Day 6 Cappadocia
Another full day of exploration in Cappadocia awaits us today. Our first destination is the underground city of Ozkonak, an ancient city built into the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. This underground city is a marvel of ancient engineering techniques and creativity. Admire the rock-cut stables, wineries, chapels, and housing and appreciate the resourcefulness of the carvers to create fully functioning underground cities, which allowed these villagers to escape from marauders throughout the millennia. We rise above ground and continue on a light hike through the spectacular Red Valley. With well-marked trails, the walk through the valley winds among the many uniquely-coloured rock formations, old Roman-style vineyards and apple, apricot and quince orchards. The local farmers have made use of the terraced fields below the valley offering unique patterns among the hoodoos. Our walk ends in the ancient village of Cavusin with dramatic cliff-side dwellings and churches. We reward our walking efforts with a traditional Turkish lunch in the area. After lunch, we continue to the old Greek village of Sinasos - now called Mustafapasa. Prior to the founding of the current Republic of Turkiye, this area was home to many ethnic Greeks. Nearly 90 years ago, the largest population exchange in recorded history took place between Greece and Turkiye. The village retains the ancient Greek architecture as well as Greek Orthodox churches. With ornately carved and painted wooden doors, quaint two-storey houses with balconies and a lively village square - Sinasos is nestled into the picturesque Gomeda Valley. Join your fellow travellers later for a farewell dinner.
Meals included:
B,L,D