- 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.
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
- Gratuities
Visit the remote village of Ayvalı and feel like a true insider as you are welcomed into a villager’s home to help prepare a typical Anatolian meal and learn about Turkish culinary traditions while feasting on regional specialities including delicate “borek” pastries (made with cheese ripened in an earthenware jug), traditional bulgur soup, yaprak sarmasi (seasoned rice wrapped in grape leaves), manti (Turkish ravioli), and dolaz (a delicious fried dessert served with local honey). Meet local men relaxing in a ‘kiraathane’ (traditional coffee house) to learn about the male villagers’ lifestyle and sample wine from the Cappadocia region. After a cup of strong Turkish coffee bid goodbye to your friendly hosts and then stroll through Ayvalı’s narrow streets. Throughout your stroll, you may receive invitations for tea or homemade desserts from the kitchens of local villagers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
