Hike the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia in Winter

Hoşgeldiniz – welcome to Turkey! Your host will collect you from Kayseri Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Göreme, a fairytale hamlet in the heart of Cappadocia. Your base for the next four nights is a cosy, boutique cave hotel, a restoration of unique historical ruins. Enjoy some free time to wander around the picturesque town before sunset, including an optional visit to the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum – a splendid cluster of monastic Byzantine artistry with rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries. Take in the breathtaking views of snow-capped houses cut into the rock from the panoramic terrace of your hotel, then join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then head out to explore the White and Honey Valleys (the latter is also more popularly referred to as the 'Love Valley'). Set off on your first short hike amongst the iconic fairy chimneys that Cappadocia is famous for: there are hundreds of these towering rocks, formed by volcanic ash over millions of years ago and eroded by the wind. Hiking here in winter is incredibly picturesque – not only will you avoid the summer crowds, but the views of these rock formations dusted in snow (weather depending!) is even more magical. Warm up with a hot meal and head to Uchisar Castle for jaw-dropping moonscape views of Cappadocia. Back in Göreme, you'll be welcomed by a local family in their house for an authentic Turkish evening – cosy up and help your hosts fire up a traditional dinner, then head back to your comfortable hotel for the night.

Wake before sunrise for an unforgettable, bucket-list experience (optional; payable locally) – a hot air balloon ride, floating above the historic cave dwellings of Cappadocia. (Flights are always subject to weather conditions, so you'll have a few chances to try it until your departure day, should today's trip get cancelled.) If you're not a fan of heights, you can always enjoy the dreamy spectacle from the rooftop terrace of your hotel. Later, hike through the Red and Meskendir valleys, exploring the pinkish-red glow of these surreal rock formations, ancient cave churches and natural tunnels. Reach Çavuşin Old Roman village by lunchtime and explore the rock-cut dwellings and elegantly carved stone houses here, dating back to 150 BC. This afternoon, you'll have a few free hours at leisure before indulging in a quintessential Turkish experience – a traditional hammam ritual, including a blissful scrub and massage session in a Turkish cave bath.

Start the day early and drive to the impressive site of Derinkuyu, an ancient, multi-level, underground city of the Median Empire which extends to a depth of around 85 metres. It is large enough to have sheltered as many as 20,000 people, together with their livestock and food stores, and to date, it is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey. After your visit, drive to the Ihlara Valley for a final trek into the canyon along spectacular rugged walls, water streams and ancient monasteries carved into the rock. Back at the hotel, warm up with a hot shower or bath and toast your adventure with your group!

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Bid farewell to your fellow adventurers before you’re transferred to the airport in time for your onward journey home. As most international flights from Kayseri Airport fly via Istanbul, you may also decide to extend your winter adventure with some extra days in one of the greatest cities in the world!