Program:
Day 1 - Izmir to Cappadocia - (L)
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the domestic airport for your 1-hour flight to Kayseri.
After arrival, we will transfer you to Cappadocia and commence with our tour.
Sites you'll see today:
* Goreme Open-Air Museum - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goreme is an ancient town carved right out of the rock (tufa); you'll explore Byzantine-era churches, chapels and monasteries which house wonderfully-preserved 11th- and 12th-century cave frescoes.
* Fairy Chimneys--This strange geological phenomenon was created over millions of years, and were formed during regional volcanic eruptions. Reaching at times 40 meters in height, they are conical in shape and have a whimsical "hat" top to them.
* Devrent Valley--This valley is known as "the pink valley" because of the color of its soil. This is a lovely place to wander about
and really take in the magical rock formations indicative to Cappadocia, including the Fairy Chimneys.
* Uchisar Castle, also known as Uchisar Fortress, is actually a formation of two gigantic rocks surrounded by smaller ones that together, form a natural fortress with towers. These formations were inhabited during both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
If time permits, we'll also visit local crafts people and learn the special art of making dolls and traditional pottery.
Overnight in Urgup - Cappadocia
Day 2 - Cappadocia - (B/L)
Today, we'll stroll through an amazing subterranean city where ancient Christians once hid from Arab invaders; we'll then wander through the Ihlara Gorge and spend time in a classic Anatolian village.
* Underground City of Derinkuyu--You'll gradually make your way down into the depths of the earth of this ancient settlement that has 18-20 floors which boast depths as long as 40 meters. (Don't worry, we'll only go down to the 8th floor!) Youll marvel at the
fact that Derinkuyu is just one of 36 Cappadocian underground cities, which archaeologists date back to the time of the Hittites around 4,000 years ago.
* Ihlara Gorge is an oasis in the middle of the Anatolian plain. We'll explore the canyon and take in the beautiful green scenery as we stroll casually alongside the river. Here, you'll see ancient monasteries complete with pigeon holes carved into the cliffs by the monks; the pigeons acted as messengers to communicate with neighboring monks!
* Traditional Anatolian village -- You'll see head-scarved women in the fields (where they work from sun up until sundown) and the mustachioed, vest-wearing men hard-at-work playing cards or tavla (backgammon) in the kahvehane (coffee shop).
You'll get time to stroll in a village such as this and see the average Turkish villager at work...or play.
Overnight in Urgup - Cappadocia
Day 3 - Cappadocia to Izmir - (B)
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Kayseri Airport for your 1-hour flight back to Izmir. (Arrving in Izmir will be the end of this program.)
We look forward to seeing you on a future trip!
Prices are starting from 385 Euros per person in a double, contact us to get a price quote for your dates
Includes:
*2 nights' accommodation in a luxury "cave hotel"
* All land and airport transfers with comfortable vehicles
* 1 breakfast & 2 lunches
* Professional, English-speaking tour guides
* Domestic flight tickets from Izmir to Cappadocia
* Domestic flight tickets from Cappadocia to Izmir
* Admissions to Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle and underground cities
* All taxes and service charges
Excludes
* Drinks with meals
* Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (15% discount if booked with this tour)
(Note: if you wish to continue onto different cities or sites such as Nemrut, Pamukkale, Ephesus or Antalya, we can easily modify your itinerary.)
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