Cappadocia Tour

About the tour

Tour programme

Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.

Places to see

• Ihlara Valley

  A canyon about 15 km long and up to 150 m deep in places, running between the villages of Ihlara and Selime in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray. Carved by the Melendiz River, the valley has about 50 rock-cut churches and many other structures on its slopes.

• Derinkuyu Underground City

  Reaching a depth of about 85 m and made up of at least five levels, the underground city's first chambers date to the Phrygian period (8th–7th century BC); it was enlarged in the Byzantine era. It is estimated to have sheltered up to 20,000 people along with their animals and supplies. It was rediscovered in 1963 during the renovation of a house.

• Uçhisar Castle

  A natural rock mass about 60 m high that towers over the town of Uçhisar; it is not a built castle. Its interior is carved with many rooms and passages and is thought to have been used as housing in the Byzantine period. The summit offers wide views over Göreme and the surrounding valleys.

• Pigeon Valley

  The valley between Uçhisar and Göreme takes its name from the many dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic rock. In the past, pigeons were a source of fertiliser and food for the region's poor soil. An easy walking trail along the valley links the two towns.

• Avanos

  Avanos, in the province of Nevşehir, lies on the banks of the Kızılırmak, Türkiye's longest river. The town's main livelihood is pottery made from the river's red clay, a craft thought to date back to the Hittites; you can watch pots being made in the workshops.

• Paşabağ

  Located in the Zelve-Paşabağları archaeological site near Çavuşin in Avanos; the area was also formerly known as "Monks' Valley". It is known for its fairy chimneys with multiple stems and caps; a chapel and hermitage dedicated to St Simeon are carved into a three-headed fairy chimney.

• Devrent Valley

  Also known as "Imagination Valley", this valley near Avanos is known for rock formations that resemble creatures such as a camel, a seal or a dog. These shapes were formed by wind and rain eroding the volcanic layers from Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan.

• The Three Beauties of Ürgüp

  A group of capped fairy chimneys on the road to Göreme as you leave Ürgüp. It is one of the most photographed spots in the region and has a viewpoint overlooking the town of Ürgüp and its surroundings.

• Göreme Open-Air Museum

  The museum, made up of rock-cut monasteries and churches, is part of "Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia", added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Byzantine frescoes from the 10th–13th centuries can be seen in buildings such as the Tokalı, Elmalı and Karanlık (Dark) churches.

• Lake Tuz (Salt Lake)

  With an area of about 1,600 km², it is Türkiye's second-largest lake. Very shallow, the lake largely dries up in summer and a layer of salt forms on its surface; a large share of the salt consumed in Türkiye is produced here. Declared a Special Environmental Protection Area in 2001, it is an important breeding ground for flamingos.

Photos

What's covered and notes

Who is it for?

• School and student groupsA pace suited to the age group, planned together with the teacher and group leader.
• History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
• FamiliesA programme that participants of all ages can enjoy together.

Practical information

Frequently asked questions