3 Days Private Cappadocia Tour: 3 Day Private Cappadocia Tour: Enjoy a private 3-day Cappadocia adventure like no other! Discover the enchanting wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site with our expert guides leading the way. From the ancient underground cities to the breathtaking valleys adorned with fairy chimneys, each day is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Day1
Your exclusive journey commences at 9:30, as our expert guide and chauffeur greet you at your hotel. Our first destination is Esentepe, a breathtaking panoramic spot overlooking Goreme. Here, your guide will delve into the rich history of Cappadocia and its remarkable rock formations. Next, we embark on a leisurely one-hour hike through the enchanting Rose Valley, meandering amidst fairy chimneys, orchards, and vineyards.
Our adventure continues with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum. Led by your guide, you’ll decipher the intricate frescoes adorning the cave churches, narrating tales from the Old and New Testaments dating back to the 10th century. This site has served as a sanctuary since the earliest days of Christianity.
Lunchtime invites us to a charming restaurant in Goreme, where we’ll indulge in delectable local cuisine. Following our meal, we pause for picturesque photo opportunities – from the familial fairy chimneys of Urgup, to the whimsical animal-shaped rock formations of Devrent, and the iconic mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys of Monk’s Valley. Not to be missed is St. Simeon’s monk cell, intricately carved into the rock.
As dusk descends, we find ourselves in Avanos, a quaint riverside town famed for its 4000-year-old pottery tradition. Here, you’ll witness a captivating kick-wheel demonstration by a local artisan, offering you a chance to partake in this ancient craft. Our day culminates with your return to the hotel, around 5pm, leaving you with cherished memories of Cappadocia’s timeless beauty.
Day 2
The second day of your Exclusive Cappadocia Tour also commences at 9:30. Our initial destination is the awe-inspiring Kaymakli Underground City. Crafted by the Hittites approximately 3500 years ago, this multi-tiered subterranean complex served as a crucial refuge for early Christians during the tumultuous 6th and 7th centuries. Kaymakli stands as one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, boasting 8 levels replete with stables, temples, and wineries.
Following our exploration of Kaymakli, we journey further south to the magnificent verdant expanse of Ihlara Valley. Here, we embark on a serene stroll alongside the tranquil Melendiz River, which meanders through the picturesque Ihlara gorge. Our walk spans approximately 1 hour, culminating in a delightful lunch at a riverside restaurant nestled in the village of Belisirma.
After lunch, our expedition continues to the Selime Monastery, hailed as the largest rock-hewn monastery in Cappadocia. Featuring a grand cave cathedral and offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding terrain, Selime Monastery is a testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion.
En route back to Goreme, we pause at a magnificent vista point affording panoramic views of Pigeon Valley, a site of natural splendor and cultural significance
Day 3
Starting from your hotel at 9:30, our expedition unfolds in the captivating town of Mustafapasa, celebrated for its mesmerizing architecture. Once a thriving Greek settlement in Cappadocia, Mustafapasa witnessed the monumental population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1924. Our knowledgeable guide will illuminate the significance of this historical event, which saw the displacement of around 2 million individuals from their ancestral homelands.
Exploring Mustafapasa, we’ll be enthralled by the intricate Greek mansions and churches, as well as the grand Medrese seminary, symbolizing the region’s Islamic heritage. Our journey continues to the Keslik Monastery, renowned for its rare iconoclastic Cappadocian frescoes. Delving into the iconoclastic period (726-843 AD), when such artistic expressions were banned by the Byzantine Emperors, we’ll uncover the profound historical context behind these exceptional artworks.
Furthering our exploration, we venture to Sahinefendi to uncover the treasures of the Sobesos Excavation site. Over the past decade, archaeologists have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, including Roman baths, tombs, basilicas, and intricate mosaics, shedding light on the region’s rich history.
Our journey then leads us to the picturesque Soganli Valley, once a vibrant center of monastic life and now home to numerous cave churches and scenic hiking trails. Before embarking on a leisurely hike, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local eatery, where you’ll have the chance to admire the renowned Soganli dolls crafted by the village’s talented artisans.
As our afternoon unfolds in Soganli Valley, we conclude our exploration and commence our return journey to your hotel. Along the way, for those interested in Turkish craftsmanship, we offer an optional visit to a local carpet workshop, where you can witness the traditional art of carpet weaving, a testament to Cappadocia’s enduring cultural heritage.
Including
Licensed English speaking guide, Transportation with A/C vehicles, Lunch, Entrance fees, All taxes
Excluding
Beverages at lunch, Tips, Personel expenses