Balloons over Goreme, Cappadocia, Photo by Eva Barbier
Cappadocia
Explore
Butterfly Balloons - This is a once in a lifetime experience. We floated silently above the fairy chimneys that appeared gold in the light of the sunrise. Cappadocia is an ideal destination for hot-air ballooning, since it combines spectacular views and consistent temperatures. During the high season you can spot many balloons in the sky every morning. Our captain was a British guy named John and he was great, seemed very experienced and landed the basket perfectly onto a trailer. It was amazing! You have to wake up really early as the conditions for ballooning are best at 5am but it's totally worth it. Every balloon ride ends with a champagne toast with the local Turkish sparkling wine!
Kaymakli Underground City - You must have a tour guide to understand how incredible and impressive this place is. We recommend Mustafa Ajar - a well-dressed elderly man recommended to us by our hotel as one of the most experienced tour guides in the area. Kaymakli is one of 36 known subterranean cities that some consider the 8th wonder of the world. Since Cappadocia is located in the midst of important trade routes (including the Silk Road), it has been frequently invaded by different armies. In order to protect themselves, the locals hid in the region's caves and these caves eventually became underground cities, some of which date back to before the Christian era. It is estimated that 3,500 people could have lived here for up to 6 months. The city has apartments, a communal kitchen, ventilation (there is a breeze 4 stories down!), churches, and a sewage system.
Goreme Open Air Museum - Try and go early to avoid crowds. We used our book as a guide but it probably would have been better with a live guide. It's about a 10-15 min walk from the center of Goreme.
Zelve Open Airm Museum - a short drive from Goreme, Zelve is comprised of unique rock formations that are definitely worth checking out. It's yet another place in Turkey where Christians and Muslims lived together until the population exchange with Greece after World War 1 where Turkey sent all it's Christians to Greece in exchange for their Muslims. It is no longer inhabited due to rock erosion. You'll probably spend about 30 minutes here.
Kaymakli Underground City - You must have a tour guide to understand how incredible and impressive this place is. We recommend Mustafa Ajar - a well-dressed elderly man recommended to us by our hotel as one of the most experienced tour guides in the area. Kaymakli is one of 36 known subterranean cities that some consider the 8th wonder of the world. Since Cappadocia is located in the midst of important trade routes (including the Silk Road), it has been frequently invaded by different armies. In order to protect themselves, the locals hid in the region's caves and these caves eventually became underground cities, some of which date back to before the Christian era. It is estimated that 3,500 people could have lived here for up to 6 months. The city has apartments, a communal kitchen, ventilation (there is a breeze 4 stories down!), churches, and a sewage system.
Goreme Open Air Museum - Try and go early to avoid crowds. We used our book as a guide but it probably would have been better with a live guide. It's about a 10-15 min walk from the center of Goreme.
Zelve Open Airm Museum - a short drive from Goreme, Zelve is comprised of unique rock formations that are definitely worth checking out. It's yet another place in Turkey where Christians and Muslims lived together until the population exchange with Greece after World War 1 where Turkey sent all it's Christians to Greece in exchange for their Muslims. It is no longer inhabited due to rock erosion. You'll probably spend about 30 minutes here.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry...Snooze
Kelebek Cave Hotel - This was a highlight for us. We had a HUGE, beautiful stone room right off the rose garden. They have a lovely breakfast with the most spectacular view of Goreme. There are lots of little nooks where you can curl up and read, take a nap, or sip some tea. The hamam was very nice and the traditional Turkish massage was amazing. Because we stayed here we got discounts at Butterfly Balloons and on dinner at the Sultan Suites Restaurant.
Sultan Suites Restaurant - Delicious dining option around the corner from the Kelebek. We sat outside in the stone courtyard and enjoyed lamb kebab, stuffed dolmas and Turkish wine. You get a 20% discount if you tell them you are staying at the Kelebek.
Back to Turkey Main Page
Sultan Suites Restaurant - Delicious dining option around the corner from the Kelebek. We sat outside in the stone courtyard and enjoyed lamb kebab, stuffed dolmas and Turkish wine. You get a 20% discount if you tell them you are staying at the Kelebek.
Back to Turkey Main Page
View of Goreme from Kelebek Cave Hotel. Photo by Eva Barbier
