Cappadocia Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Cappadocia

   The region of Cappadocia is located in the middle of a once-active volcanic area of central Anatolia. Millions of years ago three of its mountains - Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ - were active volcanoes; indeed this activity persisted intermittently at least into the Neolithic period according to the prehistoric paintings. The volcanic eruptions were so strong that in some places the lava was up to 150m in thickness. Over many millions of years, volcanoes, wind, rain and ice sculpted the region which we now know as Cappadocia. As the landscape was eroded, basalt stones remained and formed conical structures with some reaching as high as 45m. The local people referred to these unique rock formations "fairy chimneys", a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian man who carved the rock and built houses, churches and over 250 underground cities out of it over the centuries.

   Pass by without stopping

2. Devrent Valley

   Unlike other valleys, Devrent Valley has neither cave churches nor Roman palaces or tombs. It was never actually inhabited. What makes this lovely area is different from its lunar surface. Therefore we call moonscape Cappadocia. The Devrent Valley is only a 10-minute drive from Goreme, revealing many different rock formations. By their strange looks, the small fairy chimneys in the valley create a lunar scenery. There are also numerous animal rocks in the valley. It looks like a natural zoo of sculptures. Camel, snake, seal and dolphin are some of the most significant forms of animals if you like. Let your imagination free and you'll find many others. You may even spot a pillar of rock formation that tells you the Virgin Mary holds Jesus Christ.

   15 minutes here · Admission included

3. Goreme

   Goreme, known in Roman times as Cappadocia, is one of those rare regions in the world where the works of man blend unobtrusively into the natural surroundings. Dwellings have been hewn from the rock as far back as 4,000 B.C. During Byzantine times chapels and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock, their ochre toned frescoes reflecting the hues of the surrounding landscape. Even today troglodyte dwellings in rock cones and village houses of volcanic tuff merge harmoniously into the landscape. The town of Goreme itself is set right in the middle of a valley of cones and fairy chimneys. Some of the cafes, restaurants and guest houses are carved into the rock. For shoppers, rugs and kilims are plentiful. Continuing on the road out of Goreme, you enter one of the most beautiful valleys in the area. Rock formations seemingly out of a fantasy rise up before you at every turn and entice you to look longer and wonder at their creation.

   Pass by without stopping

4. Goreme Open Air Museum

   The Goreme open-air Museum, a monastic complex of rock churches and chapels covered with frescoes, is one of the best-known sites in central Turkey. Most of the chapels date from the 10th to the 13th century, the Byzantine and Seljuk periods, and many of them are built on an inscribed cross plan with a central cupola supported by four columns. In the narthexes of several churches are rock cut tombs. Among the most famous of the Goreme churches are the Elmali Kilise, the smallest and newest of the group; the Yilanli Kilise with fascinating frescoes of the damned in serpent coils; the Barbara Kilisesi; and the Carikli Kilise. A short way from the main group, the Tokali Kilise, or Buckle Church, has beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

5. Uchisar Castle

   Uçhisar is first mentioned in a 14th-century chronicle by Aziz ibn Ardasir. The general area had been occupied much earlier, however. The Hittites may have used the natural structures of the cliffs as refuges and strongholds against possible attacks. In the seventh century AD, the Byzantines created a 'buffer zone' in the area against Islamic expansion. The nature of the terrain was conducive to defence, while the camouflage of the buildings provided an improved defence against attackers. After their conquest of the region, the Muslims also made use of the defensive possibilities of the area, creating small centres with caravanserais in the region. Today, for those who climb the steps to the top of the Uchisar Fortress, the whole region unfolds below. Rugs and kilims, and popular souvenirs can easily be purchased from the shops which line Uchisar's narrow streets.

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6. Avanos

   The charming town of Avanos, on the banks of the Kizilirmak River, displays attractive vernacular architecture and is known for its handicrafts. Every August the town hosts an Art and Tourism Festival where a creative and friendly atmosphere pervades. Pottery is the most popular handicraft and it is usually possible to try your hand at making a pot in one of the many studios. Rug weaving and knotting are also making a revival. Leaving Avanos in a southerly direction you come to an interesting Seljuk caravanserai

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7. Kaymakli Underground City

   Kaymakli, one the largest and most important underground cities in Cappadocia, has all the accommodation needed for a community to live underground. The multipurpose rooms and halls are connected to one another by narrow corridors. Turkey's Cappadocia region is famous for its subterranean safe cities carved from soft tuff. These underground cities, which are among the most interesting cultural richness of Cappadocia, take tourists from all over the world on a mysterious journey every year. The underground cities in Cappadocia, interconnected by corridors, were used as hiding places by Christians in the 7th century. These subterranean cities were self-sufficient cities with granaries, stables, rooms, kitchens and ventilation systems. The most famous underground cities uncovered until now around Cappadocia are found in Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Tatlarin, Ozkonak, Mazi and Ozluce. Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

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8. Derinkuyu YeraltI Sehri

   Derinkuyu, one of the deepest, most extensive and amazing underground cities of Cappadocia, was discovered in 1966 during an excavation. This underground city has eight levels and lots of secret corridors. The floors include the churches, kitchens, places to tie up prisoners, sections for animals. Turkey's Cappadocia region is famous for its subterranean safe cities carved from soft tuff. These underground cities, which are among the most interesting cultural richness of Cappadocia, take tourists from all over the world on a mysterious journey every year. The underground cities in Cappadocia, interconnected by corridors, were used as hiding places by Christians in the 7th century. These subterranean cities were self-sufficient cities with granaries, stables, rooms, kitchens and ventilation systems. Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

   Pass by without stopping

9. Ozkonak Underground City

   Ozkonak was opened to visitors in 1972. While visiting this underground city, you will feel as if you are in an apartment building. The labyrinthine tunnels and elements connecting the venues are like other underground cities. Turkey's Cappadocia region is famous for its subterranean safe cities carved from soft tuff. These underground cities, which are among the most interesting cultural richness of Cappadocia, take tourists from all over the world on a mysterious journey every year. The underground cities in Cappadocia, interconnected by corridors, were used as hiding places by Christians in the 7th century. These subterranean cities were self sufficient cities with granaries, stables, rooms, kitchens and ventilation systems. The most famous underground cities uncovered until now around Cappadocia are found in Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Tatlarin, Ozkonak, Mazi and Ozluce. Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

   Pass by without stopping

10. Cavusin

    Çavuşin, located 2km from Göreme, is one of the oldest inhabited places in the region and the fresco scenes of Çavuşin church are distinctive because of their unusual compositions. Abandoned cave village of Çavuşin is one o the remarkable spots in Cappadocia where visitors enjoy the beauty of nature.

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11. Pigeon Valley

    The visit to the Valley of Guvercinlik is an excellent idea. Distance 4 kilometres to Goreme from Uchisar. There was insufficient land for agriculture for local residents of this area. They wanted to farm with high-energy lava fertiliser and dug many lava lavas at the slopes of the valley. They open the lava bucket once a year and gather the fertiliser from the pigeon bird. The most beautiful shape of the valley is the top of Uchisar 's historic castle. Well, Guvercinlik Valley, that famous for its colourful hot air balloons, is one of the best places to visit in Cappadocia. Every year millions of tourists visit the area and dream of visiting Cappadocia as a city of fantasy and legend. Yes, your dreams will come true here in this lovely region. The Guvercinlik Valley is combined with the interesting history and history of the Guvercinlik Valley which is named after a pigeon and which, from the past to the present, continues to be called "Pigeon."

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12. Ihlara Valley

    TheMelendiz River, at lhlara, has eroded the banks into an impressive canyon. Byzantine rock chapels covered with frescoes pierce the canyon walls. Some of the best known are the Agacalti (Daniel) Church, theYilanli (Apocalypse) Church and the SumbulIu (Hyacinth)Church. Guzelyurt is another valley with dwellings dating from prehistoric times. You can see the beautiful silhouette of Mt. Hasan rising like a crown above the town. The valley's underground cities, buildings carved into the rock, interesting vernacular architecture, churches, chapels and mosques embody all of the characteristics of Cappadocia and give visitors a sense of historical continuity. A popular tourist destination, Guzelyurt's hospitable residents, extensive accommodation and restaurants ensure a pleasant stay.

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13. The churches of St. Theodore and Pancarlık in Ürgüp have been decorated with a good amount of religious belief. The town of Sinasos (Mustafapasa) is six kilometres south of the town of Ürgüp, which is renowned for its splendid in stone. The chapel of St Basil has motifs that reflect the iconoclastic system of thought. Sinasos is a must see old Greek town in the region.

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14. Cappadocia Home Cooking School and Restaurant is a hidden gem in a small traditional village of Ayvali. A renovated and restored traditional stone arch house accommodates a cooking school run by a family. Owners are asking you to feel that their home is your home. The family proudly enjoy reflecting worldwide known Turkish hospitality and traditions. They only use organic fruits, vegetables and spices grown their very own garden. You just get to savour of this authentic Turkish food in their family restaurant, after they help you to prepare together! They are living in a traditional stone arch house of Cappadocia, which they are lovingly restored to accommodate family-run Home Cooking School. Don't be surprised that the recipe is your lunch or dinner. What could be a better home away from home experience in this holy land? Join us!

    60 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

ar, de, zh-TW, ru, ja, en, it, fr, tr, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Deren Koray Tourism

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Photos