Aeneas Travel Agency No: 17622
Cappadocia Full-Day Tour: Explore the Wonders of the Region
Description
Tour Start:
- Pickup from your hotel in the morning.
Tour Duration:
- Full Day (Approx. 8-9 hours)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Traditional Turkish lunch
- Pottery workshop experience in Avanos
- Personal expenses
- Per Person: 75 Euro (0-3 years old free of charge)
- Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City: Start the tour exploring the underground cities, where early Christians sought refuge.
- Pigeon Valley Panorama View: Enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia’s famous rock formations and pigeon houses.
- Uçhisar Castle (From the Bottom): Admire the highest point in Cappadocia and its stunning surroundings.
- Lunch Break: Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in the charming town of Göreme.
- Göreme Open-Air Museum: Visit the UNESCO-listed museum with ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes.
- Pottery Workshop in Avanos: Try your hand at the ancient craft of pottery in Avanos.
- Paşabağ Valley: Conclude the day with a visit to Monk’s Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys.
Itinerary and Details
Start your day with a visit to one of Cappadocia’s underground cities—either Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu. These cities were used by early Christians as places of refuge and are among the most fascinating archaeological sites in the region. You’ll explore narrow tunnels, rooms, ventilation shafts, and chapels carved deep into the rock, and learn about their strategic importance throughout history.
- Highlights: Labyrinthine tunnels, living spaces, and ancient underground churches.
After exploring the underground city, head to Pigeon Valley for a panoramic view of its famous fairy chimneys and the many pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. These houses were used by locals for collecting pigeon droppings, which were used as fertilizer. It’s a peaceful stop to appreciate the beauty of Cappadocia's landscape and to take in some of the best views of the region.
- Highlights: Scenic views of fairy chimneys, pigeon houses, and rock formations.
Next, visit Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. While we won’t be climbing to the top, you can admire the castle from the base, where you’ll get excellent views of the surrounding landscape. The castle offers panoramic views of the Göreme region and the many fairy chimneys that make Cappadocia famous.
- Highlights: Stunning views of Cappadocia, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut architecture.
After your visit to Uçhisar, enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local restaurant in Göreme. Savor traditional Turkish dishes such as kebabs, mezes, pilaf, and baklava while soaking in the unique atmosphere of this charming town.
- Highlights: Traditional Turkish cuisine and a relaxed local setting.
After lunch, head to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian life in Cappadocia. The museum is home to several rock-hewn churches and monasteries with stunning frescoes depicting biblical scenes. These churches were carved into the soft volcanic rock by Christian monks over centuries.
- Highlights: Rock-cut churches, biblical frescoes, and early Christian monastic life.
After exploring the Open-Air Museum, head to Avanos, a town famous for its pottery tradition. Visit a local pottery workshop where artisans use traditional techniques passed down through generations. You’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at the pottery wheel and create your own piece, giving you a deeper appreciation for this ancient craft.
- Highlights: Traditional pottery-making, hands-on experience, and a chance to create your own pottery.
End your day with a visit to Paşabağ Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, famous for its striking fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps. The valley was once home to hermits and monks who carved dwellings and churches into the rocks. Walk through this surreal landscape and take in the peaceful surroundings of these unique rock formations.
- Highlights: Fairy chimneys with multiple caps, monk dwellings, and unique rock formations.