• Cappadocia - The region of Cappadocia is located in the middle of a once-active volcanic area of central Anatolia. Millions of years ago three of its mountains - Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ - were active volcanoes; indeed this activity persisted intermittently at least into the Neolithic period according to the prehistoric paintings.

The volcanic eruptions were so strong that in some places the lava was up to 150m in thickness. Over many millions of years, volcanoes, wind, rain and ice sculpted the region which we now know as Cappadocia. As the landscape was eroded, basalt stones remained and formed conical structures with some reaching as high as 45m.

The local people referred to these unique rock formations “fairy chimneys”, a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian man who carved the rock and built houses, churches and over 250 underground cities out of it over the centuries.

• Enjoy a private, air-conditioned ride
• Stay connected with on-board WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water and carbonated beverages
• Lunch included
• No extra fuel surcharges
• Parking fees covered

• Gratuities

Our journey commences with a trip to Devrent Valley, home to a rich array of fairy chimneys. A stroll through this remarkable valley leads us to Paşabağı (Monk’s Valley), a unique locale renowned for its multi-stemmed and capped chimneys. Post Paşabağı, we move towards Avanos, celebrated for its pottery craftsmanship since the Hittite era. The red clay, moulded by local artisans, is derived from the sediment of the Kizil Irmak (Red River), Turkey’s most extensive river. A traditional lunch featuring local delicacies will follow. We then continue to the Göreme Open Air Museum (entry to the Dark Church is not part of this tour) to explore chapels, churches and monasteries etched into the fairy chimneys between the 10th and 13th centuries, and featuring wall frescoes. There will also be an opportunity to photograph the adjacent valleys before the conclusion of our tour and your return to the hotel.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.