Discover Cappadocia From Istanbul- 2 Days / 1 Nights
Tour Code: CS-CAP
Highlights: Goreme Open-air museum, Uchisar Castle, Pasabag’s Fairy Chimney Valley, Pigeon Valley, Dervent Valley, Underground city Cardak or Ozkonak, Avanos Village.
Duration: 2 days/1 Nights
Departures: Everyday from Istanbul
Tour Prices: $229 per person, double occupancy ( Small Semi Private Group Tour)
Quick Overview
Discover the natural and historical treasures of mystical Cappadocia. This 2-Day package features visits to the area’s famous cave churches and dwellings, its “underground city”, and “fairy chimneys” carved into the soft volcanic rock by time and the elements.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Full Day Northern Highlights Tour
Pick up from Istanbul central located hotel transfer to airport from the flight to Kayseri/ Nevsehir
Your guide will meet you at the airport in Cappadocia this morning. Driving through the Dervent Valley, you will have your first encounter with the region’s Martian-like landscape. We stop to view Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where it is said that “the voice of the wind harmonizes with songs of the fairies”, then continue to the Avanos center of terracotta art, where clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has been used by local artisans for centuries to make fine quality pottery and other ceramic products.
After lunch, we visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. The ancient Christian inhabitants of this region carved out houses, churches, monasteries from its soft rocks. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period, including frescoes considered to be unique artistic achievement. From here we visit a carpet weaving co-op to see how fine Turkish carpets are hand woven. We complete the tour with panoramic view down below the Uchisar Rock-Castle where numerous hollowed-out vessels, tombs, and a large water cistern all welcome you as silent witnesses to history, and from where you’ll have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Overnight at hotel. (L)
This evening you can enjoy an OPTIONAL Traditional Turkish night out, featuring dinner, and folk and belly dancing in a popular local cave restaurant).
Day 2 – Full Day Sightseeing
Early this morning (4:45-8:30 am), you can take an OPTIONAL Dawn Hot Air Balloon ride.
After breakfast, you depart for the “Red Valley” to see its famous rock-cut churches. Then you begin a 5 km walk through the Gulludere Valley, ending with a visit to “Old Cavusin village”. Abandoned several decades ago due to avalanches, “Old Cavusin” has fascinating rock-cut dwellings and stone houses, and once had had several hermitages.
After lunch, we drive to “Pigeon Valley”, then the visit Cardak or Ozkonak “Underground City”, where early Christians lived in fear and faith. The houses in the village are constructed around the “city’s” nearly one hundred tunnels, and comprise one of the most interesting underground settlements in Cappadocia. The “Underground City” was originally carved out as eight floors enough space to give refuge to about 5,000 people; however, today you can explore just four of the floors. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars.
Your tour ends as we drive back to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul on arrival to Istanbul transfer to your hotel (B, L)
PRICES& DEPARTURE DATES 2017 (Minimum 2 participants)
| Departure Period | Per Person Double Occupancy | Per Person Triple Occupancy | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every Day | $229 | $219 | $35 |
Note: Above rates are not valid during the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
What the Price Includes
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Pick up from / to Istanbul Hotels
- Accommodation at a 4-Star Hotels*
- Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
- Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
- Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide
- Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary
- Hotel taxes and services charges
Upgrade to 5-Star or Boutique Hotel available (rates on request)
Not Included
- Gratuities to tour staff
- All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
- Beverages (except for those served with breakfast)
- Domestic flights , optional tours
