This time a vacation expedition to a country new to me. Turkey promised to offer a lot and also quite cheap and not far away from Europe. We landed in Ankara and went first with our rental car to Kirikkale, because we first had something to do. There we stayed in an extremely small and so smelly after smoke room that I could hardly sleep. Fortunately, the next day we continued via Hatussa to Cappadocia.
A road trip from Kırıkkale to Cappadocia is a journey that takes you from the heart of Central Anatolia into one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth. Along the way, you’ll pass through vast plateaus, traditional towns, ancient history, and finally arrive in Cappadocia – a region of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot-air balloons. In this video, we’ll guide you through the highlights of this unforgettable trip.
Our journey begins in Kırıkkale, a central Anatolian city located just east of Ankara. While often seen as an industrial hub, Kırıkkale is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and fertile plains. The Kızılırmak River, Turkey’s longest river, flows through the region, and nearby villages reflect the authentic rural life of Anatolia. It’s the perfect starting point for a journey into the deep history and beauty of central Turkey.
Heading southeast, the road takes us across wide open steppes and rolling hills. This part of Anatolia has a unique atmosphere – simple, peaceful, and timeless. Along the way, small roadside towns and villages offer opportunities to stop for a glass of tea, sample local pastries, or simply enjoy the warmth of Turkish hospitality.
One of the first major stops on the route is Kirşehir, a historic city with deep cultural roots. Kirşehir is known for its Seljuk architecture, Sufi traditions, and archaeological remains dating back thousands of years. The Ahi Evran Mosque and Tomb, dedicated to the founder of the Ahi brotherhood, is one of the city’s landmarks. Nearby, Kesikköprü Caravanserai, built in the 13th century, recalls the days when this region was part of the great Silk Road trade route.
As we continue, the landscape slowly shifts, becoming more dramatic as we approach the volcanic heart of Cappadocia. A key stop is Nevşehir, the modern gateway to the region. From here, roads lead into Cappadocia’s most famous valleys and towns. Just outside Nevşehir, the incredible underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı await. These vast networks of tunnels and chambers, once used as shelters, extend deep into the earth and could house thousands of people. Exploring them is like stepping into another world.
Finally, we arrive in Cappadocia, a destination that needs no introduction. Known for its surreal rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and skies filled with hot-air balloons, Cappadocia is one of the most magical places in the world. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases beautifully painted rock-cut churches and monasteries. The Uçhisar Castle, carved into a giant rock formation, offers panoramic views across the region. Towns like Avanos, famous for pottery, and Ürgüp, known for its cave hotels and wines, add to the cultural richness of the area.
No visit to Cappadocia is complete without exploring its valleys. The Rose Valley, Red Valley, and Love Valley are perfect for hiking, each with unique formations and stunning colors, especially at sunrise and sunset. And of course, the ultimate Cappadocia experience is a hot-air balloon ride at dawn – drifting above the fairy chimneys as the landscape glows in golden light.
This road trip from Kırıkkale to Cappadocia is more than just a drive – it’s a journey through the heart of Anatolia, where history, culture, and nature all come together. From Seljuk caravanserais and underground cities to fairy chimneys and balloon-filled skies, every stage of the trip tells a story.
So why take this road trip? Because it offers a chance to experience the real soul of Turkey – the warmth of its people, the depth of its history, and the beauty of its landscapes. It’s a journey that begins in the quiet plains of Kırıkkale and ends in one of the most magical regions in the world: Cappadocia.
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