Turkey: 3 days in Cappadocia

@littlemisshappyfeet

Cappadocia is located in Anatolian Region, Turkey. Besides its otherworldly landscape filled with unusual rock formations that look like mushrooms, cones and heads, this is a region with rich historical value. During the Roman era, early escaping Christians took shelter in various Cappadocian mountains and underground areas, creating the eerie underground cities.



We were on a 12 hours night bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia. We reserved our bus tickets from NEVSEHIRLILER SEYAHAT.  
Address   : Adnan Menderes Terminali Nevşehir (Adnan Menderes Sehirlerarasi Bus Terminal)
Telefon  : 0 384 444 50 50 / 213 11 71 / 213 39 50 / 213 79 79

( Instruction: you have to go to the counter and pick up the ticket you reserved. They offer free luggage storage. )

We arrived at our destination at 4 in the morning, just in time for the beautiful sunrise over the peculiar landscape across Urgup. We reserved bunk beds for two nights at Dorm Cave by Travelers. This hostel is a highly recommended one, because not only that we got a free shuttle from the bus station, they gave us an room upgrade for free. This hostel is really popular among Korean tourists because the manager is a Korean (according to my Korean friend. ). 

Day 1: Explore the town

We did it on foot of course. The Goreme National Park is within walking distance. The friendly receptionist recommended us some pretty cool places to eat and hang out. We took a half day tour (Free cups of apple tea was offered in a cute little outdoor traditional cafe as we made our way to some monastery.), hiked, watched sunset and star-gazed before we called it a day.

Day 2 : Highlights of South Cappadocia

We signed up for a Green Tour with 75 Lr each (through our hostel.) You can also book the tour online. The tour mini-van picked us up from the hostel exactly on 9am. It was an EXTREMELY small group (Just 4 in a van), so for 75 Lr, it was a steal!

The tour includes a visit to Derinkiyi Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma, Pigeon Valley, Selima Monastry and Goreme Ensentepe.

DERINKUYU UNDERGROUND CITY

Derinkuyu is Cappadocia's largest excavated underground city. With 7 impressive floors and chambers, this city had practically everything a normal city would have, expect for constant sunlight. * this place is not recommended for people with  claustrophobia.

IHLARA VALLEY 

We hiked a little before reaching the early Christians' settlement carved into the mountains and rocks.

LUNCH @ BELISIRMA

A lovely smorgasbord lunch at Belisirma is included in the rate.

PIGEON VALLEY

You will stop on the outskirts of Goreme village and have a chance to see old pigeon houses carved from the cliffs.

SELIME MONASTRY

The hike up is steep at some point, so be sure to wear your best hiking shoes. The sand on the surface of the rock make it even more dangerous to hike if you are wearing sandals or slippers. If you choose not to hike, you can always stay at the first level. Before we went up, our guide gave us an epic piece of advice: Do not slip and die. (There were no rim)

GOREME ESENTEPE (PANAROMIC VIEW)

When travelling to the moon is impossible, travelling to Cappadocia, Turkey is perhaps the best alternative available. The bizarre landscape in Cappadocia is out of this world, you might find yourself wide-eyed-bewildered, repeatedly questioning yourself: "Am I still on the surface of the earth?"

An extra stop was included when we were taking the Green Tour- A mineral lake. Here we took some great photos with our new friends from Korea, Japan and Brazil.

Day 3: Luxurious free time

Morning Hike with a lonely hot air balloon 

@littlemisshappyfeet

Woke up at 4, climb to a mountain top to wait for the hot air balloon. I couldn't afford for a ride now but I am definitely keeping this wish in my bucket list.

Chillax

Just chilling on our hostel rooftop patio looking out at the awesome view of rock formations, got me thinking: life-- this is what it is ought to be!

Food Hunt

My personal favorite in Cappadocia:  Testi Kebap 
This is a "Turkish Pottery Kebap"-- meat and vege slow-cooked in a clay pot, which is later brought to the table side and you'll break it open with a hammer. Some tourist write their wishes on the potteries and hang them on trees.

Thank You for Reading! 

This post is based on my honest opinion and personal experience. 

Feel free to share your thoughts with me by commenting below!