8-day Ewt holiday study tour Bizarre tuff landscape, idyllic gorges and Istanbul a great mix!
On this special journey, we will see the unique, bizarre tufa landscape of Cappadocia with its idyllic canyons and impressive cave churches as well as the historic metropolis of Istanbul. Get involved in this extraordinary travel combination!
Highlights:
UNESCO World Heritage Göreme
Hike through the Ihlara Gorge
Istanbul: city between Orient and Occident
course
1st day – Arrival to Cappadocia
Welcome to Turkey! Via Istanbul you fly to the Cappadocian capital Kayseri. In cloudless skies you can admire the fantastic tuff landscape from the plane. At the airport you are already expected and drive to your hotel.
Day 2 – Goreme: UNESCO World Heritage Site
From the castle rock Uchisar we have a breathtaking view of the fairy chimneys created by volcanic eruption. We explore the 365 hidden cave churches on a hike through the Goreme Valley, some of which we visit in the open-air museum. The history of the rock churches with their well-preserved wall and fresco paintings goes back to some extent to the 4th century. Especially worth seeing is the Tokali Church, which is located outside the museum park. (B, D
3rd day – hike in the Red Valley
We actively start the day with a hike through the Red Valley. At the destination Cavusin we have time for a cozy chat over a glass of Turkish tea. Then we drive over the early Christian residences Pasabag and Zelve to Avanos, the small artisan town on the Red River. For lunch we find ourselves on an organic farm. Meals are prepared exclusively with the organic produce produced here. After the meal, the farm owner gives us an insight into the daily work and reports on his experience in organic farming. In the evening, we let ourselves be carried away to Turkish folklore and belly dancing in the oriental world. (B, L, D) 70 m, 70 m, approx. 3 hours
Day 4 – The Ihlara Gorge
Take a unique opportunity to admire the »moonscape« of Cappadocia from a new perspective and join the optional balloon ride before breakfast. We start our discoveries today with the 14 kilometer long and 100 meter deep Ihlara Gorge, the so-called Grand Canyon of Turkey. On a hike through the valley we follow the poplar-lined Melendiz River, which leads past cave houses and rock churches. Then we visit the city of Derinkuyu, which is up to 40 meters underground. Via labyrinthine paths we descend into the depths. It is hard to imagine that once upon a time people of a whole city sought refuge for weeks or even months. In the evening we join the spiritual ritual of Dancing Dervishes. (B, D)
Day 5 – From Kayseri to Istanbul
We visit a carpet weaving workshop and get an insight into the art of one of Turkey’s most traditional trades. We can look the local women at the carpet knot over the shoulder and find out why the knot is actually an art. Then we drive to the airport of Kayseri and fly towards the secret capital Istanbul. (B, D)
Day 6 – Istanbul: Highlights
Today, an impressive day awaits us. When visiting the world famous metropolis we will visit some of the most important and famous buildings in history. For example, the Hagia Sophia was once a landmark of Constantinople and the Christian faith. Converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, it now functions as a museum. Immediately afterwards, we will head to the neighboring Sultan Ahmet Mosque with its impressive six minarets. Due to the blue-colored Iznik tiles, it is also known as the Blue Mosque. We will also visit the famous Hippodrome of Septimius Severus. A boat trip across the Bosphorus is a relaxing change before we enjoy the benefits of local cuisine with dinner. (B, D)
Day 7 – Chora Church and Topkapi Palace
We visit the famous Chora Church, which houses a unique wealth of Byzantine art. Afterwards we visit the Eyüp Mosque, which is considered the holiest mosque in Istanbul. Here we can enjoy the great view above the Golden Horn with a typical Simit (sesame ring) and a glass of tea in the Café Pierre Loti. In the Topkapi Palace, we admire the precious exhibits from the everyday life of the sultans and his subordinates. We also pay a visit to the harem with its mysterious rooms. After that there is still some time. Take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar before devoting yourself to the culinary delights of dinner. (B, D)
8th day – return or connecting holiday
Even this wonderful journey comes to an end. You say goodbye to Turkey and fly back to your departure airport. If you have opted for »more holidays afterwards«, you can explore Istanbul for a few more days on your own. (B)
(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Achievements that convince
Flights in economy class to Kayseri from Istanbul
Domestic flight in economy class
Aviation tax, airport and aviation security fees
Round trip / excursions in country-typical coaches with air conditioning
Transfers on arrival and departure
Highlights of your trip:
Visit to a BIO farm with lunch
Spiritual ritual of Dancing Dervishes
Exploring the Topkapi Palace with a visit to the harem
Boat trip on the Bosphorus
All entrance fees
7 hotel nights (bath or shower / WC)
7x breakfast, 1x lunch, 6x dinner