The colours come alive at sunset
If red valley wasn’t red enough, things get a little crazy as the sunsets. There are no typical fairy chimneys here but you will get to witness amazing sunsets. The crowds slowly gather to watch the sunset and then as quick they arrive, they depart. Within minutes you have the place to yourself with vistas to dream over.
Our Bumble wild parking spot at Rose Valley GPS position N038.652549, E034.863205
Red valley sunrise is as good as sunset. Our parking spot overlooks the entire valley and you can find your own rock to sit and admire the views. Sadly, it was too windy for the balloons so our early morning rise to watch the balloon spectacle was a bit of a let down. The dudes didn’t mind though because that meant our walk around red and rose valley started earlier than planned. The views of the ever changing landscape were stunning and highly recommend the walk.(click to enlarge photo)
Our final parking within Cappadocia region was the tourist town of Göreme. The area’s major appeal is the startlingly dramatic vistas with light dancing over fields of fairy chimneys and inhabited rock caves dotted throughout villages. Despite the tourist crowds and tour buses, it still retains much of the mystique that makes it so enchanting.
The open air museum is located within walking distance from the centre. It is teaming with tourists, so go early. Entrance fee 45TL.
Most travellers, though, find Cappadocia’s Christian heritage the most impressive, especially from the 7th century onwards. When threatened by Arab incursions, early Christian communities took refuge in remote valleys. Caves formed in the relatively soft rock turned out to be a good place to hide from those who persecuted them. They expanded the caves into underground labyrinths of rooms, some six or seven stories deep. The rooms were usually used for storage or to house animals, but when the enemy approached, the Christians took refuge there.
In the afternoon, we trundled off to Paşabağı, Zelve, Uçhisar and Çavuşin, a pleasant hour’s walk from the village. It is evident that ballooning, horse riding, 4×4 safari and quad biking are the key attractions for Cappadocia. Riven by weird and wonderful valleys punctuated by tablelands and high peaks, perhaps the most obvious way to explore Cappadocia is on foot. Mac n Tosh definitely agree and loved our walks around Cappadocia, especially playing hide and seek in the caves.
Paşabağı
Zelve
Çavuşin
Uçhisar
The museum is not just one place where you can see these Fairy Chimneys because they are all over Goreme. If you’re looking at some of the best places to see the Fairy Chimneys, head over to Zemi Valley, which is smaller than the more popular Bagli Dere Valley. In fact, the locals say that even a part of Zemi valley is also called Love Valley. And on that note, time for a date night in Göreme with a slap up meal at the very popular and delicious Chinese restaurant.
Our Bumble wild parking spot at Goreme GPS position N038.641911, E034.843055
Sadly, the windy weather just got windier and the forecast suggests things might get even windier. So we decided to head off and not hang around. The odds are stacked against our ballooning experience. It is just not meant to be for us, but on a positive note, we have a good excuse to return!
Then just as we packed up…look what popped up!
What stunning photos ,never seen anything like it,Beautiful ,these must be worth a bob or two,get them to who you know ,I’m getting some of you’re older ones I’ve missed getting,I knew you would have sent some , & I kept telling myself you were busy,it must have been when I am supposed to have opened another account,I’ll read them later on ,Keep taking the snapshots & you’re Effes ,Get the Dudes something loads of Luv Pops xxx Mac n Tosh xxx
Sounds like your ipad needs wiping and starting again.
Hi Both.. another great post.. One of my former Hobbies was caving and cave diving, Many moons ago. All those caves ?? Wow id be lost in them for Hours. Its Persising down here in Portugal..so we are dropping in by Parachute later on..Just looking under the bed for me caving lamp..so get ready to put a brew on. Stay safe.
Haha love it. Interesting note about the diving, we are both used to dive, Craig more than me as he was in to technical diving and rebreathers.
What we would have given for a re breather in those days..as always take care
When I visited with my German friends in 1988 we were the only tourists! How things must have changed there since then! Really enjoying reading about your continuing adventures! Bryan
I bet it was fantastic 30 years ago Bryan before the B&B’s took over
Hi to you both, you have the most fabulous travel blog, its truly inspirational, Turkey looks fantastic and its now on our bucket list, you visit some great locations, what research do you do to find such interesting places.
We do have a guide book for the main points of interest but most of time we just pass things whilst driving or ask locals.
Intriguing landscape. I cannot stop looking at your fascinating photos. The mention of “tourists” has put me off a bit! A balloon flight has been on our bucket list forever but like you the weather has not played along. Another brilliant read to start my day. I can get out of bed happy now.
Thank you Joan, sadly, there are quite a few tourists in the area but still worth the visit.
Just love your photos guys – so much colour – makes me smile xx
Thanks Martha
Wow, it looks fantastic….are you having any problem with stray dogs? We’ve come up against a few nasty ones in Portugal mainly….just wondering, (as part of my planning/research) especially with Mac n Tosh being so little?
Stray dogs can be a bit of a nuisance but on the whole they are quite friendly. Just the Kangal dogs that can be vicious. We take a stick with us every where and so far, so good.
Your photos for this trip are truly stunning. Would you at some point be able to post a pic of your route map -possibly with what you saw/locations worth visiting. You have done some brilliant research xx
Thank you Denise. We do plan on doing a route map when we’ve finished…probably a job for when we get home
Another amazing photo, just love your photos Joanne, can’t wait to see them every day. Keep on enjoying your journey my friend, and I’ll enjoy following it in pictures.
Evening my friend, good to hear from you as always
Have you still got the grom..i sold my monkey and got a ktm 390 more power same weight..
We have Eddy, still working away for us.
Amazing photos as normal, I’m so enjoying reading about your adventures.
Shame you didn’t get to go up in a hot air balloon, just imagine the views from above.
Safe tootle home, off to walk my 2 dudes in the pouring rain.
Stay safe xxx
Gutted we didn’t get to go but good excuse to return Linda
This is great, thanks! I love the idea of the Cappadocia Motorhome tour, and also the thought of being in a place that’s actually quiet
One thought: For places with a primarily (or wholly) Muslim population, it would be helpful to provide some information specifically for women. For example, if we wear regular Western clothes appropriate to a hot climate, will or could we have problems — even if “only” stares or threatening looks; are women welcome — truly welcome
I’m really hoping to do your Turkey tour next year.
In the tourist areas you are fine with western dress. In the less tourist areas you are still fine with western dress as not all Turks are muslim. However, I always try and dress accordingly, so as to not offend and not attract attention. You don’t need to go mad just be sensible.