Kayseri is located in central Anatolia, at the foot of Mount Erciyes, serving as the gateway to Cappadocia. Attractions include Kayseri Castle, Seljuk mosques, the Grand Bazaar, and Mount Erciyes (for skiing and hiking). It is near the Cappadocia region, making it convenient for combined tours. The cuisine is known for meats and pasta: Kayseri pastirma (cured beef), köfte (meatballs), kesme (handmade noodles), nut bread, and dried apricot preserves — the meat is tender and the pasta is chewy.