Fly out of Istanbul for a fun-filled day spent exploring the dynamic landscapes of Cappadocia's breathtaking Devrent Valley. Wander between towering rock stacks known as “fairy chimneys,” make some pottery using ancient methods in Avanos, and snap sweeping photos from Uçhisar Castle.

Start your day early with pickup from your Istanbul hotel and ride straight to the airport to catch a flight to Cappadocia. After you land, meet up with your guide and waste no time boarding a spacious shuttle bound for the Devrent Valley. Take a few hours to scope out the area's intriguing rock formations, which resemble giant mushrooms sprouting up out of the tree-flecked valley floor.

Afterward, step out of the heat for a hands-on pottery lesson where you can find out how clay pots, bowls, and other pieces have been made in this area for thousands of years. At nearby Göreme, check out the open-air, rock-carved chapels whose frescoes have been exposed to the elements for centuries, and take a ride to the top of Uçhisar Castle for 360-degree views of Cappadocia. Grab lunch between stops, and wind your day to a close with convenient transportation to the airport, where you can catch a flight back to Istanbul and a return ride to your hotel.