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About Cappadocia

The region of Cappadocia in the centre of Turkey, is an area of outstanding and unique scenery, of ancient churches and cave dwellings, of pretty villages and secret valleys.

History

It is estimated that some 30 million years ago the eruptions of three volcanoes; Hasan, Erciyes and Melendiz Daglari covered the area in ash and mud which helped form the regions unique soft stone called “Tuff”. It is this which has been eroded by wind and water ever since to form the curious rock formations (commonly called “fairy chimneys”) for which the Cappadocia area is so famous.

Cappadocia

has provided a significant importance through the ages because of the trading routes passing through it; vital in supplying all manner of goods to different towns and cities across the continent and beyond. The earliest known settlers in Cappadocia were the Hatti followed by the Hittites around 2000 BC. The Hittites had a rich, varied and advanced culture. Different races came after the fall of the Hittite Empire around 1200 BC and the Persians ruled from the middle of the 6th Century BC until Alexander the Great arrived in 333 BC. It later became a Roman Provence in the first century AD. It was St Paul, who after receiving a vision of Christ, travelled extensively in the area, preaching and converting many people to Christianity. It was these early Christians that started carving out houses and churches from the soft rock as places to live, worship and shelter.

Accommodation

We recommend a few unique, cave hotels as well as traditional pretty pensions (B&Bs) in the region. All the accommodation we have either used or viewed personally, have ensuite/private bathroom facilities and you will receive a friendly and helpful Turkish welcome from, owners and staff.
Getting There: The Cappadocia region is serviced by two airports; Neveshir & Kayseri, either is fine. There are currently no direct flights from the UK or Europe so the best option is to fly into Istanbul from there it is a 45 minute flight. Internal flights are inexpensive in Turkey (expect to pay £30 – £60 p.p.) if you would like some help sourcing your flights then please let us know.

Things to Do

Cappadocia has something for everyone and provides a wonderful and unique holiday experience: explore the famous early Christian rock churches and cave dwellings. Marvel at the unique “fairy chimney” rock formations. Stay in one of our recommended incredible cave hotels – sleeping here is once in a lifetime experience! Walk in the beautiful valleys and national parks or try mountain biking or horse riding in unique surroundings. Take an air balloon flight over this amazing landscape. Join in the traditional arts and crafts of the region or just admire the skill of the local craftsmen.
We recommend using a local guide to help you get the most from your Cappadocia experience. They will pick you up from your hotel and spend the day showing you some of the region’s most popular attractions and explain their history, lunch is included.

Covering an area of perhaps 100 square miles near the centre of Turkey is a wonderful and unique region called Cappadocia. It is one of Turkey’s best kept secrets and one of favourite destinations. Rich in early Christian history with some incredible natural rock features and beautiful valleys, as well as a diverse culture, Cappadocia has something for everyone.