Almost 4 days in Cappadocia - itinerary review
Mar 28th, 2013, 08:25 AM
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Almost 4 days in Cappadocia - itinerary review
Please review the plan below for almost 4 days in Cappadocia. We are landing at Keyseri at 8:30 am, and getting a transfer to Goreme.
Day 1: Arrive at hotel, relax, lunch; Goreme Open Air Museum in the afternoon. Do we have time for Pigeon Valley - Uchisar – Love Valley? We will be there in Oct, with sunset around 6:30 pm.
Day 2: Balloon ride, then Zelve Open Air Museum, then walk back through Pasapagi, Cavusin, Red and Rose Valleys.
Day 3: Rent a car – Ortahisar – Devrent Valley – Mustafapasa. Maybe a Whirling Dervishes show in the evening. Where?
Day 4: Green tour for Ilhara Valley, Selime Monastery and Derinkuyu Underground City.
Does this look feasible? Would you organize the days differently? Should we rent a car for fays 2 and 3, or only for day 3? Any other suggestion will be appreciated. Thanks
Day 1: Arrive at hotel, relax, lunch; Goreme Open Air Museum in the afternoon. Do we have time for Pigeon Valley - Uchisar – Love Valley? We will be there in Oct, with sunset around 6:30 pm.
Day 2: Balloon ride, then Zelve Open Air Museum, then walk back through Pasapagi, Cavusin, Red and Rose Valleys.
Day 3: Rent a car – Ortahisar – Devrent Valley – Mustafapasa. Maybe a Whirling Dervishes show in the evening. Where?
Day 4: Green tour for Ilhara Valley, Selime Monastery and Derinkuyu Underground City.
Does this look feasible? Would you organize the days differently? Should we rent a car for fays 2 and 3, or only for day 3? Any other suggestion will be appreciated. Thanks
Mar 28th, 2013, 04:52 PM
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> Day 1: ... Goreme Open Air Museum in the afternoon. Do we have time for Pigeon Valley - Uchisar – Love Valley? We will be there in Oct, with sunset around 6:30 pm.
I don't know, as I didn't take that particular walk. I spent about 2 hours at the Goreme Open Air Museum; I suspect many people would spend a bit less than that. If your time is short, you might consider a walk through the Zimi Valley instead -- its just outside the museum on the side toward Goreme.
> Day 2: Balloon ride, then Zelve Open Air Museum, then walk back through Pasapagi, Cavusin, Red and Rose Valleys.
That's pretty much what I did, except that I visited the Devrent Valley before the Zelve Open Air Museum. Visiting Devrent really just meant getting out of the car, letting my jaw drop, and then smiling ridiculously while I turned around, walked a few steps, and took pictures. I don't think it's a place for hikes or that takes much time, but maybe I missed something!
> .... Maybe a Whirling Dervishes show in the evening. Where?
The only sema performance I know of in the area is at Sarihan - which IMHO is worth a short visit to appreciate the architecture. You may also be able to see the sema while you are in Istanbul at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, where you can also see performances of folk and belly dance.
http://www.hodjapasha.com
> are Goreme and Zelve open air museums similar?
See your other post.
I don't know, as I didn't take that particular walk. I spent about 2 hours at the Goreme Open Air Museum; I suspect many people would spend a bit less than that. If your time is short, you might consider a walk through the Zimi Valley instead -- its just outside the museum on the side toward Goreme.
> Day 2: Balloon ride, then Zelve Open Air Museum, then walk back through Pasapagi, Cavusin, Red and Rose Valleys.
That's pretty much what I did, except that I visited the Devrent Valley before the Zelve Open Air Museum. Visiting Devrent really just meant getting out of the car, letting my jaw drop, and then smiling ridiculously while I turned around, walked a few steps, and took pictures. I don't think it's a place for hikes or that takes much time, but maybe I missed something!
> .... Maybe a Whirling Dervishes show in the evening. Where?
The only sema performance I know of in the area is at Sarihan - which IMHO is worth a short visit to appreciate the architecture. You may also be able to see the sema while you are in Istanbul at the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, where you can also see performances of folk and belly dance.
http://www.hodjapasha.com
> are Goreme and Zelve open air museums similar?
See your other post.
Mar 28th, 2013, 05:06 PM
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Oh, I love your description on Devrent Valley - I need to do that jaw thing 
I think on day 1 we'll do the Pigeon Valley - Uchisar – Love Valley loop first, then the Goreme Open Air Museum. This way, I won't worry about getting lost in the dark...
Sarihan keeps popping in a lot of posts, so I guess we'll try that. Our time in Istanbul will be short, and packed, I don't think we can fit any folk show while there.
Did you go to Soganli Valley? Maybe we have time for it on day 3?
I think on day 1 we'll do the Pigeon Valley - Uchisar – Love Valley loop first, then the Goreme Open Air Museum. This way, I won't worry about getting lost in the dark...
Sarihan keeps popping in a lot of posts, so I guess we'll try that. Our time in Istanbul will be short, and packed, I don't think we can fit any folk show while there.
Did you go to Soganli Valley? Maybe we have time for it on day 3?
Mar 28th, 2013, 05:20 PM
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> Did you go to Soganli Valley? Maybe we have time for it on day 3?
I did, and I enjoyed it very much - but I only had time for a small part of it.
You might have time for it, depending on how much time you spend in Ortahisar (which I skipped) and Mustafapasa. If I had to describe it, I'd say it's sort of a cross between the Ihlara Valley and the Goreme Open Air Museum, but with fewer other tourists (but maybe that's because it was raining off and on when I visited). As I recall, the scenery between Mustafapasa and the Soganli Valley was stunning, but again, the dramatic skies produced by distant rain storms undoubtedly contributed to that effect.
I did, and I enjoyed it very much - but I only had time for a small part of it.
You might have time for it, depending on how much time you spend in Ortahisar (which I skipped) and Mustafapasa. If I had to describe it, I'd say it's sort of a cross between the Ihlara Valley and the Goreme Open Air Museum, but with fewer other tourists (but maybe that's because it was raining off and on when I visited). As I recall, the scenery between Mustafapasa and the Soganli Valley was stunning, but again, the dramatic skies produced by distant rain storms undoubtedly contributed to that effect.
Mar 28th, 2013, 06:11 PM
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It just occurred to me....
>Our time in Istanbul will be short, and packed, I don't think we can fit any folk show while there.
Right, but most museums and mosques, etc., are closed in the evening. There are evening performances at the Hodjapasha.
Just a thought....
>Our time in Istanbul will be short, and packed, I don't think we can fit any folk show while there.
Right, but most museums and mosques, etc., are closed in the evening. There are evening performances at the Hodjapasha.
Just a thought....
Mar 29th, 2013, 02:15 AM
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Hi ,
We went for Turkish night out in Avanos about 10km from Goreme. Every evening starting 8:30. The show at the end was fantastic. I wouldn't say the food was good, just ok if you are very hungry. We did most excursions in 2 days, but we did have guide with car. For many places You need car. Urgup is the small cozy town with excellent food about 20km away from Goreme, near urgup are also very fantastic places to see and take pictures.
I should warn tourist with claustrophobia syndrome, do not get in underground cities. I saw many people in panic trying to get out.My husband found out also he has the syndrome and we had to get out quickly. If you are deciding to go there do take a guide. Underground cities are going around 60 meters deep and many places you have to squeeze through very small tunnels.
I would say cappadocia is wonderful, but without car would be difficult to see all those nice places.
We went for Turkish night out in Avanos about 10km from Goreme. Every evening starting 8:30. The show at the end was fantastic. I wouldn't say the food was good, just ok if you are very hungry
. We did most excursions in 2 days, but we did have guide with car. For many places You need car. Urgup is the small cozy town with excellent food about 20km away from Goreme, near urgup are also very fantastic places to see and take pictures.I should warn tourist with claustrophobia syndrome, do not get in underground cities. I saw many people in panic trying to get out.My husband found out also he has the syndrome and we had to get out quickly. If you are deciding to go there do take a guide. Underground cities are going around 60 meters deep and many places you have to squeeze through very small tunnels.
I would say cappadocia is wonderful, but without car would be difficult to see all those nice places.
Mar 29th, 2013, 02:59 AM
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we very seldom take tours but when we were in cappadocia we did. most sites are too far apart to be easily seen. we took both reed and green tour and loved them both. didn't take the ballon trip. thought about it but several people in our cave hotel - be sure to stay in one, complained about how bad it was. it all depends on the winds and the skill of your pilot.
Mar 29th, 2013, 03:27 AM
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Kja,
I think we will skip Ortahisar – we are going to see Uchisar instead, and so we’ll have time for Soganli. Everybody seems to love this valley.
Not sure about the show in Istanbul…we’ll have to see how tired we are in the evening. I lean towards seeing one in Cappadocia, but we’ll see. Do we need tickets in advance, or can we just buy them right then, before the show?
Samanta,
Do you recall roughly how much was guide + car for the day?
Thanks for the claustrophobia warning…I will have to see about that. Mine is mild, and I hope I can keep it in check. We’ll see.
Toledodd,
Which company did you use for tours? How many people were on each tour?
Thanks
I think we will skip Ortahisar – we are going to see Uchisar instead, and so we’ll have time for Soganli. Everybody seems to love this valley.
Not sure about the show in Istanbul…we’ll have to see how tired we are in the evening. I lean towards seeing one in Cappadocia, but we’ll see. Do we need tickets in advance, or can we just buy them right then, before the show?
Samanta,
Do you recall roughly how much was guide + car for the day?
Thanks for the claustrophobia warning…I will have to see about that. Mine is mild, and I hope I can keep it in check. We’ll see.
Toledodd,
Which company did you use for tours? How many people were on each tour?
Thanks
Mar 29th, 2013, 03:44 AM
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<i> Do we have time for Pigeon Valley - Uchisar – Love Valley?</i>
One data point on the time required: we walked the entire length of the Love Valley from Uchisar to the other end near Cavusin, and my notes say that walk, alone, was 90+ minutes. It was fantastic, by the way:
http://onelittleworld.zenfolio.com/p852736119
From there, we went to Cavusin and then back to Goreme, and that was a good half day--out late morning after a balloon ride and back in Goreme around 3.
We went to the Goreme open air museum on a different day and probably spent upwards of two hours or more on that--including the walk out there and back from the town.
One data point on the time required: we walked the entire length of the Love Valley from Uchisar to the other end near Cavusin, and my notes say that walk, alone, was 90+ minutes. It was fantastic, by the way:
http://onelittleworld.zenfolio.com/p852736119
From there, we went to Cavusin and then back to Goreme, and that was a good half day--out late morning after a balloon ride and back in Goreme around 3.
We went to the Goreme open air museum on a different day and probably spent upwards of two hours or more on that--including the walk out there and back from the town.
Mar 29th, 2013, 06:24 AM
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we used our friend suggested company and guide see the link about them in tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...gean_Coast.htm hes name is Ergin Ince.
We traveled just together with my husband and it was more like privet trip, our guide was also driving and we set our own itinerary from hes suggestions.We payed roughly 400 TL per day which is in USD 225 about. I say the distances are not so big but in this way, the guide who was local ( Ergin was born in Cappadocia ) brought us in many hidden parts, were tourists usually don't go. There are also cheaper tours with groups around 50 USD, but we do not enjoy the crowds, it was our decision go more privet and stop wherever we want. The reason for privet guide with car was also we could relax and enjoy our meals with bottle of wine. See the link and if you are interested drop the line to the guide and he may suggest you the best ways to go and the best thinks to see for affordable price.
The entrance tickets for Turkish nights was 25 TL ( including food and 2 big bottles of red and white wine), the middle of the show I would take out , but the end was really spectacular.
We traveled just together with my husband and it was more like privet trip, our guide was also driving and we set our own itinerary from hes suggestions.We payed roughly 400 TL per day which is in USD 225 about. I say the distances are not so big but in this way, the guide who was local ( Ergin was born in Cappadocia ) brought us in many hidden parts, were tourists usually don't go. There are also cheaper tours with groups around 50 USD, but we do not enjoy the crowds, it was our decision go more privet and stop wherever we want. The reason for privet guide with car was also we could relax and enjoy our meals with bottle of wine. See the link and if you are interested drop the line to the guide and he may suggest you the best ways to go and the best thinks to see for affordable price.
The entrance tickets for Turkish nights was 25 TL ( including food and 2 big bottles of red and white wine), the middle of the show I would take out , but the end was really spectacular.
Mar 29th, 2013, 07:55 AM
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I have mild claustrophobia, and I was fine in the underground city. I think one factor is that they are so well ventilated--one of the more interesting characteristics of the cities. I have had more difficulty with catacombs, where it looks more maze like with no one path. In the underground city, it was well lit and we had a guide leading us.
I had a driver for a trip similar to your day 4, and it was fantastic. On our other full day, we walked from Goreme to Uchisar (pigeon valley), then we walked to Cavusin (love valley), then we tried to walk rose/red valley back to Goreme, but missed some trail markers. We pretty much skirted the trail back to Goreme. It was a long day, but amazing! I could have spent a week there, so you will be pleased with 4 days.
I had a driver for a trip similar to your day 4, and it was fantastic. On our other full day, we walked from Goreme to Uchisar (pigeon valley), then we walked to Cavusin (love valley), then we tried to walk rose/red valley back to Goreme, but missed some trail markers. We pretty much skirted the trail back to Goreme. It was a long day, but amazing! I could have spent a week there, so you will be pleased with 4 days.
Mar 29th, 2013, 08:15 AM
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Mr-go,
Great time references, this is exactly what I was looking for, and helps planning.
Samanta,
Thanks for the details and price notes on guide. We prefer small groups or private guides, so that is really helpful.
Yorksire,
I think I will be fine underground – me too, I have problems with poorly ventilated spaces (even huge halls), but that seems not to be the case with the underground cities. Very good to know. Your “full day” was really full
I’m sure we will love Cappadocia, and Turkey in general.
Great time references, this is exactly what I was looking for, and helps planning.
Samanta,
Thanks for the details and price notes on guide. We prefer small groups or private guides, so that is really helpful.
Yorksire,
I think I will be fine underground – me too, I have problems with poorly ventilated spaces (even huge halls), but that seems not to be the case with the underground cities. Very good to know. Your “full day” was really full
I’m sure we will love Cappadocia, and Turkey in general.
