Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is a unique and surreal landscape characterized by fairy-tale-like rock formations, cave dwellings, and ancient underground cities. The Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcase the region's exceptional geological and cultural features, encompassing ancient Christian cave churches and a remarkable landscape shaped by volcanic activity.

Cappadocia has to be my favorite of the favorites since the beginning of our Europe trip 12 weeks ago. Oh wait, it’s actually in Asia. During my 4-day trip in Cappadocia with my two little guys, we had many first-time experiences, including:

👉 exploring the underground city built over 1200 years ago

👉 staying in an amazing cave hotel (Fresco Cave Suites Cappadocia in Ürgüp)

👉 hiking in unique “fairy chimneys” during sunset

👉 taking hot air balloon during sunrise

👉 riding horses among amazing rock formations during sunset

These were just part of all the amazing activities.

Logistic Tip

We have spent 4 nights in Cappadocia. It could be the perfect duration for any family travelers. Below was our itinerary, thanks to the help of our hotel manager in Fresco Cave and Suites in Ürgüp. It was an itinerary that perfectly balanced activities with down time to rest while I traveled with two kids alone.

Itinerary

👉 Day 0: fly in from Istanbul - check in hotel

👉 Day 1: Kaymakli underground city - sunset hike in Red Valley

👉 Day 2: Hot Air Balloon flight during sunrise - Ürgüp walking tour

👉 Day 3: Pigeon valley - Uchisar Castle - Goreme Panorama Point - Goreme Open Air Museum - Horseback Riding in Love Valley during sunset

👉 Day 4: Pasabag Valley - Zelve Open Air Museum - Ceramics & Pottery workshop in Avanos - Airport departure

Restaurant

We tried quite a few restaurants, all in Ürgüp, where we have stayed. Our top favorite ones include:

👉 Areni Cappadocia: we loved it not because it was just one minute walk from our hotel. The food was outstanding, so was the live music. We went there 3 nights in a roll at the request of my kids, which was rare and never happened anywhere else.

👉 Prokopi: excellent panoramic view of Ürgüp. Great for both lunch or dinner

👉 Lawaga Coffee & Bakery: another place with short walking distance to our hotel. Great for snack and coffee.

👉 Of course the breakfast feast everyday at our hotel, Fresco Cave and Suites, was delicious.

There are so many amazing photo opportunities in Cappadocia. Here are some of my favorite photo spots and experiences:

1️⃣ Red Valley

Red Valley was not too far away from our hotel in Ürgüp. It is a mesmerizing destination known for its striking crimson-hued rock formations, sculpted by centuries of erosion, creating a surreal landscape that captivates visitors with its unique beauty.

We did a sunset hike on our first day. It was our first serious nature hike this summer.

During sunrise or sunset, the already surreal rock formation looked even more spectacular in red colors, reflected by the golden sun light, thus setting this valley uniquely apart from other valleys in Cappadocia.

Both my kids and I totally enjoyed our long overdue sweaty exercise. Above all, Apollo enjoyed taking pictures on his own.

2️⃣ Hot Air Balloon Ride

No matter you choose to soar above surreal rock formations during sunrise (like us), or simply watch from the ground, it's an unforgettable experience. Price could fluctuate in the range of USD80-300 per person depending on the season and demand. It was a once a lifetime experience and totally worth it.

The balloons were a lot bigger than we expected, carrying 28 people. There was a minimum age requirement of 6 year old for passengers boarding the balloon. Fortunately, Orion just passed 6 a few weeks ago. But he was a tiny shrimp, and wasn’t tall enough to reach the balloon basket height. It was a bit disappointing for him to stay down like a frog in the well.

During the flight, I had to assure the operator it was safe for me to carry him in my arms so he could enjoy the view just like the rest of us.

3️⃣ Love Valley

Snap pictures of otherworldly phallic rock formations. What's better, we went with "Gorkem Horse Ranch" for an hour-long horseback ride during sunset, and couldn't be happier.

It was challenging to take photos with only one hand in constant move, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything else.

4️⃣ Göreme Open-Air Museum

We haven't been to many museums in the past but have ventured into all kinds this summer in Europe (week 13 and still counting). This one is definitely unique. Just put it this way, how many museums have you visited are outdoors?

5️⃣ Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar Castle is a prominent historical landmark characterized by its unique rock formation, rising majestically above the surrounding landscape. Dating back to the Byzantine era, the castle served strategic and defensive purposes, featuring a complex network of tunnels and rooms carved into the natural rock, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history.

A bit crowded but if you want a high point in Cappadocia for the best 360 degree panoramic view, this is it!

6️⃣ Zelve Open Air Museum & Zelve-Paşabağları Archaeological Site

Once a thriving Byzantine-era monastery complex, Zelve Open Air Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the ancient communal life and religious practices of the region, with well-preserved churches, dwellings, and communal spaces carved into the soft tuff rock.

Compared to Göreme Open-Air Museum, Zelve Open Air Museum was less popular and crowded. But we really loved it. I think both open air museums are worth seeing, as they offer different views and perspectives. While Göreme Open-Air Museum primarily comprises a cluster of cave churches and monastic complexes dating from the 10th to the 12th centuries, Zelve's encompasses a broader range of structures, including dwellings, churches, and communal areas, from the 9th to the 20th century,

We had a good hike at Zelve Open Air Museum, while Apollo tirelessly launched his paper airplanes in various “launch points” without too much success. We were dealing with high 80s fahrenheit without wind, so none of his flight went far. He was able to retrieve his paper airplane several times for repeat launch.

Zelve-Paşabağları Archaeological Site, or Paşabağ Valley, is close by and covered by the same ticket. You’ll find the most interesting shaped fairy chimneys here.

7️⃣ Imagination Valley

Imagination Valley is a captivating geological formation renowned for its surreal and imaginative rock formations. Carved by centuries of wind and water erosion, the valley's whimsical shapes, such as animal figures and fairy chimneys, evoke a sense of wonder and creativity, providing visitors with a unique and enchanting landscape to explore.

The huge crowd was the only thing I didn't like about it. The various shapes and formations of the rocks were lovely. I didn't think I would still be amazed to see more rocks on our last day in Cappadocia, after seeing all the other valleys. But I was!

8️⃣ Ürgüp: our base in Cappadocia

Unlike the tourism hub of Göreme, which typically attracts backpackers and budget travelers, Ürgüp is a lot quieter and renowned for its boutique hotels carved into the ancient rock formations, perfect for family and mature travelers.

Ürgüp offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for those seeking a unique and enchanting travel experience.

We walked everywhere during our stay in Ürgüp. Every alley and corner of this town was charming, so was our hotel Fresco Cave Suites. A friend stayed in this hotel just a few weeks before our trip and highly recommended this hotel, so I booked it. Undoubtedly, it was the best decision.

Upon arrival, our hotel manager Murat helped us plan our itinerary in Cappadocia, and provided chauffeur service for 3 days, until our departure at the airport. Murat was well connected in the area, and shared many great tips, trusted travel providers and unique sites not necessarily known to everyone. We couldn’t have enjoyed such an amazing experience in Cappadocia without him.

9️⃣ Kaymakli Underground City

What an amazing mysteries below ground. Kaymakli Underground City is a remarkable subterranean complex carved out of soft volcanic rock, featuring multiple levels of tunnels, rooms, and chambers that served as a hidden refuge and living space for early Christians during times of invasion.

With its intricate architecture and historical significance, Kaymakli offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenious underground dwellings of ancient civilizations.

The underground world was a perfect spot for family and kids. Oftentimes the tunnel was so low that we had to bend down to go through. It was perfect for my 6 yo though.

🔟 Carsi Seramik In Avanos

Avanos is worth honorable mention. Our kids loved their ceramic workshop in Carsi Seramik (Ceramic).

There’s a private show room with an amazing line of collection pieces created by some great ceramic artists. If you are into art collection, this would be a wonderful place to do treasure hunt.

All in all, I can't put in words how incredible Cappadocia is. I am so absolutely thrilled that I have finally seen it with my own eyes and crossed it off my bucket list!

We flew back to Istanbul after Cappadocia, and spent 6 more days there until wrapping up our Turkey trip.

Most of the above photos were taken by my Canon R5 + Canon RF24-70mm f2.8 + NiSi 1-5 stop variable filter or Canon RF70-200mm f2.8 lenses. My 8 yo used Sony A7IV + Sony 24mm f1.4. The lens choice was an accidental mistake. I simplified my luggage before the Turkey trip and planned to only bring 35mm f1.4 for the Sony camera. Instead, I packed the 24mm prime, and sent 35mm prime home. The 24mm prime was perfect for northern lights but not so easy to photograph people. (Check out our 1-week itinerary in the Arctic Circle in Norway)

If you’d like to know which mirrorless camera is right for you, please watch my free video guide Mirrorless Camera Ultimate Buying Guide.

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