Cappadocia is about 500 km away from Alanya and is a sight of extremem natural and historical beauty. Join us on this 2 day adventure as we journey into the heart of Turkey and witness some amazing scenery caused by volcanic eruptions and weather erosions over thousands of years. The unique natural landforms of Cappadocia are also home to the underground hidden caves of the Christioans who fleed Roman persecution. You’ll have the chance to explore this amazing sub terraneum world and see how they built churches, meeting rooms and even wine cellars underground. For an experience rich in history and teeming with stunning natural landscapes you’ll want to book this great value 2 day tour.
In order to get to our destination of Cappadocia we’ll collect you from your hotel and begin our journey of approximately 500km into the heart of Turkey. Our comfortable fully air-conditioned coaches offer relaxing panoramic views as we make our way through the surrounding countryside. Leave behind the tourist hustle and bustle and journey thousands of years back as the scenery which has been untouched for generations takes over your senses. During the trip we’ll stop off at the small town of Akseki to enjoy a relaxing breakfast. (not included in the price)
Cappadocia is situated in Eastern Anatolia which is almost to the centre of modern-day Turkey. It is a region of exceptional natural wonders and historical importance which must be seen to be believed. It is particularly famous for its fairy chimneys which are unique rock structures carved out over time from volcanic activity and wind and rain.
Approximately 60 million years ago the volcanic mountains of Erciyes, Hasandagi and Gulludag erupted and began to form the unique structures that this area has become famous for. The fairy chimneys have been formed through millions of years of wind rain and other natural events. The landscape is like no other and is a rare and fascinating glimpse into how powerful and creative natures forces really are.
The first stop on this amazing adventure is the Goreme open air museum. This is in fact a UNESCO heritage site since 1985. Here you can see churches that have been cut into the rocks. You’ll hear stories of how the early Christians came to this region to escape the persecution of the Romans and how the local landscaped aided them in hiding from the soldiers for many years. We’ll also have a chance to visit Cavusin where Greek And Turkish people lived together right up until 1924.
Along the journey we’ll see an old village that had to be moved in the 1950’s due to the increase of falling rocks, again another sign of natures strong powers. We’ll visit Pasabag or Monk’s valley which is famous for its mushroom shaped fairy chimneys. It is here that we can observe the best protected fairy chimneys in the area. Your guide will be able to point out the interesting structures and explain how they were formed over thousands of years.
Once we reach Avanos, we’ll take a short break and enjoy lunch which is included in the tour price. After lunch we have the opportunity to meet some locals as they show us their interesting kick-wheel pottery techniques. This sort of pottery has been made in this area for over 4000 years and is a fascinating demonstration of local skill and craftsmanship. Our first day ends at about 6pm when we will check into a comfortable 3-star hotel for a night of rest before tomorrow’s exploration.
Day 2 begins after an early breakfast at the hotel. At 8am we’ll take a drive to the Soganli valley. This is one of the most secluded and tranquil valleys in the area and is a fantastic getaway from everyday life. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera to capture the magnificent scenery and ambience.
Once we reach the valley we’ll begin an easy hike up the side of the mountains. During our walk we’ll pass by hidden caves that have been carved into the rocks and used as churches. Your guide will explain how this was done and what life was like for those living here at the time. Our journey continues until we reach a local village where we can take a break and enjoy some lunch and refreshments.
In the afternoon we will visit the amazing Saratli Kirkgoz underground city. This is the deepest underground city in the whole of Cappadocia and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. You’ll have a chance to fully explore the hidden caves and walkways connecting different rooms and chambers. You’ll be able to imagine first hand what life was like for those living here and be amazed at the power of both nature and the human spirit.
Our journey home will be a leisurely ride in our fully air-conditioned coach. We aim to have you back to your hotel in Alanya by about 6pm.
Alanya Hotels – 03:30
If you want to do the hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia, please also check Alanya Cappadocia Tour With Hot Air Balloon Flight.
If history and nature are your thing you will not want to miss this fantastic opportunity to visit a real wonder of the Turkish world Cappadocia. Nestled in the hillside of central Turkey this untouched piece of paradise is a monument to the sheer power and strength of mother nature. Nowhere else can you vies the famous fairy chimneys that have been formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions and natural forces. The area’s caves were taken over by fleeing Christians and it is here that you can witness how the Christians carved small underground cities into the rocks to avoid being captured. Our 2 day all-inclusive tour comes complete with an overnight stay at a local 3 star hotel.
Pick up and Breakfast: On the first day our driver will collect you from your hotel in Alanya. Our comfortable fully air- conditioned coaches will take you on the 500km journey up into the Taurus mountains. We will take a short stop in Akseki which is a beautiful small country town. Here you can enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant (price not included). You are also welcome to being your own breakfasts from your hotel.
Our guides and vehicles: Our friendly and professional guides are all extremely knowledgeable about the local area and in particular Cappadocia. Over the course of the 2 day excursion, they will be on hand to talk you through each stop and tell you interesting stories and legends about the places we visits. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you may have to make this a fully enjoyable experience. Our coaches are all fully air conditioned for your maximum comfort.
Saratli Underground City: This mystic city is famous for its natural architecture. During the Roman Byzantine period the local population and the Christians who were fleeing the Romans built into the surrounding mountains. They managed to create completely hidden, underground cities which protected them from maurauding armies. In the 1950’s the area was first opened to tourists who still
Famous valleys of Cappadocia: We will visit the different valleys of Monks, Devrent, Love and Pigeon valleys on our trip. Each valley contains amazing scenery and is a must for photography lovers.
Avanos city tour: Avanos is the capital city of the region and is most famous for its pottery production. Here we will have the opportunity to watch local craftsmen perform their unique kick-wheel techniques. Don’t worry there is always time to buy important souvenirs to remember your visit.
Cavusin Village and St John the Baptist church: Cavusin is one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. This small hillside village is great to explore as local farm animals wonder around. In the 1950’s a rock slide forced many of the population to re-settle elsewhere. Today there is a unique hotel in the area that you can visit which has been made inside a fairy chimney. The church of St John the Baptist is a 5th century church that stands on the top of the hill. Here you can just make out the ancient frescos of biblical scenes on the walls. It’s a great example of how powerful religion was back in those days and is a haunting yet peaceful site to explore.
Goreme open air museum: Possibly the most popular site for tourists to visit, this open air museum is a vast labyrinth of stone monasteries and churches. It is actually a UNESCO world heritage site and it’s importance to the story of Turkey can not be under played. It is an easy 15 minute walk from Goreme village centre and those making the stroll are heavily rewarded with amazing rock hewn architecture.
Hotel in Cappadocia: We will rest for the evening at a comfortable 5 star hotel. Here you can enjoy dinner which is included in the full tour price. Drinks are extra. Rest well as we will continue our exploration tomorrow.
Hot air balloon: On the second day you have the opportunity to join a fully professional hot air balloon crew and soar like an eagle over this impressive scenery. There really is no better way to be able to take a birds eye view than this most peaceful of transport modes. The balloon rides take place as the sun comes up offering the best photo opportunities and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. There is an additional fee for those wanting to take part in the hot air balloon experience.
Breakfast and checkout: Breakfast is included in the package. It’s important to eat up as we still have a lot of exploring to do.
Three beauties: The three fairy chimneys of Urgup are a favourite with tourists due the story of how they became. Legend has it that a princess once ran away with her love who was a shepherd. Her father the king was not happy at her marrying such a lowly man but once the couple had a child the princess was confident that the king would forgive them. Sadly this was not the case and the princess, shepherd and chid were forced to flee. She begged to be turned into a bird or stone to escape her father and god turned her into stone. Hence the three beauties fairy chimneys.
Caravansary: On our return back to Alanya we will take a stop at a local Caravansary or an inn. This is one of the largest of its kind in the area and gives us an idea of what life was like for the old traders of the silk road.
Return back: Our comfortable air conditioned coach will transport you back to your hotels in Alanya.
Cappadocia was on my holidays’ list so once I realized I could visit the region when in Alanya I booked immediately!!! It looks like a fairy tale, like a lunar landscape, Idk how to describe it. During the 2 days we went to many valleys. Each of them has its own atmosphere and vibes. We also visited other places of interest of course, but I fell in love with the rocks and the fairy chimneys. Hotel was cute and clean, and meals were delicious. I recommend this tour to any of you having some extra days. Cappadocia is unbelievably beautiful! !
