Off the Beaten Track in Cappadocia – Full Day Tour

Want to avoid the congested and jam-packed touristy spots but still want to go around Cappadocia to soak in the history and culture? We’ve got the perfect trip for you! This off-the-beaten-track tour in Cappadocia features less crowded areas that are just as beautiful.

We’ll start the day with some gorgeous views at the scenic Ortahisar Panorama. This viewpoint, just a short walk from Ortahisar Castle, has stunning 360-degree views that stretch all the way to Uchisar and Goreme.

Up next, we’ll head to Pancarlik Church. One of the longest-used church spaces in the world, it is said to have been used as a place of worship for almost 1,400 years! We’ll explore this monastic church housed in a group of cone-shaped rocks and admire the beet-red frescoes before making our way to Soganli Valley.

“The real highlight was Soganli. After visiting the Goreme Open Museum this was just as good but without the bus groups. The whole valley can be enjoyed over a couple of hours taking in the epic scenery and hidden churches.” – Jones, Australia

We’ll hike along this peaceful and tranquil valley, discovering the ancient courtyard monasteries, cave churches, and numerous dovecotes. After exploring the area, we’ll stop for lunch before heading to Mustafapasa.

This quaint and charming town has a heavy Greek influence, which can be seen in the village’s churches, mosques, and stone houses with carved and ornamented facades. We’ll pass by the Constantine and Helena Church, a once-prominent building during the Ottoman period.

Our last stop of the day is the Zelve Open Air Museum, which is one of the earliest-settled and last abandoned monastic valleys in Cappadocia. We’ll marvel at the ancient monasteries that were carved into the rock and learn about the history of the civilization that once lived in the area.

“Stunning landscape to explore, amazing to imagine living here with the beautiful carved rock homes, wide open views, and textural planting.” – Bridgette, UK