Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Anatolia, where natural wonders meet ancient history. Our exclusive tour takes you to Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü), an unparalleled natural spectacle, and delves into the mysteries of the St. Mercurius Underground City, before visiting a historic Silk Road Caravanserai. This curated experience offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, profound historical insights, and a touch of ancient nomadic charm, making for an unforgettable day trip from Cappadocia.
Salt Lake, a dazzling white expanse nestled in the heart of Anatolia, holds the prestigious title of the second saltiest lake globally. The specific area we visit provides a safe and accessible entry point, with the lake’s remarkably shallow depth (around 40 centimeters) inviting you to stroll barefoot across its surface, creating stunning, mirror-like reflections perfect for photography. Witnessing the horizon vividly present, Salt Lake transforms into Turkey’s largest natural mirror. Depending on humidity levels, the horizon line can seemingly vanish, creating a captivating optical illusion where the earth appears to both reflect and seamlessly blend with the sky – a truly enchanting, moving poem of a landscape.
Beyond this natural marvel, your journey will take you deep into history. You’ll explore the St. Mercurius Underground City, a fascinating subterranean complex rich in captivating historical and architectural intricacies, offering a mystical voyage through time. As your day of exploration nears its end, we’ll make a final, significant stop at the Öresin – Tepesidelik Han Caravanserai. Strategically located on the historic Silk Road route, this impressive caravanserai stands as one of the monumental inns constructed by the Seljuks approximately every 40 kilometers, offering a glimpse into centuries of trade and travel.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with a convenient 10:00 AM pickup from your Cappadocia hotel.
Our first destination will be The St. Mercurius Underground City. Nestled in central Turkey, this ancient subterranean settlement is steeped in historical significance and exudes a mystical atmosphere. Its captivating historical and architectural features draw countless visitors, offering a mesmerizing voyage into the annals of history. The Saratlı excavation project, which commenced in 2011 and continued until 2016, successfully cleared and opened three floors of this seven-story underground settlement for tourism. During these remarkable excavations, a total of 37 graves, containing individuals of various ages, were discovered on the church floor. Notably, one particular tomb situated within the church held a man and a woman interred one atop the other within the same sarcophagus, adding to the site’s intriguing narrative.
As we make our way back towards Cappadocia, we’ll make a poignant stop at the Öresin – Tepesidelik Han Caravanserai. Strategically positioned on the historic Silk Road route, this caravanserai stands as one of the grand monumental inns constructed by the Seljuks at regular intervals of approximately 40 kilometers, serving as vital rest stops for traders and travelers for centuries.
Following this insightful visit, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at 1:00 PM, savoring local flavors before embarking on the journey to the magnificent Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü). Here, you will be greeted by the dazzling white expanse of salt, a truly unique natural wonder. At this extraordinary location, you’ll have the opportunity to create lasting memories. The specific area we visit provides a safe and easy entry point. With the lake’s depth measuring around 40 centimeters, you can comfortably take a barefoot walk on its shimmering surface and capture stunning photographs. Salt Lake’s awe-inspiring beauty truly is a treasure in the midst of Anatolia.
Salt Lake offers an extraordinary optical phenomenon where the horizon appears vividly prominent, effectively serving as Turkey’s most expansive natural mirror. Depending on humidity levels, the horizon line may occasionally vanish, creating an enchanting illusion where the earth seems to both reflect and meld with the sky – a truly unique and captivating visual performance, akin to a moving poem.
At approximately 4:00 PM, we will begin our comfortable return journey to Cappadocia. By around 6:00 PM, you will be safely dropped off at your hotel, carrying with you incredible memories of Anatolia’s hidden wonders.
Reductions – Add Ons
Infant Discount (0-2 years): 100% discount
Child Discount (2-6 years): 50% discount
Private Cappadocia Tour Rates (Daily)
This is an exclusive private tour, meaning the departure date can be any day that suits your schedule.
Tour Type Group Size Price per person
Private Tour 2 person Price Ask
Private Tour 3 person Price Ask
Private Tour 4 person Price Ask
Private Tour 5 person Price Ask
Private Tour 6 person Price Ask
For private groups consisting of 7 or more family members or friends, please contact us directly to inquire about our special rates.
Please contact us to learn all the details to the finest detail for your personalized itinerary and pricing!
