Cappadocia, a land like no other where nature and humans have created wonders! The moonlike landscape with fairy chimneys, cones, pillars, muchrooms and pinnacles of soft rock, tuff formed from volcano eruptions, is one of the most incredible places you could visit in your lifetime. For thousands of years people have made this wonderland their home and used its natural richness to build a living and defend from enemies. The Cappadocia valleys are now honeycombed with stonehouses dug into the tuff, tunnels and networks of huge settlements spreading wide and a few stories deep into the rocky ground. Home to religious orders and monastic communities over the centuries, nowadays Cappadocia displays some of the world finest examples of early Byzantine religious arts and frescoes.
Cappadocia, a land like no other where nature and humans have created wonders! The moonlike landscape with fairy chimneys, cones, pillars, muchrooms and pinnacles of soft rock, tuff formed from volcano eruptions, is one of the most incredible places you could visit in your lifetime. For thousands of years people have made this wonderland their home and used its natural richness to build a living and defend from enemies. The Cappadocia valleys are now honeycombed with stonehouses dug into the tuff, tunnels and networks of huge settlements spreading wide and a few stories deep into the rocky ground. Home to religious orders and monastic communities over the centuries, nowadays Cappadocia displays some of the world finest examples of early Byzantine religious arts and frescoes.
Devrent Valley is where you have to let your imagination run free - hence the name - Imagination Valley. This lunar landscape area features such unique fairy chimneys and rock formations where you can easily identify stone sculptures of the animal kingdom along with many other shapes and forms which your imagination can bring to life. This valley has never been inhabited and there are no cave churches or any other landmarks except the results of the artful hand of nature. It is only 10min drive from Goreme which makes it so easily accessible.
Sema is the name of the ceremony performed by the Mevlana Order from the region of Konya. This is the so called Whirling Dervishes ceremony, one of the most popular cultural traits of Turkey. This deeply spiritual dance signifies the fundamental revolving nature of humanity as explained by the Mevlana. There is much symbolism in the entire dance where the clothes, the movement and the position of the body carry deep meaning.
St. John the Baptist Church is the largest of all Cappadocia churches and impresses with its cathedral like proportions. Built in the 5th century, the church features beautiful frescoes, sadly many of them have faded due to smoke.
Pasabag's incredible fairy chimneys with twin and triple caps, resembling gigantic mushrooms, are probably the most unique ones in the entire area of Cappadocia. Pasabag aka General's Vineyard is named after the roadside wine country surrounded by these amazing formations all the way from Goreme to Zelve. Its other name, Monk Valley, comes from the hermitage of Simeon monks who once lived here. To this day, you can see the rock-cut chimneys which served as shelter for those monks. The most unique of which is the chapel of St. Simeon carved into a triple headed fairy chimney with distinctly decorated entrance.
The rock-cut castle of Ortahisar is an amazing 90m high natural stone honeycombed with man-made tunnels and caves. This natural camouflage has hidden the human presence there for centuries. Nowadays the erosion has started to reveal the insides of this remarkable structure so restorations have added a staircase to the top. Climbing it is a must do to ensure you enjoy an incredible vista of the stone houses below the castle and the picturesque valley of fairy chimneys in the background of Mt. Erciyes.
The gorgeous Ihlara Valley is one of the best hiking spots in Turkey. It has the deepest gorge in Anatolia with the Melendiz River running at the bottom. Trekking through the valley allows to admire the incredible beauty of the nature around combined with the sounds of the surrounding trees and running water. Once the entire valley was populated and was the home of monks. It is believed that there were a hundred cave churches throughout Ihlara but not all survived the test of time. To this day, however, there are numerous churches to visit and discover the frescoes depicted on the inside.
The deepest underground city of Cappadocia is Derinkuyu (Kaymakli being the widest). A visit to Derinkuyu Underground City, dating back to 8th-7th BC, is an incredible experience. Built to protect a large population along with their domestic animals and belongings, the city has all the accommodations you would expect to find in a regular city but all made out of carved rock - living space, kitchens, wine and oil presses, stables and so on. The deeply underground floors are accessed by steep stairways and all the way at the bottom is the Derinkuyu church. Take a look at the enormous rocks, resembling the mill rocks, used to close off the tunnels between floors and sections in case of an attack.
Kaymakli is the widest of all underground Cappadocia cities, Derinkuyu Underground City being the deepest. The underground cities are believed to date back to the 8th-7th century BC. All 8 floors of the Kaymakli city have not been uncovered yet and only 4 of them are currently opened to the public. Exploring those is an amazing trip back in time through history. Many people throughout the centuries have called Kaymakli their home where they protected themselves from invasions and persecutions. As you go through the living areas, kitchens, wine presses, stables and storage areas, you can feel the history. Pay attention to the huge andesite rock with many carved holes used for melting copper and shaping it up.
A balloon ride over the fairyland of Cappadocia must be one of the most awe inspiring and breathtaking experiences you could ever have. Fly over the incredible valleys of unique rocks shaped as fairy chimneys, mushroom tops, pillars and caps, cones and pinnacles, vineyard and orchards. Admire this natural wonder spreading for as far as you can see and inviting you to share in its magic. Take off at sunrise and you will be hypnotized by the incredible and surreal colors in all shades of red.
Goreme Open Air Museum is an absolute must do while in Cappadocia! Located in the middle of this incredible area, the museum resembles a vast monastic complex carved into the unique rocks of Cappadocia. The churches represent some of the finest examples of rock carved architecture and date back to the 10th, 11th and 12th century. The amazing frescoes on the inside still maintain the bright colors and vivid images displayed on the walls and naves. As you go through the tunnels leading to the churches or stare at the artfully done architectural elements covered in frescoes, there will be no doubt in your mind why Goreme is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Istanbul is a fascinating city with centuries old history and culture which has developed and morphed after the people inhabiting it over the years. Ancient capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman - the city has maintained its glory, splendor and upbeat atmosphere to lure visitors from around the world. Dive into the busy street life, rich cuisine and historical past to truly experience the magic of Istanbul.
Istanbul is a fascinating city with centuries old history and culture which has developed and morphed after the people inhabiting it over the years. Ancient capital of three empires - Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman - the city has maintained its glory, splendor and upbeat atmosphere to lure visitors from around the world. Dive into the busy street life, rich cuisine and historical past to truly experience the magic of Istanbul.
Washington, DC, one of the most important capitals in the world and the political heart of the US. History is made here every day and everywhere - at the White House, at the Capitol Hill and beyond. Just take a walk on the National Mall and history will come alive through the iconic landmarks, commemorating great visionaries, leaders and important events. World famous are the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Washington DC is a home of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world. All of its museums are free and open to the public with hands-on activities and interesting tours. Play and learn at the National Air and Space Museum or indulge in art and history at the National Gallery, Portrait Gallery and American History Museum. Washington DC is also a very cosmopolitan city where you can experience diverse cultures and cuisine from anywhere in the world. Take a stroll down Embassy Row to see the the flags of the world waiving over the historic mansions now homes to diplomatic representations until you get to DuPont Circle, the night life center of the city with trendy restaurants, bars and shops.
Washington, DC, one of the most important capitals in the world and the political heart of the US. History is made here every day and everywhere - at the White House, at the Capitol Hill and beyond. Just take a walk on the National Mall and history will come alive through the iconic landmarks, commemorating great visionaries, leaders and important events. World famous are the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Washington DC is a home of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world. All of its museums are free and open to the public with hands-on activities and interesting tours. Play and learn at the National Air and Space Museum or indulge in art and history at the National Gallery, Portrait Gallery and American History Museum. Washington DC is also a very cosmopolitan city where you can experience diverse cultures and cuisine from anywhere in the world. Take a stroll down Embassy Row to see the the flags of the world waiving over the historic mansions now homes to diplomatic representations until you get to DuPont Circle, the night life center of the city with trendy restaurants, bars and shops.
Los Angeles is famous for so many reasons but it is best known as the movie capital of the world! The iconic image of Hollywood is deeply engrained in show-business history with the sheer number of stars it has produced and the unforgettable big screen moments it has created. All other Los Angeles neighborhoods are no less impressive! Some of the most luxurious shopping in the world is on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, some of the most iconic mansions line up along the scenic Malibu Drive and the ultimate surfing scene is by the golden sands of the California coastline. Don't miss the trendy Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, the Pier, the unique live performances of the Venice Beach Boardwalk or the sophisticated museum scene of Downtown and so much more.
Los Angeles is famous for so many reasons but it is best known as the movie capital of the world! The iconic image of Hollywood is deeply engrained in show-business history with the sheer number of stars it has produced and the unforgettable big screen moments it has created. All other Los Angeles neighborhoods are no less impressive! Some of the most luxurious shopping in the world is on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, some of the most iconic mansions line up along the scenic Malibu Drive and the ultimate surfing scene is by the golden sands of the California coastline. Don't miss the trendy Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, the Pier, the unique live performances of the Venice Beach Boardwalk or the sophisticated museum scene of Downtown and so much more.
New York City, the ever changing and evolving Big Apple, a melting pot of cultures, arts, finance, science, entertainment and history. New York has played a big role in American history being the point of hopes and dreams for many immigrants coming to Elis Island in pursuit of the American Dream. Being one of the most iconic cities of the US, New York is home to many architectural, historical and cultural landmarks such as The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building. Walking down the streets of New York, visitors can experience the rush of Wall Street, the entertainment of Broadway, the luxurious touch of Fifth Avenue and the bursting artistic creativity of the Gogenhaim, MoMA and The Met. One can find piece and quiet walking around Central Park or experience the fast pace of the city at Times Square and spend an unforgettable night in the "city that never sleeps".
New York City, the ever changing and evolving Big Apple, a melting pot of cultures, arts, finance, science, entertainment and history. New York has played a big role in American history being the point of hopes and dreams for many immigrants coming to Elis Island in pursuit of the American Dream. Being one of the most iconic cities of the US, New York is home to many architectural, historical and cultural landmarks such as The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building. Walking down the streets of New York, visitors can experience the rush of Wall Street, the entertainment of Broadway, the luxurious touch of Fifth Avenue and the bursting artistic creativity of the Gogenhaim, MoMA and The Met. One can find piece and quiet walking around Central Park or experience the fast pace of the city at Times Square and spend an unforgettable night in the "city that never sleeps".