Explore southern Cappadocia with a full-day guided tour including lunch. Discover the area famous for its moon-like rock formations, fairy chimneys, and ancient subterranean settlements.
Duration: 8 Hours
Tour starting time: 09.00
Operating Days: Daily
Child: Ages 5–11
HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your Ürgüp or Göreme hotel, and driven to south Cappadocia, an area famous for its moon-like rock formations, fairy chimneys, and ancient subterranean settlements. Along the way, you will hear about the region’s geology and get a taste of some of the sights ahead. Then, you will make your first stop at Pigeon Valley, a beautiful gulley where thousands of pigeon houses have been hewn into the rocks and cliffs. You can take snaps of the dovecotes as your guide explains how through the centuries, local farmers kept pigeons to use their droppings as a crop fertilizer. Next, drive on to the Red Valley, a stunning area of red- and multicolored rock cones, peaks, and cliffs. Trace the trails accompanied by your guide, and absorb views of the caves, vineyards, and orchards. As you look around, peek into some of the hidden rock churches that litter the area and learn how Christians utilized them through the ages.
The tour continues to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the best preserved of its kind in Cappadocia. Head underground and delve into its hand-cut rock passage and rooms as you discover how long-ago Christians used them as hideaways to escape persecution. Your next stop will be ‘old’ Çavuşin, a deserted village cut into a hillside. Marvel at the desolate rock houses, caves and shelters and hear about the people who once called them home, and why they left. During your explorations, you will have a break for lunch at a local restaurant and visit Avanos, a town famous for its pretty pottery and craft industries. Visit a workshop to see the potters in action and have a go at making your own pottery masterpiece. As you watch and work, learn about the local clay-working techniques that have been passed down through generations of potters. Your tour ends with a hotel drop-off.