Cappadocia is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Turkey. It is home to many UNESCO Heritage Sites, hot air balloon rides, moonscapes, and scenic attractions. There are many travel packages available to explore this unique region. Whether you’d like to explore the lunar landscape, take a hot air balloon ride, or visit the churches of Göreme Open Air Museum, there are plenty of activities for every traveler to enjoy.
Valleys in a Hot Air Balloon
There are many options available for your Cappadocia hot air balloon tour. Each flight is about an hour long and is accompanied by coffee or tea. The basket can hold as many as 20 people plus the flight captain. The price usually includes pick up and drop off from your hotel and breakfast and refreshments for after your flight. Many companies offer more luxurious tours with larger baskets, more people, and longer flight times.
Hot air balloon flights are extremely popular in Cappadocia, so plan ahead and make your travel plans accordingly. The best time to fly is early in the morning before sunrise, as the weather is most favorable.
Also, since hot air balloons are dependent on wind, you can’t expect to land at the same spot as takeoff. That’s why you should get up early to experience the most spectacular Cappadocia hot air balloon flights. Most balloon companies will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation.
Hot air balloon rides offer the perfect chance to see Cappadocia from a completely different perspective.
This adventure offers the opportunity to see the valleys from a bird’s-eye view and even skim near the tops of fairy chimneys. The captain of your flight will act as a guide during your flight, helping you navigate your way from one breathtaking location to the next.
Churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum
Cappadocia is filled with ancient churches and monasteries carved into soft tufa rock. The largest of these is the Selime Monastery, which is a complex of cathedral, chapel, and monastic dwellings. Its timeworn frescoes date back to the Byzantine era. Eventually, Seljuk Turks turned the monastery into a caravanserai, offering lodging to travelers traveling the Silk Road.
One of the most famous churches in Cappadocia is St. Basil’s Chapel, which is dedicated to Kayseri-born St. Basil, the patron saint of the region. Inside, you’ll find three apses and religious paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles.
The Goreme Open-Air Museum offers an audio-guide, which will help you navigate the many sites. Each site is numbered, and the audio-guide will give you a short speech explaining the history of Cappadocia and the caves. You’ll also find some beautiful paintings that transport you back in time.
Horse Ride in Red
There are several ways to enjoy a Horse Ride in Cappadocia. This exciting adventure will leave you with vivid memories of the area. If you enjoy horseback riding, you will want to wear riding tights and paddock boots. These compact boots should have good tread. In the warmer months, you should also wear a vented helmet.
The weather in Cappadocia is warm and dry, and there aren’t many trees to provide shade. Once you’ve gotten used to the heat, you’ll want to wear a helmet that allows for ventilation. A helmet is essential, especially if you’ll be riding on rocky terrain.
You can choose to have your horse riding tour during daytime or sunset. You’ll be able to experience breathtaking views of the region while you’re on your horse. Your guide will demonstrate the proper riding techniques and help you become familiar with the rules and regulations of horseback riding.
Rose Valleys
One of the most distinctive features of Cappadocia is its unique rock formations, and a visit to the Rose Valley in Cappadocia is sure to impress. The sandstone in the region is tinted pink thanks to the minerals in it. These colours become increasingly visible during the day, reaching their peak at sunset. A hike through the valley is an excellent way to experience this amazing landscape.
The path through Rose Valley is very scenic, and you will be able to see the Uchisar castle in the distance. The path is mostly shaded, so you can rest and admire the natural beauty of the region. The trail takes around 20 minutes and leads to several viewpoints and hidden churches. You may even see people sitting outside cafes, waiting for the sunset.
Another great thing to do in Cappadocia is to take a hot air balloon ride. It’s possible to take a balloon flight over the region, and the sunrise is an ideal time for a hot air balloon ride. There are many tours available for this activity. You can reserve your space in advance and book a guided tour.
Village of Göreme
The town of Göreme in the Cappadocia region of Turkey is a wonderful place to spend your holidays. This small town is home to the Open Air Museum, which features cave churches and frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries. Also, you can visit the Uçhisar Castle, a fortress carved into a large rock that offers sweeping views. Fairy chimneys are another well-known feature of Cappadocia.
The town is also known for its hot-air balloon industry and its medieval churches. It has become a popular travel destination in Turkey and boasts some of the best rock-cut churches and frescoes in the region. You can also visit the Aynali church, the El Nazar church, and the Karanlik church.
The village is part of a national park and is protected under the National Parks Act. It is home to two underground towns and five troglodyte villages, as well as more than 200 rock-hewn churches. It is also home to some of the world’s largest cave dwelling complexes.
Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu
If you want to have your best vacation in Cappadocia, you can’t miss Kaymakl and Derinkuyus. The two towns are more accessible and less crowded than the former. The first one is located about 40km south of Goreme, in the Nevsehir Province, and the other is in central Anatolia. Both are accessible by bus from the Kayseri airport.
Derinkuyu is the most famous underground city in Cappadocia. It has several levels and is about 200 feet below the surface. The underground city is a maze of tunnels. The passages are narrow, and the ceiling is low. During the Byzantine era, Christians inhabited the city. At one time, it was home to 3,500 people.
If you’re on a budget, try a cave hotel. This will give you an incredible experience and is not expensive. There are options for every budget. Some even have pools, which is great for summer visitors.
Zelve Open-Air Museum
The Zelve Open-Air Museum is a fantastic way to experience the local history and culture. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the town of Zelve was a Christian religious center and monastic retreat. Later, it became a village. Visitors can view the ancient structures, including a mill stone, church, mosque, pigeon house, and village square.
The best time to visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum is during the late spring or early autumn. The average temperature in May is 32 degC, and the temperature during early autumn is around the same. Although the weather is pleasant during this time, it is important to remember that the number of tourists is less than in the summer season.
While visiting the Zelve Open-Air Museum, be sure to bring water. Since the museum is located in a large area, you can take time to view a wide array of different buildings. To further explore the area, you can rent a car or take a taxi. You can even take a hot air balloon ride.
Ihlara Valley
The best way to experience the unique and scenic landscape of Cappadocia is to take a hike in the Ihlara Valley. This 16-kilometer hike will give you the most spectacular views of the area. The gorge is lined with magnificent rock formations, and you can even see the famous rock Cave Churches.
The Ihlara Valley is a breathtakingly beautiful gorge located about 90 minutes from the center of Goreme. This valley has been shaped by volcanic eruptions and offers a fresh escape from the dusty surroundings of the surrounding region. It is also a great option for those wanting a more relaxing vacation without the stress of strenuous hikes.
Cappadocia is also a great place for hot air balloon rides and to see the moonscape at sunrise. These two activities are highly popular and can be hard to find last-minute. You can book hot air balloon tickets through Airbnb, so that you can make sure to get tickets before your trip.
