Curator’s statement
Cappadocia is more than beautiful balloons—though they are truly spectacular. Its geography feels like a condensed version of Utah’s red rock country, sculpted by time and wind—and, fittingly, it lies at a similar latitude. Once a mecca of Orthodox Christianity, the region holds deep historical and spiritual significance. Beneath its otherworldly surface, the underground cities bring to life what it must have been like to live along the Silk Route—a world of trade, refuge, and resilience hidden beneath the earth. It’s a dream destination for anyone fascinated by geology, history, and the enduring story of human adaptation to nature’s extremes.
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Day 1: Arrival in Cappadocia—villages, valleys & Turkish flavors
ATVing is a fun (and safe) way to see Cappadocia's unique geography.
Fly into Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), which is an hour from Cappadocia. Spend the afternoon soaking up the environment, cooling off at the hotel pool, or walking around Göreme, Çavuşin, Ortahisar, or Ürgüp. Then, partake in an ATV tour to get your first taste of the unusual landscape. End the day eating Turkey’s delicious food.
Day 2: Göreme, Uchisar & the valleys of Cappadocia
One never tires of walking among the unique rock formations
Explore northern Cappadocia, where the region’s most famous landscapes and historical sites lie. Highlights include the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO site filled with rock-carved churches and ancient frescoes, and Uchisar Castle, the area’s highest viewpoint. Visitors also stop at Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) and Devrent Valley, where surreal rock formations resemble mushrooms, animals, and mythical figures. In Avanos, travelers see traditional pottery made from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River. The tour blends geology, art, and history—a perfect introduction to Cappadocia’s unique terrain and culture.
Day 3: Underground cities & valleys of Southern Cappadocia
Imagine living underground for weeks with thousands of people and livestock.
Discover the dramatic valleys and ancient underground cities that define this part of the region. Visit Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians once hid from invaders, and hike through the lush Ihlara Valley, lined with cave churches and centuries-old frescoes. Stop at Selime Monastery, an astonishing rock-cut complex overlooking the valley. Though it involves a long bus ride, the journey rewards you with sweeping views and deep insight into the area’s history and geology. Once part of the Silk Route, this region reveals the rich cultural layers that shaped Cappadocia’s past.
The next day, fly to Istanbul or another European city.
Travel Advisor
Ann Chamberlin
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cappadocia page.