Travel around Nevşehir with Bobby
Day 1Landing in a Fairy Tale – Arrival and First Impressions
Arriving in Nevşehir felt like stepping into another world. The landscape is dotted with the famous “fairy chimneys,” making my first drive from the airport to my hotel feel like a tour in itself. I stayed in a charming cave hotel in Göreme, nestled right within the unique rock formations. Exploring nearby, I found myself at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO site filled with ancient churches and painted frescoes. Dinner was a traditional Turkish feast at a cozy restaurant nearby, where I had my first taste of mantı (Turkish dumplings) and a refreshing ayran. It was a perfect introduction to the flavors and sights of Nevşehir.
Start your Nevşehir adventure in Göreme—it’s the best base for exploring the heart of Cappadocia. Stay in a cave hotel for an immersive experience; it’s worth every penny!
Day 2Sunrise from the Sky – The Famous Balloon Ride
No visit to Nevşehir is complete without a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise. I woke up at 4 a.m. and joined a small group to experience one of the world’s most magical sights. As we drifted above the fairy chimneys, the sun rose, casting a golden glow over the valleys below—it’s something you have to see to believe. After the ride, I enjoyed a hearty Turkish breakfast back at the hotel. Later in the day, I ventured into Avanos, a nearby town known for its pottery; I even tried my hand at creating my own piece with the guidance of a local craftsman.
After the balloon ride, I enjoyed a traditional Turkish breakfast at my hotel. The spread included fresh bread, cheeses, olives, honey, and eggs—a delicious and hearty start to the day. It was a great balance of flavors, energizing me after an early start.
Food
The same cave hotel continued to impress with its comfortable atmosphere and excellent service. The staff even arranged my balloon ride, making my early morning seamless and stress-free. I appreciated their attention to detail and hospitality.
Accomodation
The hot air balloon ride was magical, offering a breathtaking sunrise view over Cappadocia. Drifting above the fairy chimneys and valleys was an unforgettable experience, creating a perfect memory of Nevşehir’s surreal landscape.
Activity
If you splurge on one thing in Nevşehir, let it be the balloon ride. Book ahead, especially in peak season, and don’t miss the pottery experience in Avanos!
Day 3Walking in Ancient Footsteps – Exploring Underground Cities
Today, I explored Derinkuyu, one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities. These vast, hidden networks go down multiple levels, and imagining life here centuries ago is mind-boggling. Guided tours take you through the narrow tunnels and communal spaces, revealing a way of life built to protect against invasions. For lunch, I stopped at a local spot in Uchisar, trying testi kebab, a slow-cooked meat dish served in a clay pot that’s broken open at your table. The day ended with a hike through Pigeon Valley, where the rock formations and caves create stunning photo ops as the sun begins to set.
Lunch at Dallal Restaurant in Neve Tzedek was a culinary delight, with a Mediterranean-inspired mezze platter that showcased the region’s flavors. Every dish, from the hummus to the roasted vegetables, was prepared with fresh ingredients and beautifully presented. It was a perfect meal to enjoy while soaking in the neighborhood’s charm.
Food
My hotel’s central location continued to be a huge plus, allowing me easy access to places like Neve Tzedek and Rothschild Boulevard. The room remained comfortable, and the quiet atmosphere was ideal for resting after busy days. It truly felt like a great base in Tel Aviv.
Accomodation
Neve Tzedek’s art galleries, boutiques, and the Suzanne Dellal Center offered a creative and lively experience. The neighborhood’s colorful streets and artistic vibe were inspiring, and Rothschild Boulevard at night brought out the city’s vibrant nightlife. Visiting Kuli Alma made for an unforgettable evening.
Activity
Don’t skip the underground cities—these are some of Cappadocia’s most unique historical sites. If you’re claustrophobic, though, be prepared for narrow spaces!
Day 4On Foot Through Cappadocia – The Red and Rose Valley Hike
I dedicated today to exploring Cappadocia’s famous Red and Rose Valleys. These valleys offer some of the most colorful landscapes in the region, with shades of pink and red that shift with the daylight. Hiking through them took a few hours, with plenty of stops to take in the rock formations, ancient churches, and hidden caves. I even met a few fellow travelers on the trail, and we shared tips on the best viewpoints. After a day of hiking, I treated myself to a relaxing evening at a hammam, a Turkish bath—a well-deserved reward!
Lunch on the trail was a simple, packed meal from a local café, featuring a Turkish sandwich and pastries. Though not elaborate, it was perfect for the hike, giving me the energy needed for the journey through the valleys. It was an easy but satisfying meal.
Food
Returning to my hotel after hours of hiking was a welcome comfort. The staff recommended a local hammam for relaxation, which was exactly what I needed to recover. The accommodations continued to offer a seamless blend of adventure and comfort.
Accomodation
Hiking through the Red and Rose Valleys was a highlight of the trip, with stunning rock formations and panoramic views. The colors of the valley at different times of the day made the experience memorable, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Activity
Set aside a day for hiking; the valleys are some of the most scenic trails you’ll find in Turkey. Bring plenty of water, and go early to avoid the crowds and midday heat.
Day 5Capturing the Magic – Wrapping Up and Shopping for Souvenirs
My last day in Nevşehir was all about capturing the final moments and picking up souvenirs. I revisited a few favorite spots, including the Göreme Open-Air Museum, to snap photos in the morning light. Then, I explored Nevşehir’s local markets, where I found beautiful handmade pottery, Turkish lamps, and textiles to bring a piece of Cappadocia home. Before leaving, I enjoyed one last meal—kuzu tandır (slow-cooked lamb)—at a restaurant recommended by locals, savoring the flavors that had defined my trip.
For my final meal in Nevşehir, I chose kuzu tandır, a slow-cooked lamb dish. It was tender and flavorful, perfectly capturing the rich taste of Turkish cuisine. It felt like the ideal farewell meal, encapsulating the culinary journey of the trip.
Food
The hotel staff was accommodating until the very end, helping me arrange transportation and store my purchases from the local market. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay in Cappadocia. They really made the stay feel special and personal.
Accomodation
Exploring Nevşehir’s markets was the perfect way to end the trip, browsing handmade pottery, textiles, and other souvenirs. I picked up a few beautiful items that will remind me of Cappadocia’s magic for years to come.
Activity
Make time to explore Nevşehir’s markets for souvenirs; they’re filled with beautiful, authentic crafts. And don’t forget to capture the sunrise or sunset one last time—it’s pure magic.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Nevşehir is a place that combines the best of history, natural beauty, and culture, offering visitors a travel experience that feels both immersive and enriching. From its iconic fairy chimneys to the warm hospitality of its people, the city makes an impression that’s hard to forget. Each aspect of the trip, from food to transportation, added to the overall experience, making it a memorable and rewarding destination for travelers.
Dinner was a traditional Turkish feast at a local Göreme restaurant. I tried mantı, small Turkish dumplings with yogurt and spices, along with refreshing ayran. The flavors were authentic and rich, making for a warm welcome to Turkish cuisine. The meal set the tone for the culinary journey ahead.
Food
My cave hotel in Göreme was both cozy and unique, built right into the rock formations. The room was surprisingly comfortable, with modern amenities seamlessly blended into the cave’s natural charm. It felt like a true Cappadocian experience, capturing the spirit of Nevşehir.
Accomodation
The first day included a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, an iconic UNESCO site filled with rock-cut churches and vivid frescoes. Wandering through these ancient structures was like stepping back in time, providing an incredible insight into the region’s spiritual past.
Activity