Red & Rose Valley – Cavusin Old Village Tour

Cappadocia boasts a multitude of captivating structures, each with intriguing stories reflecting various civilizations. Some of these narratives date back to ancient periods, including the Chalcolithic era and the Hittites. The region also bears the imprints of Turkish civilizations such as the Seljuk and Ottoman. Furthermore, the cultural heritage of Cappadocia is enriched by the presence of cave churches, monasteries, and underground cities, crafted by the early Christians who sought refuge in the valleys to escape Roman persecution. These represent some of the most significant cultural treasures in Cappadocia. To enhance your day, you can savor the unique dishes indigenous to the region.

ITINERARY

Your day begins with a hotel pickup between 9:30 and 10:00 am, followed by a visit to Esentepe (Goreme), a panoramic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the town. You’ll have the opportunity to capture memorable photographs near the trees adorned with protective evil eyes.

We then proceed to the Kaymaklı Underground City. This underground complex is a labyrinth of tunnels and numerous rooms, extending eight levels deep into the Earth. However, only four of these levels are accessible to the public. The history of this underground city dates back to the Hittite and Phrygian periods, and it has evolved over the centuries. The dwellings you explore today were meticulously carved by early Christians during the 9th and 10th centuries to safeguard themselves from invaders who ventured into Central Anatolia in pursuit of captives and plunder.

A traditional local restaurant will serve lunch as part of the tour.

Following lunch, our next destination is Ortahisar Castle. The town of Ortahisar is renowned for its carved rock caves, which serve as naturally cool storage facilities for citrus fruits, enhancing their flavor as they mature. Furthermore, Ortahisar Castle, which underwent extensive renovations and was opened to the public in 2013, stands as one of the most captivating tourist attractions.

To conclude the day, we will embark on a hike through the Red & Rose Valley, an experience that promises to be visually gratifying and awe-inspiring. This valley is adorned with colossal, cone-shaped rocks and provides some of the most captivating hiking opportunities in the region. Notable attractions within the valley include the Cross Church (Haçli Kilise), the Columned Church (Kolonlu Kilise), and various other sites. The valley is particularly enchanting in the late hours of the day when the setting sun casts a rosy glow upon the stones. Your hike will culminate in Cavusin Village, where you will encounter a rock castle and troglodyte dwellings that were inhabited by people until the 20th century.

The tour is anticipated to conclude around 5:00-5:30 pm, and you will be comfortably transported back to your hotel.