Cappadocia is a must-visit spot for any traveller in Turkey, bursting with dreamlike scenery and a touch of romance.

Vicky and Meka finally fulfil their wish of riding in a hot air balloon, drifting through the sky to take in the magical landscape of Cappadocia’s “fairy chimneys”. Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions buried this region in ash, and, over time, wind and erosion sculpted layers of canyons and caves. People cleverly carved fortresses into the rocks for defence, and built underground cities for safety—leaving behind the moving stories of Christians hiding to escape persecution.

The name “Cappadocia” comes from the Persian “Katpatuka”, meaning “the land of beautiful horses”. Embracing local traditions, Vicky and Meka ride gentle horses through the valleys, brushing past cave churches and ending their adventure on a dreamy note as the sun sets.

Vicky and Meka hit the road in the early hours, climbing up Nemrut Dağı to catch a stunning sunrise and peel back the mystery of King Antiochus I’s ancient tomb. Massive statues, each ten metres tall and with heads separated from their bodies, are scattered across the mountaintop—yet archaeologists are still searching for the entrance to the tomb.

Next, they leave southeastern Türkiye behind and drive straight to the heart of Cappadocia, where they check into a cave hotel. At the one-of-a-kind Göreme Open-Air Museum, they’re surrounded by stunning cave art and architecture, and can feel the layers of history from different times and cultures echoing through the winding canyons.

The search for ancient civilizations kicks off in Şanlıurfa, southeastern Turkey. Vicky and Meka dive right into the mysterious stone circles, uncovering traces of humanity’s earliest days and experiencing firsthand the excitement and challenges of archaeology. Close to the Syrian border, Şanlıurfa is called the “City of Prophets”. Local legends say the Harran Plain nearby is where Adam and Eve first set foot, and where Abraham and his family once lived. The area’s strong religious atmosphere shines through, especially with the glory of the world’s first Islamic university.