Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to enchanting Turkey –.

Arrive in Istanbul - the iconic city that connects the east with the west.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? -  Istanbul Kemal Ataturk International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area on your own.

Check-in at the hotel.

Istanbul - the iconic city that connects the east with the west.

Istanbul is hot. And we are not talking about the weather. These days, there are more happening restaurants, bars, galleries & clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques (and that is a lot). The international fashion & design press have been talking up İstanbul ad nauseam, but the most significant thing about the accolade ‘World’s Hippest City’ is that İstanbullus themselves have come believe it. The creeping sense of decrepitude that had fallen like a pall over their once-all-powerful home town has vanished, replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the days of Suleyman the Magnificent.

Bon vivants need look no further than Istanbul, where the markets & bars are among the most stylish & atmospheric, and the mod Ottoman cuisine rates as the tastiest, in the world. The best thing about sampling Turkey's delicious specialties - ranging from meze on a Mediterranean harbour to a pension breakfast featuring products from the kitchen garden - is they take you to the heart of Turkish culture. For the sociable & family-orientated Turks, getting together & eating well is a time - honoured ritual. So get stuck into olive oil - lathered Aegean vegetables, spicy Anatolian kebaps & dishes from Turkey's many other corners - and as you drink a tulip-shaped glass of çay & contemplate some baklava for dessert, remember that eating is deepening your understanding of Turkey.

Istanbul is an old city, you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture in harmony with Turkish culture. The old versus the new, the traditional versus the modern is a conflict a visitor often observes. The city is full of contrasts, and colorful views. Where the blowing winds from the seven peaks of Anatolian Olympos merge into each other ; where Amazon's cooled their bodies in the waves that break apart from the Black Sea and roll mightily against the shore ; where love is symbolized in the Tower of Leandros ; where stand the rocks of Symplegad that brought nightmares to the Argonauts. Built on seven hills on Asia & Europe ; Capital of three empires ; Where romance & traffic jam go hand in hand ; Lively & exciting, a world metropolis - that is Istanbul.

The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries & museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it is at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. Locals are flocking to see & be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs & restaurants, bringing with them an infectious sense of joie de vivre & a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music & food as well as their position in the what’s-hot-&-what’s-not stakes.

That is not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the rakı-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is - and always has been - rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps try one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Morning, you will meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & embark on a 6 hour sightseeing tour of Istanbul.

You will visit the the main historical sites which illustrate the art & culture of the Ottoman Empire, Roman Empire & the Byzantine Empire. Ancient ruins, Museums, Mosques, bazaars & Turkish baths of Istanbul could keep you happily occupied - an eyeful of breathtaking architecture here, a good-natured haggle over a carpet there.

First, head over the Hippodrome to the Sultan Ahmet Mosque internationally known as the Blue Mosque (also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque), the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque & Byzantine church development and observe Ottoman architecture at its finest. Turn 360 degrees to see six imposing spires and 260 luminescent windows that scatter brilliant sunlight over the mosque’s 20,000 Iznik tiles.

Continue to Hagia Sophia & learn how this civil engineering wonder was once the largest church in the world, then a mosque, and now the Saint Sophia Museum. Enjoy perusing through this enormous dome structure admiring the beautiful Byzantine mosaics which depict the Virgin Mother, Jesus, saints, Byzantine emperors & empresses and biblical scenes.

Next, delve under the famous peninsula of Sarayburnu into the largest ancient cistern in Istanbul, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı). Located a mere 500 feet (150m) southwest of the Hagia Sophia, Experience its sheer size & learn how it was built under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6^th century & is the largest cistern in a city of hundreds.

Rise above ground & take a short walk to Topkapi Palace, the oldest & largest palace on the planet, with its ornate rooms & stories about the treasure held within its walls. It was the official & primary residence in the city of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years. The Palace is also home for the most holy relics of the Muslim world such as the Prophet Mohammed’s cloak & sword. Stroll around its buildings to a spectacular vantage point of the Golden Horn & learn why it is considered the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire.

Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, which is famous for its large quantities of exquisite Iznik tiles.

Continue onward to the center of Constantinople’s sporting & political heart at the Hippodrome. Go back in time 500 years when the Ottoman empire was in power and imagine a place ruled by games & riots. The Hippodrome is full of monuments & the most well-known is the ancient Egyptian granite Serpent Column, Obelisk of Theodosius & hear how it was transported in 390 AD to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius. Also notable are the Walled Obelisk & German Fountain. Nowadays, this civic park carries on the Ottoman tradition in its name only known as the Horse Grounds (At Meydanı).

Finally, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the famous Grand Bazaar. Discover the world’s largest canopied market as you stroll along peering into shops known for jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, leather, embroideries, pottery, spices & antique shops. With more than 4,000 shops on 58 streets (city blocks), you will be astounded that this market has been operating since the 14^th century.

Depending on the time, you can also visit a carpet shop / factory & learn how carpets are made by hand.

Return to the hotel by afternoon..

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps try one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Early morning, depart for Canakkale, enroute stopping at Gallipoli Battlefields, one of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey,

The National Historical Park of the Gallipoli peninsula with its ruins of the land & sea combats during WWI, and its impressive war memorials & monuments is inscribed on the list of National Parks & Protected Areas of the United Nations. The historic Gallipoli peninsula is an epic place & a must-see sight that is worth the visit.

The World War I battle for control of the Dardanelles (Hellespont) strait was fought mainly on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula, with appalling casualties. Around 100,000 were killed and 400,000 wounded during the nine-month campaign (1915 - 1916). The battlefields cover an extensive area from Cape Helles at the southern tip of the peninsula north for over 35 km to the Anafartalar hills.

Visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, Ari Burnu Cemetery, Johnston's Jolly (where you will visit original Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels), 57^th Regiment Turkish Memorial and The Nek.

Continue on to Canakkale.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel. .

The undisputed hub of the region, Çanakkale is replete with mythological associations. The city was called Hellespont & Dardanelles in the ancient times &took the name Çanakkale after a major war during the last phase of the Ottoman Empire. It was from the ancient town of Abydos immediately north that Leander swam across the Hellespont every night to see his love, Hero; and it was in the Dardanelles that Helle, the daughter of Athamas, was drowned in the legend of the Golden Fleece, giving the waterway its ancient name..

Having been the scene of great wars & victories, the city has witnessed different phases of history & is now harboring the landmarks of these historic times. Close by are the important centers & remnants of the civilizations of ancient Troy & Assos, immortalised by Homer in his epic poem the Iliad. But, most importantly, as the symbol of independence.

This sprawling harbour town is the busiest in the Gallipoli region & is easily the most frequented stopover for individuals visiting the battlefields & memorial sites. The presence of the highly regarded Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University endows this small city with a sizeable student population that loves nothing more than to eat, drink & party in the atmospheric cobbled lanes around the saat kulesi (1897 clock tower) & along the sweeping kordon (waterfront promenade). It is also a good place to hang around in its own right, with a rare concentration of nightlife in its centre & a sweeping waterfront drag that heaves with activity throughout the summer months.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Early morning, depart for Kusadasi.

Enroute stop at Troy & Pergamum.

Step back in time as we visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse

While not the most dramatic of Turkey's ancient sites, Troy is testament to the importance of myth to the human experience.

Troy was a city in the far northwest of the region known as Asia Minor, now known as Anatolia in modern Turkey. Situated on Hisarlık Hill on the northwestern tip of Troad Peninsula, the site allows total control of Dardanelles, which, along with the Sea of Marmara & the Bosphorus, is today known as the Turkish Straits. In many periods of history, this was a key route connecting Mediterranean with the Black Sea, as well as being where European & Asian landmasses are almost just a stone's throw away from each other.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Troy, an archaeological site popular with travellers from all over the world, was made famous in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, which depicts that this is where the legendary Trojan War took place.

The abduction of Queen Helen of Sparta by Paris, a Trojan prince, sparked emnity between the Trojans & Achaeans from across the Aegean Sea, or so goes the story. Having been unable to break into the defensive walls of the city for nine years, Achaeans decided to set up a trick - they offered a huge wooden horse as a gift to Trojans, as an amend for the bother they caused with their war galleys on the city's beach. Trojans accepted the offer sincerely, but this resulted in them losing their city, as inside of the horse was full of Achaean soldiers, ready to combat & now right in the centre of their city.

Researchers still debate not only whether there was a Trojan War but also what it would mean to claim that there was a Trojan War. However, it is settled beyond a doubt that the site on Hisarlık Hill was the city which was regarded as the site of a Trojan War in later time (for instance, numerous coins turn up in the topsoil at the site identifying it as such.).

Hisarlık Hill has hosted major human settlements almost continuously since 3000 BC. The earliest city on the site was a small Neolithic settlement of which little remains. A successor to this settlement, now referred to Troy II, was also of modest size but built monumental buildings & amassed such astonishing treasure that early archaeologists initially associated it with a much later period. More famous, however, are the Late Bronze Age Troy VI and Troy VII archaeological layers, likely corresponding to the city known to the Hittites as Wilusa and possibly corresponding to the city known in later legends as Troy.

Depart for the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum - the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamum during the Hellenistic period & one of the Seven Churches addressed in Revelation. Its impressive temples and library made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. You will visit Asclepion, Temple of Serapis, Library of Pergamum, Theatre & some other ruins.

Continue on to Kusadasi.

Situated on the west coast of Turkey, Kusadasi is reputed to be one of the most attractive city of the Aegean & it is close to the important historical sites. This pretty beach resort town attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world with its many sandy beaches, 300 sunny days in a year, sparkling glassy water of blue Aegean, famous night life, countless fish & kebab restaurants, rich shopping facilities, historic sites around etc

It is also a major cruise ship destination & its seafront promenade, marina & harbor are lined with hotels & restaurants. Just offshore on Pigeon Island is a walled Byzantine castle that once guarded the town, connected to the mainland via causeway. Lacking the sights & ambience of Bodrum & the mix of Marmaris, Kuşadası remains a runner-up on the Aegean party scene, but the Irish pubs, discos & multilingual touts certainly create a memorably ribald atmosphere.

Check-in on arrival.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps try one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Meet the Tour-guide at 09:00 am in hotel lobby & embark for a 6 hour tour of Ephesus.

Of Turkey's hundreds of ancient cities & classical ruins, Ephesus is the grandest & best preserved. Indeed, it is the best place on the Mediterranean to get a feel for what life was like in ancient times. Ancient Ephesus was a great trading city & a centre for the cult of Cybele, the Anatolian fertility goddess.

The Greco-Roman world truly comes alive at Ephesus. After more than a century & a half of excavation, the city's recovered & renovated structures have made Ephesus Europe's most complete classical metropolis - & that is with 80% of the city yet to be unearthed!

As capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus was a vibrant city of over 250,000 inhabitants, the fourth largest in the empire after Rome, Alexandria and Antioch. Adding in traders, sailors & pilgrims to the Temple of Artemis, these numbers were even higher, meaning that in Ephesus one could encounter the full diversity of the Mediterranean world & its peoples. So important & wealthy was Ephesus that its Temple of Artemis, on the western edge of present-day Selçuk, was the biggest on earth & one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Under the influence of the Ionians, Cybele became Artemis, the virgin goddess of the hunt & the moon & a fabulous temple was built in her honour. When the Romans took over, Artemis became Diana & Ephesus became the Roman provincial capital, the fourth largest city in the empire after Rome, Alexandria & Antioch.

In 356 BC the Temple of Cybele / Artemis was destroyed in a fire set by a lunatic called Herostratus, who claimed to have done it to get his 15 minutes of fame, proving that modern society has no monopoly on a perverted sense of celebrity. The Ephesians set to work building a grand new temple which, when finished, was recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Ephesus was an important center for early Christianity from the AD 50s. From AD 52-54, Paul lived in Ephesus. Ephesus contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Only an estimated 15% has been excavated.

You will see the Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Library of Celcus, Basilica of St. John or Ephesus Museum, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Domitian, the Theater - believed to be the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world & the Tomb / Fountain of Pollio & some other ruins. (Hillside Houses are excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee to be paid directly).

After the Ephesus tour, visit House of the Virgin Mary, a short distance away.

The House of the Virgin Mary is a Catholic & Muslim shrine located on Mt. Koressos in the vicinity of Ephesus. It was discovered in the 19^th century by following the descriptions in the reported visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774 - 1824), a Roman Catholic nun & visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after her death.

While the Catholic Church has never pronounced in favour or against the authenticity of the house, it nevertheless has maintained a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery. Anne Catherine Emmerich was Beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 3, 2004. The shrine has merited several papal Apostolic Blessings & visits from several popes, the earliest pilgrimage coming from Pope Leo XIII in 1896 & the most recent in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.

Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John & lived there for the remainder of her earthly life.

The shrine itself is not extensively large, but may rather be described as a modest chapel. The preserved stones & construction date back into the Apostolic Age, as consistent with other preserved buildings from that time, but with minor additions such as garden landscapes & devotional additions outside the shrine.

Upon entrance to the chapel, a pilgrim is met by one single large room where an altar along with a large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is prominently displayed in the center. On the right side, a smaller room lies - traditionally associated with the actual room where the Virgin Mary is believed to have slept. Marian tradition holds that some form of running water used to flow like a canal in the smaller room where the Virgin Mary slept & rested, leading to the present drinking fountain outside the building structure.

Outside the shrine is a particular "wishing wall" which pilgrims have used by tying their personal intentions on paper or fabric. Various types of florals & fruits are grown nearby, and additional lighting has been installed within the vicinity of the shrine for further monitoring of the site. A water fountain or well is also located nearby, believed by some pilgrims to have miraculous powers of healing or fertility.

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure. 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed to enjoy an interesting display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Shortly thereafter, embark on a full day 8 hour excursion to visit Pamukkale & Hierapolis.

UNESCO World Heritage site listed Pamukkale is a village in western Turkey made eternally famous for the warm mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white calcite travertine terraces on a nearby hillside, above the village - the so-called ‘Cotton Castle' (pamuk means 'cotton' in Turkish). Measures to protect the glistening bluffs have put paid to the days of freely traipsing around, but walking down the travertines remains one of Turkey’s singular experiences. While the photogenic travertines get busloads of day-trippers passing through for a quick soak & photo op, staying overnight allows you to visit the site at sunset & dodge some of the crowds

Pamukkale Terraces (aka Cotton Castle) - the magnificent white calcium terraces made of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs.

First stop of course, will be at the Cotton Castle - the unique, Pamukkale Terraces. You can spend a pleasant day at Pamukkale, taking a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot sulphur springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers & exploring Hierapolis.

Just above the travertines lies Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded as a curative centre around the 2^nd century BC by Eumenes II of Pergamum, it prospered under both the Romans & Byzantines, when large Jewish & Orthodox Christian communities comprised most of the population.

While it is tempting to wallow in the travertines, which remain one of Turkey’s singular experiences, even with restricted bathing, Hierapolis, has considerable ruins & a Museum.

You will tour the exhibits in the Archeological Museum & see the well-preserved ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, Plutonium, Nymphaeum, Martyrium a Necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2 km - one of the biggest ancient graveyards. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged fluted marble Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.

In time, board the bus again to return to Kusadasi.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or relaxing.

Early morning, you will be met by The Journeys Rep / Driver & transferred to Izmir Airport for the flight to Kayseri, the nearest Airport to access Cappadocia.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? -  Kayseri Erkilet International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program & co-ordinate the timings for the guided sightseeing & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area on your own.

Check-in at the hotel.

As if plucked from a whimsical fairy tale & set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills & towering boulders of otherworldly beauty. The fantastical topography is matched by the human history here.

The semi-arid Cappadocian Region located in the center of the Anatolia with its valley, canyon, hills & unusual rock formation created as a result of the eroding rains & winds of thousands of years of the level, lava-covered plain located between the volcanic mountains Erciyes, Melendiz & Hasan as well as its troglodyte dwellings carved out of the rock & cities dug out into underground, presents an otherworldly appearance

The eruptions of these mountains which were active volcanoes in geological times lasted until 2 million years ago. A soft tuff layer was formed, 150 m in thickness, by the ensuing lava in the valley surrounded by mountains. The rivers, flood water running down the hillsides of valleys & strong winds eroded the geological formations on the plateau, formed with tuff layers, thus creating distinctive bizarre tall mushroom shaped, pinnacled, capped & conic shaped rock formations called ”fairy chimneys” clustered in Monks Valley, Goreme & elsewhere.

The prehistoric settlements of the area are Koskhoyuk (Kosk Mound) in Nigde, Aksaray Asikli Mound, Nevsehir Civelek cave &, in the southeast, Kultepe, Kanis & Alisar in the environs of Kayseri.

This area with its usual topographic characteristics was regarded as sacred & called, in the Scythian / Khatti language, as Khepatukha, meaning "the country of the people of the chief god Hepat", although there are more poetic claims on the origin of the region's name, such as the Old Persian Katpatuka, which allegedly means "the land of beautiful horses".

People have long utilised the region's soft stone, seeking shelter underground and leaving the countryside scattered with fascinating cavern architecture.

Cappadocian Tablets & the Hittite works of art in Alisar dating from 2000s B.C, are are some of the important remains that were found.

After 1200s B.C., the Tabal principality, of the Khatti Branches of Scythians, became strong & founded the Kingdom of Tabal. Following the Late Hittite & Persian eras, the Cappadocian Kingdom was established in 332 B.C. During the Roman era, the area served as a shelter for the early escaping Christians. There are also several underground cities used by early Christians as hideouts in Cappadocia.

The fresco-adorned rock-cut churches of Goreme Open-air Museum & the subterranean refuges of Derinkuyu & Kaymaklı are the most famous sights, while simply bedding down in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels is an experience in 21^st century cave living.

Other notable sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) & later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100 metre deep Ihlara Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches.

Whether you are wooed here by the hiking potential, the history or the bragging rights of becoming a modern troglodyte for a night, it is the lunarscape panoramas that you will remember. This region's accordion-ridged valleys, shaded in a palette of dusky orange & cream, are an epiphany of a landscape - the stuff of psychedelic daydreams.

Balance of the day is at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Today we will get to know the Cappadocia region, a volcanic area in which the geological formation started 10 million years ago. As a result of these formations phallic like pillars have come to life. The beautiful horse country Katpatuka, (as the Persians called her) is an unbelievable strip of land, enchanting & mysterious.

Cappadocia region is also famous for its arts, including ceramic & carpets. Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, the fairy chimneys & explore the many levels of an underground city.

You will meet the Tour-guide in the morning at 08.00 am & proceed for a full day sightseeing of the area.

First stop will be Uchisar Castle, the highest point of Cappadocia. This tall volcanic-rock outcrop situated at a very high altitude, is one of Cappadocia's most prominent landmarks & visible for miles around. Wind your way up the stairs to its peak for a magnificent panoramic views over the rock valleys of the Cappadocian countryside with Mount Erciyes in the distance.

Riddled with tunnels, it was used for centuries by villagers as a place of refuge when enemy armies overtook the surrounding plains. Many rooms hollowed out into the rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels & passages. At the entrances of the rooms, there are millstone doors, just like the ones in the underground settlements, used to control access to these places. Most of the rooms, located on the north side of the castle are in use as pigeon houses (dovecuts) today, which the local farmers use to collect the droppings of pigeons which is an excellent natural fertilizer for the orchards and vineyards. Most of these cave dwellings have been painted white to attract the birds & their valuable droppings

The famous fairy chimneys to the west, east and north of Uchisar were hollowed out & used as graves during the Roman period. Inside these rock cut tombs, the entrances which generally face west, are klines or stone slabs on which the bodies were laid. The simple Byzantine graves on top of the castle are not very interesting as they have been eroded & ransacked. It is said that in towns with citadels, e.g. Uchisar, Ortahisar & Urgup (Bashisar), long defense tunnels reached far into the surrounding areas. However, since the tunnels have collapsed in places, this theory cannot be confirmed, but is a popular myth as to the great distances they cover.

Many rock cut Churches have been discovered not only on the outskirts of the castle but also inside it. The reason for this may be that Goreme, having numerous churches and monasteries, is very close to Uchisar.

After Uchisar, you will proceed to the quaintest corner of Cappadocia, with a bonded community & a marvellous historical tale to tell.

Cavusin is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses, below the radar, rarely featured in travel videos & articles.

Like many other places in Turkey, it once used to be a thriving & close knit community of Turks & Greeks living side by side. Unfortunately the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, ended that when Greek citizens were forced to return to their homeland & vice versa.

Muslim Turks continued to live in their homes which were caves burrowed out of the soft volcanic rock that litters across the entire Cappadocia landscape till 1960s but it became unsafe from falling boulders. Slowly, citizens deserted their cave homes for manmade housing in the new part of Cavusin & for many years, it looked like the old part would end up in rack & ruin. From below, the houses seemed miniature & the people like little dolls.

However, it is famous for its 5^th century quaint Church of Saint John the Baptist, sitting at the top of a rock in the old village part, majestically overlooking the old & new town.

Reached by walking to the top of the large rock & over a shaky wooden bridge, visitors arrive at the entrance to the church, which although does not extensively display impressive frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible as seen in the churches of nearby Goreme, it still has a majestic presence & holy atmosphere. With a cathedral like appearance, unfortunately most of the mosaics were damaged over the years but look closely & you can see the original stories of which one shows a Byzantine emperor riding a white horse. In some areas, the ceiling is pure black. It was originally one structure but during the 10^th century, Christians separated it into three prayer rooms to keep it standing & reinforce the supporting pillars. Evidence of this can be seen at the edge of the walls, which are framed by the original pillars. After the Christians left, it was used as a pigeon shed.

Enjoy lunch in the village.

Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s largest wine-producing regions, with Urgup as its capital and the area boasts at least 5 local wineries each with their own style & variety. There is definitely no shortage of grapes in Turkey. Turkey’s wines are still a bit “behind” in reputation but are growing.

Stop by at one of the Winery to enjoy wine-tasting.

Also visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the heart of Cappadocia, famous for frescoes dating to 10^th century describing the life of Jesus Christ & monks.

Finally, it is time to go back to the hotel, passing through Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. And depending on the time, you may stop by at the spot known as Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia.

Reach the hotel by early evening.

Balance of evening at leisure to relax or for ‘optional’ activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & arrange).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed for another 6 hour excursion of the Cappadocia area.

Today, you will visit the main highlights of the area, relics of an early Christian age, including but not limited to, Avanos Town (well-known Pottery town by Kizlirmak River) & Pigeon Valley (Guvircin Vadisi);

However, the highlight today is the Kaymakli Underground City (contained within the citadel of Kaymakli) first opened to tourists in 1964.

Kaymaklı underground city features a maze of tunnels & rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth (only four are open to public). The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables & cellars

The tunnels here are lower, narrower & more steeply inclined, than are found in other Underground dwellings in Turkey. Of the four floors open to tourists, each space is organized around ventilation shafts & this makes the design of each room or open space dependent on the availability of ventilation. A stable is located on the first floor. The small size of the stable could indicate that other stables exist in the sections not yet opened. To the left of the stable is a passage with a millstone door. The door leads into a church. To the right of the stables are rooms, possibly living spaces.

Located on the second floor is a church with a nave & two apses. In front of the apses is a baptismal font & on the sides along the walls are seating platforms. Names of people contained in graves here coincide with those located next to the church, which supports the idea that these graves belonged to important religious people. The church level also contains some living spaces.

The third floor contains the most important areas of the underground compound: storage places, wine or oil presses & kitchens. This level also contains a remarkable block of andesite with relief textures. Recently it was shown that this stone used for cold-forming copper, was hewn from an andesite layer within the complex. Used in metallurgy, 57 holes were carved into the stone & the technique was to put copper into each of the holes & then to hammer the ore into place. The copper was probably mined locally & utilised by the oldest settlements within the Cappadocia Region.

The high number of storage rooms and areas for earthenware jars on the fourth floor indicates some economic stability as Kaymakli is one of the largest underground settlements in the region. The large area reserved for storage in such a limited area appears to indicate the need to support a large population underground.

The tour ends & you return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is free to relax.

Morning, you will be transferred to Kayseri Erkilet International Airport for your short flight to Istanbul.

The Journey ends with the Departure transfer at Kayseri.  B

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Arrive at Istanbul Kemal Ataturk International Airport. You can stay at the Airport to connect with your onward flight. If you staying longer, please let us know & we will be happy to make the arrangements for your extended stay.