Cappadocia Tour
Let's start to Cappadocia tour. The region known in ancient times as Cappadocia is the setting for some of nature's most bizarre wonders. It incorporates the provinces of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kirsehir. For most people the name Cappadocia suggest the towns and vicinities of Uchisar, Goreme, Avanos, Urgup, Derinkuyu, Kaymakli and Ihlara where in the course of millions of years, the land has been shaped into fantastic forms. "Fairy Chimneys" that seem haunted, and cities and houses of workship that extend many meters deep into the earth are all enveloped in an atmosphere that is ethereal and unworldly. Get ready now to take a brief journey into the Cappadocian region, where Mother Nature painstakinly worked miracles that defy the imagination and where the living
elements of history, culture, art, and society are inextricably linked. Millions of years ago three of the mountains in Cappadocia - Erciyes, Hasandag and Gulludag - were active volcanoes; indeed, this activity persisted intermittently at least into the Neolitic period if one considers the evidence of prehistoric paintings found on the walls of caves.
The eruptions appear to have begun in the Upper Miocene, less than 70 million years ago, in which lava began to flow from volcanoes submerged in Neogene lakes. The plateau of tuff formed from the materials discharged by the main volcanoes was continuously altered by the eruptions of smaller and less violent volcanoes.
From the Upper Pliocene onwards, these layers of tuff were exposed to eresion by rain and the waters of lakes and rivers, paticularly the Kizilirmak, resulting in what we see today. Foodwater pouring down the sides of valleys combined with strong winds tore away the softer volcanic rock exposing the harder variaties and resulting in the formations known an "fairy chimneys" of which there are several types in Cappadocia - conical pointed, columnar, mushroom-shaped and even a type that looks as if it's wearing a hat.
The Cappadocian region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The evidence of this is plentiful, but the best examples of it have been unearthed at Kosk Hoyuk in Nigde and Asikli Hoyuk in Aksaray as well as in the Civeler cave in Nevsehir. During the Early Bronze Age, Cappadocia came under the influance af Assyrian civilization thanks to extensive trade, and it was during this period that writing was introduced. Researchers have turned up hoards of so - called "Cappadocian Tablets" - clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing whose texts speak of tax regulations interest rates, marriage contracts, trade disputes, and much else besides. The Hattis followed by the Hitites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottoman were all enchanted by the allure of Cappadocia and left the imprint of their own presence here.
Because of its location, Cappadocia was an extremely critical and strategic region. Important trade routes - including the illustrious Silk Road - traversed it both east and west and north and south. As a result of this heavy traffic, the region was a complex web of historical and cultural influences. Cappadocia was where different faiths and philosophies met and influenced one another.
Cappadocia's trade and resources were tempting prizes and the region was frequently ivaded, raided and looted. To protect themselves from such depredations, the local inhabitants took to living in the region's caverns and grottos whose entrances could be concealed so as not to be noticed by trouble making outsiders. Since it might be necessary to lie low for extented periods of time, these troglodytic dwellings eventually became subterranean cities that included sources of water, places to store food, wineries and temples. Some of them date back to before the Christian era.
In the early years of the first millennium, groups of Christians fleeing from Roman persecution began moving into the inaccessible wilds of Cappadocia seeking refuge. One group, which arrived here from Jerusalem via Antioch and Caesarea in the second century, settled down in the area now called Derinkuyu. Finding the soft volcanic tuff easy to carve, they began expanding the natural caves, linking them together and in addition to dwellings, creating chapels, churches and whole monastereies as they shaped with their hearts, minds and hands the peace and security that they so desperately sought.
There are said to be more than a thousand churches and chapels in Cappadocia. The variety and artistry of their architecture, layout and decoration are fascinating and amazing. The whole panoply of religious architecture - basilicas with single, double or triple naves, cruciform plans, vestibules, asisles, apses, domes, columns, pillars, and more - can be found in these churches and all of it has been hollowed out of the stone. Many of the churches are decorated with painstakingly executed frescoes. The monumental task of restoring, repairing and maintaining these churches andunderground cities goes on continuously even while they receive thousands of visitors a year.
Don't forget to join balloon tour and go to Ihlara Valley on Cappadocia Tour. In the province of Nigde, frescoed churches and dwellings carved into the cliffs extend from Ihlara walley which is 40 km from Aksaray, as far as the town of Selime. Some of these structures can be dated back to as early as the 4th century. Among the many sights worth seeing are the Egritas, Agacalti, Kokar, Yilanli, Purenli and Sivisli churches.
The splendid scene of the town of Uchisar, seven kilometers from Nevsehir, has an appeal that is irresistible. From the heights of the Uchisar citadel, you have a magnificent and unrivalled view of the whole region.
We arrive at the "belief centers", where the air thick with an enigmatic nimbus. Goreme and its environs, located ten kilometers from Nevsehir, are thought to have been used as a necropolis during Roman times by the inhabitants of Venessa (Avanos). The churches of Durmus kadir, Yusuf Koc, El Nazar, Sakli, Meryem Ana and Kiliclar cast a spellbinding effect upon visitors. TheGoreme Open Air Museum is where the "educational system that unified all the ideas of Christianity" of St Basil the great and his brothers was born. In the Tokali Church, the Convent of Monks and Nuns, the Elmali, Yilanli, Karanlik and Carikli churches the architectural details and frescoes seem as alive today as when they were new.
Cavusin, located two kilometers from Goreme, is one of the oldest inhabited places in the region. The fresco scenes in the Cavusin church are distinctive because of their unusual compositions.
Kilise, Pasabaglari and the Cell of St Simeon are among the most impressive sites at Zelve.
In Urgup, 20 kilometers east of Nevsehir, the St Theodora and Pancarlik churches are elaborately decorated with religious art.
In the town of Ortahisar, six kilometers from Urgup, the most impressive sight is the once strategically important Ortahisar citadel. Fine examples of Cappadocia's vernacular architecture cluster thickly around the base of the citadel. Also, worth seeing is the Uzumlu church, on the western side.
Six kilometers south of Urgup is Mustafapasa (Sinasos) a town justifiably famous for its splendid stone works. The Chapel of St Basil is decorated with motifs reflecting the Iconoclastic system of thought.
The town of tatlarin is located ten kilometers north of Acigol. The tatlarin church is graced with well preserved frescoes.
Twenty kilometers from Nevsehir are the Aciksaray ruins and the Church of St John in the town of Gulsehir.
The karabas, Kubbeli and St Barbara (tahtali Kilise) churches located in Soganli Valley in Kayseri province's Yesilhisar county are paticularly important because of their architectural styles and their detailed fresco scenes.
The Eski Gumus church located in the town of Gumusler, eight kilometers northeast of Nigde, is a cliff monastery church and is decorated with fresco scenes that are extremely detailed and delicately executed. In addition to this, the underground cities of Kavlaktepe, Fertek, Konakli, Baglama, Kayirli, yesiltepe and Aktas Andabalis churches are sites worth visiting that are of great importance to Christians. Ancient city of Tyana (Roman period) is worth seeing.
Built into the Ucayak, derefakili, Aflak and Aksakli caves in Kirsehir province are historic places of worship that are important for Christianity.
Mention has already been made of the cappadocia region's "underground cities" places that are as amazing as they are fascinating. There are many of them but the most extraordinary are the ones at Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, Mazi,Ozkonak and Tatlarin. In Kirsehir province, the underground cities of Mucur, Dulkadirli, Inlimurat and Kumbetalti are also quite impressive in their extent and layout. These were all used as shelters for great lengths of time and having undergone restoration work, they are now open to visitors.
• Pick up from your hotel around 10:30
• Hike in Rose Valley (3 km)
• Pasabag - Monks Valley
• Lunch
• Kaymakli Underground City
• Drop-off at the hotel
Please visit History and Adventure Tour page to get further information and booking.
• Pick up from your hotel around 09:30
• Goreme Vista Point
• Ihlara Valley (6 km hike)
• Lunch in Belisirma Village
• Selime Monastery
• Drop-off at the hotel
Please visit Explore and Hike page to get further information and booking.
• Pick up from your hotel around 10:00
• Mustafapasa (Sinassos) Village
• Sobessos Excavation
• Hike in Soganli Valley
• Lunch in Soganli Valley
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Drop-off at the hotel
Please visit Cappadocia Undiscovered page to get further information and booking.
The Aladaglar are an extension of the Taurus Mountains and the highest peak of The Eastern Taurus Mountain Range which is 3756 meters. This mountain range stretches over a 25 km wide, 40 km long area and has more than 60 peaks that are over3000 meter-high. There are two main entrances to the range that are being used continuously by mountaineers and climbers.
The rate for this tour will be 290 Euro per personbased on minimum 2 people, 240 Euro per person onthree people base and 190 Euro per person for 4 people or more. This tour is operated daily from May through October.
Day 2: We will wake up quite early for the breakfast and then start climbing over the rough ground around sunrise. We hope to reach the summit before noon (3268 mt). we will be able to see views of theAladaglar and Bolkar mountains,The Salt lake (2nd biggest in Turkey) in a clear weather. We will then explore the ruins of the highest church in Turkey and then start climbing down to meet our driver. We will have a late lunch at Helvadere Restaurant by the lake. We will stop for a quick swim in Nar Crater Lakeon the way back to Goreme and hoping to be back around 18:00.
The Cappadocia region offers some of the most breathtaking, exciting and unique photographic opportunities in the world. Famous for its extraordinary landscapes ranging from barren desert-like plateaus to lush green valleys to unique volcanic rock formations and fairy chimneys to cave houses and churches carved centuries ago - Cappadocia is the perfect playground for photographers of all skill levels.
Join us on a Photo Safari where we take you by jeep and on foot to the best vantage points, hidden gems and cultural highlights - all working with the light and time of day to get you to the right places at the right time, photographically speaking.
Our Photo Safari provides you with a local guide and expert photographer so that you may get the best photos, whether you are a professional or beginning photographer. The tour begins around 09:30 from your hotel in Cappadocia. Due to the nature of the light in the valleys, the usual 10:00-14:00 no shooting rule does not apply here – many valleys are so deep that photographing at 12:00 is the best time to get the light all the way into the valleys.
The Photo Safari is a one-on-one private tour – not a group tour.
You will work together with the professional photographer to shoot the best locations and subjects based on your photographic interests. The light in the valleys changes rapidly and the best light of the day starts after 09:30 in the morning. On most days the Photo Safari will continue until after sundown – allowing you the best opportunity to shoot many different subjects and landscapes in the changing light throughout the day. The Photo Safari will travel throughout the region according to light and weather conditions. We welcome any requests for specific areas or main interests you have in photographing the area - be it landscapes, villages, local villagers etc. We custom make the itinerary for the day based on your photographic interests and the available light. The Photo Safari will conclude on one of the best view points for panoramic sunset photos over Cappadocia.
What to bring: Please be sure you have plenty of battery power, memory cards and good walking shoes. If you use a tripod for your style, bring it along. For most shooting locations there will be considerable amount of light hiking/walking to reach these remote locations. Please advise if you have any mobility issues please advise and we can work around this. If you are using a digital camera, we can burn your photos onto a CD or DVD at the conclusion of the tour.
Our Photo Safari tour is available daily and the rate is 125 Euro per person based on 2 adults taking the private tour together – for one person the rate is 150 Euros. This rate includes the professional photographer, transportation, entrance fees, lunch and CD/DVD burn at the end of the tour (if needed). Availability is limited as these are private tours.
For more information on this or any other tour, please do not hesitate to contact us at.
Our adventure will go on by Ortahisar town. We will drive Ortahisar via Rose Valleyand again stop for quick picture stops. When we see picturesque Ortahisar village and castle, we will drive intoUzengi Valley and drive in Uzengi brook! We will also see hundreds of pigeon houses carved into rocks in this valley. Right after this off-road adventure, we will go to Mustafapasa village, a former Greek town which was inhabited by “Rums” (Greeks) until 1924 population exchange. We can also have a stop for drinks in this town and then drive to back to Goreme via Pancarlik, Pigeons and Babaccik valleys. Finally we will drop you off in your hotel.
Then we will drive to Golgolihills which has lovely rock formations located next to Damsa Lake. Golgoli is also a famous sky observing area in the evenings and used by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) for summer camps. Our last stop before having lunch in Urgup will be Mustafapasa village, a former Greek town which was inhabited by “Rums” (Greeks) until 1924 population exchange. You can visit the old Greek mansions and have a short walk in this town. Around 13:00, we will have lunch in a restaurant in Urgup. After we have our lunch, we will drive to Cavusin Village via Red Valley to Rose Valley vista point. In this small, lovely town you can walk up to old city carved into rocks and see St. John the Baptist church, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia. Before driving back to your hotel we will drive in Love Valley and see the highest fairy-chimneys (volcanic rock formations) of Cappadocia. We will then drop you off in your hotel.
The tour travels about 100 km and lasts 6 hours. The rate is 90 Euro per, person including driver, petrol, lunch and taxes. The rate for a single person will be 135 Euro. The driver has basic English and we will drive you from one site to another. He will not be able to explain the sites.
2 Hour ATV ride : Depart from Goreme, Cavusin(off-road), Rose Valley, Girls Monastery, Red Valley, Swords Valley and Zemi Valley (35 Euro per person)
4 hour ATV ride : Depart from Goreme, Cavusin(off-road), RoSe Valley, Girls Monastery, Red Valley, Swords Valley, Zemi Valley, Babatcik Valley, Aydin Kiragi, Iceri Dere Valley (65 Euro per person)
Full day ATV ride : Depart from Goreme, Cavusin(off-road), RoSe Valley, Girls Monastery, Red Valley, Swords Valley, Zemi Valley, Babatcik Valley, Aydin Kiragi, Iceri Dere Valley, Gorceli Valley, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Uzengi Valley, Ortahisar.. (90 Euro per person)
Our All Terrain Vehicles are extremely easy to use, as they are fully automatic – so no experience is necessary for adults. The tracks you will be riding on are carefully selected to be challenging, but not frightening.
However, children younger than 12 years old are not accepted on these tours. The rates given above are all per person rates, not per quad bike.
Please email us for more information and to book your ATV Tour.
elements of history, culture, art, and society are inextricably linked. Millions of years ago three of the mountains in Cappadocia - Erciyes, Hasandag and Gulludag - were active volcanoes; indeed, this activity persisted intermittently at least into the Neolitic period if one considers the evidence of prehistoric paintings found on the walls of caves.The eruptions appear to have begun in the Upper Miocene, less than 70 million years ago, in which lava began to flow from volcanoes submerged in Neogene lakes. The plateau of tuff formed from the materials discharged by the main volcanoes was continuously altered by the eruptions of smaller and less violent volcanoes.
From the Upper Pliocene onwards, these layers of tuff were exposed to eresion by rain and the waters of lakes and rivers, paticularly the Kizilirmak, resulting in what we see today. Foodwater pouring down the sides of valleys combined with strong winds tore away the softer volcanic rock exposing the harder variaties and resulting in the formations known an "fairy chimneys" of which there are several types in Cappadocia - conical pointed, columnar, mushroom-shaped and even a type that looks as if it's wearing a hat.
The Cappadocian region has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The evidence of this is plentiful, but the best examples of it have been unearthed at Kosk Hoyuk in Nigde and Asikli Hoyuk in Aksaray as well as in the Civeler cave in Nevsehir. During the Early Bronze Age, Cappadocia came under the influance af Assyrian civilization thanks to extensive trade, and it was during this period that writing was introduced. Researchers have turned up hoards of so - called "Cappadocian Tablets" - clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing whose texts speak of tax regulations interest rates, marriage contracts, trade disputes, and much else besides. The Hattis followed by the Hitites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottoman were all enchanted by the allure of Cappadocia and left the imprint of their own presence here.
Because of its location, Cappadocia was an extremely critical and strategic region. Important trade routes - including the illustrious Silk Road - traversed it both east and west and north and south. As a result of this heavy traffic, the region was a complex web of historical and cultural influences. Cappadocia was where different faiths and philosophies met and influenced one another.
Cappadocia's trade and resources were tempting prizes and the region was frequently ivaded, raided and looted. To protect themselves from such depredations, the local inhabitants took to living in the region's caverns and grottos whose entrances could be concealed so as not to be noticed by trouble making outsiders. Since it might be necessary to lie low for extented periods of time, these troglodytic dwellings eventually became subterranean cities that included sources of water, places to store food, wineries and temples. Some of them date back to before the Christian era.
In the early years of the first millennium, groups of Christians fleeing from Roman persecution began moving into the inaccessible wilds of Cappadocia seeking refuge. One group, which arrived here from Jerusalem via Antioch and Caesarea in the second century, settled down in the area now called Derinkuyu. Finding the soft volcanic tuff easy to carve, they began expanding the natural caves, linking them together and in addition to dwellings, creating chapels, churches and whole monastereies as they shaped with their hearts, minds and hands the peace and security that they so desperately sought.
There are said to be more than a thousand churches and chapels in Cappadocia. The variety and artistry of their architecture, layout and decoration are fascinating and amazing. The whole panoply of religious architecture - basilicas with single, double or triple naves, cruciform plans, vestibules, asisles, apses, domes, columns, pillars, and more - can be found in these churches and all of it has been hollowed out of the stone. Many of the churches are decorated with painstakingly executed frescoes. The monumental task of restoring, repairing and maintaining these churches andunderground cities goes on continuously even while they receive thousands of visitors a year.
Don't forget to join balloon tour and go to Ihlara Valley on Cappadocia Tour. In the province of Nigde, frescoed churches and dwellings carved into the cliffs extend from Ihlara walley which is 40 km from Aksaray, as far as the town of Selime. Some of these structures can be dated back to as early as the 4th century. Among the many sights worth seeing are the Egritas, Agacalti, Kokar, Yilanli, Purenli and Sivisli churches.
The splendid scene of the town of Uchisar, seven kilometers from Nevsehir, has an appeal that is irresistible. From the heights of the Uchisar citadel, you have a magnificent and unrivalled view of the whole region.
We arrive at the "belief centers", where the air thick with an enigmatic nimbus. Goreme and its environs, located ten kilometers from Nevsehir, are thought to have been used as a necropolis during Roman times by the inhabitants of Venessa (Avanos). The churches of Durmus kadir, Yusuf Koc, El Nazar, Sakli, Meryem Ana and Kiliclar cast a spellbinding effect upon visitors. TheGoreme Open Air Museum is where the "educational system that unified all the ideas of Christianity" of St Basil the great and his brothers was born. In the Tokali Church, the Convent of Monks and Nuns, the Elmali, Yilanli, Karanlik and Carikli churches the architectural details and frescoes seem as alive today as when they were new.
Cavusin, located two kilometers from Goreme, is one of the oldest inhabited places in the region. The fresco scenes in the Cavusin church are distinctive because of their unusual compositions.
Kilise, Pasabaglari and the Cell of St Simeon are among the most impressive sites at Zelve.
In Urgup, 20 kilometers east of Nevsehir, the St Theodora and Pancarlik churches are elaborately decorated with religious art.
In the town of Ortahisar, six kilometers from Urgup, the most impressive sight is the once strategically important Ortahisar citadel. Fine examples of Cappadocia's vernacular architecture cluster thickly around the base of the citadel. Also, worth seeing is the Uzumlu church, on the western side.
Six kilometers south of Urgup is Mustafapasa (Sinasos) a town justifiably famous for its splendid stone works. The Chapel of St Basil is decorated with motifs reflecting the Iconoclastic system of thought.
The town of tatlarin is located ten kilometers north of Acigol. The tatlarin church is graced with well preserved frescoes.
Twenty kilometers from Nevsehir are the Aciksaray ruins and the Church of St John in the town of Gulsehir.
The karabas, Kubbeli and St Barbara (tahtali Kilise) churches located in Soganli Valley in Kayseri province's Yesilhisar county are paticularly important because of their architectural styles and their detailed fresco scenes.
The Eski Gumus church located in the town of Gumusler, eight kilometers northeast of Nigde, is a cliff monastery church and is decorated with fresco scenes that are extremely detailed and delicately executed. In addition to this, the underground cities of Kavlaktepe, Fertek, Konakli, Baglama, Kayirli, yesiltepe and Aktas Andabalis churches are sites worth visiting that are of great importance to Christians. Ancient city of Tyana (Roman period) is worth seeing.
Built into the Ucayak, derefakili, Aflak and Aksakli caves in Kirsehir province are historic places of worship that are important for Christianity.
Mention has already been made of the cappadocia region's "underground cities" places that are as amazing as they are fascinating. There are many of them but the most extraordinary are the ones at Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, Mazi,Ozkonak and Tatlarin. In Kirsehir province, the underground cities of Mucur, Dulkadirli, Inlimurat and Kumbetalti are also quite impressive in their extent and layout. These were all used as shelters for great lengths of time and having undergone restoration work, they are now open to visitors.
2013 DAILY CAPPADOCIA TOURS WITH GROUP
We offer 3 daily group tours offering the best of the best in Cappadocia. The new tours, reorganized to suit our guest's preferences and interests are the History and Adventure Tour, Explore and Hike Tourand Undiscovered Cappadocia Tour.
SCHEDULE
The tours will begin between 9:30 and 11:00 with pick up from your hotels and return around 16:30 (4:30 PM). If you would like to combine a hot air balloon flight on the same day, the balloon flights return to your hotel around 08:30 allowing enough time for a full breakfast before your tour begins.
EXPERT GUIDES
Our tours offer professionally-licensed, English-speaking guides with university degrees and certificates in Cappadocia history and culture. If you would like to have a tour with a professional Spanish, Italian, French, or German-speaking guide – please see our private tours page.
RATES
The daily Cappadocia group tours are 60 Euros per person, per tour. We offer a 10 Euro discount with cash payment; the cash rate is 50 Euros per person, per tour. This rate includes transportation with modern A/C vehicles, driver, professionally-licensed English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch and all taxes. Beverages at lunch, tips and personal expenses are not included.
GROUP SIZE
Our groups are smaller and limited to 15 people for each tour. We do need a minimum of 4 people to run the tours; therefore, in the off season (November to March) we may not have all tours operating each day.
NO SHOPPING VISITS
Cappadocia is famous for its handmade craft and art work. The famous Avanos pottery, Yahyahli Kilims (carpets), jewelry and leatherwear are all available in many shops in Cappadocia. As most of our guests do not wish to spend time during their tours shopping, our tours will not include shopping visits. If you wish to shop after the tour, your guide & driver can drop you off at the shop and explain how to get back to your hotel. Please visit our Shopping in Cappadocia page for additional information.
SCHEDULE
The tours will begin between 9:30 and 11:00 with pick up from your hotels and return around 16:30 (4:30 PM). If you would like to combine a hot air balloon flight on the same day, the balloon flights return to your hotel around 08:30 allowing enough time for a full breakfast before your tour begins.EXPERT GUIDES
Our tours offer professionally-licensed, English-speaking guides with university degrees and certificates in Cappadocia history and culture. If you would like to have a tour with a professional Spanish, Italian, French, or German-speaking guide – please see our private tours page.
RATES
The daily Cappadocia group tours are 60 Euros per person, per tour. We offer a 10 Euro discount with cash payment; the cash rate is 50 Euros per person, per tour. This rate includes transportation with modern A/C vehicles, driver, professionally-licensed English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch and all taxes. Beverages at lunch, tips and personal expenses are not included.
GROUP SIZE
Our groups are smaller and limited to 15 people for each tour. We do need a minimum of 4 people to run the tours; therefore, in the off season (November to March) we may not have all tours operating each day.
NO SHOPPING VISITS
Cappadocia is famous for its handmade craft and art work. The famous Avanos pottery, Yahyahli Kilims (carpets), jewelry and leatherwear are all available in many shops in Cappadocia. As most of our guests do not wish to spend time during their tours shopping, our tours will not include shopping visits. If you wish to shop after the tour, your guide & driver can drop you off at the shop and explain how to get back to your hotel. Please visit our Shopping in Cappadocia page for additional information.
History and Adventure Tour
(Daily Cappadocia Tour 1)
• Pick up from your hotel around 10:30• Hike in Rose Valley (3 km)
• Pasabag - Monks Valley
• Lunch
• Kaymakli Underground City
• Drop-off at the hotel
Please visit History and Adventure Tour page to get further information and booking.
Explore and Hike Tour
(Daily Cappadocia Tour 2)
• Pick up from your hotel around 09:30• Goreme Vista Point
• Ihlara Valley (6 km hike)
• Lunch in Belisirma Village
• Selime Monastery
• Drop-off at the hotel
Please visit Explore and Hike page to get further information and booking.
Cappadocia Undiscovered Tour
(Daily Cappadocia Tour 3)
• Pick up from your hotel around 10:00• Mustafapasa (Sinassos) Village
• Sobessos Excavation
• Hike in Soganli Valley
• Lunch in Soganli Valley
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Drop-off at the hotel
Please visit Cappadocia Undiscovered page to get further information and booking.
HORSEBACK RIDING TOURS IN CAPPADOCIA
Cappadocia, known as the "Land of Beautiful Horses" is the ideal place to explore on horseback. Horses have held a distinctive place in Cappadocia history for thousands of years and the unique landscapes around Goreme are perfect for exploring on a native Anatolian or Arabic horse – with a real Turkish cowboy!
Well away from the crowds, explore the fascinating valleys and breathtaking vistas around Goreme during a 2- or 4-hour trail ride. We also offer all-day trail rides and multiple-day excursions on horseback.
The 2 hour ride is 40 Euro per person. You will travel through some of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia – Swords Valley, Meskendir Valley, Rose Valley and Love Valley. Ride among the apple, apricot, walnut and quince orchards as well as the grape vines used for local wines. The trails wind up through volcanic stone hills passing many beautiful fairy chimneys and churches along the way – with breathtaking vistas on mountain tops and unique landscapes in every direction.
We also offer 4 hour tours for 75 Euro per person. These tours visit the valleys listed above but also include the beautiful Pigeon, White and Zemi Valleys.
Well away from the crowds, explore the fascinating valleys and breathtaking vistas around Goreme during a 2- or 4-hour trail ride. We also offer all-day trail rides and multiple-day excursions on horseback.
The 2 hour ride is 40 Euro per person. You will travel through some of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia – Swords Valley, Meskendir Valley, Rose Valley and Love Valley. Ride among the apple, apricot, walnut and quince orchards as well as the grape vines used for local wines. The trails wind up through volcanic stone hills passing many beautiful fairy chimneys and churches along the way – with breathtaking vistas on mountain tops and unique landscapes in every direction.
We also offer 4 hour tours for 75 Euro per person. These tours visit the valleys listed above but also include the beautiful Pigeon, White and Zemi Valleys.
For both 2 and 4 hour tours, we will need minimum of 2 people. It is not possible to arrange the tours for 1 person.
Please do not hesitate to ask us for more information on horseback riding in Cappadocia.
Contact us by email admin@nemruttours.info to book your horseback riding adventure in Goreme.
Please do not hesitate to ask us for more information on horseback riding in Cappadocia.
Contact us by email admin@nemruttours.info to book your horseback riding adventure in Goreme.
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Additional Information on horse riding tours:
Some riding experience is recommended as there are several areas where you may be required to dismount and walk the horse and then mount the horse again to continue the tour. The Turkish cowboy will be with you the entire time for assistance but you will be expected to handle your horse during the tour. Helmets are available at the ranch upon request. Depending on the season, a light jacket may be necessary as you will be at different elevations during the tour. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
We will pick you up at your hotel in Goreme or Urgup and deliver you to the ranch located near the Goreme Open Air Museum.
Cappadocia is famous for magnificent valleys and unique formations shaped by the eruptions of three volcanoes; Mount Erciyes (3,917m), Mount Hasan(3,263m) and Mount Melendiz (2,963m). These valleys were used to hide the first churches of Cappadocia carved into fairy chimneys and caves. Our Hiking tours cover these incredible valleys from spectacular top to wondrous bottom.
Turkish Heritage Travel organizes both private andregular hiking tours with varying difficulty levels. You can get further information about the valleys below or we can tailor-make your itinerary for you. Email us for more information and to book your tour.
Half day hiking tour in these valleys is 30 Euro per person (based on 2 people) – for one person the rate will be 50 Euros.
The stunning & lush Ihlara Valley boasts the deepest gorge in Asia Minor. Once the home of monks who instructed Christianity in cave churches – with most of the churches decorated inside with frescoes. The main difference between Ihlara and the other Cappadocian valleys is the Melendiz River which runs from the bottom of the valley in the village of Ihlara and paints the gorge beautiful shades of blue and green.
The total length of the valley is 14 km, and there are three different walking tours available for Ilhara valley.
Turkish Heritage Travel is specialized in guided walking tours and offers tours in many different valleys of Cappadocia. Apart from the above valleys, we organize hikes in:
Pigeon Valley (4km) from Uchisar to Goreme. A moderate walk in a green valley with many different rock formations and hundreds of pigeon houses carved into fairy-chimneys.
Love Valley (2 km) short and easy hike in a picturesque valley on the way to Goreme Open Air Museum with tall fairy-chimneys.
Zemi Valley (5 km) from Goreme to Uchisar. A moderate hike in a green valley with wind-eroded volcanic rocks.
Honey Valley (5 km) starting from Goreme-Cavusin road upto old Uchisar. With one of the most spectacular views of Cappadocia.
Uzengi Valley (4km) an easy hike from Ortahisar to Urgup-Mustafapasa road in a lush, green valley.
The rate for half-day hiking trips (up to 4 hours) is 30 Euro per person, while full-day hiking tours are40 Euro per person including a boxed lunch. The rates are based on 2 people – for one person the rate will be 50 Euros for half day, 60 Euros for full day with lunch box.
Some riding experience is recommended as there are several areas where you may be required to dismount and walk the horse and then mount the horse again to continue the tour. The Turkish cowboy will be with you the entire time for assistance but you will be expected to handle your horse during the tour. Helmets are available at the ranch upon request. Depending on the season, a light jacket may be necessary as you will be at different elevations during the tour. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
We will pick you up at your hotel in Goreme or Urgup and deliver you to the ranch located near the Goreme Open Air Museum.
CAPPADOCIA HIKING TOURS
Cappadocia is famous for magnificent valleys and unique formations shaped by the eruptions of three volcanoes; Mount Erciyes (3,917m), Mount Hasan(3,263m) and Mount Melendiz (2,963m). These valleys were used to hide the first churches of Cappadocia carved into fairy chimneys and caves. Our Hiking tours cover these incredible valleys from spectacular top to wondrous bottom. Turkish Heritage Travel organizes both private andregular hiking tours with varying difficulty levels. You can get further information about the valleys below or we can tailor-make your itinerary for you. Email us for more information and to book your tour.
ROSE and RED VALLEYS (2 - 4 HOURS)
Rose Valley is a large valley located between Goreme and Cavusin villages, and it is divided into many smaller valleys: Gulludere, Kizilcukur, Meskendir andZindanonu valleys. This beautiful valley gets its name from the rose-colored rock that varies in hue and intensity depending on time of day, season and weather conditions. During the hike we will visit several cave churches, cave houses and cave tunnels. Rose Valley has paths for easy, medium and difficult levels. The most common path in the valley takes around 2 hours (3.5 km).Half day hiking tour in these valleys is 30 Euro per person (based on 2 people) – for one person the rate will be 50 Euros.
IHLARA VALLEY (2 - 6 HOURS)
The stunning & lush Ihlara Valley boasts the deepest gorge in Asia Minor. Once the home of monks who instructed Christianity in cave churches – with most of the churches decorated inside with frescoes. The main difference between Ihlara and the other Cappadocian valleys is the Melendiz River which runs from the bottom of the valley in the village of Ihlara and paints the gorge beautiful shades of blue and green. The total length of the valley is 14 km, and there are three different walking tours available for Ilhara valley.
- 3.5 km hike. Starting at the main gate and walking until Belisirma Village.
- 7 km hike. Starting at the beginning of the valley and walking until Belisirma Village.
- 14 km hike. Starting from the beginning of the valley and walking along the river until Selime Monastery.
OTHER VALLEYS OF CAPPADOCIA
Turkish Heritage Travel is specialized in guided walking tours and offers tours in many different valleys of Cappadocia. Apart from the above valleys, we organize hikes in:ALADAGLAR (THE CRIMSON MOUNTAINS)
The Aladaglar are an extension of the Taurus Mountains and the highest peak of The Eastern Taurus Mountain Range which is 3756 meters. This mountain range stretches over a 25 km wide, 40 km long area and has more than 60 peaks that are over3000 meter-high. There are two main entrances to the range that are being used continuously by mountaineers and climbers.
The Aladaglar have been visited by the researchers, mountaineers and hill walkers since the early 1900′s. Many routes and climbs have been opened by people who practiced mountaineering and rock climbing.There are over 150 routes that lie scattered throughout the mountain range.
Aladaglar Trek (3 days, 2 Nights Camping)
Day 1 : The Aladaglar Trek starts at around 08:30 with the pick-up from your hotel. After about 1 hour drive, we will tour Eski Gumusler Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Cappadocia and has a unique fresco of The Virgin Mary depicted as smiling. After having our lunch in a village house inCukurbag, we will have a short transfer to the start point of the hike from where we will walk about 2 hours to the Emli Valley (1800 meters) and start to pitch up the tents. We will have the dinner andovernight in the tents.
Day 2 : We will have an early wake-up and breakfast around 7:00am and start to walk up toAksampinari Spring and take a close look at the gigantic 180-meter-high rock tower of “Parmakkaya” : the fingerrock. We will have our lunch and then keep walking up to Eznevit summer pasture (2400 meters) and then hike down to Sokullupinar Spring (2000 meters). The total hiking duration will be around 8 hours. We will have the dinner and overnight in our tents.
Day 3 : Waking up and having breakfast at around 8:00am, we will start walking up to Arpalik Pasture( 2400 meters) and then down through The Cimbar Valley to Demirkazik Village. We will have our lunch in a river-by restaurant, have the last fresh air of the mountains and then start driving back to Goreme. The tour ends around 18:00.
The rate for this tour will be 290 Euro per personbased on minimum 2 people, 240 Euro per person onthree people base and 190 Euro per person for 4 people or more. This tour is operated daily from May through October.
Important Notes
The level of the hike is Grade B which means that you should be able to walk 6-7 hours per day, with some loose stone and occasional steep ascents. You should have good walking boots, daysack (approximately 40 liters), warm clothing, sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, raingear (preferably breathable such as goretex) and sleeping bag.Walking sticks are also recommended. You are expected to help pitch up / strike your own tents. All tents are good quality dome tents with two doors.Lunches will be picnics with a variety of some fruits and vegetables. You are expected to carry some part of the food for lunch. Evening meals will be hot soup, salads, a main course with pasta or rice and some fruits. Tea and coffee will be included in the price, but alcoholic and soft drinks which are available at camps or restaurants are excluded.
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MOUNT HASAN
With an altitude of 3268 meters, Mount Hasan is the second highest peak of Central Anatolia. It is a sleeping volcano that is one of the three volcanoes in Cappadocia causing the formation of the fairy chimneys and deep canyons thanks to its lava and ashes. The surrounding of the mountain has some churches and some ancient cities. The summit of the mountain has a very lovely view of the entireCappadocia region and even the Salt Lake (2nd largest in Turkey) on a clear day.
Mount Hasan Trek (2 days)
Day 1 : Mount Hasan Trek starts at around 09:00 from your hotel. After about 1,5 hour drive, we will start hiking in Ihlara Valley. The Melendiz River has carved an impressive canyon through the verdant valley and we will walk about 2,5 hours along the river, passing through Byzantine rock chapels decorated with frescoes. After having lunch in a river-by restaurant in Belisirma Village, we will drive toHelvadere and camp near the abondoned ski hotel. You will have your dinner and overnight in the tents.
Day 2: We will wake up quite early for the breakfast and then start climbing over the rough ground around sunrise. We hope to reach the summit before noon (3268 mt). we will be able to see views of theAladaglar and Bolkar mountains,The Salt lake (2nd biggest in Turkey) in a clear weather. We will then explore the ruins of the highest church in Turkey and then start climbing down to meet our driver. We will have a late lunch at Helvadere Restaurant by the lake. We will stop for a quick swim in Nar Crater Lakeon the way back to Goreme and hoping to be back around 18:00.
The rate for this tour will be 290 Euro per person based on minimum 2 people, 240 Euro per person onthree people base and 190 Euro per person for 4 people or more. This tour is operated daily from May through October.
Important Notes
The level of the hike is Grade C which means that you should have a bit of experience and fitness to tackle steep slopes and narrow, stony paths up to 8 hours per day. You should have good walking boots, daysack (approximately 40 liters), warm clothing, sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, raingear(preferably breathable such as goretex) and sleeping bag. Walking sticks are also recommended. You are expected to help pitch up / strike your own tents. All tents are good quality dome tents with two doors. Lunches will be picnics with a variety of some fruits and vegetables. You are expected to carry some part of the food for lunch. Evening meals will be hot soup, salads, a main course with pasta or rice and some fruits. Tea and coffee will be included in the price, but alcoholic and soft drinks which are available at camps or restaurants are excluded.
CAPPADOCIA PHOTO SAFARI TOUR
The Cappadocia region offers some of the most breathtaking, exciting and unique photographic opportunities in the world. Famous for its extraordinary landscapes ranging from barren desert-like plateaus to lush green valleys to unique volcanic rock formations and fairy chimneys to cave houses and churches carved centuries ago - Cappadocia is the perfect playground for photographers of all skill levels.Join us on a Photo Safari where we take you by jeep and on foot to the best vantage points, hidden gems and cultural highlights - all working with the light and time of day to get you to the right places at the right time, photographically speaking.
Our Photo Safari provides you with a local guide and expert photographer so that you may get the best photos, whether you are a professional or beginning photographer. The tour begins around 09:30 from your hotel in Cappadocia. Due to the nature of the light in the valleys, the usual 10:00-14:00 no shooting rule does not apply here – many valleys are so deep that photographing at 12:00 is the best time to get the light all the way into the valleys.
The Photo Safari is a one-on-one private tour – not a group tour.You will work together with the professional photographer to shoot the best locations and subjects based on your photographic interests. The light in the valleys changes rapidly and the best light of the day starts after 09:30 in the morning. On most days the Photo Safari will continue until after sundown – allowing you the best opportunity to shoot many different subjects and landscapes in the changing light throughout the day. The Photo Safari will travel throughout the region according to light and weather conditions. We welcome any requests for specific areas or main interests you have in photographing the area - be it landscapes, villages, local villagers etc. We custom make the itinerary for the day based on your photographic interests and the available light. The Photo Safari will conclude on one of the best view points for panoramic sunset photos over Cappadocia.
What to bring: Please be sure you have plenty of battery power, memory cards and good walking shoes. If you use a tripod for your style, bring it along. For most shooting locations there will be considerable amount of light hiking/walking to reach these remote locations. Please advise if you have any mobility issues please advise and we can work around this. If you are using a digital camera, we can burn your photos onto a CD or DVD at the conclusion of the tour.
Our Photo Safari tour is available daily and the rate is 125 Euro per person based on 2 adults taking the private tour together – for one person the rate is 150 Euros. This rate includes the professional photographer, transportation, entrance fees, lunch and CD/DVD burn at the end of the tour (if needed). Availability is limited as these are private tours.
For more information on this or any other tour, please do not hesitate to contact us at.
CAPPADOCIA JEEP SAFARI TOURS
One of the most exciting adventures in Cappadocia is exploring the region in an off-road vehicle. OurJeep Safari tour offers you the best of the best: open-top jeep vehicles for unobstructed views of the valleys, churches and other cultural highlights. We take you to the hard-to-find places and away from the crowds for spectacular views and the excitement of traveling off-road in the unique landscapes of Cappadocia – all in one day. We offer half day and full day tours and the itinerary will be as:
Half Day Excursion:
This trip starts either around 10:00 in the morning or 14:00 in the afternoon and takes about 4 hours. We will pick you up from your hotel and start our adventure trip by driving from Goreme to Cavusin via Love Valley. We will have couple picture stops on the way until driving Cavusin village. In this small, lovely town you can walk up to the old city carved into rocks and see St. John the Baptist church, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia.
This trip starts either around 10:00 in the morning or 14:00 in the afternoon and takes about 4 hours. We will pick you up from your hotel and start our adventure trip by driving from Goreme to Cavusin via Love Valley. We will have couple picture stops on the way until driving Cavusin village. In this small, lovely town you can walk up to the old city carved into rocks and see St. John the Baptist church, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia.
Our adventure will go on by Ortahisar town. We will drive Ortahisar via Rose Valleyand again stop for quick picture stops. When we see picturesque Ortahisar village and castle, we will drive intoUzengi Valley and drive in Uzengi brook! We will also see hundreds of pigeon houses carved into rocks in this valley. Right after this off-road adventure, we will go to Mustafapasa village, a former Greek town which was inhabited by “Rums” (Greeks) until 1924 population exchange. We can also have a stop for drinks in this town and then drive to back to Goreme via Pancarlik, Pigeons and Babaccik valleys. Finally we will drop you off in your hotel.
The tour travels about 50 km and lasts 4 hours. The rate is 65 Euro per, person including driver, petrol and taxes. The rate for a single person will be 100 Euro. The driver has basic English and he will drive you from one site to another. He will not be able to explain the sites.
Full Day Excursion:
This trip starts around 10:00 in the morning and finish around 16:30 in the evening. We will pick you up from your hotel and start our adventure trip by driving from Goreme to Ortahisar. Ortahisar is one of the small towns of Cappadocia with a picturesque rock-cut castle used as a fortress until medieval-ages. We will then drive to Uzengi Valley and actually drive in Uzengi brook! We will also see hundreds of pigeon houses carved into rocks in this valley. After this 4x4 off-road adventure, we will drive toGomeda Valley and explore one of the hidden beauties of Cappadocia. This valley is known to be the most greenery valley of Cappadocia.
This trip starts around 10:00 in the morning and finish around 16:30 in the evening. We will pick you up from your hotel and start our adventure trip by driving from Goreme to Ortahisar. Ortahisar is one of the small towns of Cappadocia with a picturesque rock-cut castle used as a fortress until medieval-ages. We will then drive to Uzengi Valley and actually drive in Uzengi brook! We will also see hundreds of pigeon houses carved into rocks in this valley. After this 4x4 off-road adventure, we will drive toGomeda Valley and explore one of the hidden beauties of Cappadocia. This valley is known to be the most greenery valley of Cappadocia.
Then we will drive to Golgolihills which has lovely rock formations located next to Damsa Lake. Golgoli is also a famous sky observing area in the evenings and used by TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) for summer camps. Our last stop before having lunch in Urgup will be Mustafapasa village, a former Greek town which was inhabited by “Rums” (Greeks) until 1924 population exchange. You can visit the old Greek mansions and have a short walk in this town. Around 13:00, we will have lunch in a restaurant in Urgup. After we have our lunch, we will drive to Cavusin Village via Red Valley to Rose Valley vista point. In this small, lovely town you can walk up to old city carved into rocks and see St. John the Baptist church, one of the oldest cave churches in Cappadocia. Before driving back to your hotel we will drive in Love Valley and see the highest fairy-chimneys (volcanic rock formations) of Cappadocia. We will then drop you off in your hotel.The tour travels about 100 km and lasts 6 hours. The rate is 90 Euro per, person including driver, petrol, lunch and taxes. The rate for a single person will be 135 Euro. The driver has basic English and we will drive you from one site to another. He will not be able to explain the sites.
CAPPADOCIA ATV TOURS
Explore the off-the-beaten-paths around Goreme on a sturdy ATV (quad) bike. Our half or full-day escorted tours provide an exciting adventure over and through the beautiful hills, valleys, dunes and trails of the extraordinary Cappadocia landscape. Our escorted ATV Tours range from 2- to 8- hour tours. Our most popular option, the 2-hour tour is 35 Euro per person including a rider (driving separate vehicle). Please note that he will just show the way you should go; he will not be able to explain anything about the area.
2 Hour ATV ride : Depart from Goreme, Cavusin(off-road), Rose Valley, Girls Monastery, Red Valley, Swords Valley and Zemi Valley (35 Euro per person)4 hour ATV ride : Depart from Goreme, Cavusin(off-road), RoSe Valley, Girls Monastery, Red Valley, Swords Valley, Zemi Valley, Babatcik Valley, Aydin Kiragi, Iceri Dere Valley (65 Euro per person)
Full day ATV ride : Depart from Goreme, Cavusin(off-road), RoSe Valley, Girls Monastery, Red Valley, Swords Valley, Zemi Valley, Babatcik Valley, Aydin Kiragi, Iceri Dere Valley, Gorceli Valley, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Uzengi Valley, Ortahisar.. (90 Euro per person)
Our All Terrain Vehicles are extremely easy to use, as they are fully automatic – so no experience is necessary for adults. The tracks you will be riding on are carefully selected to be challenging, but not frightening.
However, children younger than 12 years old are not accepted on these tours. The rates given above are all per person rates, not per quad bike.
Please email us for more information and to book your ATV Tour.
ATVs are also available for individual daily rentals.
The rate of full day ATV rental is 90 Euro
The rate of full day ATV rental is 90 Euro
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