Cappadocia - discover another Turkey

This region is not like our usual tourist Turkey, with its service and services. Dozens of centuries and several civilizations have left their majestic monuments here, filled with many years of history.

Cappadocia - the center of world aeronautics

Social networks are full of pictures of bright balloons against the backdrop of an almost lunar landscape with its characteristic soil color and bizarre weathering; these pictures surpass pictures from other no less popular regions of Turkey in their number. Soaring to a height of up to 500 meters, a new, unprecedented Cappadocia opens up.

There is no sea, beaches, architectural sights here - so what is the reason for such popularity of this "other" Turkey?

• Stone pillars are stone remnants, resembling either stove chimneys or huge, elongated mushrooms, in fact, they are tuff remnants topped with a “cap” of basalt. Such a miracle of geology became possible thanks to the active volcanic activity that took place in this area several tens of millions of years ago. After the period of eruptions came to an end, water, wind and temperature changes made every possible effort so that we could now see the result of their labors for many millions of years.
• Balloon flights - hundreds of bright balloons soar into the sky every day, this kind of leisure is one of the main ones in this region. If you are afraid of the flights themselves, then just the sight of hundreds of balloons in the sky will not leave anyone indifferent. Well, if you decide to try - you can not be afraid, the state closely monitors the training of pilots and controls their timely certification. In any case, the whole action will leave in your memory the best emotions and memories.
• Due to its unique location at the crossroads of trade and migration routes, it was able to absorb a lot from different peoples. At one time there were Romans and Persians, Ottomans and Syrians and many smaller tribes. By the way, the world-famous trade "Silk Road" passed here. Each of the peoples has contributed to the mosaic of the culture of Cappadocia. Christians made a huge contribution to the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
  Most of the names of the area have been mentioned since ancient times, the next wave of foundations was already under the Muslims and covered the entire 13th century. The color and spirit of the ancient settlements will remain in your memory for a long time.
• The underworld of Cappadocia are monuments of early Christianity. Volcanic tuff is a soft and pliable material that allowed ancient people to create real underground cities that go deep underground and have not yet been fully explored. Christian underground churches are evenly distributed throughout the region and at the moment their number is about 500 pieces, many of them have preserved unique, rare examples of religious rock art - frescoes. But it cannot be said that it was the persecution of Christians that caused the development of these shelters, the method of building housing by extracting soft tufa rocks was practiced here as early as the first millennium BC, primarily because it is easy and convenient. Enterprising Turks have built luxurious hotels in the cave cities, and tourists have the opportunity to go underground like the early Christians, but with a modern high level of hotel service.
• But not only people have contributed to the modern look of Cappadocia, nature itself has generously endowed this territory with a variety of natural, landscape attractions - canyons and lakes, along which there are a lot of marked tourist routes of various durations and complexity. Trekking (hiking) lovers will discover Turkey from a completely new side, in which the lakes of Cappadocia arose as a result of tectonic shifts of the Eurasian lithospheric plate, and rich vegetation adorned their shores and surroundings.
• Lovers of ski holidays will certainly be impressed by the Erciyes resort, where you can not only go skiing, but also go rock climbing. The peak of Erciyes itself is an extinct volcano has a height of 3917 meters above sea level. In total, more than a hundred kilometers of trails of varying difficulty are located along the picturesque slopes of the mountain at altitudes between 2100 and 3300 meters. In terms of logistics, the resort is ideally designed - 20 kilometers from Kayseri Airport.

If the above attractions are not enough, here are some additional ones worth paying attention to:

• Goreme National Park - covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 300 square meters. kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - more than 350 Christian churches previously functioned on the territory, and the park itself has an unusual appearance, thanks to its "chimneys".
• Kayseri is a city of contrasts, where Roman burials and a modern airport, Hittite burial mounds and a winter resort, a huge number of museums and carpet workshops are located nearby, because Kayseri is a regional leader in their production.
• Aksaray is the oldest transport hub through which the legendary "Silk Road" passed.

And more possible...

Taste the wine that is made in Ugrup - the location in a mountainous area has led to the appearance of aromas and tastes inherent in wines only from this area. Tasting of Cappadocian wines is a must-attend event! In the caves of Ortahisar - plunge into the mud baths. Descend to the cave city of Kaymakli and the fortress of Uchisar. Visit one of the Turkish shrines of the 14th century - the mosque in Hadjibektash or the ancient Kirshehir astronomical observatory, which was opened in the 13th century in a local madrasah and gathered under its roof all the famous scientists and thinkers of that time.

And more...

Avanos is a city with a thousand-year history, where even 2000 years before the birth of Christ there was already a center of pottery and art. Household items made in Avanos will decorate any collection and add color to any room. By the way, the material from which they are made, as well as 4000 years ago, is red-white clay.

Cappadocian pottery

Live behind the process of creating clay products, see and appreciate the preserved centuries-old manufacturing techniques - all this can be done in numerous pottery workshops.

If you are a fan of outdoor activities, Cappadocia is the perfect choice for you. We come to relax at any time of the year - the climate allows - the average temperature throughout the year is up to 24 degrees, the most pleasant (in terms of temperature) time of the year is September-October and April-May.

The most frequently asked questions about Cappadocia:

1. What is Cappadocia?

This is a region of central Turkey, known throughout the world for its stone remains in the form of chimneys and one of the centers of world aeronautics, where you can make your first flight.

Worth considering! Even with a small wind, takeoffs on aircraft stop. Therefore, it is better to book a tour to Cappadocia for at least 3 nights.

2. Where is Cappadocia located in Turkey?

Cappadocia is not exactly a city, and by no means a typical resort. A place that combines the name of several nearby villages.

There is no sea here, but there are towering frozen volcanoes - Erciyes and Hasan, more than 3000 meters high, caves, stunning landscapes at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level in Central Anatolia.

The village of Goreme is the heart of Cappadocia, which is located in the center of the cave park. Regional epicenter of entertainment and tourism. It is considered the main center for hot air ballooning.

3. Cappadocia - how to get there and how much does it cost?

There are a couple of examples. The last stop of our route is the village of Gureme, the best place to stay. Consider the main options, optimal in terms of price / quality combination, how to get to Goreme.

The two best, most profitable routes to Cappadocia are:

Route 1: Kyiv - Ankara - Goreme

1. To Ankara: by plane of UIA or Pegasus Airlines about 2 hours on the way, the cost is about 40 dollars per person. one way.
2. Upon arrival, you need to get to the station, which is located in the suburbs of Ankara - the village of Ashti (Asti). A Havas shuttle runs from the airport to the bus station, the cost is about 11 lira ($ 3.5) per person. The main journey from Ankara Station in Gürem covers approximately 5 hours. On regular buses - large 50-seater, small micro-buses or private carriers.
3. Arrive at the bus station, in the very center of the town. All apartments are within walking distance.

Route 2: Kyiv - Istanbul - Nevsehir/Kayseri - Goreme

This version is suitable for those who prefer flying than driving. There are two small airports nearby - Kayseri (1 hour drive) and Nevsehir (20 min.). There are no direct flights from Ukraine, a transfer in Istanbul is required.

1. Kyiv-Istanbul
   There are many flights, different airlines from Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine. Ticket price per person - from 40 dollars one way.
2. Istanbul - Nevsehir/Kayseri
   - Good flight option : Istanbul-Nevsehir. There are few flights (1-2 per day) and are not cheap, but close to the hotel (about 20 minutes drive).
   - Istanbul-Kayseri flight is very cheap (from $15 per person) and always a good choice flights(Pegasus stands out more).
3. Transfer to Goreme can be booked at the hotel (sometimes free), or directly at the exit from the airport. Many private minibuses will take you to the place in an hour (about 10 eur). A separate taxi will cost 50-60 euros per car.

4. Cappadocia: where to live and what hotel to choose

The best choice for a stay, a hotel in the village of Göreme. A large selection of hotels, many restaurants, shops and all kinds of entertainment.
It is better to choose a hotel high up the slope and with a terrace. You are guaranteed excellent photos against the backdrop of the landscapes of Cappadocia and balloons floating in the air.

The second feature is cave hotels. In ancient times, local residents built houses in the rocks, and now they have been converted into hotels, and everyone has the opportunity to book a room for very little money. Cave hotels are usually identified by the prefix Cave in the name. For example - Mythra Cave Hotel.

5. Balloon flights in Cappadocia - price?

Of course, the highlight of the resort is the hot air balloon flight. This is not the only place on earth, but nowhere is it so beautiful - the uniqueness of the local landscape is amazing. 

This is where up to several thousand units are lifted into the air at the same time, almost every day. The spectacle cannot be described in words.

6. What is a balloon flight, procedure?

The action begins at sunrise. Everything is scheduled by the minute:

• early transfer to base;
• mandatory formal procedures;
• delicious breakfast (already included);
• acquaintance with the captain and assignment to one of the balloons;
• moving directly to the valley (where the start will be from);
• easy briefing
  ...and...let's fly!

The event takes about an hour to complete. Upon landing, certificates are presented, champagne and the way home to the hotel.
Standard return time to the room is about 8-9 am.

7. How much does it cost to fly in hot air balloons in Cappadocia?

The price for a regular flight collects an average of 60 to 150 euros per person.

The cost is directly proportional to:

• Season;
• Basket size;
• Rating of the company, flight organizer.

The most popular and expensive season is summer, high demand. Less interest and, accordingly, lower cost in winter or in the off-season (spring or autumn).
The size of the basket itself does not determine the maximum number of people in the air, but only the dimensions. A 20-seat basket can be rented for ten people.
It is clear with the rating, a more promoted and well-known company charges more for services.

8. What is the best way to book a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia?

You can book an excursion on the spot with local travel agencies, or find it in advance on the Internet and buy online. Everyone is selling the same product, and there are advantages to buying live. If you bargain a little, taking into account the number of applicants (per company), possible additional excursions, there is a chance to get a good discount and a lower price for the flight itself.

9. What to wear for a hot air balloon ride?

Considering that the preparation starts early in the morning, it can be cool before the flight. However, the basket itself is not cold due to the continuously running gas burner. It is not necessary to dress additionally, ordinary clothes for the weather, the day before, are enough.

10. Leisure prices in Cappadocia

This is a paradise for walking. Basically, all the rest is associated with the likelihood of exploring the area on various modes of transport: scooters, bicycles or ATVs. It is better to rent directly from the owner, where the transport is. There is always an opportunity to bargain and get a discount.

11. Cappadocia: cost of food

There are quite a few restaurants in Goreme. Dishes are traditional Turkish. However, there is no need to rely on service here, as in Istanbul or the five-star complexes of the Antalya coast. On average, in the evening to sit in an institution without alcohol costs about 15 dollars. per person. This is the main dish, salad and drink.

This is a paradise for photography lovers.

The number of simply attractive locations is hard to imagine. Heaven for Instagram fans and social media lovers. A high-quality camera or phone is simply a must-have when traveling to Cappadocia.

Here you want to be photographed simply everywhere and with everything. The reliefs amaze with their scale and uniqueness; there are many small elements in restaurants and hotels that are unthinkable to miss. Photos need to be taken at every step.

TurPoisk Travel Company has extensive experience in organizing trips for organized groups or individual tourists, with our help you will get to know the other side of Turkey!