Cappadocia Unreal – RY Marketplace

Highlights
– Explore Cappadocia, a masterpiece of nature
– Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon ride
– Visit volcanic lands and whole new landscapes

Description
Thanks to the soft volcanic material (tufa) and the erosion of millions of years by the wind and the rain, the whole area looks like a fantastic, fairy-tale land. Strange rock formations take the form of huge boulders jutting out from the ground at some places and at other times they form eye pleasing, smoothly curved valleys. varying in color and shape. These “fairy chimneys” and the beautiful valleys make one of nature’s most surprising masterpieces. Cappadocia is a heaven for nature lovers as well as those interested in history, agriculture, Sufism, folklore, arts and crafts.

We meet at the Kayseri Airport and drive to the heart of Cappadocia stopping at Paşabağı
presenting the most diverse forms of fairy chimneys (hermitages/troglodytes) hollowed out of the volcanic tufa by the nature before checking into our hotel in Uçhisar, a small town located at the highest point at (1200 m.) in the region. Day will end with some rest at the hotel or a choice of optional activities like moderate biking or horse riding at an additional cost. We start the second day with hot air balloon tour early in the morning. We begin from a high point to view the region before a gentle descent down to the region’s most dramatic landscape of Rose and Red Valleys with unique “fairy chimney” rock towers. Your guide will explain how the geology of Cappadocia formed and its social and historical contexts. Moving on in a fantastic undulating track passes through an unbelievable area of cave dwellings, rock cut churches and even a monastery complex called Church with Columns for a drink. Approximately 2 hr long hike will end in the cozy Çavuşin Village before we stop for a leisurely and enjoyable meal at a highly rated restaurant.

In the afternoon we’ll discover Göreme Open-Air Museum, a big monastic settlement and multiple rock-cut chapels and churches with the best preserved frescoes dating from early to middle Christian Era. This is where Christian teaching spread this new faith across Anatolia. Final visit will be to Avanos pottery studios, family owned and operated, in caves producing the finest red and white clay ceramics since ancient times. We will complete the day at Saruhan Caravansarai, an unforgettable ambiance with its historical texture and architectural structure hosting a Whirling Dervish ritual; the natural lighting of this environment will work deep into your soul. This massive structure on the central route of The Silk Road dates back from the time of Mevlana also known as Rumi.

On the third day, we drive to one of the massive complexes called Underground City that served as military garrison as well as public shelter in case regional safety was endangered by invaders during the 7th-9th Centuries. The maze of the living quarters underneath includes a refectory and kitchen, chapel, storages for food, ventilation shaft reaching over 40 meters below the ground. Afterwards we head for Love valley with small fields, lush vegetation and strange rock formations. Here you will find the tallest fairy chimneys and have a chance to drink fresh orange juice. We then drive to Ortahisar Town and walk around the village for a chat with the locals. Across the small gorge is a stunning view of the so-called castle with residential units cut out of tufa all around.

On our final day we’ll be immersing in local cultures along the Soğanli Valley. Mustafapaşa was an old Roman town known as Sinassos and in 1920s its Roman/Greek

Ortodox population was exchanged with Turkish Muslims from Macedonia. Even after a century both culture remains strong in oral tradition as well as in the details and artwork of stunning civil architecture examples to be witnessed during an easy stroll in town. We will have our final lunch in Ürgüp with some free time before heading back to airport for flight to Istanbul.

Who This Experience Is Good For
Anyone who is interested in history, culture and nature.

Itinerary

Day 1
Early morning flight to Kayseri from Istanbul. Meet with the guide at Kayseri Airport. Kayseri, Paşabağ. Sunset horse riding (optional)

Day 2
Hot air ballooning, hiking, Rose and Red valleys, Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos, Saruhan Caravanserai (Dervish ritual)

Day 3
Love Valley, Ortahisar, Underground City,

Day 4
Sinassos, Soganli Valley, Mustafapasa, free time in Ürgüp. Transfer to the airport and fly to Istanbul.

Meet Our Local HostGaye, who has been in the tourism industry for years, previously worked in a bank. He has a B.A. Graduated from Business Administration (Ankara University), but preferred to be in nature. She worked as a professional PADI Diving Instructor in Kaş / Antalya as well. Later, she followed her love and walked the famous paths in Turkey and became a trekking guide. She moved to Cappadocia more than 18 years ago and became a professional guide. She has a very energetic, talkative and fun personality, she is interested in history and good food. Gaye has now started to run to the valleys of Cappadocia. She says that Cappadocia is a huge playground: you can run, walk, bike, do many activities such as meditation, camping, yoga… What’s Included
– 3 nights at a boutique hotel- Whirling dervish ritual- All breakfasts and 4 lunches- Entrance fees to museums and sites- Main group transfers- Group van during included programs- Professional Tour Guide- Hot Air Balloon Ride (weather depending)

What’s Not Included
– Anything not mentioned above
– Dinners
– Soft and alcoholic drinks during meals
– Tips and gratuities
– Flights
– Biking US$ 50/ Per Hour
– Horse Riding US$ 25 / Per Hour

Know Before You Go
– Minimum Needed: 8 people
– Maximum Capacity: 20 people
– Booking Deadline: 10 days before the trip
– Weather Dependent: Yes – Hot Air Balloon Ride is subject to the weather conditions. If the civil aviation authority do not allow balloons to take off, we will have to wait for the next morning. Cappadocia has one of the most suitable weather conditions in the world, so, keep fingers crossed)
– Difficulty Level: Easy – no experience necessary.
– Special Clothing Required: Nights and early mornings could be cold, warm clothing is essential.
– Special Dietary Restrictions: All dietary needs catered
– Extra Cash: Needed for tipping or additional services
– Please be reminded that order of activities may need to be changed due to weather conditions and availability of visits.

– Recommended flights:

Departure: 20th of October, Friday
11:40 AM from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) to Kayseri airport (ASR) via Pegasus, PC2734

Return: 23rd of October Monday

9:30 PM from Kayseri airport (ASR) to Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) via THY (Anadolu Jet) TK7295
What is the refund policy? Within 24 hours of bookingWe’ll always refund your booking upon request to [email protected]

After 24 hours & before the booking deadline

A cancellation fee may be applied depending on the circumstances, if the experience can go ahead. If this is the case, the total refund minus the cancellation fee will be issued in Marketplace Credit or deducted from your next month’s invoice. The fee and preferred refund option will be communicated via email with [email protected]

After the booking deadline

By this point we will have definitely made promises and financial commitments on your behalf and so cancellation fees may be up to 100%. What happens if my booking is changed/cancelled due to weather?

Let’s be real – no one can control the weather, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned. But don’t worry, your City Manager is here to help and will do their best to come up with a solution if an event is affected. We understand that everyone’s schedule is different, so while we can’t guarantee a make-up option will work for everyone, we promise to try our hardest. If you’re unable to attend the make-up date, no problem – we’ll give you a full refund for your booking.

I have a discount or gift code, can I use it to complete my purchase?

Yes, once you add your item to your cart and check out, you will be able to input the code before completing the purchase. If you need help finding your code, please double check your inbox. You received an email from Marketplace with the code.

Can I book for a friend / family member?

Sure! We welcome your friends and family coming to visit you while you travel the world. We do, however, reserve the right to deny access to Friends / Family who are over using RY Services.

I haven’t received a booking confirmation email, can you help?

Please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll help. In some cases, you may have multiple emails associated on the Marketplace and this is causing some confusion. Reach out and we’ll do our best to sort it out!

If I cannot attend, can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes, you may transfer your booking to another Nation Member or Family/Friend. Please notify the City Manager as soon as possible to confirm the change. Please note, in the case of special dietary requirements, we might not be able to accommodate special requests on last minute changes. Any bookings that require advanced ticketing linked to an individual’s ID might not be approved.

Will I be able to work on this experience?

If you have to check in with work at any point during the scheduled time, we recommend confirming with the City Manager before booking.

I’m a Nation Member but not on an active program, can I still book?

We will always prioritize Remotes who are traveling with an active program on experiences. You may be able to book but there is a chance the City Manager will reach out to let you know we have to release your spot for an active Remote. If you’re in a city but not traveling with a program, we recommend reaching out to the City Manager on the Hub to confirm before booking.

Such an amazing part of the country…

Such an amazing part of the country and there was no better was to experience it than with RY. Everything is taken care of and it was a truly stress free way to see Cappadocia

“Unreal” really is a fitting adjective

I have to be honest, I was on the fence about going to Cappadocia given that it seems a bit pricey. FOMO was too intense and I decided to join last minute. Best decision ever! It was worth every dollar and if we take into account all it includes: – Balloon ride ofc – Nice hotel with amazing breakfast – Lunch was excellent every day! (not the cheap buffet style you find in some tours but proper local restaurants) – Tour guide – Entrance to museaums

– Transportation. This is a big one. It took us everywhere we needed to. We ask the guide “Can we go back to the ceramic place we were yesterday?” BAM! We go there. “Do you know any nice place to buy a Turkish carpet?” BAM! There. The fact that we didn’t have to worry about it together the guide’s insight was a big plus.

…and the bounding moments we shared as a group that made this trip priceless.

Magical experience! Let’s be honest, I booked this adventure to see the balloons but it was…

Let’s be honest, I booked this adventure to see the balloons but it was so much more than that. The caves, the art, the culture, and so much food! It was a very full adventure.