dıscover Cappadocia wıth grand tourıst
Cappadocia is a magnificent region located in central Anatolia, resting on the plateau of the Taurus Mountains. This unique geographical location has incredible rock formations, fairy chimneys, and underground caves spanning an amazing history. Not only on the surface but also underground. It has seen millennia of civilizations and offers an exceptional range of historical and cultural experiences to visitors.
Every corner of the Cappadocia region holds yet another mystery to discover and explore. You should consider adding this city to your travel list (added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985). With the help of Grand Tourist, immerse yourself in the region’s rich history, and delicious cuisine!
Avanos, Özkonak Underground City, Underground Ceramic Museum, Güray Museum
Starting with Avanos, one of the most important districts in Nevşehir. It used to be called Venassa and Evranos during the Assyrian, Hittite, and Seljuk periods.
Besides its magical underground cities such as Özkonak Underground City, Avanos is also famous for Cappadocian pottery production. The clay they used in that region is coming from the red silt of the Kızılırmak river which means (red river in Turkish).
While visiting the Underground Ceramic Museum, and Güray Museum, you can understand that this city has a rich history of making pottery dating back thousands of years. You can also see people making pottery and you can try to make your own pot too!
Çavuşin, Monks Valley (Paşabağı), Güllüdere Valley, Kızılçukur Valley Red valley, Church of St. John The Baptist
Moving onto Çavuşin, a small district that is considered one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. It is surrounded by various valleys and magnificent landscapes. So many exciting stories such as the history of Monks Valley (Paşabağı) and Kızılçukur Valley Red valley.
While visiting this region, explore the Church of St. John The Baptist and a maze of old cavities dug into the fairy chimneys. Christians made carved these caves to avoid the oppression of the Romans.
Time to discover this city from an aerial perspective. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon ride over the magnificent landscape’s creatures with the sunrise. The best seasons are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). You can try this unique experience by flying over this site. Be ready for the surprise at the end of your journey.
If you have more time and want to dig deeper you can explore the underground settlements. This city has many fascinating underground caves such as Derinkuyu Underground City, Özkonak Underground City, and many more.
Göreme, Love Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum
Later moving on to the Göreme, the perfect intersection of the historical layer which became a literal nest for many civilizations. With unique natural beauty shaped by the volcanic tuff and dwellings. You can watch the hot air balloons rising with the sun in the morning and you can see Byzantine buildings and many churches in the daytime. Visit the most famous museum, Goreme Open Air Museum, and take your partner to the Love Valley. Hang one blue-coloured glass bead on the famous trees to protect your love forever!
While visiting monasteries and chapels, such as St. Basil’s Chapel, St. Barbara Chapel, Yılanlı Church, and Tokalı Church. You’ll be amazed by the intricacies of the design and the colours of the ceilings. It is an excellent opportunity to discover Frescos with religious stories and colouring techniques. This is a window into the world of the Monks who used to live in these valleys.
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Uçhisar, Uçhisar Castle, Pigeon Valley
A fabulous panorama of this historical city can be observed from the top of the Uçhisar Castle. This castle has undercover passages and secret rooms which used to house around 1,000 people. Now it is more famous for watching rising hot air balloons.
Take a break and stop by Kocabağ Wine House to enjoy local wines from the large selection. After that, you can explore Pigeon Valley and fairy chimneys with carved birdhouses – home to thousands of pigeons for years. If you have watched movies such as You Can’t Win ‘Em All (1970) or Medea (1969), the chimneys and the landscape may seem familiar to you.
Ürgüp, Three Beauties, Ortahisar Castle
While visiting fairy chimneys you can get lost in this city with a rich history dating back thousands of years with incredible stories. One of the saddest legends belongs to the chimneys called “The Three Beauties”. You can learn about a hopeless love story between a shepherd and a princess.
Discover the cuisine of central Anatolia while watching the hot air balloons rising with the sunset. You can eat delicious traditional dishes such as Testi Kebabı (special kebab cooked in pots made in Avanos), Kabak Çekirdekli Erişte. (Homemade pasta with Pumpkin Seeds), Ürgüp Köfte, Mantı, and many more to enlighten your appetite.
Ortahisar Castle is the largest chimney in the region and by climbing to the top you can see magnificent views of Ürgüp, Avanos, and Göreme. Throughout history, it has been used by different civilizations like Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman.
Recommended Hotel Choice:
- Museum Hotel – Luxury Cave Hotel in Cappadocia. Turkey’s only ‘Relais & Chateaux’ hotel. Not just a hotel but a museum, filled with exceptional antiques, wonderful carpets and gorgeous furniture. This is a unique hotel with incredible views, original, stone rooms and fabulous panoramic terraces. Our guests are guaranteed a special welcome at The Museum Hotel.
Contact janet@grand-tourist.com for more details and to chat through your exact requirements. Grand Tourist offers truly tailor-made travel.
- To book : Get ready for your next trip!
- Please visit our blog – The Educated Traveller for numerous articles.
A LAST WORD OR TWO…
A city to walk, wander and dream. A place to enjoy the Cappadocia with the magnificent views and city’s rich history. Join me, Janet Simmonds, tour guide and travel writer, in the city that has inspired and influenced me for more than thirty years. For far more detail and numerous articles visit my blog: https://www.educated-traveller.com
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