Cappadocia Exploration

We will meet you in the lobby of your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. On arrival, your driver will meet you and take you to Cappadocia to begin the tour. Our first stop is the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to numerous rock-cut churches from the late 9th century, adorned with vibrant frescoes. Next, we visit Devrent Valley, known for its unusual rock formations resembling animals, including a pillar shaped like the Virgin Mary holding Jesus. Take in the valley’s striking, otherworldly landscape. We then drive to Paşabağı, also called Monks Valley, where the hermitage of Simeon monks once stood among the remarkable fairy chimneys. Afterwards, we continue to Avanos for a traditional Turkish lunch followed by a pottery-making session with local artisans. The tour proceeds to the Göreme Panorama viewpoint, offering one of the best views of the fairy chimneys. Finally, we visit Uçhisar, where the highest natural rock castle in the region provides sweeping views before we transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, meet your guide to begin a full-day tour of Cappadocia’s remarkable landscapes. We start at Rose Valley, known for its striking pink-hued ridges. Next, we drive to Cavusin, a village nestled by Red Valley, where homes are carved into vast rock formations and notable rock churches stand. Then, we visit Pigeon Valley, named for the numerous man-made dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic stone—this is one of the region’s best walking areas. Afterwards, we explore the Underground Cities, once a refuge for up to 15,000 early Christians. These extensive subterranean settlements, used until the late 7th century AD, include ancient bedrooms, a church, meeting halls and food storage rooms spread across eight levels connected by 30 kilometres of tunnels. The day concludes in Ortahisar, a charming town known for its welcoming locals, stone houses, narrow streets, quaint churches and the impressive rock fortress that gives the town its name. We return to your hotel in Cappadocia for the night.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. When your flight time approaches, meet your driver for the transfer to Kayseri Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city (hotel accommodation not included).