Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cappadocia to Van Eastern Wander
Starting in Cappadocia's famously dreamy landscape,
this itinerary explores Turkey's southeastern spaces.
From Arab-inluenced Antakya (Hatay), continue east to
mystical Şanlıurfa, Mardin's mosques, and the magnii-
cent steppe around Van.
Cappadocia (
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)
This magical area of central Anatolia - its valleys dotted with
cave hotels
and
fairy chim-
neys
(rock formations) - is a dreamscape created by volcanic eruptions. Spend a couple of
days in the village of
Göreme
, walking and horse riding in the surrounding valleys. Learn
about the area's history at the nearby
Göreme Open-Air Museum
, a rock-cut Byzantine
monastic settlement with fresco-filled chapels; and the
underground cities
, where the per-
secuted early Christians went to earth.
Between amazing experiences such as
hot-air ballooning
and watching a
sema
(whirl-
ing dervish ceremony), Cappadocia offers innumerable simple pleasures, from tasting
Anatolian food and wine to pottering between tiny villages on foot or by scooter.
You can fly to Cappadocia from İstanbul.
CAPPADOCIA ANTAKYA (HATAY)
8½ hours
Via Adana.
Car hire available in Cappadocia.
Antakya (Hatay) (
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)
At the Mediterranean Sea's northeastern corner, near the Syrian border, Arabic influence is
writ large on this ancient city. Just try
local dishes
such as
oruk
, a fried croquette of spicy
minced beef in bulgur wheat flour (similar to Lebanese
kibbeh
). Antakya is the site of the
biblical Antioch, and sights such as the
Church of St Peter
and
Hatay Archaeology Mu-
seum
evoke its long history.
ANTAKYA (HATAY) ŞANLIURFA (URFA)
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