8 Day Journey to Cappadocia & the Coast of Asia Minor

DENIZLI - HIERAPOLIS - PAMUKKALE - KONYA After breakfast, we will visit Hierapolis, known as the "Gateway to the Underworld," where we can explore well-preserved tombs and impressive Roman baths. Here, you’ll also find Pamukkale, a breathtaking natural wonder with shallow pools and small waterfalls formed over centuries by mineral-rich thermal waters. Don’t miss the chance to walk through these stunning terraces. Next, we head to Konya, the glorious capital of the Seljuks. Upon arrival, the highlight will be the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Whirling Dervishes. Afterward, check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

KONYA - CAPPADOCIA After breakfast, we depart for southwestern Cappadocia. On the way, we will stop at the Ihlara Valley, also known as the "Valley of Peristerima," which is traversed by the Melendiz River. We will take a walk along the gorge beside the river and ascend to the carved church of Saint George, known for its rare frescoes. Free time will be provided, and we recommend relaxing on the floating terraces and enjoying a traditional Gözleme (Turkish pastry). Next, we will visit Carvalli, famous for its carpets and ceramics. We will also visit the Church of Saint Gregory the Theologian of Nazianzus. Continuing our journey, we will head to the underground city of Kaymakli, which is believed to have been created by early Christians as a refuge from persecution. The city can accommodate up to 3,000 people and reaches a depth of 85 meters (approximately 10 floors). Here, we will explore a complex system of tunnels, rooms, churches, stables, kitchens, storage areas, and tomb chambers. Notable features include ventilation shafts and water wells. The city was abandoned after the Turkish persecutions. Finally, we will arrive in Ürgüp (formerly known as Prokopi), where we will stay for three nights. After dinner at the hotel, we suggest enjoying a traditional night out with drinks. After breakfast, we depart for southwestern Cappadocia. On the way, we will stop at the Ihlara Valley, also known as the "Valley of Peristerima," which is traversed by the Melendiz River. We will take a walk along the gorge beside the river and ascend to the carved church of Saint George, known for its rare frescoes. Free time will be provided, and we recommend relaxing on the floating terraces and enjoying a traditional Gözleme (Turkish pastry). Next, we will visit Carvalli, famous for its carpets and ceramics. We will also visit the Church of Saint Gregory the Theologian of Nazianzus. Continuing our journey, we will head to the underground city of Kaymakli, which is believed to have been created by early Christians as a refuge from persecution. The city can accommodate up to 3,000 people and reaches a depth of 85 meters (approximately 10 floors). Here, we will explore a complex system of tunnels, rooms, churches, stables, kitchens, storage areas, and tomb chambers. Notable features include ventilation shafts and water wells. The city was abandoned after the Turkish persecutions. Finally, we will arrive in Ürgüp (formerly known as Prokopi), where we will stay for three nights. After dinner at the hotel, we suggest enjoying a traditional night out with drinks.

CAPPADOCIA (Sinasos - Pigeon Valley - Karamat) After breakfast, we will visit Sinasos, a town with clear traces of Greek heritage and Orthodoxy. No other village in Cappadocia spoke such beautiful and rich Greek as Sinasos, which earned it the nickname "Athens of the East." In the town center, you will find the market, the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen (the town's cathedral), and several Greek mansions. Next, we will head to the picturesque village of Uçhisar, built in the Pigeon Valley. We will reach the Uçhisar Castle, from where we will enjoy a panoramic view of all of Cappadocia. Our next stop will be the Karamat Valley, where we will witness conical formations made of porous stone, a rare and striking natural feature of Cappadocia's rugged landscape. This area boasts over 360 carved underground churches. We will visit the Church of Saint Basil, the Church of Saint Onuphrius, the Church of Saint Barbara, and the Dark Church, famous for its stunning frescoes. Afterward, we will return to Ürgüp for a visit to the church where Saint John the Russian lived in asceticism. Free time will be given for shopping in the town's market. For a unique experience, we recommend attending a Whirling Dervishes ceremony. In the evening, we will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

CAPPADOCIA (Avanos - Pasabaglari - Kayseri) After breakfast, we will visit the city of Avanos, renowned for its pottery workshops and folk art. We will tour a factory that specializes in onyx and clay artworks. Next, we head to Pasabaglari, where we will encounter the famous "fairy chimneys" that characterize the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. These natural rock formations are one of the region’s most distinctive features. In the afternoon, we will reach Kayseri, a city with a well-developed road network and modern architectural interventions. You will have free time to explore the traditional local market, which is located next to the Seljuk Castle. In the evening, we will return to our hotel, where you will have some free time to relax before dinner and overnight stay.

Bursa Optional hot air balloon ride and return to the hotel. After breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to Cappadocia and head towards Bursa. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel, followed by a guided tour of the city. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Bursa - Moschonisia - Ayvalik - Pergamon - Smyrna After breakfast, we depart for the coast of Asia Minor. Our first stop will be Moschonisia, where we will visit the largest island connected to Ayvalik by a narrow bridge. We will stroll through the charming narrow streets and visit the Church of the Archangels. Next, we head to the old town of Ayvalik, famous for its many small alleys and Greek mansions. We will visit the Church of Saint George, which has been standing since 1790 and has operated as a mosque since 1922. Although the Christian images and symbols have been removed, the beautifully crafted iconostasis remains intact. After some free time by the coast, we continue for a tour of the archaeological site of Pergamon. After lunch, we proceed to Smyrna, arriving late in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel and enjoy dinner. After dinner, we recommend taking a walk along the waterfront pedestrian street and enjoying a drink.

Smyrna - Ephesus - Airport - Larnaca After breakfast, we begin with a walking tour of Smyrna. On our way to Ephesus, we will pass through the coastal avenue. Once in Ephesus, our guided tour will take us through the most significant monuments, such as the Arcadian Way, the Hellenistic Theatre, the Nymphaeum, the Stadium, and the Celsus Library. We will then visit Kusadasi, where we will have free time for lunch. Afterward, we proceed to Smyrna Airport for our flight back to Larnaca via Athens.