Minimum group size: 4 people
Tour price:
/to be confirmed/
Konya
Rock Monastery in Selime
Soğanlı Valley
Pigeon Valley
Uçhisar Fortress
Konya. Our tour begins in Antalya, and the first stop on the itinerary is Konya, a city with an incredibly rich and multifaceted history. It features the enchanting atmosphere of an oriental fairytale and is considered the birthplace of modern Turkey as a state. Although Konya has long lost its status as a capital, it has gained recognition as a major spiritual and cultural center of the country.
For instance, the stunning mausoleum of the poet and philosopher Jalal al-Din Rumi, the founder of the Sufi Mevlevi Order, attracts pilgrims from all over the Muslim world. Even those people, who have nothing to do with Islam, visit Konya to witness the mesmerizing, mystical dance of the whirling dervishes.
Çatalhöyük. It’s one of the oldest city-like settlements on the planet. The discovery of Çatalhöyük revolutionized scientific understanding of the origins of human civilization. While many cities from the late Neolithic and early Bronze Ages have been found in the Middle East (some even older), Çatalhöyük remains unique due to its unusual architecture. The houses were built closely together, with movement conducted over the rooftops.
Lake Meke. This unique natural site is a lake located in the crater of an extinct volcano, which also contains a smaller volcano with its own crater lake. People travel thousands of kilometers to remote corners of the planet to witness such beauty, and here it lies just a couple of hundred kilometers from the popular resorts of the Antalya coast.
Lake Acıgöl. This volcanic maar lake is located northeast of Lake Meke, 8 kilometers along the Karapınar–Ereğli road. Situated at an altitude of 988 meters above sea level, it covers an area of 400 hectares, with an elliptical shape and a width of approximately 1,750 meters. Maar lakes form in depressions created by volcanic eruptions.
Lake Acıgöl's steep banks and magnesium sulfate-rich waters make it so salty that no living organisms, not even microscopic ones, can survive in it.
Lake Çıralı. Located 26 kilometers from the Karapınar district in Konya and situated 80 meters below sea level, this lake draws the attention of both local and international tourists, as well as photography enthusiasts. The combination of lakes, caves, and underground cities interconnected by corridors adds unique beauty and significance to the region. Lake Çıralı has an average depth of 35 meters and a capacity of approximately 500,000 cubic meters.
Alaeddin Hill Park. This park is situated in the city center atop the hill of the same name, named after Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, who ruled in the 12th century. The park features a large 13th-century mosque with tombs of local sultans. The Alaeddin Mosque is considered the city's oldest architectural landmark. Unlike later mosques with their light and airy designs, this one resembles a defensive structure: it’s a low-rise building, with small windows, thick walls, and a rational layout.
The highlight of the mosque is its ancient colonnade: 60 marble columns connected by arches. The colonnade appears grand and unconventional for mosque architecture, making it a must-see for visitors.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Konya.
Departure to Cappadocia. Today, we will explore the breathtaking valleys of Cappadocia, where the otherworldly landscapes make you feel as if you've stepped onto another planet.
Göreme Open-Air Museum. We will visit a vast plateau dotted with rock-hewn monasteries and admire the well-preserved frescoes that decorate them.
Uçhisar Fortress. This landmark is sure to impress our guests with the panoramic views from its observation deck.
Paşabağ Valley. Known for its mushroom-shaped rock formations, this valley resembles an illustration from a science fiction novel.
"The Three Beauties". These iconic stone formations of Cappadocia are located in Ürgüp. Guests will also have the opportunity to unleash their imagination in the Devrent Valley (Valley of Imagination) and marvel at the famous tall pillars in the Valley of Love.
Avanos. In this charming town, we will visit a pottery gallery where participants can try their hand at one of humanity's oldest crafts, creating clay masterpieces.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Cappadocia.
Our guests will uncover the secrets of Derinkuyu, a fascinating underground city. We’ll explore its 8 levels and discuss its inhabitants, from the Hittites, who settled here 4,000 years ago, to the Christians who sought refuge in the caves during times of persecution. Visitors will see ancient kitchens, storage rooms, a winery, living quarters, and animal stables. We’ll also visit the church and missionary school, where guests will marvel at the advanced infrastructure of this ancient city.
Rock Monastery in Selime. In Selime, we will explore the rock monastery, including its cells, dining halls, and churches, all carved through years of dedicated labor by monks. We’ll delve into the monastery’s challenging history and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This view captivated George Lucas so much that scenes filmed here were included in his famous Star Wars saga.
Melendiz River Canyon. Descending into the Ihlara Valley, we’ll take a scenic walk along the Melendiz River, which has carved a 150-meter-deep canyon over millions of years. The trail will lead us to a restaurant where we’ll enjoy a lunch of local dishes.
After the break, our tour continues with visits to the panoramic viewpoints of Pigeon Valley and Göreme, a volcanic stone gallery, and a stop at a farmer’s market for a tasting of dried fruits, sweets, and nuts.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Cappadocia.
The journey through rock formations and caves continues.
Ortahisar Fortress. Formed thousands of years ago by natural cataclysms, the rock housing Ortahisar Fortress now resembles a fairytale castle. We’ll climb to its peak and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Mustafapaşa Village (Sinasos, City of the Sun). With roots tracing back to ancient Greece, this village enchants visitors with its rich history, culture, and beautiful landmarks, including historic mosques, madrasas, churches, monasteries, stone houses, and stunning natural scenery. Today, it is home to about 1,300 residents.
Keşlik Cave Monastery. Founded in the 7th century, this monastery is renowned for its well-preserved ancient frescoes. We’ll wander through its stone tunnels, explore the large dining hall, and discover a holy spring. We’ll also visit the Church of the Archangel and the Chapel of Saint Stephen.
Taşkınpaşa Madrasa. This historic madrasa has been a center for religious education since the Karamanid dynasty. Guests will admire the intricately carved doors with their elaborate patterns and learn what the madrasa, built around 1350, means today. The complex includes a mosque and two tombs.
Constructed by the son of Seljuk Sultan Kılıç Arslan II, the madrasa features a Seljuk-style stone-carved portal that is visible from the road. Some researchers believe the building was originally intended as a palace rather than a madrasa.
Ancient City of Sobesos. Discovered by chance in the middle of a fruit orchard just a few years ago, its structures date back to the 4th century AD. Our guests will marvel at unique mosaics, mysterious tombs, and ancient baths.
Soğanlı Valley. Here, travelers will learn the story of the colorful rag dolls, which have become iconic symbols of Cappadocia. They will also admire ancient churches such as the Snake Church, Wooden Church, Karabaş Church, and Saint Barbara Church. Once, over 50 churches welcomed worshippers and visitors here, but today only about ten can still be explored.
One interpretation of the valley's name is "finished", referring to Soğanlı Valley as the last place in Cappadocia captured by the Arabs. The valley consists of two branches: one extending north and the other to the west. Both of them are now a part of the Soğanlı Open-Air Museum.
Pigeon Valley. One of the most beautiful spots in Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley is a must-see destination that leaves visitors with lasting impressions.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Cappadocia.
Our journey through incredible, almost otherworldly landscapes, ancient human settlements, and famous cave monasteries comes to an end. Our guests return to Antalya.
