This 8-day Cappadocia mountain biking adventure covers the full breadth of the region's extraordinary landscape, from volcanic canyon systems and ancient underground cities to ridge trails with views of three volcanoes. We build from scenic, history-laced rides through countryside villages in the first two days to increasingly technical singletrack, pump tracks, and enduro-style descents as the week progresses. A 2025 full-suspension Lapierre, airport transfers, all lunches, dinners, and cave hotel stays are all covered, so the only thing on our minds is the trail ahead.
You’ll be picked up from the airport, and then the guides will drive to Göreme to get the bikes set up. If you arrive early in the day, we head out to Monastery Valley in Güzelyurt, about 70 minutes away, known for its cliff-hanging monastery and far from the tourist crowds. The evening is for settling in: a home-cooked Turkish feast, a terrace with views across the valley, and a rustic cave room to sleep it all off.
Accommodation: Old Greek Mansion, Güzelyurt
Meals: Dinner
After a traditional Turkish breakfast, we shuttle to the Kizil (Red) Church and climb toward a mountain lake with sweeping views of Mount Hasan Volcano. From there, it’s a long downhill run through Ihlara Canyon on singletrack that follows the Melendiz River. After the ride, we shuttle back to Güzelyurt, where the cave hotel sits directly above an abandoned monastery. A buffet dinner and drinks on the terrace overlooking the valley close out the day in the best possible way.
Accommodation: Old Greek Mansion, Güzelyurt
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 40 km (25 mi)
Elevation gain: +600 m (1,969 ft)
We start with a transfer to Kaymakli Underground City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where early Christian communities carved a multi-level network of caves into the volcanic rock. Back in the saddle, we build confidence on sandy volcanic terrain before hitting rock singletrack sections that are hard not to whoop through. A scenic lunch in the village of Ayvalı refuels us for a tough second half of climbing, before rolling into the vibrant town of Mustafapaşa for cold drinks and a stay in an old Greek mansion.
Accommodation: Old Greek Mansion, Mustafapaşa
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Cycling: 45 km (28 mi)
Elevation gain: +900 m (2,953 ft)
We leave Mustafapaşa on a steep climb toward Göreme, our base for the rest of the trip, as the riding intensity jumps up with far more singletrack through sand and rock. The morning weaves between sweeping landscape views and narrow green valleys, then dips into Gomeda Canyon, where lush vegetation lines a gentle river crossed by wooden bridges and pigeon houses carved into the cliffs become reachable via wooden ladders. After lunch in Uçhisar, we push into Zemi Valley, threading through arches, caves, and a pump track on the 2008 European XC trail before heading back to Göreme.
Accommodation: Cave hotel, Göreme National Park
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Cycling: 37 km (23 mi)
Elevation gain: +850 m (2,789 ft)
Depending on conditions, the day starts with a sunrise balloon launch: we either go up in one or ride beneath the whole floating crowd through the valleys below. After balloons and breakfast, we take the back roads up to Pigeon Valley, riding flowy tracks through rock formations, streams, and orchards. A quick transfer brings us to Love Valley. We wrap up with lunch at a local women’s cooperative and an early finish to rest up for the world-class trails ahead.
Note: The hot air balloon experience is optional and not included in the price. It is subject to weather conditions and carries an additional cost. If interested, please contact us.
Accommodation: Cave hotel, Göreme National Park
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Cycling: 16 km (10 mi)
Elevation gain: +433 m (1,421 ft)
We begin with a climb to Sunset Point, then drop into the canyons behind Göreme: Sword Valley, Rose Valley, and Red Valley, all laced with almond and apple trees and dotted with stops at the Ghost Monastery and the Column Church. Lunch at a canyon restaurant comes with the option to nap in cushioned caves above the dining room. The afternoon brings the Balcony Trail, a ridge run with towering cliffs above and red rock formations below, finishing with a descent into Çavuşin village and, back in Göreme, well-earned ice cream-filled baklava.
Accommodation: Cave hotel, Göreme National Park
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Cycling: 27 km (17 mi)
Elevation gain: +750 m (2,461 ft)
The final riding day hits the highest point of the week: we climb to the Red Valley Summit tabletop mountain, with views stretching across all three surrounding volcanoes and the canyons below that have become familiar ground. Then it’s a downhill charge on the Viking Trail, a quick climb back to Sunset Point, and a second run of the Red Bull descent with stops for fresh juice and a cave church along the way. After a pide lunch in Çavuşin, our guides shuttle us to a few favorite trails for one last lap before the trail dust comes off in a traditional Turkish hammam.
Accommodation: Cave hotel, Göreme National Park
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Cycling: 20+ km (12+ mi)
Elevation gain: +600 m (1,969 ft)
We wrap up the week with a transfer to the airport, marking the end of this mountain biking adventure in Turkey.
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
Good fitness and some MTB experience are required for this Cappadocia mountain biking tour. Riding days reach up to 45 km (28 mi) with up to 900 m (2,953 ft) of elevation gain. The tour builds from easier, more exploratory days at the start to increasingly technical singletrack later in the week, which makes the ramp-up feel manageable.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
The bike and helmet are provided. Cappadocia’s riding season runs from April through December, so pack layers accordingly: mornings in the valleys can be cool even in summer, while afternoons get hot. Dress comfortably and in clothes you can move in.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Cappadocia mountain biking tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this Cappadocia mountain biking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of your Cappadocia mountain biking tour is Cappadocia. To get there, most people fly into Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV).
Airport transfers are included in both directions, so your guide will be waiting when you land on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.