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When it comes to dreamy landscapes there is nothing quite like Cappadocia! The limestone formations carved into minarets, cone spires, “fairy chimneys”, and rocky pinnacles with backdrop of pink shades and russet brown hues is a fantasyland of gorgeous views.Countless centuries of wind and water sculpted Cappadocia’s surrealistic landscape from the peaks of three volcanoes: Erciyes, Hasan, and Melendiz Daglari. The original eruptions created a vast erosion basin of fantasy landscapes among the green farmlands around Kayseri. Ancient inhabitants hollowed out the soft limestone cones and cliffs to create cave dwellings still inhabited today. We’ll explore around every cone, tunnel, and chimney in the “land of beautiful horses”.
Gullurdere, or the “Rose Valley” has some of the finest fairy-chimney-strewn vistas of Cappadocia with little-visited rock-cut churches of vibrant fresco fragments and intricate carvings hewn into stone. Considered an open air museum spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres and dating as far back as the 4th century, these churches contain countless examples of Byzantine and post-iconoclastic arts. With names like Church of the Buckle, the Apple Church, the Snake Church, the Dark Church, and the Church with Sandals, we’ll have the chance to trek through some of these ancient holy sites and maybe even find one to name ourselves!
And all these topographies are best seen from the heights of hot air balloons! A landmark and star attraction of Turkey, we’ll float over the inhabited dreamscapes, explore the valleys on foot and horseback, and take up residence in our very own cave hotel, Flintstones-style.
Yabba Dabba Doo!
Day 1 // Arrival to Ankara
Meeting at Terminal 2 at 17.30 for a direct flight to Ankara at 20.05.
After arrival and immigration clearance, transfer to hotel.
Day 2 // Ankara to Cappadocia
After breakfast we’ll take a quick city tour with stops at the Citadel of Ankara, Mausoleum of Ataturk, and few other highlights before lunch and drive to Cappadocia. Along the way we’ll take quick photo stop at the pink Salt Lake before our dinner and night in the cave hotel.
Day 3 // Hot Air Balloon & Fairy Chimneys
Early wakeup for sunrise from hot air balloon! Take in the views of Cappadocia’s rock chimneys and gorgeous morning colours before breakfast. We’ll explore the “fairy chimneys” on foot or horseback with the voice of the wind harmonizing the songs of the fairies. Along the way we’ll pause at Avanos Centre for the amazing terracotta artworks. Wander the cobblestone streets of old town and take a crack at making your own pottery. After lunch, explore the frescoes and rock castles of the 10th century Goreme. Free evening for souvenir shopping and Cappadocia nightlife.
Day 4 // Gullurdere & Pigeon Valley
If the wind was soft yesterday, no need for a second try at ballooning this morning. We’ll start the day with trek through Gullurdere Valley, filled with rock-cut churches and dwellings all the way to Cavusin and the Great Basilica of St. John the Baptist high above the village. We’ll have lunch in town before heading on to Pigeon Valley and underground city of Kaymakli. The valley is filled with meandering tunnels and ancient legends and perhaps a wine cellar too! On the way back to Cappadocia we’ll visit the natural castles of Ortahisar.
Day 5 // Underground City of Derinkuyu
We’ll check-out of our cave hotel and head to another underground city of Derinkuyu, one of the best preserved in Cappadocia. As deep as 85 meters and containing stables, cellars, refectories, churches, wineries, and a missionary school. Onward to the massive Selime Monastery carved by Christian monks in the 13th century. We’ll work up an appetite for lunch and afterwards start the return journey to Ankara for flight back to Dubai (back home at MAY 05th at 05.15am).
Grade:
Easy, available for beginners.
Activity:
Easy trekking, hot air ballooning, sightseeing, optional ATV or horse riding.
Duration:
5 Days.
Room & Meals:
Double-sharing rooms, 4 star hotels - cave hotel in Cappadocia, meals included except on transfers. Single room cost based on availability at time of booking.
Cost: AED 5950, including flights to Ankara.
Specifically Excluded:
Visa expenses, insurance, optional ATV or horse riding, PCR tests if required, dinner on first night in Ankara.
See yah in the air x
Piotr / 050 4848238 / [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International, P O Box 2525,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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