CAPPADOCIA ACTIVITIES

THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA

Ask and we will satisfy your desires

*** ATV QUAD ***

√ 1, 2, 4 & 8 Hour Tours.
√ Special Sunset Tour.
√ Single & Twin ATVs.

An escorted off–road ATV tour is yet another incredible way to get into the heart of the valleys of Cappadocia to see the rock formations up close and get to some awesome panoramic viewpoints.

The person who leads the group will be on another ATV or a motorbike, and is there to take you on the best dirt track routes according to your driving skills.

Places that you can see include...
Swords Valley, Red & Rose Valley, Cavusin Rock Castle, Love Valley, and Honey Valley.

Because the routes are off-road, drivers can be 12 years and over.

There are single and twin seater ATVs.

SPECIAL 2 HOUR SUNSET TOUR

A special and very popular sunset tour to Swords Valley, Red Valley, Rose Valley, Cavusin Village Old Houses and Love Valley. Starting time varies throughout the year as the time of sunset changes.

*** JEEP SAFARI ***

Jeep Safari at Sunrise – (Hot Air Balloon take-off watch):

Highlights: Hot Air Balloon take-off site, Love Valley, Aydin Kiragi, Pigeon Valley & Cavusin

With the first light of the sun has not shown itself yet, we will pick you up from your hotel with our 4WD off-road vehicles that adventure can begin.

This tour consists of 4 stages, takes approximately 2 hours. When we reach our first stop, the balloon take-off area, we will watch balloon take-offs with a unique view of sunrise for half an hour.

Then you can reach the valley tops by bumpy roads and take pictures and videos as much as you want in the area where you can touch the balloons.

End of the tour you will enjoy this remarkable experience with our champagne toasting before transferring you to your hotel.

Jeep Safari:

Highlights: Pancarlik Church or Love Valley, Ortahisar Castle, Hospital Monastery & 3 Beauties

4WD jeep safari tours are the most preferred activities in Cappadocia after hot air ballooning. We offer you a journey full of fun and excitement.

Kindly note that you can book this tour any time of the day and your adrenaline level reaches the highest level bypassing rough and challenging roads with our off-road vehicles.

The moments you spend in the unique geography of Cappadocia allow you to explore the region in the best way and you can catch those moments with pictures and videos in the valleys with panoramic views.

At the end of our safari tour which lasts about 2 hours and consisting of 4 stages, you will enjoy this unforgettable experience with our champagne toasting before transferring you to your hotel.

Jeep Safari at Sunset:

Highlights: Love Valley, Ortahisar Castle, Hospital Monastery, Ortahisar Sunset.

For those who want to see this magnificent scenery of Cappadocia at sunset, this tour is the best option which can be done every day of the week and lasts about 2 and a half hours.

As part of this tour, you will witness the spectacular colors of the sun over fairy chimneys and valleys.

At our last stop at the best point of watching the sunset in Cappadocia, we will crown your pleasure with champagne or special Cappadocia wine.

At the end of this unforgettable experience full of excitement and memories, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

*** HORSE RIDING ***

√ 1, 2 & 3 Hour Rides
√ Half & Full Day Rides.
√ Special Sunset & Full Moon Rides.

If you have even a little experience of horseback riding, this is an awesome way to escape into the Cappadocian countryside away from the crowds.

Rides can be 1, 2, 4 hours or even a full day. There is even a special sunset ride of 2+ hours (start times varying throughout the year). 

Some riding experience is recommended as there are several areas where you may be required to dismount and walk the horse and then mount the horse again to continue the tour. A rancher will accompany you the entire time to show the way, but you will be expected to handle your horse during the tour. Helmets are available at the ranch upon request before you start. 

*** CAMEL SAFARI ***

√ 90 Minute Rides.
√ Daytime Safaris.
√ Dawn & Sunset Safaris.

How about joining a camel safari in Cappadocia?

For these trips the camels follow a leader.

The camel safari is a 7 km walk in and around Red / Rose Valleys (90 minutes).

Total duration 90 minutes.

DAWN SAFARI

You can join a camel ride at dawn when it is also possible see the balloons in the skies around the fairy chimneys*.

DAYTIME CAMEL SAFARIS

Daytime camel train rides around these beautiful valleys and rock formations in central Cappadocia.

SUNSET SAFARI

There is also a sunset camel ride where you can watch sundown from amongst the fairy chimneys*.

*** JET BOAT TOUR AT RED RIVER ***

Your jet boat experience will start by picking you up from your Cappadocia hotel and transfer you to the reception building.

After the registration procedure, you will be guided to jetty to equipped with life jackets and helmets. When you are ready safety briefing will be given by your driver.

The journey will start with a high-speed drive to Sarihidir Village, on arrival to Sarihidir we will give you a 10 minutes break for tea or coffee. This is the best opportunity to take pictures to carry memories to the future while walking around the ancient village.

After getting on the jetty, we will drive to Sarihidir dam, all the way to the dam, and back the driver will perform high-speed maneuvers and 360 degrees Hamilton spins.

Before dropping you back to the pier, there will be 2-3 additional stops for taking pictures of the surrounding area and the birds.

*** DAILY BIKING ***

Cappadocia is a mountain biking paradise and the Mountain Biking Tour is one of the best ways to experience Cappadocia. We will visit ancient caves and churches. We will ride in hidden valleys. This tour is not only cycling, but also a cultural and historical tour. Let's go for a walk

Everybody with a good physical condition who knows how to cycle ,can participate in this activity (with no age limits) 

During the tour we make various stops to enjoy nature, take pictures or enjoy a picnic. Most of the routes are loop ones.

Mountain biking in Cappadocia is always an adventure! There is much to enjoy whether you want to pedal easy or accept all the challenges the trail has to offer.

Cappadocia mountain biking trails offer many different types of terrain that require different skill levels. The trails range from a wide pathway to very narrow and rough tracks with lots of technical rock features. All the trails include some soft tufa rock, patches of earth & soil, gravel, and hard packed trail tread.

Most of the trails in the Cappadocia area are short in distance. However, if you interlink them you can create loops that take an two hours to all day to ride! 

Although this feature allows for flexibility in creating routes it can also mean spending lots of trail time trying to figure out the map! This is why hiring a local guide is the best way to go. Our guides can show you the most suitable trails for your skills and challenge preferences. In addition, they will tell you about the history, ecology and the geological formations of Cappadocia.

So please stay on the trail, be prepared for the weather conditions, keep control of your bike and take water. Cappadocia has also some extreme high temperatures especially in July and August that can suck all the moisture out of you.

Bring Along:

- Your personal bike water bottle

- Cycling clothes and footwear (Runners or similar)

- Sunglasses or eyewear

- Change of clothes & towel

- Rain Jacket (especially in rainy seasons)

- Sun cream and sun hat (very hot in June-July-August)

- Camera

*** PARAGLIDING ***

√ Before or After Tour.
√ Paragliding at Sunset.
√ Choose Smooth or Acrobatic Flight.

Tandem paragliding is the new adrenaline–filled recreational sport in Cappadocia.

Every experience is different because you are dependent on the wind for direction, but as takeoff is in the central area for fairy chimneys, rock formations and valleys of Cappadocia that are on UNESCO’S World Heritage List you are guaranteed an awesome panorama every time.

Don’t worry, you will not be on your own; an experienced pilot will take the controls so you can enjoy the experience fully.

There is no hill climbing involved because you are elevated by a tow to a height of 550–850 meters, and in summer the thermals may take you even higher as you soar like an eagle.

You can choose a smooth flight, or if you want more thrills the skilled pilot can take acrobatic moves to get your adrenaline racing.

Flights generally last between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the winds and your acrobatic moves, and take place every hour from dawn to dusk, all year round.

PARAGLIDING IS POSSIBLE FROM EARLY MORNING ’TIL SUNSET

Early morning in Cappadocia is very peaceful; gliding over the rock formations before breakfast is surely one of the best ways to start the day.

A daytime flight is for you if you don't like getting up early or have a spare few hours before your airport transfer leaves or after your airport transfer arrives in Cappadocia; an absolutely unforgettable arrival or departing activity.

Sunset is a peerless time for paragliding; floating over the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia as the sun slowly descends is the best ever end to the day.

*** BALLOON FLIGHTS ***

Cappadocia is one of the absolute top best places in the world to fly in a hot air balloon. Goreme National Park and the Rock Sights of Cappadocia on UNESCO’s World Heritage List are a wonder in themselves, and the views from a hot air balloon are mind blowing. This is a bucket list expeience not to be missed.

All balloon flights include the following:
 ● Pick up from your hotel early morning
 ● At the launch site watch the balloons being inflated
 ● A bite to eat and a cup of tea/coffee
 ● Into the basket and safety briefing
 ● Flight over the rock formations of Cappadocia
 ● Traditional "champagne" landing celebration
 ● Flight certificate or medalion presentation
 ● Return to hotel in time for breakfast.

We offer 4 different types of balloon flight 

1 HOUR STANDARD FLIGHT

This is the most popular flight over the valleys and rock formations in Goreme National park.

75-90 MINUTES COMFORT FLIGHT

An upgraded flight where you have more legroom and more flight time.

1½ HOUR DELUXE FLIGHT

This 90 minute flight is best in the summer months for a longer flight experience.

90 MINUTES MINIMUM PRIVATE FLIGHT

For special occasions (marriage proposal, wedding anniversary, birthday, family occasion) or simply because you deserve it! This particular balloon basket also has SEATS, so it is particularly suitable for anyone who would find standing difficult for the duration of the flight.

*** MUD BATH IN A CAVE ***

√ Natural Mud, Health Benefits.
√ Treatment for Rheumatism & Skin.
√ Foot Bath with Nibble Fish.

Detox in Cappadocia with a mud bath and let small toothless fish nibble the dead skin from your feet. An awesome, curative and relaxing experience.

A large underground cave contains specially certified mud which has many beneficial qualities for your skin and circulation.

You will need your swimming gear, but if you forget you can actually purchase bikinis and swimming trunks on site.

Towels are provided, and refreshments may be purchased at the bar.

MORE DETAILS

After a fishy foot bath to cleanse the dead skin off your feet, you can relax and take in the benefits of the all–covering mud, then take a shower before further relaxing in a hot pool.

The special mud has many properties and it clears and smooths the skin.

It is not only a beauty treatment; it also increases antioxidant protection and is good for the treatment of cellulite, acne, inflammation, eczema and psoriasis.

The anti-imflammatory properties may also calm painful conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis.

The process also promotes muscle relaxation around blood vessels and thus can improve circulation.

Within this incredible underground complex there is also a cafe and bar (with alcoholic drinks), and a shop where you can purchase natural products for skin health.

Opening Hours 9am to 6pm (large groups may make special evening arrangements).

You can stop by at any time during a private tour or driver hire trip, be dropped off here at the end of your group tour, or be picked up at your hotel.

Alternatively, if you would like a multi activity day such as a valley walk or horseback riding in the morning, ATV tour in the afternoon followed by a Mud Bath, we can coordinate all your activities for you.

*** TURKISH BATH (TRADITIONAL HAMAM) ***

√ Separate Sections for Men & Women.
√ Includes Face Mask, Scrub & Massage.
√ Oil Massage Option Available.

A Turkish bath is a great way to clear your pores of all that dust you picked up during your day out in Cappadocia.

The best known hamam in Cappadocia is in Goreme, and there are different sections for men and women. 

You can be picked up at the hotel, or stop by at the end of your tour. Alternatively, if you would like a multi day activity such as a valley walk or horseback riding in the morning, ATV tour in the afternoon followed by a Turkish bath, we can coordinate all your activities for you. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Near the entrance there is a lobby with lockers or cubicles. You will collect your slippers (terlik) and thin cloth to wrap around your body (pestemal). You will then change and lock your valubles away. If you feel more comfortable, you can keep on your underwear (best to take a spare set with you).

You will pass through a cooler room where the toilets and showers are located, then into the main room with a marble slab (gobektasi), and in the same room or in rooms to the side you will find marble basins (kurna) with small bowls (tasi). The idea is to put some warm/hot water into the marble basin, then with the small bowl scoop it out and pour it over your body. The water in the basin should be kept clean; not contaminated with soap. You can also use the water from the basin to splash over the marble slab before you lie on it. There is also a steam room (sauna).

You should relax in the heat for about 20 minutes at least to loosten up your body and open your pores. You will them be ready to be called for the scrub (kese) and massage (masaj). The standard massage is the soap massage, where they squeeze foam over your body from an air and soap filled pillowcase. You may also have an oil massage.

You may relax further in the hot room before returning to the lobby, where it is common to sit, relax and chat as you cool down before drying and changing. For this reason drinks including Turkish or apple tea are usually sold in the lobby, and you can often buy soaps and even spare underwear, too.

*** WHIRLING DERVISH PERFORMANCE ***

Whirling Dervishes Ceramony at Underground Cave  /  Whirling Dervishes Ceramony at Historical Carevanserai

 The ceremony has seven parts which symbolize the different meanings of a mystic cycle to perfection; a mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through love, the desertion of the ego, finding the truth and arriving at the "Perfect".

The return from this spiritual journey is as a man who has reached maturity and a greater perfection; to love and to be of service to the whole creation, to all creatures without discriminating in regard to belief, class, or race.

The clothing has special significance:
 • the tall hat represents the ego’s tombstone
 • the skirt the ego’s shroud
 • the color white the spiritual birth into the truth
 • the removal of the black cloak initiates the journeys and advances towards spiritual maturity through the stages of the Semâ.

The position of arms and hands is also significant:
 • At the onset of each stage, holding arms crosswise represents number one, and testifies to God's unity
 • Whirling with arms open and the right hand directed to the sky signifies readiness to receive God's beneficence
 • Gazing at the left hand turned toward the earth, turning from right to left and pivoting around the heart, is a way to embrace all of humankind and all creation with affection and love, thereby conveying God’s spiritual gift to people over whom God looks with a Divine watchfulness.

In season, there is usually a performance at 6pm every night, and sometimes an "overflow" performance at 9pm. Out of season performances are subject to demand, but definitely worth asking for.

This Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is such an important cultural heritage for both Turkey and the world that it is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List ››

Because the performance is held in respectful silence, children under 7 years and the taking of photographs during the performance are not permitted.

Visitors to the performance often feel a great sense of relaxation upon their return.

*** TURKISH NIGHT SHOW ***

√ Free Drinks Including Alcohol.
√ Meal Options Include Vegetarian.
√ Traditional & Belly Dancing.

This fun evening highlights the various Turkish regional dance traditions with colourful costumes, as well as oriental dance (belly dancing). Some of the dances are simple traditional, others are performed with a sense of humour and some volunteers from the audience.

There are 8 different Turkish meze (all vegetarian), then Turkish sausage, small meatballs and cheese borek are served. For the main course there is a choice from lamb, chicken shish, fish, or vegetarian, all served with rice. Turkish soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are served free all evening.

Seating for the performance starts 8:00 to 8:30pm, and everyone usually leaves 11–11:30pm.

*** TURKISH HOME COOKING LESSON ***

√ Turkish Cooking in a Turkish Home.
√ Recipe Variety & Hands On Approach.
√ Daytime & Evening Lessons.

For one of the most culture filled experiences of your trip, why not spend a few hours with a Turkish family at the Cappadocia Home Cooking School in a local village and learn about Turkish cuisine.

This friendly and welcoming family will help you feel at home; together you will prepare the recipes for lunch and dinner or even breakfast.

You will get the chance to see the family’s garden where many of the natural organic fruits, vegetables and spices are grown, and even meet the chickens that lay the eggs!

The cooking lesson is a very hands on experience and you will help with the preparation of the food.

Everything will be explained in English, and of course at the end you will all eat your awesomely prepared dishes together!

You can also take the recipes home so that you can impress your friends with your newfound skills.

From arrival through preparing the meal and eating, the whole adventure takes about 3 hours.

You can choose to start at 11am or 5pm and we can arrange hotel pickup and drop off.