In central Turkey, ancient volcanoes created a beautiful moonscape geology. The area’s recorded history dates back almost 4,000 years to the Hittites and is one of the birthplaces of Christianity. The early Christians painted frescoes in cave churches, tended to holy wine vineyards, and hid in underground cities to avoid invading armies.
We travel to central Turkey to the town of Göreme, visit the Kaymaklı underground city, hike through the Ihlara Valley, visit the Selime Monastery, and visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum.
Along the way we marvel at the “fairy chimney” landscape, painted cave churches, and the pigeon houses.
