How to Spend 1 Day in Urgup

With just one day in Urgup, there’s no time to waste, so opt for a tour that takes in all the highlights, maximize your photo opportunities, and fill your day with unforgettable experiences. Here’s how to spend one day in the hub of Cappadocia.

Morning: See the Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscapes are even more magnificent when viewed from above, and it’s consistently voted one of the best places in the world to take a hot-air-balloon ride. Rise at dawn and watch the sunrise as you float over the mountains, valleys, and fairy chimneys, or upgrade to a tour that includes a Champagne breakfast when you land. Opting for a full-day tour or taking a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour will help maximize your time. Cappadocia’s most popular tour routes are the Red Route and the Green Route, but most first-time visitors opt for the Red Route, which visits northern villages and valleys. Start by exploring the fairy-chimney valleys; Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley offer the most impressive photo opportunities. 

Afternoon: Cappadocian Culture and History

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of Cappadocia’s oldest and most remarkably preserved ruins. Visit with a guide to learn more about the site’s early Christian settlements and admire the ancient churches and cave dwellings carved into the rock. Nearby, the deserted cave village of Cavusin, the rock castle of Uchisar, and Imagination Valley offer further insight into the region’s unique cave homes and fascinating history. End the afternoon in Avanos, famous for its red-clay pottery—many tours include a visit to the pottery shops and workshops, where you can watch the craftsmen at work and pick up some handmade souvenirs. 

Night: Turkish Traditions

Urgup is a great place to sample typical Turkish cuisine, and there are a number of atmospheric cave restaurants to choose from. For an immersive experience, take part in a cooking class and learn to make local specialties such as bӧrek pastries, stuffed eggplant, or baklava. Alternatively, opt for a memorable dinner date accompanied by traditional Turkish belly dancing and entertainment, or attend a spiritual Whirling Dervish ceremony.