Türkiye as a destination is many things …rolled into one… an intricate tapestry of beautiful terrain, monuments, history of different religions as well as ideology and now as a strong independant nation with a growing economy. As a visitor perhaps a best place to enjoy the sense of Europe with eastern sensibilities … not a minor feat in this age of exclusivity…. Time constraints allowed us only one other location in Türkiye besides Istanbul ….and there was complete consensus on .. ‘Cappadocia’…
Cappadocia, is an ancient district in east-central Anatolia, situated on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains, in the centre of present-day Turkey, a short flight from Istanbul. Cappadocia’s landscape includes dramatic expanses of soft volcanic rock, shaped by erosion into towers, cones, valleys, and caves. Rock-cut churches and underground tunnel complexes from the Byzantine and Islamic eras are scattered throughout the countryside. The unique terrain created by volcanic activity has resulted in caves, mushroom chimneys and creation of multiple underground spaces where people lived during strife.. an astonishing 35 or so underground cities. An absolute wonder and recognised by UNESCO as one of the heritage cities of the world.. The caves are present day living spaces, perhaps one of the few in the world… The other speciality of this city is the ‘Hot Air Balloons’..100’s of which rise everyday twice a day weather permitting to create a setting and sight unparalleled in the world. Its vast plateau along with its terrain is perfect for this adventure activity… Cappadocia is an hours flight from Istanbul and it has a small airport at Nevshir not very far from its main city Goreme. Goreme is also part of the Goreme National Park which boasts of the mushroom chimney formations.. So off we go to what should be the most interesting part of this trip…
We stayed in a small family run cave hotel … few rooms with a terrace which had the view of mushroom chimneys and the early morning view of hot air balloons taking of…. Most of these establishments have that facility. Large comfortable rooms within the caves but because of the structure, not many rooms but some with a usable courtyard. The first day was basically to discover the topography and the lay of the land and to discover the surroundings..
The second day was the highlight starting with our Hot Air Balloon flight … starting early morning at 5 am though the actual flight was at 7 am… It’s a group flight and we booked the one with four baskets with 5 people each.. We can have more people in some of the larger baskets..They pick u up, take u to the flight venue… load u in the designated baskets… and then allow u to enjoy a most fascinating ride among or over the clouds. The pilot also descends and takes the balloon right next to the famed mushroom chimneys allowing you to experience the terrain in close quarters plus the exhilaration of flying .. and not in cockpits or enclosed.. to say the experience in one word… ‘Wow!!’ After landing they give you something to eat as well as drink, a customary photograph ….and a certificate! This is virtually a total of 4 hours or so from the time they pick u and drop u back to the Hotel … in time for breakfast with a whole day still left for other … sightseeing. Most of the the hotels serve a full Turkish breakfast along with unlimited turkish tea. We took a half day private tour thereafter which took us around the Goreme National Park … to capital city of the region Utchisar … where the cave palace is there and then to the Underground city a few miles away. The Underground city is a merange of interconnected caves a few meters down, a lot of historical importance but a little underwhelming ( at least for me)… However if u suffer from claustrophobia then not a place to be.. However the best part of the tour was a visit to a place … to visit a 12 th century church, a short trek along the canal/river at a little height. Its base also had some decent restaurants on the canal/river where we could enjoy a meal before the trek…
The Hot Air Balloon ride and the sightseeing tour thereafter was wonderful but tiring… Time in the evening was to explore the Gerome town, rest in the beautiful surroundings of the cave hotel and then… go for a lovely meal in one of the terrace restaurants for dinner. Some of the larger establishments turn their terraces into viewing galleries for the balloon flight and to roof top restaurants at night … Since it was a little cold… a full bonfire is an added bonus is also part of the experience . ‘Setan’ in Hotel Sultan Cave Suites was one such rooftop bar with turkish cuisine.. but one cannot miss the only chinese cuisine restaurant in Gerome- ‘One China’. It’s Michelin quality modern chinese cuisine… perhaps better than many big cities… we had lunch there on the first day as part of our discovery. The town however is small with very few shops .. and basic!
Cappadocia does not require more than a couple of days..We were back to Istanbul the next day for our onward journey back. Türkiye, however, does not end with these two places but has many more… from pretty towns to historical places and to beaches… but perhaps another time .. hopefully soon! If u are visiting Türkiye then please do not exclude ‘Cappadocia’.. it’s outstanding ! Have a good weekend and happy reading….
MusingsbyTimmy 