As recommended by The Telegraph, Apr 7, 2012.
We are delighted to offer an expert-led tour of Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most enchanting areas. The Cappadocian landscape is truly extraordinary; an oasis of lush green valleys set between rock formations that are endlessly varied in shape and colour. Beyond orchards and vines laden with fruit in the warm autumn sun, you’ll find yourself amid fields of rock formations resembling giant petrified toadstools towering high into a crystal sky.
Huge quantities of volcanic rock were laid down in the geological past. Over the centuries wind and rain have worn down the softer layers, leaving a spectacular landscape formed of hundreds of interlacing valleys. Man has followed in nature’s footsteps. A vast number of cavities in the sides of cliffs or outcrops of rock were transformed into peasant dwellings, churches and monasteries.
Scattered throughout this geological wonderland is the legacy of over 4000 years of human history, of the civilizations and empires that have ebbed and flowed in this historic region. Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Ottoman Greeks and Turks have all left their distinctive marks. From the ancient underground complexes and troglodyte communities to abandoned 19th century rock-cut villages, your expert guide will take you on a trip through time.
You will visit some of the finest Byzantine rock-cut churches and monasteries, their cells, refectories and walls decorated with vibrantly colourful wall-paintings. A balloon tour in Cappadocia is rated one of the finest in the world. Early one morning you will glide up in a hot air balloon and float across the magical landscape – an unforgettable experience. On top of all this you’ll discover some of the more off the beaten track gems and savour some of the region’s best foods and wines, all in the company of an expert guide, an archaeologist and connoisseur of the region.
Our base for this Cappadocia tour is the beautiful Kale Konak cave hotel in Uçhisar, one of our favourite hotels in Turkey. Perfectly situated in the old town, with commanding and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, our hotel combines the style and grace of a traditional Turkish mansion with cave and old stone rooms that have been beautifully restored.
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to our lovely hotel in the old town of Uçhisar.
Day 2: Our introduction to the landscape and history of Cappadocia is the open air museum of Zelve, where an unbelievably picturesque topography is home to a vast ghost town of cave dwellings and churches. In the afternoon we visit the Late Roman to Byzantine excavations at Sobesos and the rock-cut Keslik Monastery with its beautiful frescoes and enormous dining hall.
Day 3: In the morning we visit the mysterious underground city of Kaymaklı and explore its tunnels, shafts, rooms, storage spaces and church. Later, we walk through the lush Ihlara Canyon, admiring its pure river, painted churches and lovely scenery. In the early evening, after a little time spent relaxing at our hotel, we set out for the medieval Ağzıkarahan Caravanseray to observe a show of whirling dervishes, followed by a tasting of Cappadocian wines.
Day 4: We rise early in the morning to set out for the balloon ride, one of the highlights of our tour. Depending on conditions on the day, we will have a birds-eye view of one or more of the many extraordinary and fascinating landscapes in the area. After this exciting adventure, we return to the hotel for some well-deserved rest, before setting out to the Kizil Çukur (Red Valley) with its colourful rock formations and impressive fairy chimneys. After a delightful al fresco lunch, we walk through the Güllü Dere (Rose Valley). Later we stop by the lovely village of Çavuşin to visit the spectacular and richly frescoed church dedicated by the Byzantine emperor Nicephorus Phocas around 965 AD. In the evening, there is time to explore Uçhisar castle, just above our hotel.
Day 5: We start the day with a walk in the picturesque Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik) with its many rock-cut dovecotes, still inhabited by the descendants of the birds brought here centuries ago. Later, we explore the traditional village of Avanos, to stroll its lanes, watch a pottery making demonstration and have a glance at the curious Hair Museum. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous site of Cappadocia, the Göreme Open Air Museum, a vast complex of painted cave monasteries. The 11th century frescoes at Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church) are among the finest surviving examples of Byzantine art.
Day 6: Transfers and departure.
Cappadocia Tour: Arrival and Departure Information
Arrival Airport – Kayseri (Erkilet)
Departure Airport – Nevşehir (Kapadokya)
Check in time at our hotel in Uchisar is after 12:00 so we recommend choosing a flight that arrives mid to late afternoon on September 2nd. Check out time on September 7th is 11:00. We will arrange local transfers from the airport on the 2nd and to the airport on the 7th.
Suggested Flights
If you are staying in or connecting via Istanbul then the easiest way to join our Cappadocia tour is to fly. There are a number of airlines that offer domestic flights in Turkey. Here are the recommended flight times with Turkish Airlines the national flag carrier in Turkey.
Arriving Monday September 2
Turkish Airlines TK2014 departing Istanbul Atatürk at 14.55 arriving in Kayseri at 16.20.
OR
Turkish Airlines TK2008 departing Istanbul Atatürk at 17.40 arriving in Nevşehir at 18.55.
Departing Saturday September 7
Turkish Airlines TK2007 departing Nevşehir / Kapadokya at 09:05 arriving Istanbul Atatürk at 10:25
Booking Flights
The cheapest way to book flights is directly with the airline online.
If you prefer to book with a travel agent, we are happy to recommend specialists in a number of countries around the world, please contact our office for more details.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a requirement of our booking conditions and we recommend you investigate the options thoroughly to make sure that your trip is properly covered.
In the UK we work with specialist travel insurers Milsom Howard Ltd. 22 Highfield Drive, Ickenham, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB10 8AN, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1895 234 919 • Fax: +44 (0) 1895 231 864 • Email: globetrotter@milsomhoward.com.
Our travel insurance specialist in the US is Julie Gorny, Email: juliannegorny@yahoo.com • Tel: +1 773 972 8849.
Alternatively you might like to look at an online travel insurance company like World Nomads to give you a comparison in terms of price and coverage.
If you would prefer not to take out travel insurance you will need to complete a travel insurance waiver form.
Visas
Visas are easily obtained online at eVisa or on arrival at Istanbul or other local airports. A visa costs £10 for UK Nationals, $20 for USA Nationals and AUS $60 for Australian Nationals. Only US dollars and Euros are accepted at the airports and visas must be paid for in cash. UK passport holders can also pay in Sterling. Once you have arrived in the terminal, do remember to obtain your visas before queuing up for immigration control.
Istanbul
If you are planning to extend your stay in Istanbul before or after your tour we have included below links to more information and things to see and do.
Istanbul Destination Guide
Istanbul Travel Article
