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Cappadocia means “the land of beautiful horses.” Magnificent sunsets, moonlit landscapes, and unique flavors set the scene in this special place. One of the most beautiful regions of Asia Minor, Caesarea, the birthplace of St. Basil, a city of mausoleums and the “Argeios” volcano, which has created its unique geological formations. The Goreme Valley, the heart of the region’s tourism industry, with its 360 rock-cut churches and 30 famous underground cities. The site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The underground dwellings, carved deep into the earth, are a breathtaking experience in themselves, as they served as a refuge for Christians during the period of persecution. The “Fairy Chimneys,” a geological phenomenon featuring cylindrical rock formations that resemble towers, will take your breath away.
The history of Cappadocia dates back to around 1650 B.C. And during our visit there, we can learn about the major cities that developed and still exist today, captivating the interest of anyone who wants to lose themselves in this truly enchanting place. Information about the rock-hewn monasteries and the most important churches in the region—structures built by the monks themselves, who formed entire monastic communities, carved the rock and shaped it into churches. Furthermore, these same monks, often self-taught painters, were responsible for the frescoes that stand out for their sincerity and authenticity, as well as for the architectural form the church was to take.
Join us in Cappadocia, where we offer:
Accommodations at select luxury 4- and 5-star hotels in exceptional locations.
A revamped itinerary with ideal accommodations to ensure the program runs smoothly, without grueling distances or late-night departures.
Complimentary half-board (breakfast & dinner).
Full tour itinerary.
Visit to the little-known underground and above-ground city of Soğanlı.
Daily suggestions for visits and activities outside the itinerary.
An experienced Greek-speaking guide from our agency.
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
We depart from our city at 5:00 a.m. Traveling via the New Egnatia Highway and after several stops, we arrive at the Kipoi border crossing. Immediately afterward, we cross to the Asian side via Eastern Thrace and the Dardanelles Bridge. Traveling via the bypass routes through Artaki and Panormos, we arrive in Prusa late in the afternoon. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner. Rest.
Breakfast at the hotel, and we depart early in the morning. Passing through Eskişehir, Gordium, and the regions of Bithynia and Phrygia, we arrive in Cappadocia in the late afternoon. Next, we’ll visit the Underground City of St. Mercurius in Saratli. Immediately afterward, we’ll head to our hotel in Göreme. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner. Rest.
Breakfast at the hotel. We begin our itinerary with a visit to the cave-dwelling holy monastic city of Korama. This is followed by a short stop in Avano, where we’ll view the Aly River from the bridge. Immediately afterward, we head to the holy city of Caesarea, seat of the Diocese of St. Basil. Free time in the city’s Covered Market, as well as a visit to the nearby Byzantine castle with its picturesque cafes and the archaeological museum featuring the famous sarcophagus depicting the Labors of Hercules. Return to the hotel, followed immediately—for those interested—by an optional performance of a dance ceremony by the Dervish Order. Return to the hotel. Dinner. Optional outing to neighboring Prokopi or to whichever picturesque town we happen to be near.
Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll leave early in the morning to visit the site sanctified by St. John the Russian in Old Prokopi. Immediately afterward, we’ll head to the Greek village of Sinasso, home to the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen (now a museum). We’ll stroll through the picturesque alleys and admire the unique houses with their Greek inscriptions. Passing through unique volcanic formations, we’ll reach the hidden and exceptionally beautiful volcanic valley of Soandou. There, we’ll tour the unique, millennia-old above-ground, semi-underground temples, which are shaped on the outside to resemble small chapels. There, in addition to the older temples, we’ll admire the newer ones that were recently opened to the public, featuring stunning religious murals. Returning to the hotel in the afternoon, an optional jeep safari through the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia follows. Dinner. Optional evening entertainment.
Breakfast at the hotel. We depart early in the morning and, traveling via Iconium, arrive in Hierapolis in the afternoon. This is followed by a guided tour of one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia Minor. Entering through the South Gate from the Middle Byzantine period, we’ll walk a path lined with Ionic and Corinthian columns. We’ll approach the Plutonium, the entrance to the realm of Hades and Persephone. We’ll see the Theater and the site where St. Philip was martyred from a distance, and we’ll end up at the Roman Baths. Free time to admire the natural, pure-white limestone pools in Hierapolis (Pamukkale) as well as the museum at the archaeological site. Immediately afterward, we’ll head to the hotel, where we can enjoy the hot springs. Dinner. Rest.
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure. Today we will visit the impressive Hellenistic and Early Christian site of Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, founded by Antiochus II and named after his wife. We’ll walk through the ancient Agora, see the recently uncovered Christian basilica with its baptistery, and end our tour at the impressive and recently renovated ancient theater, which once held 20,000 spectators. We’ll depart and, after passing through Filadelfia and Thyateira on the outskirts, arrive in Çanakkale (Dardanelles) in the late afternoon.
Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure. After crossing the Çanakkale Bridge, we’ll travel through Kesan to the border. Via Kipoi and the Egnatia Highway, we’ll arrive in the city of Thessaloniki late in the afternoon.
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The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this particular package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip for operational reasons and/or due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant information will be provided.