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Cappadocia Adventure Gravel Bikepacking
Tour Highlights:
- Hotel-to-hotel cycling on quiet roads, farm tracks and singletrack trails
- Self-guided and guided options available
- Relaxed cycling and sightseeing with optional extra activities
- Wonderful, stone built, boutique “cave” hotels
- Delicious, local food in fine restaurants and family run guesthouses
- Enjoy unique scenery and a perfect climate from spring to autumn
- Enjoy a hot air balloon ride above the Cappadocian valleys
- Take a walk along the Ihlara Canyon- Turkey’s “Grand” Canyon by name and nature
- Luggage transport and roadside support car assistance
- Discover the real Cappadocia- with the option to carry your own kit, and loos the support vehicle!
- Suitable for grravel bikes, lightweight MTB’s, touring bikes, e-bikes and pretty much everything imaginable!
2025 Open Groups Dates
Open Group Tours for the 2025 season are scheduled as follows:
17 – 24 May
13 – 20 September
Other dates and made-to-measure trips are always possible- just drop us a line!
Tour Details:
This relatively wild and challenging journey offers a true taste of Cappadocia’s finest landscapes, history and local hospitality without being too technical or physically intense. It connects incredible historical sights, off the beaten track villages and un-missable panoramas with wonderful cycling routes on dirt tracks, quiet roads and smooth flowing off road trails. The tour is a journey of discovery, spanning much of the region including the Ihlara Canyon, Soganli Valley, and “Fairy Chimney” lunar landscape that stretches from Mustafapasa to Goreme. It’s a mix of gravel bike trails, relaxed on road touring and some easy (but enjoyable) mountain biking that is suitable for all cyclists. The emphasis is on discovery, and there are plenty of sights, things to do and unforgettable photo opportunities throughout. This tour is a great choice for small groups, couples and families.
Self guided tours include full hotel to hotel luggage transportation and airport transfers, leaving you to travel light. For self-guided programmes we provide a self guiding pack which includes detailed map, route directions, local info, language starters, details of sights along the way, and of course a GPS file of the whole route. Evening meals are included on the first four days and lunches can be added to your package, as can hotel upgrades.
Shorter or longer tours are also available, and the option to have a car and English speaking driver on hand 24/7 is also there for extra security should you wish- please let us know if you wish to add this to your package.
Why?
We have been based in Goreme, the jewel in Cappadocia’s crown, for the last 10 years, and know the region’s trails like the backs of our hands. There can be few better places to ride a mountain bike on this earth. So many trails and so much variety this is a single track paradise.
When?
Cappadocia enjoys a continental climate of long, dry summers and cold winters, often with heavy snow. The best time to ride is May – June and September – October though the itineraries we offer are broadly possible right through from April to November.
How?
Fly to Nevsehir and Kayseri from Istanbul, with connecting flights worldwide. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines both have really good deals if you book in advance.
About the Area:
The remains of the millions years ago volcanic eruptions, shaped by the wind and rain for thousands of years, have formed one of natures most spectacular masterpieces: Strange rock formations, called: “fairy chimneys”. Settled throughout time by Hittite, Persian, Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman civilisations, many of these caves are still decorated with icons and wall paintings from the early Christian times. Cappadocia is a land rich with history and filled with natural wonders.
Tour Route Program:
Day 1: Flight to Nevsehir / Kayseri Airport.
Transfer to Goreme. The transfer takes around 40 minutes and 1 hour from Nevsehir and Kayseri airports respectively. Arriving in Goreme for the first time is a truly beguiling experience, and settling into a comfortable “cave” hotel here is a highlight of any Cappadocian experience! You will return here at the end of the tour should you need to leave any excess baggage / bike bags etc and there should be time to assemble and /or fit bikes, have dinner and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 2: Transfer – Mamasun Lake – Catalsu – Kizilkaya – Selime – Transfer to Guzelyurt
Total 30km / 330m climb / 260m descent
Today we make an early start and drive for 1hr 30mins to Mamasun Lake, near Aksaray, in Cappadocia’s southwest corner. The morning’s ride follows a beautiful dirt road circuit around the lake with panoramas over wheat fields and views to the often-snow-capped Hasan Dag volcano. The route continues via Gokce village to Catalsu- an ancient settlement with many old ruined houses and a graveyard that juts out into the lake’s blue waters. Continuing around the lakeshore, we re-join the main valley at Kizilkaya, 10km below the base of the main Ihlara Canyon. We pass by superbly grand, ruined old Ottoman houses and an abandoned troglodyte monastery complex on a rough road that leads up river on a shady trail. Finally, we arrive in Selime and explore the incredible rock-cut monastery there. From Selime Monastery, we drive you 15 minutes up the hill to Guzelyurt- a charming formerly Greek-speaking small town perched on the hillside. Here, you’ll stay in a restored Ottoman era courtyard hotel with a medieval feel!
Day 3: Transfer to Selime – Ihlara Valley – Belisirma – Ihlara village – Kitreli – Ilisu – Guzelyurt
Total 42km/ 1050m climb / 700m descent
This is a challenging 2nd day’s ride, although as much of the way is on asphalted back roads the distance and elevation are easily conquered! After an early breakfast, we have a short transfer back down the hill to Selime (where the tour left off yesterday). From Selime, we follow quiet asphalt and dirt roads via Ihlara village, into the wide open rolling foothills of the Melendes mountains and the village of Kitreli (where there are local restaurants to have lunch). From here, a quiet asphalt road leads us back to Ilisu village, and from there, back on the dirt to Guzelyurt- enjoying commanding views over the flat lands and canyon below. After 40km of riding, we arrive in Guzelyurt’s Monastery Valley- a charming historical part of the town with lots to see including 19th century “Small Hagia Sofia, underground cities (bring a torch!) and rock cut churches.
Day 4: Guzelyurt – Sivrihisar – Red Church – Nar Lake – Sofular – Gaziemir – Soğanlı
Total 32km / 720m climb / 950m descent
From our hotel, after a a steady and incredibly panoramic climb on a quiet asphalt road, we arrive at a 1780m pass and the mountain village of Sivrihisar. The route descends through the old, deserted part of the village to Red Church- one of the oldest Cappadocian Orthodox churches that dates from the 5th or 6th century. From there, we cross a relatively flat mountain “yayla”- a green pasture surrounded by mountains where you will see shepherds and their flocks. Following a dirt road across the grassy plain we’ll pass our first “fairy chimney” rocks before descending to Nar village.
From Nar Village we climb up through the old village and arrive right on the crater of Nar Lake- an awesome extinct volcanic caldera whose sulphurous waters are an ever-changing chameleon of greens, yellows and blues. We follow a rough dirt track (vertiginous and singletrack in places- caution!) down to the lakeshore- an excellent spot for a picnic lunch. We continue downhill through Sofular Valley to reach the little-visited village of Gaziemir- home to a huge underground city complex that you might like to visit. The ride offers a real taste of unexplored and “off the beaten track” Anatolian rural life- with plenty of photo opportunities! We meet our driver in Gaziemir, and after visiting the underground city there, transfer on to Soganli. In Soganli we stay in the homestead style traditional cave rooms of Emek Pension and enjoy a delicious meal on the terrace.
Day 5: Soganli – Baskoy – Derventbasi – Sobessos – Taskinpasa – Keslik – Mustafapasa
Total 46km / 700m climb / 870m descent
This morning starts with a circular bike tour (first on asphalt, then on singletrack trail) around the valley, visiting several incredible rock cut churches along the way. We then continue on a quiet asphalt road past Guzeloz to the lovely little village of Baskoy, and then along a steep tractor track we climb out of the canyon and begin a section over wild, windswept fields. We climb over the Sahinefendi Pass before a fast asphalt descent brings us to the Roman ruins at Sobessos. We follow the road north, visiting the medresse and Selcuk mosque at Taskinpasa and the rock-cut monastery at Keslik. Amidst awesome scenery this ride is a perfect balance of restful freewheeling and memorable historic sites. From Cemil, we turn onto a dirt road and follow through paradise scenery of vineyards, fruit trees and first tastes of the “fairy chimney” valleys. Finally, after a fairly challenging ride, we arrive in Mustafapasa, and have time to explore this fascinating historical Greek village. You will stay at a restored formerly Greek mansion house hotel, with plenty of charm and excellent dining options.
Day 6:Mustafapaşa – Gomeda Valley – Uzengi Valley – Ortahisar – Ibrahimpaşa – Uçhisar – Göreme
Total 34km / 800m climb / 750m descent
From Mustafapasa, we set off on a tour through really wonderful panoramas, enjoying some of Cappadocia’s most awesome and memorable terrain. Here “fairy chimneys”- interestingly shaped giant rock stacks- and sharply ridged, deeply eroded rocky corridors give the landscape a lunar feel. The rocky landscape is balanced perfectly by green, lush valleys, overgrown with fruit gardens, poplar trees and flowering schubs. Beginning on a scenic dirt road down into Gomeda valley, we head downhill, following a meandering stream through green woodlands, vineyards and pastures. A 5km section on singletrail is not particularly technical, but there are many small bridges as the trail criss-crosses a stream, and some steeper sections where you might need to push the bike. After a seemingly long time in the wilderness, we emerge at the “Uzengi” picnic place, and turn out of the valley, climbing steadily towards your next destination- the hillside fortified village of Ortahisar.
After lunch, we shortly retrace our steps, and follow the tractor track up through Balkon valley to Ibrahimpasa, where we can drink tea in a traditional teahouse. We then begin a big climb on a beautiful dirt track that takes us up and over Karlitepe with panoramic views over Goreme, Cavusin and Avanos in the distance. From here a rough tractor track takes us downhill to Uchisar- an unmissable setting with a chance to climb on foot to the top of the imposing rock hewn hill fort. From here we follow a nice dirt road that skirts the canyon edge of Love Valley, with fantastic views of fairy chimneys and deeply eroded tuff rock scenery. We then take a sandy dirt road back to Goreme, and have a chance to enjoy the fairy-tale atmosphere here. Goreme is a touristic and busy, but unique and endearing village set between needle splined tuff ridges, steep sided canyons and “fairy chimneys”- epic stacks of rock carved with age old cave houses, churches and beautifully decorated pigeon lofts.
After lunch, you shortly retrace your steps, and follow the tractor track up through Balkonderesi valley to Ibrahimpasa, where you can stopand drink tea in a tradtitional teahouse. You then begin a big climb on a beautiful dirt track that takes us up towards Ibrahimpasa village- a picturesque, unspoiled place with plenty of local charm. You continue to a panoramic viewpoint on Karlitepe high above the Goreme valley and enjoy one of the area’s most stunning views. From here a rough tractor track takes you downhill to Uchisar- an unmissable setting with a chance to climb on foot to the top of it’s imposing rock hewn hill fort. From here you follow an easy but superb dirt road that skirts the canyon edge of Love Valley, with fantastic views of unbelievable landscape of fairy chimneys and deeply eroded tuff rock scenery. It’s also possible to follow a singletrack trail in the valley itself for those with MTB experience! From the bottom of White Valley you take a sandy dirt road to Goreme- right in the centre of the wonderful touristic heart of the region. Goreme is a lively and youthful place, in touch with its roots as a backpacker hub and offering a wide range of cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s also right at the centre of an indescribable moonscape of needle splined tuff ridges, steep sided canyons and “fairy chimneys”- epic stacks of rock carved with age old cave houses, churches and beautifully decorated pigeon lofts.
Day 7: Göreme – Gorkundere – Cavusin – Urgup – Rose Valley – Swords Valley – Göreme
Total: 33 km / 500m Climbing / 500m Descent
This circular ride circumnavigates the table top mountain known locally as Boz Dagi. Leaving Goreme, the route takes us first through the beguiling backstreets of the old village, past rustic caves and rock-carved settlements that have over the last years mostly been turned into boutique hotels, restaurants and shops. We explore the scenic Gorkundere valley and get up close to the towering “fairy chimneys” there. Then we head out across the dusty plains to Cavusin, enjoying fleeting glimpses over to Rose and Red Valleys to the right. Stopping to visit the 5th century “Church of St John the Baptist”, we ride on a relatively flat, sandy dirt track into the dry, barren landscape of Devrent Valley. A brief asphalt climb rewards us with an easy cruise downhill to the vibrant and youthful town of Urgup- where we enjoy a good restaurant lunch on the town square. From Urgup we take a gently climbing dirt road up a pleasant, shady valley that is awash with butterflies and wildflowers in spring. We gain height relatively easily and without too much exertion arrive at the Panoramic Viewpoint above Red Valley- one of the region’s most fantastic landscapes. From here, we descend on smooth, ever-narrowing and eventually very steep trail that forms the backbone of a “cake icing” watershed. The final section of the tour is on singletrack paths, but even beginner mountain bikers will enjoy the smooth, undulating flow-trails that pass stone stacks, rock-cut pigeon lofts and age-old churches on the meandering path back to Goreme. The end of a fairly challenging but hugely rewarding last day!
Day 8:Transfer to Nevsehir ot Kayseri Airport for onward travel
We transfer you back to Nevsehir / Kayseri Airport for flight home or onwards journey.
The tour ends here.
Tour Information:
Price (per person):
There are 2 options available:
1: Guided
2120 Euros per person (based on a minimum of four people in the group).
For groups of two or three people the tour is possible, subject to a 25% surcharge. Guided price includes all meals and snacks.
2: Self-Guided.
1880 Euros per person (based on 2 people sharing a room).
Bed and breakfast, with evening meal included on nights 2,3 and 4.
Options:
Single room occupancy guarantee: 420 Euros.
Bike rental (Trek Roscoe 8): 300 Euros
eBike rental (Trek Powerfly): 480 Euros
Hot air balloon flight- currently 280 Euros.
Price includes:
7 nights high quality hotel accommodation including boutique cave hotels and Ottoman mansions. Evening meals in hotel restaurants on 3 nights. Transfers to and from Nevsehir or Kayseri airport. All baggage transfers and use of support vehicle and driver where required. Self Guiding pack (route directions, maps and GPS files).
Price does not include:
Flights, lunches, entrance fees, guiding, tips, bike hire.
Tour Length:
8 days
Start / finish point:
Kayseri or Nevsehir (Nevsehir recommended)
Features:
6 days multi centre road and off road touring on quiet country lanes, farm tracks and singletrack trails.
Equipment advice:
A mountain bike fitted with off road tyres and ideally front suspension is required for this tour.
Dates:
Self-guided departures available from March to November.
Private Tour Reservation Form
