Cruise Extensions ~ Discovering Cappadocia with Ankara

Day 1

Fly to Kayseri airport and meet your guide and driver for your visit of Cappadocia and Ankara. Stop at Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of the unique lunar-like landscape. The soft volcanic rock resulting from ancient eruptions has been eroded through wind and weather to form an unusual topography of natural pillars, cones and the famous “fairy chimneys.”

Depart Uchisar and continue to Göreme Valley Open-Air Museum which is the highlight of the Cappadocia region. These valley houses, rock churches and monasteries are painted with colorful early Christian religious frescoes.

Day 2

You may enjoy an early morning balloon excursion and see the Cappadocia landscape from a different perspective. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, dug out by early Christians as a refuge from persecutors. Savor lunch in a cave-like atmosphere, then drive to Pashabag, the most impressive of the “fairy chimneys.” At Çavus¸in, climb the steps to an impressive triple apse church with scenes of the bible painted on the ceiling and walls. Stop at the charming town of Avanos on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, and take a look at its handicrafts.

Day 3

Leave Cappadocia early in the morning and drive along the Salt Lake to Turkey’s capital, Ankara. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and see its priceless collection of prehistoric and Hittite artifacts. Experts regard this as one of the finest museums of ancient culture in the world. After lunch at a restaurant in Ankara’s old fort, proceed to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Ascend the marble-paved Lion’s path, flanked by elegant pavilions and decorated with bas-relief carvings and rows of statues, to view the magnificent monument.

This brings you to the end of your adventure in Central Anatolia. Depart for Ankara Esenboga International Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Depart Istanbul on your Mediterranean cruise or by air to your next destination.