The region of Cappadocia is located in the middle of a once-active volcanic area of central Anatolia. Millions of years ago three of its mountains - Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ - were active volcanoes; indeed this activity persisted intermittently at least into the Neolithic period according to the prehistoric paintings. The volcanic eruptions were so strong that in some places the lava was up to 150m in thickness. Over many millions of years, volcanoes, wind, rain and ice sculpted the region which we now know as Cappadocia. As the landscape was eroded, basalt stones remained and formed conical structures with some reaching as high as 45m. The local people referred to these unique rock formations "fairy chimneys", a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian man who carved the rock and built houses, churches and over 250 underground cities out of it over the centuries.

Goreme, known in Roman times as Cappadocia, is one of those rare regions in the world where the works of man blend unobtrusively into the natural surroundings. Dwellings have been hewn from the rock as far back as 4,000 B.C. During Byzantine times chapels and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock, their ochre toned frescoes reflecting the hues of the surrounding landscape. Even today troglodyte dwellings in rock cones and village houses of volcanic tuff merge harmoniously into the landscape. The town of Goreme itself is set right in the middle of a valley of cones and fairy chimneys. Some of the cafes, restaurants and guest houses are carved into the rock. For shoppers, rugs and kilims are plentiful. Continuing on the road out of Goreme, you enter one of the most beautiful valleys in the area. Rock formations seemingly out of a fantasy rise up before you at every turn and entice you to look longer and wonder at their creation.

Cappadocia Home Cooking School and Restaurant is a hidden gem in a small traditional village of Ayvali. A renovated and restored traditional stone arch house accommodates a cooking school run by a family. Owners are asking you to feel that their home is your home. The family proudly enjoy reflecting worldwide known Turkish hospitality and traditions. They only use organic fruits, vegetables and spices grown their very own garden. You just get to savour of this authentic Turkish food in their family restaurant, after they help you to prepare together! They are living in a traditional stone arch house of Cappadocia, which they are lovingly restored to accommodate family-run Home Cooking School. Don't be surprised that the recipe is your lunch or dinner. What could be a better home away from home experience in this holy land? Join us!

The churches of St. Theodore and Pancarlık in Ürgüp have been decorated with a good amount of religious belief. The town of Sinasos (Mustafapasa) is six kilometres south of the town of Ürgüp, which is renowned for its splendid in stone. The chapel of St Basil has motifs that reflect the iconoclastic system of thought. Sinasos is a must-see old Greek town in the region.