Nestled in the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia is the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a living testimony to Byzantine art, faith and ingenuity. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastic sanctuary, masterfully carved into volcanic rock, was once a thriving center of religious devotion. Inside there are rock churches, refectories, kitchens and dormitories, which tell the daily life and spirituality of the Byzantine monks. Today it represents an authentic treasure chest of history, with some of the best frescoes of the Byzantine era, beautifully preserved and lovingly restored.

Also known as the Valley of Imagination, Devrent is one of the most surreal landscapes in Cappadocia. Here nature becomes an artist, carving the rock into imaginative shapes that resemble camels, seals, dolphins and even human faces. Unlike other sites in the region, Devrent is not home to cave churches or ancient settlements: its charm lies solely in the fairytale forms created by erosion. It is a place where geology is transformed into visual poetry, capable of firing the imagination of every visitor.

Hidden beneath the surface lies an ancient city, carved deep into the earth’s soft volcanic rock. Its labyrinthine tunnels stretch for miles, creating a network of passageways and chambers that once offered refuge. Stone doors, secret shafts, and concealed passages still hold mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Some parts of the city remain untouched, their depths unexplored, leaving us to wonder how much of Cappadocia’s underground world remains hidden, waiting for the brave to discover its secrets.

The journey continues to Avanos, a charming village along the banks of the mystical Kızılırmak River, or Red River. Known for its rich clay, the river has shaped the city’s pottery traditions for centuries. Stroll through the picturesque cobbled streets, visit the workshops of master potters, and see the fascinating art of pottery making—perhaps even try to shape a work.

Continue to the village of Çavuşin for a scenic hike through history and nature. Start with a visit to a mosque carved into the rock, an extraordinary example of spiritual and architectural harmony. Along the way, pass abandoned stone houses and enjoy breathtaking views of the Red Valley. Arrived at the highest point, reach a secret vantage point with 360-degree views of the unique landscape of Cappadocia. Finally, discover the Church of St. John the Baptist, set in rocks—a sanctuary hidden away from the crowds, where time seems to have stood still.