Dive into the breathtaking world of Turkey

05 October - 13 October 2024

Cappadocia, a fascinating semi-desert region located in the center of Turkey, with a history dating back to antiquity, impresses with its incomparable landscape featuring bizarre rock formations, the famous "fairy chimneys," as well as its underground cities housing troglodyte dwellings and rock-cut churches. Ideal for travelers who appreciate history, nature, and adventure.

SERVICES

• Round-trip flight Luxembourg - Istanbul
• Home pick-up
• Domestic flights
• Local guide throughout the stay
• All visits and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• On-site transfers
• Breakfast (=B), lunch (=L), & dinner (=D) as per the itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: October 5, 2024 / Arrival (D)

Upon arrival at Nevşehir-Kapadokya Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: October 6, 2024 / Göreme Open-Air Museum - Red Valley / 10 km (B, L, D)

In the morning, explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to monasteries and churches carved into the rock. Then, take a walk in the Red Valley with its lunar-like formations. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the village of Çavuşin, partially built on a mountain ridge. 

Optional excursion: Whirling Dervishes prayer.

Day 3: October 7, 2024 / Hiking in Ihlara Valley & Narligol Crater Lake / 10 km (B, L, D)

After breakfast, go for a hike in Ihlara Valley, a 150-meter-deep gorge formed by the Melendiz Çayı River. Then, visit Narligol Crater Lake, formed by a volcanic eruption. After lunch, visit Selime Monastery, impressive for its imposing size and interesting history.

Optional excursion: Turkish bath

Day 4: October 8, 2024 / Monk's Valley - Avanos - Devrent Valley / 10 km (B, L, D)

In the morning, hike from Paşabağ (Monk's Valley) to Zelve Open-Air Museum. This spectacular valley is famous for its beautiful landscape and the most impressive collection of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys. After the hike, visit a pottery workshop. Then, continue your journey to the pottery town of Avanos with its attractive old town and have lunch. In the afternoon, explore Devrent Valley, where there are many rock formations resembling animals. 

Optional excursion: Hot air balloon ride (For the hot-air balloon flight, you'll be picked up around 4:30 a.m. before sunrise).

Day 5: October 9, 2024 / Pigeon Valley - Love Valley - Saruhan / 8 km (B, L, D)

In the morning, head to the picturesque Pigeon Valley. Then, visit Uçhisar Fortress and stroll through Love Valley with its unusual volcanic landscape. In the afternoon, visit Saruhan Caravanserai, once a fortress built to protect merchants and travelers on the Silk Road. Optional excursion: Sunset safari by quad or jeep.

Optional excursion: Sunset safari by quad or jeep.

Day 6: October 10, 2024 / Sobesos & Mustafapaşa / 6 km (B, L, D)

After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Sobesos, considered the only ancient Roman city in Cappadocia. Then, visit an extensive complex of troglodyte monasteries. Next, your journey continues to Soğanlı Valley, where you can have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the small town of Mustafapaşa. Turkish evening with dinner and dances.

Day 7: October 11, 2024 / Sultansazlığı National Park - Kayseri - Travel to Istanbul (B, L)

In the morning, visit Sultansazlığı National Park, home to rare bird species. Then, continue your journey to Kayseri, located at the foot of a dormant volcano. The city is home to several historical monuments from the Seljuk dynasty era. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls. In the evening, take a flight to Istanbul.

Day 8: October 12, 2024 / Istanbul (B, L)

Start the day with a visit to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Then, visit the impressive Hagia Sophia Mosque. After that, the tour will take you to Topkapı Palace, the former center of power of the Ottoman Empire. The museum's collection includes Ottoman clothing, weapons, miniatures, religious relics, and the Topkapı Manuscript. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Day 9: October 13, 2024 / Departure (B)

Transfer to the airport. Return flight from Istanbul to Luxembourg.

Optional excursion supplements per person

• Whirling Dervishes prayer: €28
• Sunset safari by quad: €49
• Sunset safari by jeep: €59
• Turkish bath (massage oil not included): €52
• Hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Soğanlı Valley: €225