Highlights of Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Tours
The famous landscapes of the region are best viewed from above and Hot Air Ballooning over Cappadocia’s valleys is on many people’s bucket-list.
Hot Air Balloon tours take off daily throughout the year just after sunrise. Please contact us if you’d like us to arrange this unforgettable experience for you.
Cappadocia Daily Tours
The Cappadocia region is a widespread area covering about 60 km sq and at least three full days are necessary to get a decent overall experience of what Cappadocia has to offer. There are three main areas to explore, each offering a mix of both historical and natural sites. The central main region (Goreme Open-Air Museum, Zelve, Pasabag Fairy Chimneys, Avanos and Uchisar Castle); the Soganli region to the north (old Greek towns, and the monastery complex of Soganli); and Ihlara Valley (canyon walks) to the south. The famous underground cities, one of Cappadocia’s most popular highlights, can be added to any of the three itineraries easily.
We can provide detailed information
and maps to help you plan your route
if you’d like to explore independently
or we can help arrange a professional
guided tour for you if you prefer.
Contact us for detailed information.
Sema: Whirling Dervishes
The sema is the ceremonial ritual of the Sufi Islam. In the Mevlana Sufi sect, the devotees whirl continuously, to achieve a hypnotic state where they are at one with God. In Cappadocia, you can witness a sema ritual inside a 12th century caravanserai. Contact us if you’d like more information.
Turkish Bath
The best way to relax after a long day of sightseeing is with a traditional steam, scrub and massage of a hamam (Turkish bath). If you’d like to experience this quintessential Turkish tradition in one of Cappadocia’s hamams, contact us for more information.
Horseriding Tours
Since the Hittite era, Cappadocia has been known for its horses and it would be a pity to miss a riding tour within this landscape. There are many horseriding tours available catering for both beginners and more experienced riders, which allow you to view the valley scenery from the saddle.
Mukerrem Kalkay, joint-owner of SOTA Cappadocia is a highly-experienced horseman and is happy to guide you on horse rides. For detailed information, please contact us.
Hiking At Valleys of Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s day-hikes are some of the best in the world. It is almost impossible to find another place where history and nature are as entwined as Cappadocia and hiking out into the valleys, studded by rock outcrops and Byzantine rock-churches is one of the best ways to experience this unique environment. There are many different route alternatives with options for both experienced hikers and those that prefer a short, gentle stroll. We will happily provide information and maps for you if you’d like to hike and can also arrange for you to hike with a professional guide if you prefer. For detailed information please contact us.
Avanos Pottery
Avanos is a well-known pottery centre with its distinctive ceramics made from the red soil of the Kizilirmak ‘Red River’. It’s possible to visit Avanos’ pottery workshops where local artisans continue the village’s centuries-old ceramic traditions. If you want to watch the artists at work, and try out some pottery skills yourself, we can arrange this. Contact us for more details.
Cooking Classes
If you’d like to learn the recipes and secrets of Turkish homecooking, Cappadocia has some excellent cooking classes where you can spend time with a local family in a traditional Cappadocian house, discovering the rural, rustic flavours of the region. Please contact us for more information.
