Itinerary

1. Explore The Culture of Cappadocia

   • Meet the guide at the hotel's lobby area 10 minutes before departure.
   • Start the day from Esentepe Valley’s panoramic viewpoint offering an outstanding view of a spectacular lunar landscape. 
   • See the patchwork of valleys below, rock formations, and cave houses. 
   • See Mount Erciyes in the distance – the volcano that created this striking landscape three million years ago.
   • Sip a cup of a Turkish Coffee while enjoying a spectacular view.
   • At the same spot, unveil a hidden cave dwelling’s door to see what an untouched cave house’s interior looks like. The guide will inform you about how Turkish-Cappadocians lived in such unique houses from the 1920s to the 1990s. Not only the Turks, but people in Cappadocia have been living in caves for centuries. The unique texture of the volcanic cave houses in this region has inspired many architects. The stone nature of the cave houses keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making them ideal. 
   • The next stop will be Pasabaglari, a must-visit geological wonder. It is the base for stunning volcanic formations. Millions of years of wind and water erosion have sculpted soft rock into forests of mushroom-shaped peaks, dubbed "fairy chimneys."  The towering rock formations are now the symbol of Cappadocia.
   • Afterwards short drive to Devrent Valley, also known as “Imagination Valley.” It is one of the few places to immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s most surreal-looking lunar landscape, where you will witness mother nature’s sculpting artistry. Walk through this fascinating valley to see naturally shaped unique rock formations resembling humans, animals and figures. Some of the most famous, or the easiest to distinguish, animal shapes are the camel, snake, seal, and dolphin. 
   • Proceed to Avanos town. This small town sits next to Turkey’s longest river, Kizilirmak (Red River). The art, creativity and endeavour of its men and women manifest in its pottery and rug weavings. Avanos is well-known for its red earthenware pottery, which the Hittites first discovered during the Bronze Age. Since 2000 BC, potters in the town have been obtaining red pottery clay from the river, and with their marvellous touches, clay has turned into exquisite art pieces on primitive kick wheels. We will see a pottery studio set in a cave complex that offers pottery-making demonstrations and the chance to spin a bowl.
   • Break for lunch in a stylish, authentic cave restaurant. Amongst the main course varieties, pottery kebap is highly recommended. It is an Anatolian speciality prepared in a clay pot or jug. It’s usually made with beef or chicken with vegetables like tomatoes, eggplants, onions, garlic, and potatoes. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor or clay oven, the pot is sealed with bread dough and left to simmer in its juices for hours. When ready, the blazing hot jug is brought out and cracked in front of you, releasing the aroma of its still gurgling contents whilst treating the diners to a little tableside theatre. 
   • After lunch, drive to Goreme Open Air Museum—the crown jewel of Cappadocia’s historical sites. The site became a religious refuge during the early days of Christianity. By the fourth century, Christians fleeing Rome’s persecution had arrived in some numbers and established monastic communities here. Goreme Valley was a hub of Christian activity. The monks excavated extensive dwellings and monasteries and created Byzantine frescoed paintings in cave chapels beginning in the seventh century.
   • Discover the fresco-adorned rock-cut churches with dazzling wall decorations. Frescoes of the chapels here are certainly one of the world's most incredible venues of medieval art. 
   • During the visit, explore the Dark Church (Karanlik Kilise). The Karanlik Kilise wall paintings (frescoes) were the best preserved in the entire region and among the most prominent and brilliant examples of their period. 
   • At the end of the day, visit the tallest (60 meters / 200 feet ) and largest stunning volcanic formation named Uchisar Castle, within the boundaries of Uchisar town, which is geographically the highest point of the entire region.  
   • Upon the tour's conclusion, you will be dropped off at your hotel.