Internationale groepsreis Walking in Cappadocia

Jan

Een week van rustige wandelingen door de prachtige wereld van Capadocie. Alles was goed verzorgd. Het eten was afwisselend in steeds andere restaurants. Voor de liefhebbers waren er extra excursies.

Walking in Cappadocia TTG

Truly awesome place. Challenging in places but a great way to push yourself and achieve. Great guide, so knowledgeable. We had lessons in Language, Religion, Geology, Politics, History and Turkey. Nobody passed the 'exams'! Lots of fun and laughter.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Contouring Table Mountain. I was worried but Ilhan, our guide, gave me confidence to do it.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilhan Senturk...superb leader. As I said before, he gave lessons. We learnt so much. We enjoyed so much. We were a team helping each other when needed. He never rushed us. Lovely guy with a sense of humour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just do it. No such thing as cannot.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

On your packing list please add sink/bath plug. I was advised to take £100 of Lira. A tad more would have been more comfortable. Tell people about the hot air balloons in more detail as the cost is quite high.

Mrs Carol Capper

This was my first Exodus trip and I was very impressed with the whole holiday. The organisation was first class and I can't praise our Trip Leader enough. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile. If anyone wants a first class holiday with mind blowing scenery then Cappadocia must come top of your list of treks.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walking on the table top mountain and the amazing scenery on the walk around the mountain and the valley - in fact too many highlights to mention. One of the most amazing holidays I've ever had.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilhan was amazing. He was exceptionally knowledgeable on all subjects and was happy to answer any questions we put to him. A big thank you to him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You need really good walking boots for this holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in Cappadocia

This was an excellent and highly enjoyable holiday amidst a stunning landscape - featuring great walking, an informative and expert guide, lovely group of people, pleasant hotel and tasty food. Cappodocia is a relatively small area offering a wonderful variety of walks without involving too much travelling.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Just being in the peace and beauty of such a fantastic environment. The Turkish bath was a fun experience.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fahti was knowledgeable, friendly and adaptable - able to flex the tour to suit the group's wishes and needs (e.g. adding in extra features of interest, being supportive to less fit walkers). He related well to local people we encountered and was helpful and considerate at all times.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The historical and cultural aspect of the area is fascinating. But don't expect too much of the frescoes in the cave churches. Most have not been preserved and many have suffered vandalism.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A photographer's paradise.

Lovely Cappadocia

Cappadocia is beautiful and I'm really glad I chose to go on this trip. You get to see so many different landscapes within a relatively small distance and walking through it all is such a good experience. On most days we didn't see any other walkers in the areas we were exploring and the peace and quiet away from it all was fantastic.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking the Red Valley and the high outcrop above it, fabulous!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was very friendly and organised and seemed to know everyone in each small village we stopped in.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you don't mind heights, or fancy challenging yourself if you're a bit scared of them, definitely take the opportunity for a hot air balloon ride. Also, the walking is very manageable for people of low/medium fitness. I was a bit worried I hadn't got myself fit enough in the weeks leading up to the holiday, but it was all relatively easy walking with just a few short steep uphills here and there.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Green Hotel is a bit basic, but does have spectacular views from the rooms and terrace.

Walking in Cappadocia

Based in one hotel with day excursions/walking trips. Amazing scenery. Love Cappadocia!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery, the hot air balloons every morning, the view from the plateau - the sight of an older group decending a steep slope with one gentleman, who was quite shaky on his legs and appeared to be in his late 70s, being stopped from toppling by someone behind him holding his belt from behind all the way down.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader was very quiet and sweet, but not very engaging. His pace was good for the walking and he took care of those who struggled. He listened to what the group said they wanted and did his best to arrange it, particularly issues around food. He opened up more towards the end of the week, which was nice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do take walking poles, a hat, sun cream. I had walking boots, but some of the group got by with walking sandles - I preferred boots.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I really enjoyed this trip. The group were lovely. We were all women, apart from one man, which must have been a challenge for our guide! I have not laughed this much in years. The walks were mostly gentle, with only two days which were slightly more challenging. The scenery was just incredible. Those who had the hot air balloons said it was worth it and were proud of their certificates saying they had done it. The Turkish bath was good, although busy. Hotel staff lovely and friendly. Might do this trip again!

walking in cappadoccia

Really good holiday, Fantastic scenery and setting. Hotel nice with friendly staff. Lovely to see the animals. A nice place to wander round on your own without getting hassled or lost.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were a lot but I think getting up early and watching the balloons take off from the valley really had the wow factor. And the balloon trip was brilliant.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fahti very informative and helpful, took on board a few suggestions made by members of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go with an open mind and expect to see lots of interesting things..

Is there anything else you would like to add?

For light sleepers take ear plugs because there is a mosque opposite and when the call to prayer goes out at 5am the local dogs and cockerels join in! On the plus side you don't need an alarm clock and its great to get up early and watch the balloons!

Walking in Cappadocia

A great week of interesting walks through the various valleys of Cappadocia. Unique scenery and rock formations - a place not to be missed.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Although all the walks were good, my preference was the Ilhara valley. One of the reasons for this was the wildlife we saw beside the river that gave an additional dimension. I also very much enjoyed seeing the hot air balloons passing over our hotel and getting up early on a couple of mornings to photograph them.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilhan was great. He managed the group and individuals very well and even managed to teach us some Turkish. We enjoyed his information about the area and specifically the places we visited. We also enjoyed his stories and jokes on the bus. There was some heavy rain during our week. Ilhan changed the itinerary around so that it did not spoil any of the walks and even found us a tea house to shelter in during a particularly heavy downpour.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

No - the description in the brochure was clear. The walking was not arduous at all. Moderate was the rating and that described it well.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Green Hotel was a good central place to stay. It was basic, but clean and comfortable. The food was good throughout the week, but not a huge variety - we were often given the same choices. So you needed to try each offered to get variety.

Walking in Cappadocia

A great trip in the most extraordinary landscape. Challenging but doable for the not so young or fit ! Very comfortable family run hotel in a quiet village.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to say as it was all most enjoyable. I felt a sense of achievement every day as I was considerably less fit than most of my group but I still got there in the end! I was really pleased to see so many wild flowers despite being told that the spring flowers were over.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of his country and had a thorough knowledge of the paths and tracks in the area in which we were walking. He very capably juggled our itinerary to cope with at times difficult weather conditions, making sure that we were safe and did not miss any of the highlights, and in fact adding a few extras.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Wet weather gear! We had some torrential rainstorms but were always conveniently nearby local cafés !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The food, although we ate out every evening at a different restaurant, was repetitive. I didn't know there were so many varieties of lentil soup! The mezes were terrific and varied but the main courses were the same everywhere.

Walking in Cappadoccia

Probably a day too long - walks were not varied enough to support so many days. Guide was good. Evening food was fine, altho the menu was almost always the same. Picnic lunch one day was a nice variation. Green Hotel was not really up to 3 star standard, rooms were good size but were rather basic. Breakfasts at the hotel were very basic and not 3 star standard. Hotel staff were attentive and tried to help when asked for assistance. Bus was good and comfortable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Cathedral on t he second last day. Also the gorge on the same day - sorry cant remember names.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fine. Knowledgeable and related well to the group. Gave an interesting summary of Turkish history to help us relate to the caves and their eras, altho probably went on a bit too long about it. Organized meals well and gave sufficient prior information so we knew what was intended. Was flexible, rearranging the walks to make them more sensible. Guide waited for tail end walkers to catch up occasionally, but then didnt pause to allow them to rest but started immediately.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Worth advising potential travellers that many paths have gravel making them slippery on downslopes. Need to take walking poles. Definitely need hats and sunburn cream becuase of heat in June.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING IN CAPPADOCIA

A very relaxing holiday in a wonderfully scenic region. The walks were relatively easy but varied and the company was great.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the amazing scenery was the best thing about the trip. Having passed through the area 18 years ago I had always wanted to go back and the holiday certainly didn't disappoint. Walking through villages and seeing the local people going about their everyday activities was also good. The way of life in the cities has changed so much but we saw things that were timeless. The people were very welcoming and keen for us to see what they were doing. The ingenuity of the earlier inhabitants of the area in terms of carving out underground cities and making pigeon houses was eye-opening.

What did you think of your group leader?

Gorkem was very good. He was so keen to show us as much of this part of his lovely country as possible in the short time we were there. He made sure that we got as much out of the trip as we could.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Prepare to be amazed at the scenery. If you go in October, also be prepared for it to be cold at night.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Tourism is obviously a big thing in the area. It has not yet reached all of the villages and it was these that were probably the most interesting so go soon before they change. Some of the day walks were quite short and it would have been nice to extend them.

WALKING IN CAPPADOCIA

A very enjoyable holiday with not to harduous walks. You soon get used to the early morning calls provided by the call to morning prayer and low flying hot air balloons.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Disapearing from the group & lit up area for a few seconds in the underground city to find a stone door. (felt like Indiana Jones). And sharing laughter and stories etc with fellow travellers. Being inspired to make origarmi hot air balloons to put the guide & drivers tip inside.

What did you think of your group leader?

Omar was a good leader spending time to get to know all the members of the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It can get very hot on the walks with not meany natural places to take shelter. If your a vegertarian beware of the lentil soup.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The staff at the hotel were very pleasant and friendly.

WALKING IN CAPPADOCIA

A great week of walking in the incredible landscape

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hot air ballooning over the fairy chimneys and rock formations. It was incredible to be amongst 100 other balloons slowly flying over the magical world below. 5 of us did it and couldn't stop grinning and raving about it afterwards. Walking through the varied landscape, fertile valleys and fairy chimneys.

What did you think of your group leader?

Omer was an excellent leader, very knowledgeable and informative and with a great sense of humour. He made sure all arrangements went smoothly

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take walking boots/trainers with GOOD grip - the paths are very slippery with small stones. At Istanbul on the outward journey, purchase your visa at the desks on the left heading for the domestic terminal, then go through passport control to get the flight to Keyseri. Don't buy water until you are through the 2nd security check. Take a plug for the rooms at the hotel and earplugs as there are a few animals in the hotel which awake early, also you can hear the balloons passing over most mornings. Though that is a sight worth waking up for.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Green Hotel is lovely and in an excellent position for the walking and watching the balloons. A very relaxing base and friendly staff.

Walking in Cappadocia

We arrived in Cavusin after 2 flights, with Turkish airways, that were on time, comfortable and with good food.Our hotel 'Green Hotel', was just opposite a 'fairy chimney' of incredible beauty. Our room wasn' t the better one that the Hotel had but it was nevertheless comfortable with ensuite shower.The people there did their utmost to welcome us and the new chef's food was glorious. Our guide Omer was a lovely fellow,with a good sense of humor, good English and with plenty of knowledge of the local history. The walks were varied and interesting, not tiring at all and we were lucky to have wonderfully warm days with blue skies. For me the best of the walks were through the red valley and Ihlara valley ,my wife also liked the first one very much :the Akvadi and up to Uchisar: spectacular views at the top !But we both were thrilled with our first Hot Air balloon flight, in perfect weather with a perfectionist Pilot that landed the basket onto the waiting trailer!!! Amazing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

the Hot air balloon flight was incredible, the views of the 'fairy chimneys' amazing. The rock formations of the 'red valley' and the white. Goreme open air museum with its many churches and frescoes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Omer was a calm ,relaxed guy with a sense of humor and plenty of knowledge, a really likeable fellow: he never was put out if my wife was recording whilst he was talking of the churches ,history or else. He always obliged when we stopped to take pics

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We would recomend taking trekking poles as they do help with unsteady terrain and climbing on the rocks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We ate too much ,perhaps if we had to choose our lunch we would have preferred it.

Walking in Cappadocia

A totally unique landscape which is a "Must See" if you want something different. The walks are mostly in valleys and are easy. We've never seen so many caves! This is the true way to see Turkey and meet the people, who are very friendly and welcoming. Don't expect to loose weight though - the traditional food is very tasty and plentiful!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to say as it was all great. The valley walks are fascinating. We also went on an early morning (start before sunrise) balloon trip which was brilliant- well organised and magical. Over 100 balloons in the air at the same time. It was like fairyland as we set off in the early morning twilight seeing all the flames from the gas burners lighting up the balloons - never to be forgotten! Remember to take your camera! One thing that will always stay with us is one morning whilst walking through a local village an old lady gave us some freshly baked bread to taste and a man came across with some molasses he was preparing in which we dipped the bread - it was like nectar. Someone else then came over with grape juice to sample. What a nice gesture by a poor community.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ferat was an excellent leader, living up to the exodus high standards we have always experienced. Our driver was also excellent, very safe and thoughtful.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a travel sink plug for the sink in the hotel - there wasn't one in it! Although the walks are easy you will still need good boots as the ground can be rough.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hotel bedrooms / bathrooms were adequate & clean but not of the usual standards we expected. The sitting areas are comfortable & plentiful in traditional décor. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.

Walking in Cappadocia

This was my first Exodus trip and I was very impressed with the whole holiday. The organisation was first class and I can't praise our Trip Leader enough. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was done with a smile. If anyone wants a first class holiday with mind blowing scenery then Cappadocia must come top of your list of treks.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walking on the table top mountain and the amazing scenery on the walk around the mountain and the valley - in fact too many highlights to mention. One of the most amazing holidays I've ever had.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ilhan was amazing. He was exceptionally knowledgeable on all subjects and was happy to answer any questions we put to him. A big thank you to him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You need really good walking boots for this holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?