Description

Day 1

3:30 AM - Departure from the hotel. The first stop is for breakfast in a tranquil and picturesque location (order a lunch box from the hotel to take with you). Explore the underground rock settlement of Saratli, a cave city on the famous Christian Cross Path, rising seven stories high. Informational tour of the rock city of Chavushin and its main attraction, a labyrinth of tunnels through the rocks resembling Swiss cheese. Visit the beautiful Uchisar Valley (translated as "Three Beauties") known for its natural rock formations and a panoramic viewpoint for photos. Journey to the Gereme area, the heart of colorful Cappadocia: walk along the city streets, explore ensembles of ancient Christian churches, view unique Byzantine frescoes, and see ancient paintings. Visit the legendary Gereme local museum, a national historical and natural complex. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a charming local café with unusual ethnic cuisine dishes. Explore a mini-shop of Anatolian stones and have the opportunity to purchase onyx souvenirs, jewelry, amulets, and figurines. Stop for photographs at the panoramic viewpoint of the Ihlara Valley, a unique volcanic canyon. Take an excursion through the Pashabag Valley with its amazing views of two- and three-headed stone "mushrooms." Have a photo break at the Rose Valley, famous for its delicate pinkish rock color. Pause for photos at the Kizilirmak River Valley, known for its vivid red-colored water after rainfall. Tour an ethnic carpet and pottery workshop in Avanos, with an informational presentation about the art of pottery, including a demonstration of making clayware. Overnight stay at a local hotel designed in the famous cave style.

Day 2

Morning departure for the Balloon Parade for those who want to experience a hot air balloon ride (optional, +$200 per person). A hot air balloon journey (duration 1 hour) is a breathtaking spectacle with 250 balloons or 2,000 people in the sky simultaneously. Breakfast at the hotel, check-out from the hotel rooms, and departure from the hotel. Visit a pottery workshop, a demonstration of clay masterpieces, and a short stop at a souvenir shop. Stroll and a photo stop in the Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Valley) featuring surreal landscapes, ancient Christian churches, and unique local pigeon houses. Guided tour of an ancient caravanserai, an ancient resting place for travelers and Silk Road caravans. Enjoy a buffet of local national cuisine in a restaurant (lunch break). Return to Alanya hotels around 7:00 PM.

Included:

• Transfers from the hotel and back
• All transfers according to the route on a comfortable air-conditioned bus
• English speaking guide
• Insurance
• One night at the hotel
• Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

Not included:

• Hot air balloon flight at sunrise (optional, +200$ per person)
• Lunches at the restaurant
• "Turkish Night" show
• Entrance tickets to the Goreme Park ($12)

Take with you:

• Breakfast to go (at the hotel reception, explain that you are leaving early in the morning for a tour and need a packed lunch; hotels will provide this service for free)
• Water
• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Money for personal expenses