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MountaIn vIllages - Carpets & Crafts

DAY 1.  GOREME - SULTAN MARSHES - TUFANBEYLI

Departing Goreme we pass through the spectacular fairy chimneys and rock formations of Cappadocia before our first stop at the ‘Sultan Marshes Bird Paradise’.  Then we drive to Yahyali, a famous carpet-weaving center at the base of the Taurus Mountains.  In the village you will be invited to see firsthand the age-old crafts of handspun wools, natural vegetable dye processes, and women hand making local carpets. After lunch we will begin our adventure through the spectacular Taurus Mountain scenery. Rising to a height of approximately 2,500 meters, this winding road with its sheer drops leads you to the village of Tufanbeyli, the home of the Indigo Kilim Project. This village is extremely traditional and you will experience a way of life that is common to more than one third of Turkey’s population but something a visitor rarely sees. Overnight Village Home Tufanbeyli.

DAY 2.  TUFANBEYLI

We start our day with a trip to one of the Byzantine historic sites in the area and a gentle tour of many of the surrounding stone and wood villages of this spectacular mountain region.  Returning to Tufanbeyli we will join our village friends to prepare many of the traditional dishes that will eventually be our evening meal.  Watch and participate in kilim making, embroidery and local handwork followed by free time for soaking up the scenery and traditional village life. This will be a day when you will understand the true hospitality and friendliness that is Turkey. Overnight Tufanbeyli.

DAY 3.  TUFANBEYLI – KAYSERI – AKSALUR – GOREME

We leave Tufanbeyli and the majestic Taurus Mountains and journey via parts of the Old Silk Road to the ancient city of Kayseri, often referred to as the Capital of Cappadocia, which is now a modern bustling city.  Here we will visit the Seljuk Tombs  (including the revolving tomb) and Archaeological Museum and the ancient covered bazaar.  The bazaar serves the needs of the local population but bargains for visitors can still be found!  Then join us at one of the best-known restaurants for a famous Iskender kebab.  From Kayseri we travel to the seldom visited Incesu Caravanserai, a stopping point for traders and their camels along the Old Silk Road.  On our return to Goreme we will stop off at Aksalur panorama for a spectacular view “from on top of the world” of Cappadocia.  The afternoon will be spent as optional free time or at Indigo Gallery in Goreme for your exclusive carpet educational.  These educational sessions will enable you to learn more the culture of the people and how their lives are such an intrinsic part of their carpet weaving. Overnight in Goreme

DAY 4.  GOREME – UCHISAR – TASPINAR – SULTANHANI – GOREME

The last day of our tour will take us to carpet-washing canters where you will be amazed to see fields of carpets washed and drying in the sun.  Then, following the base of the Toros Mountains, past the Ihlara Canyon, we will continue on to the village of Taspinar (the home of the famous Taspinar carpets. In this extremely rural village we will again see the women hand-spinning wool and weaving beautiful carpets.  Again, there will be a full village lunch with the women in their houses.  Circling the most desolate reaches of the Central Anatolian plateau, we visit the carpet repairers in the village of Sultanhani.  Around the world, these famous carpet restoration shops are held in tremendously high respect and a visit to them offers a great insight into this ancient craft.  We will visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai and return to Goreme via the large agricultural town of Aksaray. Overnight in Goreme

DAY 5. GOREME - KAYSERI

Transfer to airport for ongoing destinations.

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