In ancient geography, Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya) was the name of the extensive inland district of Asia Minor (Asian part of modern Turkey). Cappadocia region is the place where nature and history come together most beautifully within the world. While geographic events are forming Peribacalari (fairy chimneys), during the historical period, humans had carried the signs of thousand years old civilizations with carving houses and churches within these earth pillars and decorating them with frisks.

Cappadocia contains several underground cities, largely used by early Christians as hiding places before they became a legitimate religion. The Cappadocian Fathers of the fourth century were integral to much of early Christian philosophy. It also produced, among other people, another Patriarch of Constantinople, John of Cappadocia who held office 517–520. For most of the Byzantine era it remained relatively undisturbed by the conflicts in the area, first with the Sassanid Empire and later against the Islamic expansion led by Arabs.

The area is a world famous and popular tourist destination, as it has many areas with unique geological, historic and cultural features. The region is southwest of the major city Kayseri, which has airline and railroad service to Ankara and Istanbul. The Cappadocia region is largely underlain by sedimentary rocks formed in lakes and streams, and ignimbrite deposits erupted from ancient volcanoes approximately 9 to 3 million years ago (late Miocene to Pliocene epochs). The rocks of Cappadocia near Goreme eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like forms. The volcanic deposits are soft rocks that the people of the villages at the heart of the Cappadocia Region carved out to form houses, churches, monasteries. Goreme became a monastic center between 300-1200 AD. First period settlement in Goreme reaches to the Roman period from Christianity. Yusuf Koc, Ortahane, Durmus Kadir and Bezirhane churches in Goreme, houses and churches carved into rocks till to Uzun Dere, Baglidere and Zemi Valley carries the mystical side of history today. The Goreme Open Air Museum is the most visited site of the monastic communities in Cappadocia and is one of the most famous sites in central Turkey. It is a complex comprising more than 30 rock-carved churches and chapels containing some superb frescoes, dating from the 9th to the 11th centuries..

Tour Program (5 Days)

• 1

  Day 1

  You arrive at Kayseri airport (you can fly from the desired airport) and stay greeted by a Scandinavian-speaking guide at the airport. Transfer to yours Hotels in Cappadocia.

• 2

  Day 2

  After open buffet breakfast at the hotel we start the day's program. Our first stop is in the Göreme Open Air Museum. This museum is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is famous for its beautiful cave churches with historical paintings. Then we travel on to Fantasi Dalen (Devrent) and to one of the many underground cities in the area. Up to 5,000 people could live in this underground city. The city had kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, churches, wine cellars and water storage and you get a tour of these parts. After that the trip is over we travel back to the hotel.

• 3

  Day 3

  Today you get the opportunity to experience Cappadocia from the air by to take part in the popular balloon ride in the area. The balloon ride done at sunrise and is an experience you will never forget. The view of the adventurous landscape with the sun's play of colors is completely unique. After the balloon ride we return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we go to a school where the students are taught production of traditional Turkish rugs. After the visit here we travel on to Mustafa Paşa village. This is an idyllic old village that previously had mainly Greek population. We also visit Cavuşin village and one of the region's many wineries where you will have the opportunity to taste local wines. After the trip is over, we travel back to the hotel.

• 4

  Day 4

  After breakfast we continue to explore the sights of Cappadocia and beautiful scenery. During this day you will also have the opportunity to shop in local stores. During this day we will visit Üçhisar Castle which is the highest point in Cappadocia and we stop at a vantage point where you have a great view Göreme. We will also visit the Love Valley and Kızılırmak (The Red River or Halys River) where Halys' war took place place in antiquity between the Medical and Lydian kingdoms. After that the trip is over we travel back to the hotel. In the evening, those who wish can participate in a "Turkish Evening". Here you get to experience traditional Turkish music and folk dance. For detailed information contact their Scandinavian speaking guide.

• 5

  Day 5

  Transfer to the airport and return.