• Cappadocia - Situated in the heart of a once-active volcanic zone in central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a region shaped by the forces of nature. Millions of years ago, the mountains Erciyes, Hasandağ, and Güllüdağ were active volcanoes, with eruptions continuing sporadically into the Neolithic era, as evidenced by ancient paintings.

The volcanic eruptions were so intense that lava layers reached up to 150 meters thick in some areas. Over millions of years, the landscape was sculpted by volcanoes, wind, rain, and ice, resulting in the Cappadocia we know today. As erosion took its toll, basalt stones remained, forming conical structures, some towering up to 45 meters.

Locals named these unique formations “fairy chimneys,” a term that has persisted through time. While nature crafted the initial landscape, it was the Anatolian people who carved the rock to create homes, churches, and over 250 underground cities throughout the centuries.

• Devrent Valley - Unlike other valleys, Devrent Valley lacks cave churches, Roman palaces, or tombs and was never inhabited. Its charm lies in its lunar-like surface, earning it the nickname “moonscape Cappadocia.” Just a 10-minute drive from Goreme, the valley showcases a variety of rock formations. The peculiar fairy chimneys create a lunar landscape, and numerous animal-shaped rocks give the impression of a natural sculpture zoo. Among the notable shapes are camel, snake, seal, and dolphin. Let your imagination roam, and you might discover many more, including a rock pillar resembling the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ.
• Goreme - Known as Cappadocia during Roman times, Goreme is a unique region where human creations blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Dwellings have been carved from the rock since 4,000 B.C. During the Byzantine era, chapels and monasteries were hollowed out, adorned with frescoes that mirror the surrounding landscape’s colors. Today, troglodyte homes in rock cones and village houses of volcanic tuff integrate harmoniously into the scenery. Goreme is nestled in a valley of cones and fairy chimneys, with cafes, restaurants, and guesthouses carved into the rock. Shoppers will find an abundance of rugs and kilims. As you leave Goreme, you enter one of the area’s most stunning valleys, where fantastical rock formations captivate and inspire awe.
• Goreme Open-Air Museum - The Goreme Open-Air Museum, a monastic complex of rock churches and chapels adorned with frescoes, is one of central Turkey’s most renowned sites. Most chapels date from the 10th to 13th centuries, during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods, and many feature an inscribed cross plan with a central cupola supported by four columns. Several churches’ narthexes contain rock-cut tombs. Among the most famous Goreme churches are the Elmali Kilise, the smallest and newest; the Yilanli Kilise, with intriguing frescoes of the damned in serpent coils; the Barbara Kilisesi; and the Carikli Kilise. A short distance from the main group, the Tokali Kilise, or Buckle Church, boasts beautiful frescoes depicting New Testament scenes.
• Ozkonak Underground City - Opened to visitors in 1972, Ozkonak offers a unique experience akin to exploring an apartment building. The labyrinthine tunnels and connecting elements are similar to other underground cities. Cappadocia’s underground cities, carved from soft tuff, are renowned for their cultural richness, attracting tourists worldwide for a mysterious journey each year.

These subterranean cities, linked by corridors, served as hiding places for Christians in the 7th century. They were self-sufficient, with granaries, stables, rooms, kitchens, and ventilation systems. The most famous underground cities discovered around Cappadocia include Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Tatlarin, Ozkonak, Mazi, and Ozluce. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli Underground Cities were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

• Private transportation
• Carbonated beverages
• On-board WiFi
• Bottled water
• Lunch included
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Fuel surcharges included
• Parking fees covered

• Gratuities

Our rendezvous for the tour is at Kayseri Airport, from where the journey to Cappadocia begins. The tour kicks off with the amazing Özkonak Underground City, then proceeds to the fascinating Devrent Valley to marvel at the distinct fairy-chimneys. The journey continues to Paşabağı, also known as Monks Valley, to behold the stunning mushroom-shaped natural columns. In the later part of the day, we explore the Göreme Open Air Museum (excluding the Dark Church which requires extra entry fee), to walk through the remnants of excavated churches and old Christian communities. We conclude our day with a transfer back to Kayseri Airport in the evening.

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