Cappadocia in Two Days- VIP Private Experience

Tour Overview

Just a short flight from Istanbul, you can experience the magic of Cappadocia, on our Two Day Private Excursion! When exploring the curious fairy chimneys, the bold colors of the valleys, cave dwellings and underground cities, two unforgettable days in Cappadocia with your private expert TE guide will bring the fairy tale to life. From the unique landscape you might imagine that you are walking on the Moon or or maybe the surface of Mars! According to UNESCO, the area you will be exploring with its frescoed churches, cave dwellings and subterranean cities are some of the largest and most striking of their kind in the world. With the help of your expert private TE guide, you will immerse yourself in this unique world, following the amazing traces left behind by those taking refuge in the rocks from invasions and persecutions. The carved buildings which still remain and exquisite frescoes from a thousand year ago, all have their own stories to tell you. This and so much more await you in magical Cappadocia! (flights from Istanbul, airport transfers, one night accommodation, transportation, expert private TE guide, and entry tickets included)

Tour Description

Two days in unforgettable Cappadocia. Journey through the magic!

Day One: Rock Formations, Fairy Chimneys, and the chapels and monasteries of Goreme Open Air Museum. The Adventure Begins!

You will be met upon your arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, and begin exploring the incredible topography of Cappadocia with the help of your expert private guide beginning with the Devrent Valley. Here you will have your first glance at the amazing rock formations that make the region of Cappadocia famous. These fairy chimneys, as you will discover, were formed from the erosion of the volcanic ash and basalt that covered the zone millions of years ago. Take a walk through this fascinating valley as the rocks themselves seem to come alive. Next a visit to Pasabagi, or Monk’s Valley, with some of Cappadocia’s most interesting fairy chimneys. Your private guide will share the history of the site including stories of the hermit St. Simeon, who came to live in seclusion inside one of the tall cones. You will also enjoy a visit to the town of Avanos, famous for its earthenware pottery with red tones made traditionally from local red clay.

After a break for lunch, the day continues with Goreme Open Air Museum. This UNESCO site is home to an array of cave settlements, some dating back to the age of Roman persecution of the Christians. There is an amazing array of carved chapels and monasteries into the rocks dating mostly from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries. Your private guide will show you some of the most interesting, including some with a spectacular array of byzantine frescoes. Before heading back to your hotel, your private guide and driver will take you on a tour of some picture perfect sights of a landscape that leaves all who see it in awe. 

Day Two: Villages, Churches and Underground Cities….

Should you wish to float above the incredible landscape, an optional balloon tour can be arranged to start your day. An incredible experience! If not you will begin your day with a hotel pick up, and once again you are off to continue your journey with your expert private guide.  Next stop Rose Valley. Considered by many one of the most beautiful valleys for hiking in Cappadocia. As the light changes during the day so do the amazing colors of the landscape. Here while hiking through the valley, you will also discover some lovely rock cut churches. Visit the old Greek village of Cavusin. One of the oldest settlements in the region, home to beautiful carved houses and churches, including one which dates back to the fifth century. After a visit and lunch you and your expert private guide are off to another impressive site of Cappadocia. Ortahisar Castle. This fortress is built on top a huge fairy chimney. First a Byzantine Fortress then Ottoman. Some archeologists believe the Byzantine fortress might be built on top a foundation from the Hittite period. 

No visit to Cappadocia would be complete without visiting under the majestic hills of volcanic rock to experience the underground city of Kaymakli (or Ozkonak). These ancient subterranean cities were possibly excavated by the Phrygians, utilized by the Greeks. As Christianity took hold chapels were added to their caverns.  Today they continue to amaze those who visit with the wonder of ingenuity of their building so many centuries ago. As you and your expert private guide make your way to Pigeon Valley, there you will visit your last remarkable site. The valley takes its name from the hundreds of  cave dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock that look like “dovecotes”, from a distance. 

Two unforgettable days, a lifetime of magical memories.