Wind past the monolithic rocks of the Devrent Valley, scope out cave-carved cities in Kaymakli, and meander around the shores of Damsa Lake on this 4-day excursion through Cappadocia. Stay in luxurious 4-star hotels and enjoy expert commentary from your guide at each site you visit.

Day 1 Arrive in the Devrent Valley early in the morning after a comfortable overnight bus ride from Istanbul. Explore the “fairy chimneys,” tall rock stacks formed by the confluence of erosion and volcanic forces, check out the open-air chapels and frescoes at Göreme, and do some birding in the Pigeon Valley. Take in sweeping views of the valley floor from atop Uçhisar Castle, grab dinner at your hotel, and then turn in for the night.

Day 2 Fuel up over breakfast at the hotel before exploring the ancient cities and underground dwellings carved out of the caves and cliff faces around Kaymakli and Çatalkaya. Learn about the Christians who lived in these subterranean refuges during Roman and Byzantine persecution, and fill your camera with more postcard-worthy photos from a lofty vantage point at Esentepe.

Day 3 Spend the day following the river-carved canyons of the Ihlara Valley during leisurely nature walks and scoping out more underground sites with visits to the ancient monastery sites at Yaprakhisar and Selime.

Day 4 Pack your bags, fill up on a hearty breakfast, and after breakfast departure for Safari ride before meeting up with your overnight bus bound for Istanbul,