ITINERARY

• Close Uchisar Castle (Uçhisar Kalesi) is Cappadocia’s tallest fairy chimney, Mother Nature’s castle in the form of a volcanic rock outcrop visible from miles in any direction. While not a castle by the standard definition the outcrop was used during the late Byzantine and early Ottoman periods as a natural fortress for protection against armies on the surrounding plains. Erosion has revealed a honeycomb-like structure of cavities within the rock, many of which were used as natural dwellings until the makeshift village was evacuated during the 1960s. A climb up 120 steps leads to the summit of Uchisar Castle — a perfect vantage point for watching a sunset over the stunning Cappadocian landscape.
• Cappadocia is already well known for its unusual rock formations, but at Devrent Valley—nicknamed Imagination Valley—these large stones are the densest cluster found anywhere else in the region and they seem to take on a life of their own.
• Paşabağ Vadisi in Cappadocia is famous for its perfect fairy chimneys, sculpted from ancient lava, ash, and basalt. Often known as Pasabag is famous for its opportunities to hike among the boulders and into the hills that ring the area. If you just want to relax, in the small village by the road there are stalls serving hot spiced wine in winter, and freshly-squeezed juices in summer. There are also a few cafes where you can grab a bite to eat, and stores selling Cappadocia textiles and artwork. Monks Valley was once home to hermetic monks who sheltered in the smaller cones atop the upper sections of the fairy chimney. There was once a Simeon monks’ hermitage here too, and today you can still see the chapel dedicated to Saint Simeon who, fed up with all the attention he was getting in 5. century Aleppo when word got around that he could perform miracles, hightailed it to the top of the highest fairy chimney he could find, and only descended in order to receive food from his disciples.
• Love Valley is one of the most fantastic valleys of Cappadocia. Located between Avanos and Goreme road, the valley is named after the interesting fairy chimney formations , and being popular with the couples for marriage proposals. The soil of the region is very rich in minerals, which makes it an ideal place for growing fruits and vegetables.
• You’ll experience and enjoy some well preserved, rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings dating from as early as the 10th century and the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. The region forms a valley including churches Open Air Museum hosts the most important Byzantine cave churches in the world that where the monks and nuns pursued monastic life.
• Set on the banks of the Kızılırmak (Red River). Here you’ll find all historic tradition of pottery making. The Red River, which also happens to be one of Turkey’s longest rivers, has supplied the many generations of craftsmen with the red clay used to create their iconic art. Pottery has been produced in this region as far back as around 2000 BC, the time of the Hittites. During a visit you’ll come across many family run potteries and it’s recommended you avoid the tourists shops where pottery is also sold and instead opt for the ateliers of the craftsmen who continue to mold and shape the beautiful pottery with their expert hands. From ashtrays to more delicate vases, you’ll find that the beautiful red clay takes many shapes. The very talented potters use a foot driven spinning wheel to make the authentic Avanos pottery and always do so from scratch. The clay for these genuine products is acquired directly from the mineral-rich mud that can be found along the river.