Turkish Secrets – Balloon Fiesta and Magical Natural Chimneys in Cappadocia

Introduction
No place in the world captivates like Cappadocia. Known for its unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and valleys like Mushroom Valley, Butterfly Valley, and Monk’s Valley. Sometimes it feels like you’re on the moon, and other times you’re exploring an underground city that once housed over 3,000 people. The culture and religion here have shaped the destiny of Cappadocia, revealing itself to us. We’ll also be enchanted by the volcanic lake and a canyon stretching for several kilometers.

Accommodation
4* hotel

Meals
Half board.

Transportation
By air.

Day 1
Flight from Vienna to the beautiful and mysterious region of Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, where you can enjoy free time or join an interesting program organized by our guide, depending on the flight times.

Day 2
Cappadocia, a region famous for its balloon festivals and unique natural chimneys. We will visit Göreme, the tourist center of Cappadocia. This place offers some of the most extraordinary natural and historical wonders in the world. Nearby is a valley with unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys. The open-air museum is also part of this visit. The Pasabag Valley, also known as the “Mushroom Valley” because of its mushroom-shaped rock chimneys, is particularly noteworthy. It is also known as Monk’s Valley, as a religious community once lived here in the rock cliffs. Another unique site nearby is the Devrent Valley, where fairy chimneys are scattered. If any brave souls among us wish to view the valleys from hot air balloons, this option will be available.

Day 3
Kaymakli, an underground city carved into the rocks and earth, forms a labyrinth of rooms connected by tunnels. It was designed to protect its inhabitants from enemy raids and is up to 4,000 years old. We will visit the volcanic crater lake Nar, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. We then move on to the Ihlara Valley, a beautiful canyon stretching 15 km long and 150 m deep. We’ll take a short walk through this area, where we’ll encounter many underground stone tunnels and caves. Watch your heads! We’ll then move on to the Pigeon Valley, home to thousands of pigeons. In the rocks are carved thousands of pigeon houses, living in perfect harmony with the local farmers.

Day 4
Mustafapaşa is steeped in Greek Orthodox history from before the Turkish war when Turks and Greeks lived together in harmony. We will visit the Keslik Monastery from the 7th century, carved into the rocks and home to monks. In 2002, the ruins of the ancient city of Sobesos were discovered, which we will also visit, and which was the only Roman city in the entire region.

Day 5
Transfer to the airport and departure to Vienna.

Basic Price Includes:
Air transport including airport and service charges. Transfer from Bratislava to the airport and back. Local transfers. 4x accommodation in a 4* hotel with half board. Local guide and EN guide.

Basic Price Excludes:
Single room supplement. Meals and drinks not included in the program. Entrance fees. Mandatory tips for local drivers and guides 40 EUR/person (collected by the guide on-site). Travel insurance.