Cappadocia short break

Planet

For millions of years the volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted over the land to create the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys that characterise Cappadocia. Different civilisations carved out houses and churches within these rocky pillars; Interspersed amongst these relics is a living culture of traditional villages, spectacular river valleys and rural settlements. This unique landscape should be explored in a sustainable manner to help preserve the delicate environment.

We believe that walking trips are the best way to explore such an area; because you have more time to appreciate the changing landscapes and get to know locals in the villages that you pass through while having a minimal impact on your environment.

This slow style of travel not only affords you more time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region but, just as importantly, positively contributes to the regions that host you.

We are aligned with “Leave No Trace”, an international organisation that has set the global standard for outdoor ethics. Through targeted education, research and outreach, its mission is to ensure the long-term health of our natural world while maintaining sustainable recreation in nature.

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travelers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single-use plastics. We follow this same philosophy in our office as well as on the trail: in our London office we have banned single use coffee cups and water bottles. We use recycled paper in our office and we are working towards reducing the amount of paper we use, as well as recycling all of our paper and plastic waste.

People

Our preferred accommodations we use on this trip are locally owned small pensions and hotels; this way we ensure your tourist spend is staying within the area and benefiting local people. Plus you receive a warm welcome! For example, when available we book the Kilim Pension which serves a traditional Anatolian style breakfast including home made jams, fresh village eggs, yoghurt and fresh bread. Or the Muskara Cave Hotel which has rooms which are traditionally decorated and serves a Turkish breakfast.

During your tour we encourage you to purchase your lunch/snacks from local shops and cafes whenever you get an opportunity. It will give you a chance to meet the local people, and can encourage genuine cultural exchange.

In 2000 we developed the award winning Responsible Travel Guidebook, which presented our Travel Group’s comprehensive policies on sustainable travel. Over the years our Responsible Travel Guidebook has evolved to meet the ever-changing landscape of sustainable travel. In March 2018 The Thoughtful Traveler booklet was launched, which is an easy-to-read document that empowers travelers with suggestions about how they can be part of the solution and collectively make the world a better place when they travel. Everyone is encouraged to read the Thoughtful Traveler ebook before departure.