Cappadocia Short Break

Merhaba! Welcome to Cappadocia, a central region of Turkey famous for the magical fairy chimneys and near-perfect weather. Soak in the horizon at sunrise, dotted with floating hot air balloons. Visit rock-hewn churches, cave homes and incredible underground cities. You are free to arrive at any time today. If you arrive early, maybe walk through the village of Goreme and get the lay of the land. Or, if you’re a photography buff, start your Short Break with a healthy dose of behind-the-lens exploration. Your guided tours will begin tomorrow, so tonight is yours to enjoy.

After breakfast this morning, your local guide will meet you at 9am to trekking 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-induced icebreaker) or Red Valley(nestled within Goreme National Park and named after the other worldly 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 spectacular valley town carved into volcanic rock and shaped by erosion. After lunch, you’ll conclude 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 and witness the mystical dance of the whirling dervishes(Sema ceremony). (B)

Today, we head underground. After brekkie at your hotel this morning,you’ll bepicked up at 9am. Discover Kaymakli Underground City with your guide (only open to visitors since 1964) and walk through the subterranean corridors, tunnels and caves that make up this fascinating destination. From here, you’ll let your imagination run wild at Devrent Valley (also known as Imaginary Valleyor 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.  Enjoy a drop of wine from a local wine house or grab a bottle to go and watch the sunset over the mystic landscape.    (B/L)

Today is departure day, so after breakfast, you’re free to leave at any time. Hotel check-out will be 11am, so make sure you speak to your booking agent if you wish to stay longer. (B)