New Year’s – Antalya & Cappadocia

Upon arrival, you will meet our guide and be transferred to your hotel. Accommodation will be at the Manavgat 4* Lake River hotel or a similar establishment.

Your journey begins as you leave your hotel in Manavgat, heading towards Cappadocia with a stop at the Mevlana Museum in Konya. As you drive through the scenic landscapes of Turkey, you’ll notice the lush greenery of the Mediterranean coastal region slowly giving way to the arid yet captivating plains of the Anatolian plateau. The contrast between these two regions highlights the diverse beauty of Turkey’s natural environment. On the way to Konya, you’ll traverse rolling hills and expansive farmlands, dotted with small villages that offer a glimpse into the rural life of Anatolia. The journey provides a unique opportunity to witness the gradual change in architecture and vegetation as you move inland. Arriving in Konya, you will visit the Mevlana Museum, a place of profound spiritual significance. The museum, once the lodge of the Whirling Dervishes, is dedicated to the great Sufi mystic Rumi. Inside, you’ll find a serene courtyard filled with the scent of roses and the sound of fountains, providing a tranquil atmosphere. The mausoleum of Rumi, with its distinctive green dome, is the centerpiece, and the museum houses a collection of artifacts related to Rumi and the Dervishes, including manuscripts, musical instruments, and personal belongings. The peaceful ambiance of the museum offers a deep sense of reverence and contemplation. Continuing your journey towards Cappadocia, you will travel through more of Turkey’s heartland. The road will take you through picturesque towns and past ancient caravanserais, remnants of the Silk Road era, which once served as rest stops for traders and travelers. This historical route offers a window into Turkey’s rich past and its role as a bridge between East and West. As you approach Cappadocia, the landscape dramatically transforms into a surreal world of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and rocky outcrops. The unique geological formations, created by volcanic activity and erosion, are unlike anything you’ve seen before. The environment here is stark yet mesmerizing, with its towering rock spires and vast, open valleys. Upon reaching Cappadocia, you will be surrounded by the region’s signature scenery. The combination of natural beauty and human ingenuity is evident in the rock-cut churches and homes that blend seamlessly into the rugged terrain. The history and culture of this area are deeply intertwined with the landscape, offering a unique and immersive experience. Accommodation will be at the Cappadocia 4* Mihran Sultan Hotel or a similar establishment.

Early in the morning, there is an optional Hot Air Balloon Tour which is highly recommended. Your day in Cappadocia begins with a visit to the enchanting Zelve and Paşabağ valleys. These areas are famous for their unique rock formations and rich historical significance. Zelve, once a bustling monastic retreat, offers a labyrinth of cave dwellings, chapels, and monasteries carved into the soft volcanic rock. The serene landscape of Paşabağ, also known as Monk’s Valley, is adorned with striking fairy chimneys, some of which house hermit cells and churches, providing a glimpse into the ascetic life of ancient monks. As you wander through these valleys, the surreal scenery and the sense of history transport you to a different era. Next, you explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases some of the best-preserved rock-cut churches and frescoes in the region. This museum, once a monastic complex, contains numerous chapels and monasteries adorned with vivid Byzantine frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. The intricate artistry and the spiritual ambiance of the place offer a profound insight into the early Christian communities that thrived in Cappadocia. After the museum, you visit a local cave house, experiencing firsthand how the locals have ingeniously utilized the natural rock formations to create comfortable and sustainable living spaces. These cave houses, cool in summer and warm in winter, provide a fascinating contrast to modern architecture and demonstrate the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in this unique region. The tour continues to Love Valley, renowned for its towering, phallic-shaped rock formations. This valley, with its lush greenery and surreal landscape, offers a romantic and picturesque setting. Walking through Love Valley, you can appreciate the natural beauty and the whimsical shapes created by centuries of erosion, making it a perfect spot for photography and quiet contemplation. Your next stop is a carpet viewing center, where you will learn about the intricate art of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. Skilled artisans demonstrate the meticulous process of creating these beautiful, hand-woven carpets, each piece telling a unique story through its patterns and colors. The richness of the designs and the craftsmanship involved in making these carpets highlight an important aspect of Turkey’s cultural heritage. As evening approaches, you prepare for a memorable New Year’s Gala Dinner & Show in a local restaurant. The festive atmosphere, combined with traditional Turkish music and dance performances, creates a joyous and lively celebration. Savoring delicious local cuisine and enjoying the entertainment, you will be immersed in the vibrant culture and hospitality of Cappadocia, making this New Year’s Eve a truly special and unforgettable experience. Accommodation will be at the Cappadocia 4* Mihran Sultan Hotel or a similar establishment.

Your tour begins with a visit to a pottery art shop, where you’ll have the chance to witness the ancient art of pottery-making, a craft deeply embedded in the local culture of Cappadocia. You will see skilled artisans at work, shaping and painting intricate designs on the pottery, a tradition passed down through generations. This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich artistic heritage and provides an opportunity to purchase unique, handmade souvenirs. Next, you will explore Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley. This area is renowned for its surreal landscape, filled with unique rock formations that resemble various animals and objects. The valley’s lunar-like scenery sparks the imagination, inviting visitors to see shapes like camels, seals, and even a kneeling camel in the rock formations. This natural wonderland offers a fantastic setting for photography and contemplation. From there, you will travel to Sinassos, now known as Mustafapaşa. This charming village was once a prosperous Greek settlement, and its rich history is evident in its well-preserved stone houses, churches, and mansions. Walking through its narrow streets, you will experience a blend of Greek and Turkish architectural styles, reflecting the town’s diverse cultural heritage. The village is a quiet, picturesque spot that offers a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into the past. Your journey continues to the Fairy Chimneys Panorama Point, where you will be greeted by a stunning view of the iconic fairy chimneys. These unique rock formations, created by centuries of erosion, are one of Cappadocia’s most famous natural wonders. The panoramic viewpoint provides a breathtaking vista of these tall, thin spires of rock, set against the backdrop of the region’s dramatic landscape. Afterward, you will head to Red Valley, named for its vibrant red-colored rocks and stunning sunsets. The valley is famous for its hiking trails, which wind through vineyards, orchards, and rock-carved churches. The rich hues of the rocks, combined with the lush greenery, create a picturesque and serene environment, perfect for exploration and photography. Next, you will visit Ortahisar Panorama Point, offering a spectacular view of Ortahisar Castle, a massive rock formation that has been used as a fortress for centuries. The viewpoint provides a sweeping vista of the surrounding landscape, including the quaint village of Ortahisar, with its traditional stone houses and narrow streets. This spot is ideal for capturing the essence of Cappadocia’s unique beauty. Finally, you will arrive at Pigeon Valley Panorama Point, named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. These pigeon houses have been used for centuries by locals to collect pigeon droppings, which are used as fertilizer. The valley itself is a lush, green area with stunning rock formations and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a peaceful and picturesque end to your day’s journey through the wonders of Cappadocia. Accommodation will be at the Cappadocia 4* Mihran Sultan Hotel or a similar establishment.

Your day begins with a departure from Cappadocia, journeying through the captivating landscapes of Central Anatolia. The drive reveals a tapestry of geological formations, expansive plains, and charming villages, offering a window into rural Turkish life with scenes of farmers at work, traditional stone houses, and flocks of livestock dotting the fields. Arriving at Saratlı Underground City, you will delve into an extraordinary subterranean world that dates back to ancient times. This multi-level underground city, carved from soft volcanic rock, was created by early Christian communities seeking refuge from persecution. As you wander through the narrow passageways and hidden chambers, you will uncover a labyrinth of living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, and even a church. The city’s sophisticated ventilation systems and defensive features showcase the remarkable ingenuity and resilience of its inhabitants. This exploration provides a profound appreciation for the historical and architectural significance of such an extensive underground sanctuary. Continuing your journey, you travel towards a historic caravanserai, traversing the historic Silk Road route. The landscape transitions from the rugged terrain

Your day begins with a visit to a jewelry center, where you will be introduced to the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of Turkish jewelry. Here, you will witness the creation of intricate designs, often inspired by the rich cultural heritage and history of the region. The center showcases a wide variety of pieces, from traditional Ottoman styles to contemporary designs, featuring precious stones and metals. This stop provides a fascinating insight into the meticulous process of jewelry making and offers an opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality pieces. Next, you will explore a leather showroom, where you will discover the fine art of leather crafting that Turkey is renowned for. The showroom displays a vast array of leather goods, including jackets, bags, shoes, and accessories, all made from the highest quality materials. Skilled artisans demonstrate the techniques used in tanning and crafting leather, emphasizing the blend of traditional methods and modern fashion trends. This visit offers a chance to appreciate the durability and elegance of Turkish leather products and to acquire stylish and lasting items. Continuing your journey, you will head to Antalya Old City, known as Kaleiçi. This historic quarter is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, ancient ruins, and charming boutique shops. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you will encounter landmarks such as Hadrian’s Gate, a triumphal arch built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and the Yivli Minaret, a striking 13th-century Seljuk minaret. The Old City’s vibrant atmosphere, with its mix of historical sites, quaint cafes, and stunning views of the harbor, provides a rich cultural experience and a glimpse into Antalya’s past. Your day concludes with a visit to the Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall, one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the region. Located where the Düden River meets the Mediterranean Sea, this stunning waterfall cascades over the cliffs into the sea below. The sight of the powerful water flow, combined with the surrounding lush greenery and the sound of the cascading water, creates a serene and mesmerizing environment. This natural wonder offers a perfect end to your day’s journey, providing a peaceful and scenic retreat where you can relax and reflect on the diverse experiences of the day. We will stay in Antalya 4* or 5* Sensitive Premium Hotel or a similar accommodation.

You will be transferred to Antalya airport for farewell and departure.