Travel Program
Niğde & Cappadocia One‑Day Excursion Program
ONE‑DAY CULTURAL TOUR PROGRAM WITHIN THE CONGRESS
IV. International Congress of the Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, Niğde, Türkiye
Date: 30 April 2025
Organiser: Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University
Departure Point: Niğde
Itinerary
- 08:30 – Departure from Niğde
- 09:00 – Tyana Ancient City & Roman Pool – Massive 2nd‑century reservoir fed by Roman aqueducts; brief photo stop.
- 10:15 – Gümüşler Monastery – 11th/12th‑century rock‑cut complex famed for its frescoes.
- 12:15 – Kaymaklı Underground City – Multi‑level refuge carved by early Christians.
- 13:30 – Pigeon Valley – Panoramic viewpoint of dovecotes and fairy chimneys. Lunch
- 14:30 – Uçhisar Castle – Highest rock citadel in Cappadocia; free time at the viewpoint.
- 15:00 – Göreme Open‑Air Museum – UNESCO‑listed rock‑hewn churches with vivid frescoes.
- 16:30 – Zelve Open‑Air Museum – Short walk through an abandoned cave village.
- 17:30 – Paşabağ (Monks Valley) – Striking ‘mushroom’ fairy chimneys and hermit cells.
- 18:00 – Ürgüp & Three Beauties Viewpoint – Iconic trio of fairy chimneys and town stroll.
- 19:30 – Return to Niğde and end of tour
*Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.*
Places to Visit
- Roman Pool: A vast 2nd‑century A.D. reservoir fed by Tyana’s aqueducts; still filled with spring water and perfect for a quick photo stop
- Gümüşler Monastery: Dating to the 11th–12th centuries, this rock‑cut monastery boasts a sunken courtyard and remarkably vivid frescoe
- Kaymaklı Underground City: A multi‑level subterranean labyrinth carved for refuge by early Christians, with tunnels, living quarters and wineries.
- Pigeon Valley: A scenic trail between Uçhisar and Göreme dotted with dovecotes carved into the cliffs and classic fairy‑chimney views.
- Uçhisar Castle: The region’s highest rock citadel offers 360° panoramas and troglodyte rooms carved inside its towering cone.
- Göreme Open‑Air Museum: A UNESCO‑listed monastic complex of rock‑hewn churches renowned for vivid 10th–13th‑century frescoes.
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley): Home to Cappadocia’s iconic ‘mushroom’ fairy chimneys and hermit monk cells.
- Zelve Open‑Air Museum: An abandoned cave village inhabited until the 1950s, spread over three valleys with easy walking paths.
- Ürgüp: The beating heart of Cappadocia, known for stone mansions, wine cellars and a lively town center.
- Three Beauties: The iconic trio of fairy chimneys near Ürgüp – a quintessential Cappadocia photo spot.
- Tyana Archaeological Site: Ancient capital of southern Cappadocia featuring aqueducts, palace and temple ruins that flourished in the 2nd century A.D.
