Cappadocia is both a historical and contemporary name for a stunning region located in Central Anatolia. Known as a true geological marvel, it includes a compact triangular area connecting Urgup, Avanos, and Uchisar. Within this region, the valleys of Goreme, Ihlara, and Soganli stand out as the main centers of early settlement and development.
The most prominent settlement emerged in the area we now know as Goreme. At today’s Open Air Museum, visitors can see an extraordinary concentration of ancient rock-hewn churches, many of which were carved into solid volcanic rock. It’s estimated that there are more than 600 rock-cut churches scattered throughout the region. These structures were originally created by people who sought shelter from Roman persecution and later Arab invasions, leading them to carve into the rocks and build extensive underground cities for protection.
As the lava cooled, it gradually became compacted under its own pressure, forming solid rock. Over long periods of geological activity, lava flows from three major volcanoes shaped the landscape into stunning formations. These natural structures have evolved into unique shapes such as capstones, pyramids, and the iconic cone-like fairy chimneys, which feature distinctive dark-topped caps. This transformation continues even today, adding to Cappadocia’s surreal charm.
Our group tours are thoughtfully designed to highlight the most significant landmarks in Cappadocia while providing exceptional service tailored to enhance your overall experience.
Each tour departs daily at 09:30 and concludes around 17:00. We keep our groups small and personal, limiting the number of participants to 14 people, with an average group size of 6 to 8 guests. For your convenience, we accept cash payments in US Dollars, Turkish Lira, Euros, and British Pounds, as well as credit cards including Visa and Mastercard.