Walking with Sightseeing in Istanbul and Cappadocia

Distance: 3–3.5 miles (5–6 km)

Terrain: Mostly flat, with gentle inclines, steps and cobbled streets

Today’s guided walking tour introduces Istanbul’s magnificent Old City. Discover the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage as we visit its landmark highlights.

Stop by Sultan Ahmed Mosque, where thousands of ornate, azure tiles give the building its Blue Mosque nickname. Next door, you’ll find the Hagia Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the largest building in the world and a marvel of ancient engineering. And see both the German Fountain and Egyptian Obelisk in Hippodrome Park.

We’ll also experience the colour and bustle of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. As we wander between stalls filled with spices, sweets and local produce, we’ll pause for traditional Turkish tea or coffee accompanied by Turkish delight.

This evening, enjoy a three-course dinner in Istanbul’s Sirkeci district.

We are joined by our local guide this morning who will lead us on a walk through the Old City to visit the Basilica Cistern. Built by order of Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it’s the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. Head underground to marvel at this remarkable piece of ancient engineering made up of 336 marble columns and a massive underground reservoir that once provided a reliable water supply for the Great Palace of Constantinople and surrounding buildings. 

Later this afternoon, we travel to the airport for our flight to Cappadocia. On arrival, settle into the hotel and enjoy the atmosphere of this remarkable region before dinner. 

Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120 m) 

Descent: 550 feet (170 m) 

Today’s walk follows the Melendiz River through the green and fertile Ihlara Valley. Enclosed by a deep canyon, the route passes beneath poplar and willow trees, with sections shaded by riverside vegetation and the towering canyon walls. 

Along the way, we’ll see rock-cut churches, cave rooms and other traces of the communities that once lived and worshipped here. We’ll pause in Belisırma, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the village’s riverside restaurants. 

This afternoon, we visit Derinkuyu Underground City. Descend through its cool tunnels to discover rooms, kitchens, chapels, storage areas and ventilation shafts once used by local communities seeking refuge during times of danger. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7 km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (180 m) 

Descent: 350 feet (110 m) 

Walk through the colourful Red and Meskendir Valleys, where narrow canyons lead between rose-coloured rocks, cave dwellings, pigeon houses and fairy chimneys. Our route also passes small vineyards, orchards and hidden pathways enclosed by the valley walls. 

The colours of the rocks change with the light, while wild herbs, fruit trees and vines add to the character of the landscape. We’ll also stop for tea at a simple valley café. 

Lunch is included at Tık Tık Mantı, a Michelin-recognised women’s cooperative specialising in mantı, traditional Turkish dumplings. Afterwards, visit Mr Galip’s pottery atelier in Avanos to learn about the town’s centuries-old tradition of working with red clay from the Kızılırmak River, and try your hand on the potter’s wheel. 

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) 

Ascent: 850 feet (260 m) 

Descent: 400 feet (120 m) 

Today’s varied walk links several of Cappadocia’s best-known valleys. Beginning in or near Göreme, we follow tracks through Pigeon Valley, named for the rock-cut pigeon houses once used by farmers to produce fertiliser for local vineyards and fields. 

The route continues through White and Love Valleys, passing pale volcanic rocks, cave spaces, small gardens and some of the region’s most distinctive formations. 

We finish with a gradual climb to Uçhisar, Cappadocia’s highest settlement. From the village, enjoy wide views across its valleys and fairy chimneys towards the surrounding volcanic mountains. There will also be an opportunity to visit Uçhisar Castle and climb to its panoramic viewpoint. 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5 km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (210 m) 

Descent: 550 feet (170 m) 

Our final walk begins near the old village of Çavuşin, once an important settlement filled with rock-cut homes, churches and cave structures. 

From here, we cross open countryside to Paşabağ, also known as Monks Valley, where some of Cappadocia’s most recognisable fairy chimneys rise from the volcanic landscape. The route passes old cave dwellings, vineyards and dry valleys, with wonderful views across the surrounding rock formations. 

We finish at Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned settlement spread across three valleys. Its cave homes, churches, tunnels and communal spaces offer a fascinating glimpse into how people once lived within this extraordinary landscape. 

This evening, gather at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your journey home.