May and/or September 2012 - please book by October 2011 (for May) or February 2012 (for September) or prices may not be kept as quoted as flights can increase in price after this time.

For information or to reserve a place: Contact Jill 

Tour of Cappadocia

This tour can run with 8 people and 12 is the maximum party number. So places can fill very rapidly. We use a lovely family run hotel in Mustafa Pasa, with the most delicious food, much of it grown by the family.

Central Anatolia is one of the natural wonders of the world. The geological formations of volcanic rocks cut by rivers, lakes, wind erosion and by human activity, provide a spectacularly beautiful landscape. There is a wealth of archaeology and geology to be seen as well as experiencing much of the rural culture and people of this unspoilt area.

Archaeology

Archaeologically there will be lots to see of the Neolithic, Hittites, Byzantines, Greeks and Ottomans. We will also see many caravanserais (on the silk route) and may spend an evening in one of these grand buildings enjoying a drink and experiencing the Whirling Dervishes.

Geology

We will see much of the supervolcano background to this rugged scenery - why was there so much explosive volcanic activity in the past? We will go into craters and look for the evidence first-hand.

Natural history

We will be staying very close to the National Park area, in a small village Mustafa Pasa, which is central to all the best localities. One locality we shall see on many days is Goreme. The Goreme Valley, the Turkish lakes, mountain valleys and national park will provide a wide variety of natural history and landscape to enjoy.

The tour includes:

two scheduled flights (Heathrow to Istanbul and Istanbul to Kayseri, return); a quick visit to Istanbul on the outward journey, airport transfers, all coach transport in Cappadocia each day; all museum, national park, and archaeological site entrances; services of a Turkish tour guide; all bed, breakfast and evening meals at a beautiful family run hotel (or with a small group we will have our own house, with cave rooms, with staff and with our own swimming pool). 

Not included in the cost are: drinks, lunches, travel insurance.

Cost is estimated to be £1,300. If you are interested then let me know as numbers will determine when this will be set up. If you are a group, such as a society, then I can tailor this trip specifically for you.

Photos

Rocks and dwellings at Uchisar

The two leaders: Anthea (left)

and Jill (right)

                                            Erosion at Nevsehir

The underground city at Kaymakli

  The Whirling Dervishes at the Caravanserais near Goreme