factory to learn about the region's famous tea production and enjoy a shopping break. We also visit a knife workshop in SΓΌrmene before continuing through the SolaklΔ± Valley. Upon reaching Uzungol, we visit the Observation Terrace and the artificial waterfalls. You will have ample free time to enjoy the lake views, explore the surrounding nature, or dine at local restaurants before returning to Trabzon in the evening.
Today we travel along the coast to the FΔ±rtΔ±na (Storm) Valley, a protected ecological region where optional activities such as rafting, zipline and swings are available during the break. We proceed to the ΓamlΔ±hemΕin district and ascend to the Ayder Plateau. We visit the GelintΓΌlΓΌ Waterfall, situated at the foot of the KaΓ§kar Mountains. You will have free time to walk through the highland meadows and enjoy the fresh mountain air before we depart in the late afternoon to return to Trabzon.
We drive to AltΔ±ndere National Park to visit the spectacular Sumela Monastery, perched on a cliffside. After exploring the rock church, chapels, and library, we continue our journey to the Zigana Pass, a historic route on the Silk Road reaching 2050 meters in altitude. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the village of HamsikΓΆy to taste the famous local rice pudding. The tour concludes with a transfer to the Trabzon airport or your hotel.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Cappadocia β Trabzon β Uzungol β Ayder β Sumela Monastery
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
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π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Cappadocia, Trabzon, Uzungol, Ayder, Sumela Monastery.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!