Cappadocia: A Real Enchanted Land

Otherworldly landscapes, hot-air balloon rides, underground cities, and fairy chimneys are just the beginning of Cappadocia's attractions

Forget the fake castles of Disney World. Enchant your children with a trip to a real-life fairyland where surreal landscapes with towering rock formations and ancient cave dwellings beckon. A place where fairy chimneys dot the landscapes and rock-cut structures lead the way to mysterious underground cities as deep as 12 stories. You can see in the photo above why Cappadocia, Turkey  has a reputation as a fairytale landscape. But it is real and you and your family can experience the magic of floating above the stunning landscape in a hot-air balloon. Take your children to Cappadocia for an extraordinary experience and they will never forget it. Nor will you. Let's go.

Fairy Chimneys and Magical Valley Hikes

Fairy chimneys dot the landscape in Cappadocia.

Those tall, cone-shaped rock formations (the so-called fairy chimneys) spread across the sprawling valleys give Cappadocia a surreal aspect. And their creation and history are certainly out of the ordinary. Formed from the hardened lava of ancient volcano eruptions approximately nine to three million years ago, the hardened material (known as tuff) was then eroded by wind and rain into hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like shapes with mushroom-like caps. Much later, thousands of years ago, area inhabitants carved out houses, churches, and monasteries from the soft volcanic rocks, leading to the otherworldly landscape we see today. 

A family hike through one of the famous valleys is a must. Love Valley and Pigeon Valley are great options for families with younger kids or those looking for a more relaxed walk. The trails wind through breathtaking landscapes dotted with caves, rock formations, and even ancient homes carved into the stone. For families with older kids or teens who love a bit more adventure, Rose Valley offers slightly more challenging trails, but the reward is the stunning views of the valley at sunset.

Rock-Cut Churches and Cave Dwellings

Typical rock-cut dwellings.

As you hike, you’ll pass countless cave dwellings scattered throughout the valleys. These are ancient homes, churches, and monasteries carved out of the soft volcanic rock starting as early as the first century A.D. Many of these rock cut churches are located in the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is home to some of the most well-preserved churches, and inside these caves are vibrant frescoes that tell stories from the Bible. 

Underground Cities

Uchisar, a multilevel cave city in Cappadocia.

Be prepared to be astonished by Cappadocia’s famous underground cities, which were built from the 8th to the 7th century BCE  by the Phyrgians and were later used by early Christians as a way to hide and protect themselves during invasions. The two most famous are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, and these subterranean worlds provide an eerie portal into a lost ancient history.

In these cities, which are estimated to have held from 3000 to 30,000 inhabitants, you can wander through the narrow tunnels, rooms, and chambers, imagining what subterranean life was like. The cities were as deep as twelve stories in some places, with kitchens, storage rooms, and even churches hidden deep underground. The upper stories were largely used as stables and storerooms. Further down were the living and working spaces, where furniture, including seats, tables, and beds were carved out of the rock. Working spaces include a wine press at Derinkuyu, a copper foundry in Kaymakli, as well as cisterns and wells which ensured a supply of drinking water during a long siege. There were also prisons and toilets.

Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Ballooning over the otherwordly landscape of Cappadocia at sunrise.

No visit to Cappadocia would be complete without a hot-air balloon ride. Take off at dawn or dusk to experience a soaring balloon ride above Cappodocia's extraordinary landscape. Whichever you choose you will not be disappointed. 

In the morning, you can float over valleys, fairy chimneys, and tiny villages while the early morning light paints the landscape in soft hues of pink and gold. The view is remarkable, and the quiet serenity of  the early morning sky adds to the experience. 

Children under six are not allowed on the balloon ride. If you have a little one--or are just queasy about being up in the air yourself--you can still watch the balloons take off at sunrise from the ground. Enjoying a picnic breakfast as the colorful balloons fill the sky is pure magic.

When to Go

Cappadocia is a year-round destination, but for families, the best times to visit are spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild. If you are searching for a spring break destination, Cappadocia fits the bill.  

If you’re ready to book your trip to Cappadocia please get in touch with us. If you want to see a sample itinerary, click here. Remember we will customize any trip for you. If you have questions or need more information, please contact us. 

Now's the Time...

for Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana Safari Planning

Peak safari season in Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana is June–September and there is already limited space for the 2025 season. Shoulder season—May and October—also books up early. Green Season—from November to March—so-called because of the rains that turn the grasses, trees, and shrubs into emerald green lushness that is a photographer’s dream--has some availability. Green Season also often means fewer people and better rates.

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