Fairy Chimneys, balloon rides, Goreme Open Air Museum
Dramatic geological contrasts and spectacular conical rock formations of varying colors embellish the volcanic landscape throughout the Cappadocia region in Central Anatolia – home of St. Basil, explore Byzantine rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes and valleys honeycombed with underground cities – stay in a cave style hotel and enjoy the local art, dancing and wine.
Main Cappadocia Highlights:
The incredible rock formations are to be seen everywhere in this region and the standing fairy chimney style eroded rock pillars at Monk’s Valley in Pasabag are especially good examples.
The rock-cut churches that make Cappadocia unique are best seen at Goreme Open Air Museum – The most intact and beautiful frescoes are undoubtedly those of the mysterious ‘Dark Church’ in this complex of Christian Byzantine churches and monastic settlements.
Discover the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, whole cities with 20 floors of dormitories, dining areas and cemeteries tunneled out of the soft rock to hide the Christian Cappadocians during Arab raids over 1000 ago.
Enjoy hiking through the beautiful valley floors of Soganli/Red Valley and pass some small rock cut churches en-route. For the more adventurous, treat yourself to a breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Tour over this unique lunar affect landscape, for incredible viewing of changing tones, shapes and shadows from of the fairy chimneys and valleys as seen from above.
Take advantage of splendid panoramic views over all Cappadocia from the highest point of Uchisar Rock Castle that towers above the little town below. Other short stops of interest can be made at rational towns like Avanos, famous for its terra cotta pottery with clay taken from the town’s river, or Mustafapasa, a traditional old Greek village.
Also in Central Anatolia is the capital city of Ankara, whose main sites of interest are the fascinating Museum of Ancient Anatolian Civilizations, with chronologically arranged items from the last 7500 years and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founding father of the Turkish Republic.
Tours featuring Cappadocia:
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