What to do

There is so much to see in the local area: most who come to Cappadocia wish they could have stayed for longer. There are also many tours available, & we will be happy to arrange one for you (or indeed any of the other activities mentioned). We have to mention the following:

The Open Air Museum at Göreme is a collection of rock churches, richly adorned with frescos that date back to the 11 th century.

Zelve is not what you would expect from a monastery. A network of cells & churches all carved into two valleys.

The Underground Cities . Wonder at these ancient warrens. Find out how extensive & deep they go.

The Ilhara Valley is a beautiful canyon containing many old churches!

There is a thriving pottery craft in Avanos , many carpet outlets, & good local wine , which of course can be sampled.

Hot air ballooning – this has to be one of the best ways of experiencing the unique landscape! There are several companies that can take you on dawn trips that weave around the crags & valleys then soar up to give you spectacular views. It is hard to take a bad photo unless you are shaking due to vertigo!

Walking. The countryside around Ortahisar is perfect for exploring on foot. Walk all day through the extra-ordinary moonscape valleys and you will hardly meet a soul. The area is good for wild flowers and birds.

Once a month at full moon Ortahisar character Crazy Ali can take you on a magical nightime walk.

If you want to move a bit faster, take a bicycle down farm tracks, through orchards and vineyards, though watch out for some steep climbs.

Horseback riding . Cappadocia translates as “Land of the Beautiful horses” and stables; many around Avanos offer riding trips

There is an historical Turkish bath or Hamam in Ürgüp 5km away is open to both men and women and has a masseur.

There area number of places to witness Whirling Dervishes

The area is a popular tourist destination, with many unique geological, historic and cultural features - rock-cut temples and housing, fairy chimneys (a tall thin spire of rock).

Seasonal skiing is only 1 1/2 hours drive away.

The region is located southwest of Kayseri, which has an airline and railway service to Ankara and Istanbul.