A gruelling 12 hour bus trip overnight is the cheapest way to get to Cappadocia but it was worth it! 

We had an hour to freshen up from the bus trip before commencing a full day tour. When the travel agent had booked us for 2 full day tours in Cappadocia we wondered why but as the scenery and things to see unfolded, 2 days was not even enough!

The landscape is Turkey's most amazing sight. Over the centuries a thick layer of volcanic tufa has been eroded into fantastic, eerie shapes, dubbed "fairy chimneys". Into the chimneys early Christians carved chambers and vaults used for churches, (some with amazing frescos) homes and stables. There are complete cities underground and until as recent as 20 years ago were still inhabited in some parts. 

On the tour we came across a movie being made and a Turkish/Australian girl on our tour recognised the actors as famous Turkish stars.

We went to a cultural evening that night with belly dancing, fire eating and traditional Turkish food. Absolutely fabulous night.

It was up early again for another full day tour of the fascinating landscapes. At the end of the day the tour operator took us to the bus station for our overnight 12 hour bus trip back. On arrival in Istanbul we caught the metro to the airport and then flew to London, caught a 2 hour bus from airport to London centre and the underground to our friends house. All in all it was a VERY long time between sleeps and showers! Whilst the itinerary had been grueling and fast paced it was amazing and we had seen quite a bit of Turkey.

Footnote: Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia are UNESCO World Heritage listed.