The tour begins with a visit to Pigeon Valley, named after the thousands of pigeon houses which were carved out of the soft tufa stone centuries before; the pigeon droppings were an important source of fertiliser for the region’s orchards and vineyards.

Next up is the village of Uchisar famous for its’ rock castle which is at the highest point in Cappadocia and offers magnificent panoramic views over the area and the many ‘fairy chimneys’ created from the volcanic rock as a result of erosion made by natural factors over the centuries. This area has also been an important religious site with early Christians settling here.

The chimney rocks are dotted all over the landscape and throughout the many valleys which form Cappadocia. One of these valleys has locally been dubbed ‘Love Valley’ due to the conical-shaped rock pillars and there are some great photo opportunities here.

Another valley is called Pasabaglar and used to be known as the Valley of the Monks. The chimney rocks here were once inhabited by the followers of St Simeon the Hermit and these monks carved out homes inside the pillars many centuries ago.

One of the first towns in the region to set up as a tourist centre was Urgup due to its’ central location and proximity to the many churches and chapels carved out of the rock formations. The town is well known for its’ cave hotels, wine production and hand-made carpets; the tour makes a stop here.