Incredible Adventure in Cappadocia, Turkiye

1. Hot Air Balloon Rides: Of course, no trip to Cappadocia is complete without seeing the incredible hot air balloons floating along the morning sunrise. Heights not your thing? Plenty of hotels offer rooftops with the perfect view to savor the experience with two feet on the ground. There are plenty of safe tour operators in the area, but I recommend Voyager Balloons.

2. Cooking Class: Learn to cook Turkish delicacies in a family's historic home. Led by Tolga, his mother and his wife, cook (and eat!) traditional dishes like tomato-stuffed eggplant, red lentil soup and baklava.

3. Sunset ATV Tours: Amid the gorgeous sunset, drive through the volcanic formations of the Rose Valley atop an ATV.

4. Visit Underground Cities: Catch a glimpse of ancient history by exploring the underground cities of Cappadocia (Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the most famous), which were once used as shelter by early Christians fleeing persecution.

5. Tour of Uçhisar Castle: Climb to the top of Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the ancient fortress and learn about its history.

6. Relax in a Turkish Bath: Indulge in a traditional Turkish bath, or hamam, for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Enjoy a steam bath, followed by a vigorous scrub and soothing massage, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

7. Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum: Discover the ancient cave churches and monasteries carved into the rock formations at Göreme Open-Air Museum. Marvel at the well-preserved frescoes dating back to the Byzantine period.

8. Hike Love Valley: Lace up your hiking boots for a 1.5 mile hike (one-way), mostly flat with some gentle climbs. This hike takes you through one of the local valleys with the reward of seeing large cone-shaped spires at the end of the hike (you'll quickly understand why it's called Love Valley!).

9. Horseback Riding Tour: Explore the scenic valleys and fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia on horseback. Ride through ancient villages, vineyards and orchards for a unique perspective of the region.

Breakfast

Fat Boys Restaurant (Ürgüp): Many of the hotels in Cappadocia offer breakfast as part of the rate, but to change things up indulge in a leisurely breakfast at Fat Boys. It's known for its delicious omelets, pancakes and Turkish breakfast platters, served in a charming courtyard setting.

Lunch

Top Deck Cave Restaurant (Göreme): Relish a midday meal at Top Deck Cave Restaurant, offering a diverse menu of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy grilled meats, fresh salads and homemade pastas while soaking in the panoramic views.

Ziggy's Shoppe & Cafe (Uçhisar): Grab a casual lunch at Ziggy's, a popular cafe known for its sandwiches, wraps, and salads made with locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the homemade desserts and freshly squeezed juices.

Dinner

Lil'a Restaurant (Ürgüp): Situated within a luxury Relais & Chateau Museum Hotel, Lil'a Restaurant offers an intimate and romantic setting for a special evening. The menu features gourmet farm-to-table Turkish dishes crafted with precision and presented with artistic flair.

Seki Restaurant (Ürgüp): Enjoy a fine dining experience at Seki Restaurant in the stunning Argos hotel, known for its elegant ambiance and creative interpretations of Turkish cuisine. Savor dishes made with seasonal ingredients, paired with a selection of Turkish wines.

Sira Restaurant (Göreme): Nestled in the heart of Göreme, Sira Restaurant combines elegant decor with innovative cuisine inspired by Turkish and Mediterranean flavors. Dine on the terrace for breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys illuminated by sunset.

Seten Anatolian Cuisine (Uçhisar): Delight in a memorable dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine, offering a contemporary take on Turkish and Anatolian dishes. Sample flavorful mezes, grilled meats and seafood dishes in a romantic atmosphere.

Haruna (Göreme): Located in the Carus hotel, Haruna is another farm-to-table favorite. Make sure to get a table outside on the rooftop to savor the view of the city, volcanic formations and fairy chimneys nearby.