Cappadocia Independent Short Break

Merhaba! Welcome to Cappadocia. A central region in Turkey, Cappadocia is famous for the fairy chimneys that dot the landscape and the near-perfect weather. When you arrive, maybe soak in the horizon at sunrise, filled with floating hot air balloons. Visit rock-hewn churches, cave homes and incredible underground cities. Maybe walk through the village of Goreme and get the lay of the land. Your guided tours will begin tomorrow, so tonight is yours to enjoy!

After breakfast this morning, your local guide will meet you at 9 am to trek to the region’s heart. You’ll set out to explore one of the many valleys of Cappadocia – maybe Love Valley (whose phallic-shaped formations are great for a giggle) or Red Valley (within Goreme National Park, this valley is named after the red-hued landscape). Talk to your guide about how far and wide you would like to hike this morning. You’ll then enjoy free time for lunch in the village of Goreme – a valley town carved into volcanic rock, shaped by erosion. After lunch, end the day with a visit to the UNESCO Open Air Museum, with its many rock-cut churches and fascinating artworks from the Byzantine era. This evening is yours to explore – consider a visit to an ancient Caravanserai to watch the dance of the whirling dervishes (a Sema ceremony).

Today, you’ll head underground. After breakfast at your hotel, discover Kaymakli Underground City with your guide (only open to visitors since 1964) and walk through the subterranean corridors, tunnels and caves. From here, let your imagination run wild at Devrent Valley (also known as Imaginary Valley or Pink Valley), known for its whimsical rock formations. Make a stop at Pasabag Monks Valley and check out the three-headed fairy chimneys – the result of volcanic eruptions, wind and water. Tonight, enjoy a drop of wine from a local wine house or grab a bottle to go and watch the sunset over the mystic landscape.

With no further activities planned today, you can leave at any time after breakfast. Hotel check-out will be 11 am, so make sure you speak to your booking agent if you wish to stay longer.