ACTIVITIES, TOURS and MORE - Adelya Cave Hotel and Apartments

With so much to see and do in Cappadocia, people find that only 1 or 2 nights is often not enough. You could easily spend 2 weeks here and still not see everything but unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury of time. At minimum, we recommend that you allow at least 2 full days to see the highlights, but 3-4 is better. Read on to learn about just some of the unique sights and activities that you can enjoy during your stay.

Not sure how much you can fit it all in? Discuss your plans with us here at Adelya Cave Hotel, and we can help draft an itinerary before you come. We also offer special packages which include free airport transfers or other discounts. Full details will be sent when you make a reservation.

Hot Air Balloons

Cappadocia is considered to be one of the best places in the world to enjoy a hot air balloon flight, thanks to the magnificent and unique lunar landscape of fairy chimneys, rippled ravines and deep valleys. Balloons are launched early in the morning to ensure that you are in the air in time to catch the first rays of sunrise. This is one experience that you will not want to miss!

Balloons

Underground Cities

There are over 100 known underground cities in Cappadocia dating back to the 4th century BC, when they were inhabited by the Hittites. Later in the 6th and 7th centuries, the Byzantine Christians used them to escape persecution from the Arabs. Of the many known underground cities with roughly 37 of them open to the public. The latest one was only recently discovered in 2014! Of those open to the public, Derinkuyu is the deepest one (believed to be 18 levels deep, 8 of which you can visit) and once housed up to 20,000 inhabitants and their livestock. Kaymakli is the widest, with 4 of the 8 levels open to the public. Join a Green Tour to see the underground city.

Tours

Open Air Museums

There are two Open Air Museums worth checking out. The Goreme Open Air Museum started out as a Byzantine monastic settlement in 10th-12th centuries, and later becoming a pilgrimage site in the 17th century. It houses a collection of chapels, monasteries and cave-cut churches with impressive colourful and well-preserved frescoes. The Zelve Open Air Museum is spread across three converging valleys of abandoned cave homes, churches, a mosque and even an old mill complete with grindstone. It’s less crowded here and is a personal favourite! You can reach Zelve by taking a local bus (or hiking). The Goreme museum is a 20 minute walk from Adelya Cave Hotel – or you visit it as part of the daily Red Tour.

Tours

Ancient rock castles

Uchisar castle, once the main point of defense for the region, is the highest point in Cappadocia and offers stunning panoramic views. For a small fee, you can enter the castle and clamber your way through the castle and out onto the top. Make your way back to Goreme through the picturesque Pigeon Valley. Join the Green Tour where you will stop at a viewpoint as you hear about the history of Uchisar castle. Ortahisar castle, considered the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia, was once used as a fortress during the Byzantine period. Climbing to the top is somewhat precarious but the views are worth is once you get there.

Tours

Daily sight-seeing tours

In order to see the best highlights of Cappadocia, (especially when short on time), you may wish to consider taking one or more of the regional tours that are run daily. These are small group tours (maximum 16 persons) with professional English-speaking guides who who take you to some of the best historical sights of the region, including some that are more difficult to get to on your own. The tour service includes pickup and drop-off at the hotel, all entry fees and lunch. Click on the button for more detailed information, including maps.

Tours

Horseriding through the Valleys

Cappadocia (thought to have been derived from the Persian “Katpatuka”) is known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses”. What better way to explore the unique landscape of the Goreme region than on the back of a native Anatolian or Arabic horse? It’s eco-friendly and the horse does all the work for you!

Horseriding

Get back to nature - hike the valleys

Ancient volcanic activity followed by centuries of erosion has resulted in the incredible lunar-like landscape that makes Cappadocia so unique. Aside from a Hot Air Balloon, the best way to fully appreciate the land is on foot. There are many valleys to explore, with relatively easy hikes ranging from one hour to 4-5 hours. From the Adelya Cave Hotel, you are only minutes away from Red and Rose Valley. Other valleys such as Love, Pigeon and Zemi Valleys are also easily accessible. Don’t forget the lush green Ihlara Valley which has the Melendiz Stream running through it. Bring your walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water and you’re good to go!

Coming soon!

Turkish Night

For a unique cultural experience, you should check out the Turkish Night in the nearby town of Avanos. Feast on a 3-course meal, try the local Cappadocia wine and even try the Turkish raki (an anise-flavoured alcoholic drink) in a cave restaurant. Throughout your meal, be entertained by the mesmerizing movements and colourful costumes of belly dancers, whirling dervishes, fire jumping, knife throwing, a wedding ceremony, drum show and folk dancing. It’s a great night out – highly recommended!

Coming soon!

Whirling Dervishes

The mystical Sema (Whirling Dervish) ceremony is an important component of Turkish culture, belief and history, particularly in the town of Konya. It an expression of remembrance of God, and is the inspiration of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, the great Anatolian mystic, poet and the father of the Mevlevi Order. The ceremony represents a mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. The spell-binding whirling dervish ceremonies are 1 hour long – and definitely a unique experience. The Saruhan Caravanserai provides the perfect atmospheric venue to watch the performance.

Coming soon!

ATV Tours and Jeep Safaris

For a fun off-road adventure, explore the Cappadocia region on ATV (a 4-wheel quad bike) or, to see some of the less-traveled regions, in an open-top jeep. Journey through the picturesque valleys, stopping at ancient Greek cave villages and stop at picturesque panoramic viewpoints.

It’s an awesome adventure and great family fun!

ATV and Jeeps