Istanbul, Turkey
MORE INFORMATION
- Explore Cappadocia, a masterpiece of nature
- Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon ride
- Visit volcanic lands and whole new landscapes
Description
Thanks to the soft volcanic material (tufa) and the erosion of millions of years by the wind and the rain, the whole area looks like a fantastic, fairy-tale land. Strange rock formations take the form of huge boulders jutting out from the ground at some places and at other times they form eye pleasing, smoothly curved valleys. varying in color and shape. These “fairy chimneys” and the beautiful valleys make one of nature’s most surprising masterpieces. Cappadocia is a heaven for nature lovers as well as those interested in history, agriculture, Sufism, folklore, arts and crafts.
presenting the most diverse forms of fairy chimneys (hermitages/troglodytes) hollowed out of the volcanic tufa by the nature before checking into our hotel in Uçhisar, a small town located at the highest point at (1200 m.) in the region. Day will end with some rest at the hotel or a choice of optional activities like moderate biking or horse riding at an additional cost.
We start the second day with hot air balloon tour early in the morning. We begin from a high point to view the region before a gentle descent down to the region’s most dramatic landscape of Rose and Red Valleys with unique “fairy chimney” rock towers. Your guide will explain how the geology of Cappadocia formed and its social and historical contexts. Moving on in a fantastic undulating track passes through an unbelievable area of cave dwellings, rock cut churches and even a monastery complex called Church with Columns for a drink. Approximately 2 hr long hike will end in the cozy Çavuşin Village before we stop for a leisurely and enjoyable meal at a highly rated restaurant.
In the afternoon we’ll discover Göreme Open-Air Museum, a big monastic settlement and multiple rock-cut chapels and churches with the best preserved frescoes dating from early to middle Christian Era. This is where Christian teaching spread this new faith across Anatolia. Final visit will be to Avanos pottery studios, family owned and operated, in caves producing the finest red and white clay ceramics since ancient times. We will complete the day at Saruhan Caravansarai, an unforgettable ambiance with its historical texture and architectural structure hosting a Whirling Dervish ritual; the natural lighting of this environment will work deep into your soul. This massive structure on the central route of The Silk Road dates back from the time of Mevlana also known as Rumi.
On the third day, we drive to one of the massive complexes called Underground City that served as military garrison as well as public shelter in case regional safety was endangered by invaders during the 7th-9th Centuries. The maze of the living quarters underneath includes a refectory and kitchen, chapel, storages for food, ventilation shaft reaching over 40 meters below the ground. Afterwards we head for Love valley with small fields, lush vegetation and strange rock formations. Here you will find the tallest fairy chimneys and have a chance to drink fresh orange juice. We then drive to Ortahisar Town and walk around the village for a chat with the locals. Across the small gorge is a stunning view of the so-called castle with residential units cut out of tufa all around.
On our final day we’ll be immersing in local cultures along the Soğanli Valley. Mustafapaşa was an old Roman town known as Sinassos and in 1920s its Roman/Greek
Ortodox population was exchanged with Turkish Muslims from Macedonia. Even after a century both culture remains strong in oral tradition as well as in the details and artwork of stunning civil architecture examples to be witnessed during an easy stroll in town. We will have our final lunch in Ürgüp with some free time before heading back to airport for flight to Istanbul.
Who This Experience Is Good For
Anyone who is interested in history, culture and nature.
Itinerary
Day 1
Early morning flight to Kayseri from Istanbul. Meet with the guide at Kayseri Airport. Kayseri, Paşabağ. Sunset horse riding (optional)
Day 2
Hot air ballooning, hiking, Rose and Red valleys, Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, Saruhan Caravanserai (Dervish ritual)
Day 3
Love Valley, Ortahisar, Underground City,
Day 4
Sinassos, Soganli Valley, Mustafapasa, free time in Ürgüp. Transfer to the airport and fly to Istanbul.
Meet Our Local Host
Gaye, who has been in the tourism industry for years, previously worked in a bank. He has a B.A. Graduated from Business Administration (Ankara University), but preferred to be in nature. She worked as a professional PADI Diving Instructor in Kaş / Antalya as well. Later, she followed her love and walked the famous paths in Turkey and became a trekking guide. She moved to Cappadocia more than 18 years ago and became a professional guide. She has a very energetic, talkative and fun personality, she is interested in history and good food. Gaye has now started to run to the valleys of Cappadocia. She says that Cappadocia is a huge playground: you can run, walk, bike, do many activities such as meditation, camping, yoga…
- 3 nights at a boutique hotel
- Whirling dervish ritual
- All breakfasts and 4 lunches
- Entrance fees to museums and sites
- Main group transfers
- Group van during included programs
- Professional Tour Guide
- Hot Air Balloon Ride (weather depending)
What's Not Included
- Anything not mentioned above
- Dinners
- Soft and alcoholic drinks during meals
- Tips and gratuities
- Flights
- Biking US$ 50/ Per Hour
- Horse Riding US$ 25 / Per Hour
- Minimum Needed: 8 people
- Maximum Capacity: 20 people
- Booking Deadline: 10 days before the trip
- Weather Dependent: Yes - Hot Air Balloon Ride is subject to the weather conditions. If the civil aviation authority do not allow balloons to take off, we will have to wait for the next morning. Cappadocia has one of the most suitable weather conditions in the world, so, keep fingers crossed)
- Difficulty Level: Easy - no experience necessary.
- Special Clothing Required: Nights and early mornings could be cold, warm clothing is essential.
- Special Dietary Restrictions: All dietary needs catered
- Extra Cash: Needed for tipping or additional services
- Please be reminded that order of activities may need to be changed due to weather conditions and availability of visits.
- Recommended flights: