Today was our third and final day in Cappadocia, and it was perhaps the best one (despite my balloon expedition being cancelled due to winds at higher elevation). We really enjoyed our 5km hike through the Gulludere (Red) Valley & Rose Valley; we had perfect weather for it. Along the way, we passed through tunnels and gorges while seeing ancient pigeon coops and caves used by monks for prayer and meditation. We visited a cave church, too. |
I once again ventured below ground to explore an underground city, this time Kaymakli which was once large enough to accommodate five thousand people. I travelled down 45 metres and five levels (there are eight, but tourists can only access some of them. We had grilled chicken for lunch in Cavusin village and then, in Ortahisar, we climbed the Rock Castle and sampled wine in a cave winery. We then flew to Antalya, via Istanbul, arriving at our next hotel at around 2:30am. |