Cappadocia Holidays

Experience the essence of Cappadocia as you explore its extraordinary valleys, ancient cave dwellings and remarkable rock-cut churches, ending with sweeping views over this otherworldly region.

Your introduction into Cappadocia's otherworldly scenery begins in the Devrent Valley, with its striking rock formations. You'll then continue to the Zelve Open Air Museum, which gives a remarkable glimpse into the past with its ancient troglodyte dwellings – one of Cappadocia's earliest inhabited and last-abandoned monastic communities.

Next up, you'll explore Pasabag, home of the iconic "fairy chimneys" where the wind seems to whisper through the unforgettable roc spires. From here, head to Avanos to watch a traditional pottery demonstration. After lunch in Avanos, you'll visit the renowned Goreme Open Air Museum, where beautifully preserved rock-cut churches display exquisite Byzantine fescoes dating back to the 10th Century. End the day at Uchisar Rock Castle, admiring its sweeping panoramic views over Cappadocia's valleys.

• Full day

• Private experience

Experience the essence of Cappadocia as you explore its extraordinary valleys, ancient cave dwellings and remarkable rock-cut churches, ending with sweeping views over this otherworldly region.

Your day begins with a journey underground to the fascinating city of Kaymakli, one of Cappadocia's largest and deepest subterranean settlements. Continue on to the dramatic Ihlara Valley, where you'll embark on a scenic 4km walk along the canyon floor leading to Belisirma (once known as ancient Peristrema) via the Steps of Anatolia. Set beside the tranquil Melendiz River, this enchanting gorge, often called the "Valley of the Sky", is home to rock-cut churches adorned with remarkably well-preserved early Christian paintings.

Take a break for some lunch in Belisirma at a local riverside restaurant before travelling onto the beautiful village of Selime. The final stop of the day is the impressive Agzikarahan Caravanserai, an outstanding example of Seljuk architecture built in the early 13th century along Silk Road to shelter travelling merchants and their camels.

• Full day

• Private experience

Discover a more untouched and soulful Cappadocia as you explore secluded valleys, historic rock-cut sanctuaries and authentic rural life.

Start off the day in Soganli Valley, an open-air museum surrounded by wild natural scenery and a traditional Cappadocian village. Here, distinctive rock-cut churches decorated with ancient frescoes offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's early monastic life.

Continue through untouched rural landscapes towards Mustafapasa, travelling past villages framed by Cappadocia's striking "table-top" mountains. En route, stop at Keslik Monastery near Cemil Village, where centuries-old frescoes lie hidden beneath a fine layer of smoke, visible only by torchlight.

Lunch is served in Mustafapasa at a charming Old Greek house, warmly hosted by a local family. The afternoon takes you into the heart of Cappadocia for a 5km hike through the magnificent Red Valley, one of the region's most breathtaking landscapes. Its dramatic volcanic formations and secluded location away from the main tourist trails creates a sense of serenity, enhanced by the tiny hermit chapels carved into the valley walls which add a quiet spiritual aura into this extraordinary setting.

• Full day

• Private experience

Experience an authentic taste of local life as you meet a Cappadocian family and delve into the heart of traditional Turkish cuisine. The day begins with a visit to a local market or spice shop, where vibrant colours and aromas set the scene for what's to come.

You'll then head to a village home, where local women warmly welcome you into their kitchen to teah you how to prepare three beloved dishes from Cappadocia and Anatolia. Learn to make gozleme, a delicate sheet of dough filled with cheese and cooked to perfection; yaprak sarma, tender vine leaves wrapped around a savoury filling; and manti, a small flavourful meat-filled dumplings. After cooking, enjoy a delicious lunch shared with the family, offering you a genuine glimpse into local hospitality.

In the afternoon, you'll set off on a gentle 4km walk through the enchanting Red Valley. Known for its dramatic volcanic formations and peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds, this valley feels both mysterious and serene. Rock-cut hermit churches, decorated with ancient frescoes, add a spiritual stillness to the landscape – a fitting end to a day rich in culture, flavour and natural beauty.

• Full day

• Private experience

Discover the quieter beauty of Cappadocia on a scenic journey through valleys rich in colour, history and unforgettable panoramic views.

Enjoy a scenic 4km walk through the stunning Red Valley, one of Cappadocia's most captivating landscapes. Its dramatic volcanic formations create a colourful backdrop far from the usual crowds. Scattered along the valley walls, ancient rock-cut hermit churches decorated with timeless frescoes add a quiet, spiritual beauty to the surroundings.

After lunch or a picnic, continue with another picturesque walk, this time from Uchisar to Goreme. Beginning at Uchisar's panoramic viewpoint, the trail gently descends into a serene valley famed for its beautifully carved pigeon houses – among the best preserved and most impressive in the region. The harmony of the valley's shifting rock colours and its deep, restorative silence creates a wonderfully calming experience. The walk ends in the heart of Goreme, where you can capture unique and memorable images of Cappadocia's extraordinary landscapes.​

• Full day

• Private experience

Cappadocia is one of the best places in the world for a hot-air balloon flight. With its soaring boulders, pigeon houses, deep canyons and fairy chimneys, there’s nowhere else like it. During this magical experience, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia as you float above its lunar-like landscape.

Your adventure begins with a light breakfast while you watch the crew inflate the balloon. Then you’ll climb into the basket for a gentle take-off before reaching full height – at times, the excellent flying conditions mean you’ll even drift between the fairy chimneys. Fly through impressive valleys, each with distinctive rock formations and colours, and then float up over rippled ravines. Back on the ground, a Champagne celebration and your flight certificate await. This is an unforgettable experience for couples and honeymooners – it’s also a fantastic way for groups of family and friends to make memories together.

• Duration: half day
• Departing daily from Cappadocia
• Departs year round
• Group experience