Itinerary

1. Day 1 : Arrive in Cappadocia

   • Make the first stop at Esentepe, the impressive panoramic viewpoint overlooking Goreme. Learn the history of Cappadocia and the unique rock formations from the guide. 

   • Head to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The guide will explain the meanings of the frescoes in the cave churches, decorated with scenes of the Old and New Testaments dating back to the 10th century. The site has been used as a monastery since the first years of Christianity.

   • For lunch, visit a lovely restaurant in Goreme.

   • After lunch, make several photo stops along the way – including Urgup’s family fairy chimneys, Devrent’s animal-shaped rock formations, and Monk’s Valley with the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, as well as St. Simeon’s monk cell carved into the rock.

   • Conclude Day One in Avanos, a picturesque town on the river that supplies clay for the 4000-year-old Avanos tradition of pottery.

   • Attend a kick-wheel demonstration by a local potter and have a chance at trying this ancient custom. 

   • Arrive back at the hotel around 5 pm.

   Overnight in Cappadocia.

2. Day 2 : Cappadocia Sightseeing

   • Visit Kaymakli Underground City, carved by the Hittites about 3500 years ago, this multi-level underground city was used by early Christians as the main shelter from marauding enemies during the 6th and 7th centuries. Kaymakli is one of the biggest underground cities in Cappadocia with 8 levels including stables, temples and wineries.

   • After departing from Kaymakli, drive further south to the magnificent verdant Ihlara Valley.

   • Walk alongside the Melindiz River for about 1 hour which winds its way through the Ihlara gorge. Stop for lunch at a restaurant on the river in the village of Belisirma.

   • After lunch, continue to the Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia with large cave cathedral and breathtaking views over the area.

   • On the way back to Goreme, stop at the spectacular vista point overlooking Pigeon Valley.

   • Along the way, if interested in Turkish carpets, visit one of the local carpet workshops, and view the traditional carpet-making process.