Istanbul - Cappadocia
An early morning transfer takes you from your hotel in Istanbul to meet your flight to Kayseri (Cappadocia), where you are greeted by your licensed tour guide. Your introduction to local culture begins with a drive from the airport through the farmlands of Kayseri with gorgeous views of Mount Erciyes. The lava that poured from this 12,851-foot mountain formed the spellbinding landscape of the Cappadocia Valley. Your first stop is Erdemli to explore a little known site of rock-cut churches and monasteries. Next, we head to picturesque Soganli Valley, a natural setting near a typical Cappadocian village with its different style rock-cut churches and hundreds of dovecots. An unusual drive takes us to Mazikoy to explore an obscure underground city by oil lamp with a local guide. Adventurous types (with appropriate footwear) can climb up through the tunnels using ancient footholds worn into the stone. Enjoy a drive on the back roads through unspoiled villages to Ayvali Village, where we enjoy a traditional lunch cooked in a tanduri oven at Aravan Evi Restaurant. After lunch, transfer to tonight’s accommodations at one of our select hotels in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia
Your first stop is Devrent Valley, where you walk among the animal-like natural rock formations. Our next stop is the dramatic Zelve Open Air Museum – formerly a monastic complex. Stretching across three valleys, the dramatic topography reveals a collection of buildings carved into the steep sides of rock cliffs. Next, head to Pasabaglari to explore the distinctive fairy chimneys Cappadocia is known for. A short drive takes you to the pretty town of Avanos for an a la carte lunch along the Kizilirmak (Red River). After lunch, you can decide whether or not to participate in an optional pottery activity. If you are interested, we start with a pottery demonstration at a local shop. Here, we will try our hand at it under the supervision of a master potter. Potters have handed down the craft and used the red clay of the region to produce famous artisan earthenware since the time of the Hittites. Avanos pottery is famous throughout Turkey, Avanos also produced a sizable amount of the blue tiles at The Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Of course there is a beautiful shop if you are interested in shopping. After lunch, drive to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia’s moonscape. Climb up the castle to enjoy a breath-taking view of the surrounding valleys and Mt. Erciyes. Your next stop is a visit to a six floor cave house in the Uchisar Valley. Explore the cave house, browse the wares of nearby street vendors, or enjoy the serene environment over a cup of Turkish tea. We then take a short stop at Esentepe to allow you to enjoy scenic views of the town of Goreme. The highlight of the day is the Goreme Open Air Museum, showcasing beautiful Byzantine art in churches carved into the rock. The stunningly well-preserved frescoes in the Dark Church are sure to make a lasting impression. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Cappadocia
Rise and shine before dawn today and enjoy an unforgettable balloon ride. You are picked up from your hotel and transferred to the take off site to watch the balloon being prepared for flight. As the sun rises, float peacefully over Cappadocia for one hour, enjoying this unique perspective from above. This is one of the best places in the world to experience a balloon ride. Be sure to have plenty of memory (or film) in your camera. Upon landing, celebrate the flight with a champagne toast. You are then transferred back to your hotel for breakfast and a free morning. Interested in rugs but worried about being hassled? After lunch, take advantage of an optional visit to one of the weaving centersto see how silk is spun from cocoons and learn more about Turkish rug design in a hassle-free environment. Your late afternoon program includes a walking tour of Red and Rose Valleys, the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia. The tour passes among volcanic rock formations, rock-hewn churches, and monasteries. The difficulty level of the walk can be adjusted to your comfort level, including one that is primarily flat and downhill. Our walk also takes us to Cavusin Village to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until the mid-20th century. Since you were up with the sun this morning, why not enjoy the sunset as well from a great spot overlooking Red Valley? Afterwards, you are driven back to your hotel.

Cappadocia - Istanbul
Today’s tour takes us to explore the Underground City of Kaymakli, one of the largest underground settlements in the region. This underground city acted as a short term shelter for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. Next, we head to the town of Guzelyurt (Beautiful Land), to explore the Church of St. Gregorius, thought to be the birthplace of the Gregorian chant. We then head away from town to visit the Church of Analipsis, which rises from the top of a rocky hill. There used to be a small church at this site in Byzantine days, but in 1895 the chief minister of the area built a larger church on the site through donations. The church enjoys a great location overlooking the Anatolian steppe and Mt Hasan. Next, we drive to nearby Ihlara Valley, the valley of deep thoughts, famous for its two-mile hike through a lush valley filled with poplar groves, wildlife, and churches carved into the canyon walls. The topography of the valley provided a secure area that served as an important monastic center from the 4th century onwards. The Melendiz River keeps us company as we hike through the canyon. After our hike, relax with a lunch by the river at one of the restaurants in the village of Belisirma. We drive by to enjoy scenic views of Selime Valley before heading out to visit one of the caravanserais on the Silk Road. Your final stop is the Kayseri airport where you will board your flight back to Istanbul.

• An incredible experience without the horde of tourists
• 3 Night accommodation with breakfast at a Select Room of your choice
• Exclusive Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Domestic Flights
• Air-conditioned vehicle with non-smoking private driver
• Entrance to all sites
• Guided tour at sites by licensed non-smoking private tour guide
• A la carte lunches with beverages
• Airport transfers in Istanbul and Cappadocia
• Complimentary bottled water throughout the tour
• Taxes