Goreme

Visit the remote village of Ayvalı and feel like a true insider as you are welcomed into a villager’s home to help prepare a typical Anatolian meal and learn about Turkish culinary traditions while feasting on regional specialities including delicate “borek” pastries (made with cheese ripened in an earthenware jug), traditional bulgur soup, yaprak sarmasi (seasoned rice wrapped in grape leaves), manti (Turkish ravioli), and dolaz (a delicious fried dessert served with local honey). Meet local men relaxing in a “kiraathane” (traditional coffee house) to learn about the male villagers’ lifestyle and sample wine from the Cappadocia region. After a cup of strong Turkish coffee bid goodbye to your friendly hosts and then stroll through Ayvalı’s narrow streets. Throughout your stroll, you may receive invitations for tea or homemade desserts from the kitchens of local villagers.