Let’s leave the yacht behind for a moment and travel inland to Central Anatolia, less than an hour’s flight from Istanbul. Head back in time to the cities that make-up Cappadocia; Nevsehir, Aksaray and Nigde. Go with an open mind, as it’s here you’ll discover a Türkiye that feels a world away from the coast. A natural landscape that’s more like a sci-fi movie set, with spectacular cave homes, underground cities, phenomenal food and culture – all topped with a sky full of hot air balloons dancing above fairy chimneys.

Cappadocia, with its cave dwellings and incredible rock formations, is a location like no other – hopefully, the video made by blog Salt In Our Hair and Go Türkiye gives you a feel for the place.

If you’re seeking adventure, let 360 Yachting organise a 2 or 3-night VIP tour to Cappadocia and discover this location, it’s a place that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

7 REASONS TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA

Goreme open-air museum

Goreme open-air museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View a vast array of churches and monasteries dating back to the 10^th century, many with brightly coloured frescoes still evident.

Visit the Nunnery with its kitchen and chapel, and the Apple Church featuring a central dome and wonderful artwork picturing scenes from the Bible. Wind your way through a tunnel to the Dark Church to view scenes from the Nativity, Last Supper and Crucifixion. Then head to the Buckle Church’s four chambers, home to bright paintings of Jesus and his life. Tip: Set-off early if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Explore Cappadocia’s underground cities

At first glance, the magic of Cappadocia may seem to be at surface level, but you would be mistaken. Cappadocia is home to an astonishing 36 underground cities, and one of the most famous is Kaymakli, where over 3,500 people once resided. The city homes a complex maze of living quarters, stables, kitchens and storage rooms, all built under a citadel 5-floors deep.

A visit to the underground cities of Cappadocia isn’t just a commercial Fred Flinstone excursion, but a fascinating insight into the history of ancient civilisations. The Hittites, Byzantines and many others once resided in these cave dwellings to protect themselves from attack. From basic beginnings, these subterranean homes became connected over time by a vast network of tunnels. These ancient civilisations were remarkably advanced, and each city had sophisticated irrigation, air and sewage systems, communal areas, and churches. Archaeologists are still uncovering clues to Cappadocia’s past, and there’s thought to be over 100 more tunnels yet to be unearthed.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Is dawn too early to sip a glass of champagne? No, not on a private VIP hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia! Sunrise is the best time to experience Cappadocia from above, as it’s then that the winds are optimal for a spectacular trip, and the view of the sunrise over the moonscape valley is at its best.

Hot air ballooning over Cappadocia is a phenomenal experience that attracts over 2000 people a day during high season (May to October). On a 360 tour, our guide picks you up early and takes you to the take-off point where you meet the highly trained pilot and board your private balloon. Following a short safety briefing, you climb into the basket and wait to rise majestically into the sky from where the stunning vistas begin. Watch as the sun comes up to reveal a sky filled with balloons drifting over the rock castles and cave hotel rooftops – there really is nothing quite like it! A typical private VIP balloon trip lasts 90 minutes – CONTACT US for more information or to make a reservation.

Watch the balloons over breakfast.

Turkish breakfast is a meal to be shared and enjoyed. Wake early and start the day the traditional way with an early morning feast of local cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, preserves and bread. Let us organise the best table at a rooftop restaurant and graze over the spread as you watch the balloons dance over the valley – don’t forget the camera!

Stay in a luxury cave suite

Fancy being a troglodyte for a few nights? Probably not, but trust us – try it! Cappadocia boasts some glorious cave hotels that will convince you it’s possible to blend contemporary facilities, luxury and style into a cave setting. Choose from a hand-picked selection of boutique cave hotels, boasting beautiful modern suites with remarkable views and superb facilities. ASK US to forward a few options.

Horseback riding through the valley

Steer clear of the crowds and take the saddle at sunrise or sunset to best discover Cappadocia, said to be “the land of beautiful horses”. For thousands of years, horses have played a part in Cappadocian history. The native Anatolian and Arabic horses are a wonderful breed and make the ideal companions for a few hours trek through the local walnut, quince and apple orchards, past vineyards and along the spectacular mountain paths to the areas most iconic spots. Let your professional guide introduce you to Rose Valley, Meskendir Valley, Love Valley and Swords Valley, all serving-up Instagram-worthy views from every direction.

Wine tasting in Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s fertile soil makes the area ideal for growing grapes, and the region produces some of Türkiye’s best wines. Viniculture is an integral part of Cappadocian life and culture, and they even hold an annual International Grape Harvest Festival each September to celebrate the season’s crop. You can visit some superb vineyards to sample and purchase a few bottles should you wish, let the 360 Yachting team know if you would like to add a few hours relaxing and wine tasting to your Cappadocia tour.

360 Yachting’s VIP Cappadocia Tour

Cappadocia is one of 360 Yachtings most popular bespoke tours. Usually, a 2 or 3-night stay is sufficient to take in the main sights and location, before flying down to meet the yacht on the coast.

Two airports serve the region, Nevsehir and Kayseri, and both run regular domestic flights to Istanbul and the main coastal airports. Senem and the 360 Yachting team can organise the details, including flights, transfers, accommodation, plus a private hot air balloon and a tailored itinerary to all the highlights led by a local professional guide. CONTACT US for details.

(Photo credits: Some images used in this article are courtesy of Argos Hotel and Taş Konaklar, Cappadocia)