CappadociaTurkey

Cappadocia has a wonderfully bizarre appearance. Fairy chimneys, valleys and mountains take on a honeycomb look from man-made craters containing cave dwellings. Features inside the rock vary from small rooms to enormous cathedrals and underground cities. View the impressive site from a hot air balloon.

Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum in the center of Cappadocia to investigate an extensive collection of churches crafted into the rock by monks. Be sure to see Aynali Church and Tokali Church, just outside the museum. The latter is Cappadocia’s largest church.

Follow passages in Cavusin Church before delving into the bottom of the underground maze of Derinkuyu Church. See the complex of Selime Monastery, among the largest cave structures in Cappadocia.

Float on a hot air balloon above the Fairy Chimneys to observe weird and wonderful features. Mushroom-shaped rock formations reach heights of 130 feet (40 meters). Similar rocks rise from the earth in Pasabag, near a vineyard and the refuge of a former miracle worker.

The breathtaking valleys attract hikers and walkers to this scenic region. Red Valley and Rose Valley offer miles of hiking paths among scenic red rocks. The glowing effect of dusk on the picturesque areas is best seen from Sunset Point. For a visit among X-rated fairy chimneys, amble through the Love Valley, where nature forgot to censor its phallic rocks.

Learn about the use of birds as messengers and pets in the dovecotes of Pigeon Valley. Head west to Uçhisar Castle, appearing like a giant anthill rising from the earth.

The bizarre terrain results from wind and water erosion. In the 4th century, religious groups carved churches, homes and subterranean cities into the rocks and the community remained there for almost a millennium.

Take a taxi or bus from the airport in Kayseri, which has airline and train services to Istanbul and Ankara.The picturesque wonders and fascinating historical cave dwellings of the otherworldly realm of Cappadocia will stay with you for a lifetime.