Goreme Open Air Museum

Glide serenely above the unique hills and valleys of Göreme, in the region of Cappadocia, on a shared hot air balloon flight. Admire the fantastic panoramic views from the balloon and get a flight completion certificate and champagne at the end of the experience. Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel one hour before sunrise. Upon arrival at the take-off site, enjoy complimentary snacks as the ground team finalizes their safety procedures. Once inflated, listen to a safety briefing about your flight. Then, begin the breathtaking tour as you rise to an altitude of up to 2,000 feet (600 meters). Propelled by the breeze, drift over the valleys and iconic fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and experience amazing panoramic vistas and descents that almost allow you to touch the rocks of the Göreme Open Air Museum. Let the wind and fire float you gently back to earth. Back on the ground, toast the day with a glass of complimentary champagne, and collect your personal flight certificate before the transfer back to your hotel.

Experience Cappadocia in a nutshell and visit key attractions including the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Underground City, Pigeon Valley, and the famous Fairy Chimneys. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme, Uchisar Fortress, and remarkable natural formations. You'll be accompanied by a certified guide and chauffeur for the entire trip. The day begins at 9 am with collection from your hotel. Spend 2 hours at the Goreme Open Air Museum, viewing ancient rock churches and artwork. Then head to the Pasabag Valley to see unusual rock formations. After lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the price), explore the tunnels and chambers of Özkonak Underground City. Finish the day with a scenic walk through Pigeon Valley before returning to your hotel. Optional shopping breaks can be included at your request.

Get picked-up from your hotel. First, enjoy a panoramic view of Göreme and marvel at some of the best views in the region. Your guide will have plenty of knowledge to offer you about your surroundings. Afterwards, visit Underground City which is the biggest and deepest underground settlement. It has 8 levels connected with narrow tunnels. You will visit stalls, stores, churches, wineries, kitchens and the other sections which are open for visitors. While you are visiting the sections, your guide will complement the experience with their expert knowledge. Next, enjoy a local lunch in an authentic restaurant. After, visit Pigeon Valley which is located in Uçhisar town and offers another spectacular panoramic view. The next destination is Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can see rock-cut churches carved by early Christian monks. Your guide will give you information about Christianity and the Monastic Life of Cappadocia. You will have a tour of the town and then visit a pottery workshop and learn about red clay work and ceramics. One of the masters of the discipline will even demonstrate the ancient free-hand technique that has been used throughout history. Visit a rug workshop where all the products are made by hand in the traditional way. Then visit Paşabağı where spectacular mushroom-shaped rock formations can be seen. Paşabağı is also called Monks Valley because of the Chapel of Saint Simeon which is located in the valley.

9:00 AM: Depart from your accommodation in Cappadocia. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Visit Göreme Open Air Museum. Explore the ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes. Learn about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 11:45 AM - 12:45 AM: Drive to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley). Admire the unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Explore the valley and take photos of the distinct mushroom-shaped rocks. Midday: Uchisar Fortress and Lunch 13:00 PM - 14:00 PM: Enjoy your lunch in a local restaurant. Afternoon: Explore Rock City Underground City. Descend into the underground city and learn about its history and function. Discover the tunnels, rooms, and ventilation shafts used by ancient inhabitants. 15:30-16:00 Uchisar Fortress. Visit fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia. Learn about the fortress's history and strategic importance. 16:15 PM - 16:30 PM: Drive to Pigeon Valley. Stop for a scenic walk through the valley, named for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and rock formations. 16:45 PM - 17:15 PM: Visit Esentepe Hill. Capture panoramic photos of the stunning Cappadocian landscape from this viewpoint. Evening: Return Note: There will be shopping stops in between depending on your interest.

Embark on a captivating journey through Cappadocia's stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Explore Uçhisar Castle, witness panoramic vistas in Göreme, stroll through the enchanting Love Valley, and pass by Göreme National Park's unique rock formations. Discover the surreal Paşabag Valley, delve into the Zelve Open-Air Museum's historical caves, and marvel at the whimsical fairy chimneys. Imagination comes to life in Devrent Valley, while Avanos showcases traditional pottery craftsmanship. Enjoy a delectable lunch and a pottery demonstration before concluding your adventure in the historic village of Çavuşin. This tour promises an immersive exploration of Cappadocia's natural beauty and rich heritage.

See the top sights of Cappadocia on this guided day tour. Visit Monks Valley, marvel at the fairy chimneys, and see Goreme Valley. You will be picked up from your hotel by a professional tour guide after your breakfast. Your first encounter with Cappadocia will be in Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley).  In this valley, different rock formations can be seen as animals which is why this valley can also be called Imagination Valley. Use your imagination to describe all these rocks. Then, head to Monks Valley or also known as Paşabağları.  There is a bit of a difference between these two meanings in English and Turkısh. Monks used to live here and hide from the religious pressures of the Roman government or local people.  During the Roman period, most of the people were pagans and not Christian. That's why all the history of these places comes from this point.  In Turkish, Paşa means men who have lots of money and land. Bağ means land or area that can be purchased. In the following years, all these rich men bought some part of the land for their own economic power. Afterward, the local people were known as Paşabağları. Avanos town will be your third point of interest. In the art center, you will see how to make pottery and ceramic in the Cappadocia region. The history of pottery making and ceramic dates back to the Hittite emperors (B.C. 4000).  Avanos is the only town that is famous for pottery and ceramic made using red and white clay only. In the art center, you will be shown a pottery-making demonstration and will also be able to try it yourself. Then, head to lunch in a local, clean restaurant as a tour break.  After a short photography break at the Esentepe viewpoint, see the stunning Gōreme Valley and fairy chimneys. The largest and tallest fairy chimney known as Uchisar Castle will be your next point of interest located in Uchisar. It is also a natural structure, not made by human hands. Continue on your adventure as you visit Cappadocia's indispensable leather shop. The most important place for Christianity, Zelve Open Air Museum will be waiting for your visit after Uchisar Castle. This will be completely similar to today's university model. You will see dormitories (for men and women), churches (9 to 10), chapels, dining rooms, mutual places, and classrooms.  You will see wall paintings or frescoes on most of the walls of the churches in this museum. These paintings depict some scenes from the Bible or some other important point in the life of Jesus Christ. People used to live here as students and teachers together. In addition, teachers gave Christian courses to their students from the Bible. Then after their graduation, they would go to some other part of Turkey in order to spread and teach Christianity to the people.  Finally, visit one of Cappadocia's deepest and largest underground cities. Uncover all parts of the underground city that are open to the public and learn how people survived with limited resources.  Mainly, you will see stalls, dining rooms, food storage rooms, churches, kitchens, and other similar places you would normally find in a living area. Your professional art historian guide will gladly explain all the details and the history of the places you will visit during your tour schedule. 

Get an insider’s view of Cappadocia’s most iconic spots on an all-inclusive trip from Istanbul. Float above volcanic spires and honeycombed hills on a hot air balloon. Be accompanied by a guide to Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, Pasabag, Uchisar, and Kaymakli Underground City, and more. Day 1 Depart from your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan and make your way to Istanbul airport. Catch your domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon your arrival to Cappadocia, meet your guide and begin your tour of North Cappadocia. Walk in the land of fairy chimneys. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Red River, Devrent Valley, and Pasabag. Make your way to Avanos Village for a traditional lunch and pottery demonstration. Visit Uchisar Castle, the highest point of the region, a perfect vantage point for a panoramic view of the stunning Cappadocian landscape. After sightseeing, be driven to your hotel. Spend the night in Cappadocia. Day 2 You can opt to join a balloon flight in the morning. Your day tour will be organized according to the balloon flight hours. After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Go off the beaten path to visit Cavusin. See its famous rock churches. Head to Goreme Panorama for views of fairy chimneys. Hike in the Red Valley. Visit Old Greek Love Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and Pigeon Valley. Walk through a picturesque maze of rock formations. Witness an onyx demonstration by local experts. Savor a typical Turkish lunch. Conclude the day tour by 5 PM. Then, be driven to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. After you land in Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Delve into the history of Cappadocia at Uchisar Castle, and see rock-carved churches at Goreme Open Air Museum. Enjoy a delicious buffet in a Turkish restaurant. See a skilled potter making pottery in Avanos. Check out the camel-shaped rock formation in Devrent Valley with an expert guide. Get into a modern and comfortable bus at your hotel and meet your tour guide. Then, drive to Uchisar Castle, which is the highest rock formation in Cappadocia. Enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area and learn about its history while you take some amazing photographs. Next, head to Goreme Open Air Museum, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its historical importance. It is famous for the churches built into rocks and the carved chapel. There is also a monastery which was used as an emergency hideout in case of Roman invasions. See the 5th-century frescoes inside the church too, and learn some facts from your guide. After this, head to Pasabagi Valley to admire three fairy chimneys. Learn how the valley is also called Monks Valley, due to a church dedicated to Saint Simeon, which is carved into a fairy chimney. Following this, have a break for lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant. Dine on tasty food suitable for all tastes with a delicious buffet. After lunch, continue toward Avanos, next to the Red River. This city is famous for pottery, a skill that has been passed down through generations. Visit a pottery workshop for a demonstration. Watch a potter show you how traditional pottery is made, and take part in the experience too. Then, drive to Devrent Valley, famous for its rock formations resembling dolphins, snakes, seals, and other animals. See a rock that looks like a camel. Observe a unique rock formation which is used as the symbol of Cappadocia. Learn about its importance and symbolism from your guide. Finally, board the bus, sit back, relax, and head back to your hotel.

This full-day small-group guided tour of Cappadocia covers some of the most famous attractions of the region including the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Underground City, Pigeon Walley , and the Fairy Valley. The tour includes pick up from your hotel and transportation in an air-conditioned van. You will be accompanied by a driver and a local guide who will provide insight into the history, culture and significance of the sites visited. The tour offers a great opportunity to experience the unique landscapes and monuments of Cappadocia, with a focus on the historic cave churches and underground settlements. Cappadocia (Pass By) Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area. Goreme Open-Air Museum The Goreme Open-Air Museum resembles a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own fantastic church. It is obviously the first sight to be visited by any traveler in Cappadocia, standing as it does in the very center of the region with easy access from all directions. Pasabag Pasabag in Cappadocia is located on the road to Zelve, coming from Goreme or Avanos. Highly remarkable earth pillars can be seen here, in the middle of a vineyard, hence the name of the place which means: the Pacha's vineyard. Pacha means "General", the military rank, in Turkish and it is a very common nick name. This site is also called Monks Valley. The name was derived from some cones carved in tuff stones which stand apart. Currently, there is a vineyard and a number of tuff cones standing right next to the road. Pigeon Valley is a popular tourist destination located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. The valley is known for its beautiful scenery, rock-cut dovecotes, and hiking trails. Some of the highlights of Pigeon Valley include: Rock-cut dovecotes: The valley is known for its rock-cut dovecotes, which were carved out of the soft volcanic rock by ancient people. These dovecotes were used to raise pigeons for food, and they are a unique feature of the valley. Visitors can see the dovecotes and learn about the traditional way of life in Cappadocia.

Enjoy a hot air balloon experience in a less crowded sky above Cat Valley. Watch the sunrise, and admire stunning rocks and fairy chimneys from above. Head to a village close to the Goreme Open Air Museum, but in a lesser-known area. Receive a certificate and a glass of bubbly after landing. Start early, before dawn, with a hotel pickup from Cappadocia. Take a short drive to Cat Village, about 20 km away from the crowded Goreme. Upon arrival at the take-off site, meet your pilots and listen to a detailed briefing. Feel free to ask anything you want to know about the experience. When the pilots’ preparations are over, enter the balloon’s basket, and take off. Enjoy every moment as the balloon reaches its highest altitude. Soak in breathtaking views over the lunar-like landscape of Cat Valley with imposing rock formations, and fairy chimneys. Watch the sunrise in the sky, its light reflecting on the rocks. After an hour in the air, descend down and be greeted with a glass of champagne. Celebrate your milestone flight and take home a personalized certificate to remember this experience forever. After the landing celebration, be driven back to your hotel in Cappadocia.